TAAN organizes 2nd Int’l Langtang Marathon to revive tourism in Langtang region

April 25 – Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal (TAAN) organized the International Langtang Marathon 2017 in Langtang valley in Rasuwa district on Tuesday.

Altogether 102 participants including 88 males and 14 females participated in the marathon that started from Kanjin monastery in Langtang Valley, located at around 3800 meters above the sea level.

The 42.5 kilometers long full marathon was organized under both male and female category to promote Langtang as a safe destination for foreign trekkers. Also, the event aimed to encourage the local tourism entrepreneurs to revive their business, which was completely halted following the devastating earthquake of 2015.

“Langtang valley was damaged during the earthquake. The negative message was flown to the whole world that Langtang has been completely destroyed. But within the past two years, we have already rebuilt all the infrastructures with the coordination of different local and international partners and the trekking trail is completely safe now” Karna Bahadur Lama, General Secretary of TAAN said.

Lama added, “We organized this marathon to spread positive message to the world that Langtang region has already bounced back. We are ready to welcome the trekkers from all over the world”.

Langtang, located in Rasuwa district, is one of the most popular trekking destinations among the foreign trekkers.

The marathon started from Kyanjin Gumba to Syaphrubesi through Langtang village, Lama Hotel, Rimche, Sherpa Gaon and Bridim.

Under the men’s category, Hom Lal Shrestha from Nepal Army became the winner who completed the distance in 3 hours 34 minutes. Under the women’s category, 21-year-old Sarita Basi from Nepal Army grabbed the title. She completed the distance in 5 hours 13 minutes.

The winners of the marathon were awarded with a cash prize of Rs 100,000, while the second and third winners received the cash prize of Rs 75,000 and Rs 50,000 respectively. All the participants were honored with medals and certificates.

Keshav Bista, Member Secretary of Nepal Sports Council said in the concluding ceremony, “Langtang Marathon is a historical event that has contributed in country’s sports tourism. I appreciate the efforts of TAAN, the government will definitely support this initiative.”

The first edition of Langtang Marathon was held from Gosaikunda Lake to Dhunche in May 29, 2016.