Sirijangha Municipality launches campaign to save mountains amidst climate change

KATHMANDU: As climate change threatens the existence of glaciers, glacial lakes, and the Himalayas, Sirijangha Municipality is actively working on a campaign to preserve these vital natural resources.

The municipality has announced that it will hold a tourism festival at the Kanchenjunga Base Camp, where discussions will take place on the impacts of climate change and measures for mitigation in collaboration with concerned stakeholders.

According to Sirijangha Municipality spokesperson Bam Prasad Gautam, the festival will feature discussions and studies involving representatives from relevant organizations, focusing on the effects of climate change on glacial lakes, glaciers, and Himalayan regions.

These discussions will aim to identify solutions through research and observation.

The municipality also intends to promote tourism through the event while raising awareness about the impact of climate change on the Himalayan region.

Kanchenjunga, the third-highest mountain in the world and Nepal’s second-highest, will be a focal point of the event.

Spokesperson Gautam mentioned that the municipality is working with both federal and local governments to develop adventurous trekking routes, making the journey to Kanchenjunga smoother and more enjoyable for tourists.

The festival, set for April, will also promote these new trekking routes, local arts, culture, and traditions.

Additionally, a thrilling Kanchenjunga Marathon, which will take place at an elevation of 4,500 meters, is scheduled to be a key highlight.

The event dates and location were finalized in a recent executive meeting held on Dec 8, and the festival will be held from April 25 to 27 at New Jhodeni, as confirmed by the municipality’s vice-chair Dr. Chitra Mabo.

Vice-Chair Mabo added that the festival would feature the marathon competition and cultural programs. The marathon route will connect New Jhodeni and Machhewa.

According to Ward Chair Krishna Kumar Gurung from Sirijangha-8, the location is known as the best viewpoint for Kanchenjunga, offering stunning views of the entire mountain range.

In October, the municipality conducted a feasibility study for the construction of an adventurous trekking route from Yamphudin to the Kanchenjunga Base Camp, which will be monitored as part of the event’s preparations.

The festival is expected to boost both domestic and international tourism to the Kanchenjunga region, with the municipality hopeful that the event will increase tourism awareness and attract more visitors.

Ward Chair Gurung explained that the region offers exceptional beauty, with views of the entire Kanchenjunga range, as well as the opportunity to see yaks, the national flower rhododendrons, snow-capped mountains, and forests of fir trees.

These natural wonders are anticipated to provide tourists with both rest and entertainment.

Spokesperson Gautam emphasized that the festival will help raise awareness about the significance of the Himalayas and encourage more people to visit.

Organizing the event in a relatively accessible area will reduce costs while allowing for spectacular views of multiple mountain ranges, contributing to the promotion of tourism in the region.