Aims to Accelerate Tourism Revival in the Himalayan Region
Rasuwa, April 25 — The Trekking Agencies’ Association of Nepal (TAAN) successfully organised the 2nd International Langtang Marathon 2017 in the scenic Langtang Valley of Rasuwa district, reaffirming Nepal’s commitment to reviving mountain tourism through sports tourism and global destination branding.
The program was formally inaugurated by Surya Bahadur Ghimire, Media and Press Coordinator of TAAN, and Founder and Director of Great Nepal Treks & Expedition, marking a significant milestone in coordinated tourism promotion and media engagement in post-earthquake Nepal.
High-Altitude Full Marathon with International Message
The 42.5-kilometer full marathon, organized under both men’s and women’s categories, commenced from Kyanjin (Kanjin) Monastery in Langtang Valley at an elevation of approximately 3,800 meters above sea level. The demanding high-altitude race concluded at Syaphrubesi, passing through Langtang Village, Lama Hotel, Rimche, Sherpa Gaon, and Briddim, offering runners a challenging yet culturally immersive Himalayan route.
A total of 102 athletes, including 88 men and 14 women, participated in the marathon. The event was designed not only as a competitive sporting activity but also as a strategic tourism revival campaign to promote Langtang as a safe, accessible, and fully restored trekking destination for international visitors.
Reviving Langtang After the 2015 Earthquake
The Langtang region was one of the worst-affected areas during the devastating 2015 earthquake, which caused massive loss of lives, infrastructure, and livelihoods. Addressing the gathering, Karna Bahadur Lama, General Secretary of TAAN, emphasized the progress made since the disaster.
“Langtang Valley was severely damaged during the earthquake, and a negative message spread worldwide that the region had been completely destroyed. However, within the past two years, we have rebuilt tourism infrastructure with the coordination of local communities, government bodies, and international partners. The trekking trails are now completely safe,” Lama said.
He further added that the marathon was organized to send a strong positive message to the global tourism market that Langtang has bounced back and is ready to welcome trekkers from around the world.
“The International Langtang Marathon is more than a sporting event, it is a declaration to the world that Langtang is alive, resilient, and open for tourism. Through this marathon, we aimed to rebuild global confidence, support local tourism entrepreneurs, and reposition Langtang as a flagship destination for adventure and sports tourism,” said Ghimire.
He further noted that coordinated national and international media outreach, destination storytelling, and athlete-driven promotion were key components of TAAN’s strategy to ensure sustained tourism recovery.
“When athletes, media, and tourism professionals experience Langtang firsthand, they become ambassadors of truth. This marathon symbolizes hope, recovery, and Nepal’s ability to rise stronger after adversity,” he added.
Winners and Recognition
Under the men’s category, Hom Lal Shrestha of the Nepal Army clinched first place, completing the race in 3 hours and 34 minutes. In the women’s category, 21-year-old Sarita Basi, also from the Nepal Army, emerged victorious with a finishing time of 5 hours and 13 minutes.
The winners received a cash prize of Rs 100,000, while the second and third-place finishers were awarded Rs 75,000 and Rs 50,000 respectively. All participants were honored with medals and certificates in recognition of their achievement and contribution to tourism promotion.
Government Recognition and Future Commitment
At the concluding ceremony, Keshav Bista, Member Secretary of the National Sports Council, praised the initiative, calling the Langtang Marathon a historic contribution to Nepal’s sports tourism sector.
“The Langtang Marathon is a landmark event that connects sports with tourism recovery. I commend TAAN for this visionary initiative, and the government will certainly extend its support to such programs in the future,” Bista stated.
Continuity of a Visionary Initiative
The first edition of the Langtang Marathon was held on May 29, 2016, from Gosainkunda Lake to Dhunche, coinciding with TAAN’s establishment day. Since then, the marathon has evolved into a symbol of resilience, innovation, and sustainable mountain tourism development in Nepal.
With strong leadership, community involvement, and strategic media coordination, the International Langtang Marathon continues to stand as a powerful example of how sports tourism can accelerate post-disaster recovery and global destination rebranding
“Running for Revival”: Surya Bahadur Ghimire on the Vision Behind the 2nd International Langtang Marathon
As prayer flags fluttered against the snow-lined ridges of Langtang, the starting line of the 2nd International Langtang Marathon symbolized more than endurance, it marked a renewed promise to revive mountain tourism through purpose-driven events
Standing at the forefront was Dr Surya Bahadur Ghimire, Media and Press Coordinator of the Trekking Agencies’ Association of Nepal (TAAN) and Founder & Director of Great Nepal Treks & Expedition, who formally inaugurated the event and articulated its broader national significance.
“This marathon is not just about running; it is about restoring confidence, rebuilding destinations, and reconnecting Langtang with the global tourism community,” said Ghimire during the inauguration.
A Strategic Voice for Mountain Tourism
As TAAN’s Media and Press Coordinator, Ghimire has been instrumental in positioning the Langtang Marathon as a strategic tourism revival tool rather than a standalone sporting event. According to him, international endurance events in mountain regions serve as powerful storytelling platforms.
“When international runners share their Langtang experience, they become ambassadors. Their stories travel faster than any marketing campaign,” he noted.
Ghimire emphasized that Langtang’s recovery narrative – rooted in resilience after the 2015 earthquake deserves global visibility grounded in authenticity, safety, and sustainability.
Full Marathon with a Bigger Mission
Highlighting the importance of organizing a full international marathon, Ghimire explained that TAAN deliberately chose Langtang to showcase Nepal’s capacity to host high-altitude, world-class adventure events.
“Langtang offers a rare combination of natural beauty, cultural depth, and accessibility. A full marathon here demonstrates that Nepal is ready for high-value, experience-based tourism,” he said.
The route, winding through alpine forests, Tamang villages, and Langtang National Park, was designed to integrate sports tourism with community engagement, ensuring local economic participation.
Community at the Core
Ghimire repeatedly stressed that the success of the marathon belongs as much to the local community as to the organizers.
“Tourism revival is not sustainable unless local people are partners, not spectators. Langtang’s community ownership is what makes this event meaningful,” he remarked.
Local youth volunteers, homestay operators, and cultural groups played a central role, reinforcing TAAN’s commitment to community-based mountain tourism.
Looking Ahead
With the successful completion of its second edition, TAAN aims to institutionalise the Langtang Marathon as a flagship international sports tourism event.
“Our vision is clear; Langtang should be known not only as a trekking destination but also as a global hub for mountain sports, culture, and sustainable tourism,” Ghimire concluded.
The 2nd International Langtang Marathon thus stood as a compelling example of how leadership, communication, and vision, championed by TAAN and articulated by Surya Bahadur Ghimire, can turn a race into a movement for regional revival.
