Khotang Hosts First-Ever Red Panda and Thar Festival to Promote Wildlife Conservation and Tourism

The first-ever Red Panda and Thar Festival began in Khotang on New Year’s Day 2082 BS, marking a vibrant start to the district’s “Mundum Trail Visit Year.” Organized by the Diktel Rupakot Majhuwagadhi Municipality, the two-day festival is taking place in the scenic tourist spot of Hurlung.

The event aims to raise awareness about and promote the conservation of endangered Himalayan wildlife—particularly the red panda and the Himalayan thar, a rare mountain goat species.

In addition to conservation awareness, the festival celebrates local culture and traditions. It features cultural performances, displays of traditional costumes, organic cuisine, and exhibitions of locally produced goods—all arranged by enthusiastic local residents. Community members voluntarily participated, adding a strong grassroots spirit to the celebration.

Inaugurating the festival, Nepal Academy Chancellor Bhupal Rai emphasized the importance of preserving endangered wildlife as a means to safeguard Nepal’s fragile environment and ecosystem.

The event drew a diverse crowd, including local officials, political leaders, economists, artists, and researchers. Speaking at the occasion, Mayor Tirtha Raj Bhattarai announced the official opening of a new trekking route named the Mundum Trail Red Panda-Thar Route, designed to boost eco-tourism in the region.

The festival is expected to serve as a key initiative in positioning Khotang as a destination for nature and culture-based tourism, while encouraging sustainable development and wildlife conservation.