Darchula, Nepal | October 25, 2026 - Api Himal Rural Municipality in Darchula district, Sudurpashchim Province, is preparing to organize the Api Himal Tourism Festival from October 31 to November 2, 2026, with the aim of promoting tourism, creating local employment opportunities and strengthening the rural economy.
The three-day festival will be held at Pilkanda, near the Api Himal Base Camp in Ward No. 1 of Api Himal Rural Municipality. According to rural municipality Chairperson Bhakt Singh Thekare Bohora, the event is designed to expand tourism activities, increase income-generating opportunities for local communities and contribute to the municipality’s economic development.
Chairperson Bohora said the festival is being organized in line with the policies and programmes of the current fiscal year 2083/84. As an integrated tourism initiative, the event is expected to benefit communities across the municipality, with additional tourism-related activities planned in different areas.
The rural municipality has been implementing various programmes to promote the Api Himal Base Camp and expand tourism activities in the region. A main organizing committee, coordinated by the rural municipality chairperson, has been formed to ensure the effective management of the festival. The committee includes the vice-chairperson, ward chairpersons and other representatives, while the Chief Administrative Officer will serve as its member-secretary.
Api Himal Targets 10,000 Visitors
Blessed with spectacular mountain scenery and natural beauty, Api Himal is emerging as a destination with significant potential for trekking, nature-based tourism and rural economic development.
The rural municipality aims to establish Api Himal as one of the leading tourist destinations in Sudurpashchim Province by prioritizing tourism infrastructure development and the expansion of trekking trails. Chairperson Bohora also noted that the government has recognized the municipality’s contribution to rural tourism development.
According to Bohora, more than 5,000 tourists have been visiting Api Himal annually in recent years. The municipality aims to increase that number to 10,000 within the current year.
Api Himal Rural Municipality is also among the 100 tourist destinations identified by the Government of Nepal, highlighting its potential for further tourism development.
“Our priority now is to ensure the sustainability of the infrastructure already constructed and link it with employment and income-generating opportunities,” Bohora said. He added that the municipality aims to become technology-friendly and self-reliant while establishing itself as a major tourist destination.
Tourism Development and Community Benefits
The upcoming festival offers an opportunity to showcase Api Himal’s natural attractions while encouraging greater participation by local communities in tourism-related enterprises and services.
If supported by sustainable planning, improved infrastructure, responsible tourism practices and meaningful local participation, tourism could contribute to livelihood diversification, local business growth and the long-term economic development of this remote mountain region.
As Api Himal seeks to attract more visitors, ensuring that tourism benefits local communities while protecting the area’s natural environment will be important to the destination’s long-term sustainability.
Ecosphere News will continue to highlight tourism initiatives that connect environmental sustainability, local livelihoods and inclusive rural development in Nepal and beyond.
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