Nepal’s 10th Mountain Festival Calls for Urgent Action to Save the Himalayas: Shocking Truths Revealed!

Published on December 12, 2025

The 10th Mountain Festival in Pokhara recently served as an important platform for advocating the preservation of mountains and the sustainable use of their resources. Held to mark International Mountain Day, the festival brought together leaders and experts who emphasized the critical role mountains play in supporting life across the globe. The event, organized by the International Mountain Museum on Thursday, featured discussions around this year’s theme, “Protect Mountains to Save Lives”, with participants calling for more efforts in safeguarding these vital ecosystems.

The Importance of Mountain Conservation

International Mountain Day, observed annually on December 11, highlights the significance of mountains and their ecosystems. Mountains are the source of water for millions of people, housing vital rivers and streams that sustain the lives of indigenous communities. Nepal, home to the Himalayas, was the focal point of discussions on the impacts of climate change, with special emphasis on preserving these areas for the wellbeing of future generations.

During the festival, Surendra Raj Pandey, the Chief Minister of Gandaki Province, expressed concerns about the far-reaching consequences of the climate crisis. He pointed out that countries like Nepal are suffering the most, paying the price for global environmental damage caused by developed nations. He called on the international community to offer more support to developing countries in tackling these issues. Climate change impacts such as glacial melt and unpredictable weather patterns have placed immense pressure on mountain communities.

Pandey also mentioned that the Gandaki Province government is committed to working alongside all relevant stakeholders to boost the local tourism industry. He highlighted the urgent need to address the challenges posed by deteriorating trekking routes, which are being damaged due to road expansions. To mitigate these issues, Pandey suggested the creation of alternatives for tourists seeking to experience Nepal’s natural beauty. A notable initiative announced during the festival was the development of a model botanical garden at the International Mountain Museum, with an initial budget allocation of Rs. 20 million for this year.

Strengthening Connectivity and Promoting Sustainable Tourism

In his address, Chief Minister Pandey also spoke about the government’s plan to enhance air connectivity from Gandaki Province to both domestic and international destinations. This move is seen as crucial for promoting tourism and providing better accessibility to the province’s scenic treasures. He emphasized that Nepal’s nature is unparalleled, and cultural preservation paired with responsible tourism can lead the country toward greater prosperity. The importance of balancing tourism growth with environmental protection was a recurring theme throughout the festival.

Bhesh Bahadur Paudel, the Gandaki Province Minister for Forests and Environment, further elaborated on the botanical garden project. Paudel emphasized that the project had been initiated with careful consideration of available land, management capabilities, and the commitment to ensuring its success. Though the full development of a botanical garden could cost up to Rs. 2 billion, Paudel noted that the initial steps had already been taken with the preparation of a detailed project report. He stated that the garden could become a major tourist attraction for Pokhara and a significant resource for future generations.

The Role of the Nepal Mountaineering Association

Phur Gyalje Sherpa, President of the Nepal Mountaineering Association, also shared his thoughts during the event, emphasizing the vital role of the International Mountain Museum in attracting international visitors. Sherpa highlighted how the museum has already proven effective in bringing tourists to Nepal and, with the addition of digitization and the botanical garden, it has the potential to achieve even greater prominence. The museum, located in the heart of Pokhara, draws thousands of tourists annually and has become a cornerstone of Nepal’s mountaineering heritage.

Global Importance of Mountain Ecosystems

The discussions at the festival also touched upon the broader global importance of mountain ecosystems. According to the United Nations, nearly two billion people worldwide, particularly indigenous communities, rely on rivers and streams flowing from mountains for their livelihoods, daily needs, and cultural identity. Furthermore, approximately 150 million people are at risk from glacial lake outburst floods, which are becoming more frequent due to climate change.

International Mountain Day was originally established to raise awareness about the significance of mountains, their ecosystems, and the challenges faced by the people living in these regions. This year’s theme, focusing on the importance of glaciers for livelihoods, food, and water, underscores the growing vulnerability of mountain ecosystems due to climate-related changes. The discussions at the festival brought these global concerns to the forefront, urging greater action and collaboration.

Educational and Cultural Events at the Festival

The festival, which began on Thursday, will continue until Saturday, featuring a series of events aimed at educating the public and promoting mountain conservation. A discussion on glaciers, food, and livelihoods will be held on Friday, while a special exhibition focused on mountains is scheduled for students. These events are designed to foster greater understanding of the complex relationships between mountain ecosystems and the people who depend on them.

On Saturday, the festival will showcase an exhibition presented by the Swiss Alpine Museum, providing a glimpse into the rich history of alpine mountaineering. Nirmala Kumari Neupane, the Executive Director of the International Mountain Museum, urged the public to participate in the festival, noting that the museum attracts over 200,000 visitors annually. The inclusion of international exhibitions like the one from the Swiss Alpine Museum highlights the festival’s commitment to creating global connections and sharing the world’s diverse mountain cultures and histories.

Conclusion: A Call for Collective Action

The 10th Mountain Festival in Pokhara has successfully brought attention to the need for preserving mountain ecosystems, not only for Nepal’s benefit but also for the well-being of people worldwide. With strong government support, the commitment of organizations like the Nepal Mountaineering Association, and the involvement of the International Mountain Museum, efforts are being made to ensure that these vital regions are protected for future generations.

As discussions on mountain conservation, tourism, and climate change continue, it is clear that the world must come together to safeguard the Himalayas and other mountain ranges. These ecosystems are not only the lifeblood of those who live near them, but they also play a critical role in regulating global climate patterns and providing resources essential to billions of people.