The Nepal Adventure Expo 2024 has emerged as a powerful confluence of climate advocacy and adventure tourism. The event held in Kathmandu on Saturday, celebrated the resilience of Nepal’s adventure community, even as it faced challenges from climate change firsthand.

Originally slated for September 28, the expo had to be postponed due to severe rainfall and flooding—a stark reminder of the environmental shifts impacting the region.

The event at the Aranya Boutique Hotel drew over 2,000 visitors and 43 exhibitors, showcasing 100 major brands. Although a few exhibitors withdrew due to scheduling conflicts after the rescheduling, Ajay Narsingh Rana, co-founder of the expo, expressed satisfaction with the outcome.

“We put in every effort to ensure its eventual execution. In the end, the challenges we faced were justified by the event’s success,” Rana said. He thanked partners, participants, visitors, and adventure enthusiasts for making that possible.

“Your energy, passion, and love for adventure brought this event to life,” he added, expressing his gratitude to the exhibitors for showcasing “their best and inspiring countless explorers.”

While some attendees remarked on the venue feeling “a bit congested,” the expo still shone as a vibrant platform for highlighting the latest in adventure gear, outdoor innovations, and travel services. From cutting-edge adventure gear to eco-conscious travel services, it offered a platform for both global and local stakeholders to present innovations.

While international brands like The North Face and Humtto highlighted versatile equipment, Nepali companies such as Lukla Outdoor, Yeti Merchandise, Aroan and Advenzee laid their emphasis on sustainability and local craftsmanship.

“Live interactions at events like this allow attendees to experience the quality and performance of products firsthand. That can greatly influence their buying decisions,” said Sumek Neupane of Humtto Nepal.

Adventure company The Last Resort presented adrenaline-fueled activities such as bungy jumping and canyoning, while travel companies like Social Tours and Himalayan Adventure Labs offered curated adventures.

“This event has been more than just an exhibition,” remarked Raj Gyawali, founder of Social Tours. “It’s a celebration of Nepal’s adventure tourism and a call for responsible exploration.”

At the heart of the event’s theme was SaveOurSnow, an initiative led by ICIMOD. The intergovernmental institution focuses on creating a greener, more inclusive, and climate-resilient Hindu Kush Himalaya.

Having recently returned from Thame, a village devastated by a glacial lake flood, glaciologist Tenzing Chogyal Sherpa delivered a compelling session on the Himalayas’ vulnerability to climate change under “Bridging Science, Communities, and a Climate Action”. His call to action resonated deeply, complemented by “Guff Gaff with HKH Women on Ice”. It featured a group of four female glaciologists who shared their experiences monitoring the Ponkar Glacier in Manang.

The expo also highlighted the human impact of climate change through “Dhye Dreams”, a documentary by filmmaker Shanta Nepali. The 30-minute film chronicles the plight of Nepal’s first climate refugees from Dhye village, located at 3,900 meters in Upper Mustang. It highlights the intersection of environmental degradation and cultural displacement, leaving audiences moved and motivated.

The emphasis on sustainability extended beyond climate discourse. Particular excitement surrounded the bicycle and adventure gear booths, which captured the attention of visitors eager to discover the latest outdoor solutions.

Exhibitors such as Giant Bikes Nepal, Bike Farm, Kathmandu Bike Station, Gravity Nepal, Switchback, and Epic Mountain Bike showcased their latest bikes and accessories. Joining them was Shredders, a local bike-focused apparel manufacturer.

Tsering Tenzin, manager of Gravity Nepal, highlighted how the excitement sparked by events like these resonates long after the expo. “This not only increases our visibility but also reinforces our brand’s presence and credibility,” he said.

Also in attendance were adventure event organisers Pokhara Enduro and Trailmandu. Attendees enjoyed interactive attractions such as a climbing wall and rowing challenges hosted by Kathmandu Sport Climbing Center and The Pump.

Interactive features like climbing walls and rowing challenges energized visitors, while safety remained a key focus. Himalayan Medics and B&B Hospital shared information on emergency health services. Himalayan Everest Insurance introduced policies tailored to the unique risks of adventure sports, underscoring the event’s holistic approach to adventure readiness.

Meanwhile, sessions were ongoing at the conference hall across the street. One of them was “The Legacy of Nepali Mountaineering: Origin and Evolution” by mountaineering historian Anish Dahal.

In the session organised by the Himalayan Institute of Tourism Education and Development (HITED Nepal) and moderated by senior journalist Kanak Mani Dixit, Dahal highlighted the contribution of Nepali ‘unsung heroes’ who paved the way on icy peaks long before global mountaineering legends emerged. He emotionally details how these courageous individuals, driven by determination and skill, sacrificed to conquer the harsh Himalayas, paving the way for future climbers.

“Duluwa Talks”, led by an all-women outdoor company, and Jason Shah’s travelogue, “On the Road in Pakistan”, added entrepreneurial and exploratory perspectives to the event’s rich programme.

As the expo concluded, attendees left inspired and enriched with knowledge. They were eager to embark on new outdoor adventures, mindful of the dual challenges of environmental sustainability and adventure tourism in a changing world.

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