June 8: Pokhara is set to host the Nepal-China Friendship Dragon Boat Race Festival for the first time. The festival is aimed at attracting Chinese tourists to Nepal while strengthening the cultural and people-to-people relations between the two nations.

The festival is jointly organized by Nepal Tourism Board, Chinese Embassy in Nepal, and Pokhara Metropolitan City. Preparations are already underway for the festival, which is scheduled to take place on June 23 and 24 at Fewa Lake, offering a stunning backdrop for the exhilarating races.

Eight specially designed boats have been brought from China to Pokhara, said Chairperson of Pokhara Tourism Council, Pomnarayan Shrestha.  A total of eight teams, consisting of four teams from China and four from Nepal, will compete in thrilling races covering distances of 500 and 1000 meters.

Beyond the boat races, attendees will have the opportunity to indulge in the delectable flavors of Nepali and Chinese cuisine, adding an extra layer of delight to the festival.  A total of 260 participants including 60 athletes will come to Pokhara by chartering a plane to participate in the Nepal-China Dragon Boat Race Festival, according to the organisers. The Chinese team will land at the Pokhara International Airport on two chartered planes from China. 

The festival is estimated to cost Rs 25 million, and it promises to be a resounding success.