Pokhara, May 13

Kaski’s popular tourism destination Ghandruk is set to host the Second Annapurna Century Tourism Festival 2019 from May 31 to June 3.

As per the information shared at a press conference here today, the festival will be organised by Annapurna Century Tourism Committee under the management of Annapurna Rural Municipality.

“The annual festival started from last year with a view of promoting tourism by developing infrastructure in the Annapurna base camp area,” said tourism festival Coordinator Lalit Gurung, adding that attractive packages would be made available for tourists who visit Ghandruk during the festival.

Annapurna marathon will be the main attraction of the festival. The marathon this year is expected to be an international event with international runners participating in the event.

The marathon will start from the Annapurna Base Camp and end in Ghandruk traversing Machhapuchhre base camp, Deurali, Sinuwa,  Ghurjung and Bhaisikharka.

June 3 is celebrated as Annapurna Ascent Day commemorating the successful scaling of Mount Annapurna by French mountaineer Maurice Herzog back in 1950. As per estimates, around Rs 10 million will be the cost of organising the festival.

A 105-member main management committee and various sub-committees have been formed to make the festival a success. According to organisers, nearly 80 per cent of preparatory work has finished.

The festival is organised mainly to attract tourists to the region even during the offseason. Last year’s festival was a huge success, according to organisers.