The hills of Hattiban, Pharping came alive to the cheers of onlookers as the forests turned host to the fifth iteration of the Himalayan Outdoor Festival. The festival, which draws in outdoor sports lovers, enthusiasts, and athletes in one arena, is an annual three-day gala event with a series of outdoor sporting events.

“Himalayan Outdoor Festival, for the last five years, has been promoting the outdoor culture in Nepal. By outdoor culture, I mean sports, a camping culture, rock climbing, trail running, mountain biking, and the like. Through this festival, we have been trying to provide a platform, not just for sports enthusiasts but for everyone, to enjoy some time outdoors, with great food, adventure sports, music and a relaxing ambience,” says Dipesh Ghaley, Executive President of Himalayan Outdoor Festival.

The event, which saw more than 200 participants on the first day, saw around 400 participants on the second day. Participants from different categories—elite (professionals), open (amateurs), masters (ages above 30-35), and kids—competed in sub-categories under the three main categories: Rock, Run and Ride. Participants competed in races like natural rock climbing, cross country Olympic ride, cross country eliminator, and the like, and winners were awarded various cash purses under all the race categories. 

“Every year, the Himalayan Outdoor Festival donates the amount of money raised from a particular category towards a social cause. This year, we have introduced a new category called the Night Uphill Run, the first of its kind in Nepal, and all the proceeds registered from this trail will go on to an NGO called Children and Youth First,” said Ghaley.

Bands such as Kanta Dab Dab, Ranzan and Band, Zeromile, Adriennce Mack-Davis and New Fame performed live music at the event. At the kids’ corner, slackline, zipline, rappeling, rope climb and horizontal bungee bouldering were open throughout the day. 

The event, which will continue till May 1, will conclude with a clean-up campaign led by around 80 volunteers, and a training session led by The North Face group.