Nepal has a strong presence throughout the world for being the country that houses the highest peaks in the world, Mt. Everest (8848 m). Throughout history, many have ventured into this small Himalayan nation with the hope and aspiration to conquer this mighty peak. Not only Everest, but there are numerous other 8000 meter plus mountains as well. Some climbers were successful whereas some were not. This is the sad story of a life that not all who go to war win. The International Mountain Museum in Pokhara, tells the fable of the fellow climbers who had dared to conquer these peaks. The museum houses numerous artifacts and collage of pictures that depict life in the snowy regions of Nepal Himalayas.
How to get International Mountain Museum in Pokhara
The International Mountain Museum sits 2 miles southeast of Lakeside Pokhara. The museum is easily accessible by bus and car. If you prefer walking, then it will take you 30 minutes whereas, on car, it takes a mere 10 minutes. For those who want a scenic display of the beautiful roadside, we recommend that you walk.
Permit and fees to Visit International Mountain Museum
The entrance fee for the museum depends on your nationality. Nepali nationals have to pay $0.8, SAARC Nationals are charged $2, and other foreign nationals are charged $4. More than 70,000 people visit this museum each year and are left in awe at the sight of many exhibits of famous peaks, culture, and lifestyle of people living in the mountains & biological makeup of plants and animals.
History of International Mountain Museum
The International mountain museum in Nepal was built with the help of the Nepal Mountaineering Association. Many international and national organizations, groups, and individuals have provided their relentless support to make the museum what it is today. The museum was cordially inaugurated on May 2002, by famous Everest summiteers: Ms. Junko Tabei from Japan and Appa Sherpa from Nepal. The museum spreads on an area of 12.6 acres with a display area of more than 4200 sq.mt. This museum was open to the public on 5 February 2014.
There are 4 exhibit halls in the museum, each covers a specific topic relating to the mountains. The 4 exhibit halls are:
- Hall of mountain people
- Hall of world mountains
- Hall of mountain activities
- Hall of temporary display
Some Facts of International Mountain Museum
- The Hall of the mountain people aims to make people aware of the past and present lives of the mountain people. It is classified into mountain people of Nepal and mountain people of the world. On the first category, the customs, traditions, musical instruments, and dresses of ethnic people like Tamang, Thakali, Gurung, and Sherpa are focused. On the other section, there is information regarding mountain people from around the globe. Here, we can see a vibrant display of the lives of people from Taiwan, Slovenia, Japan, and other European countries.
- A giant sand mandala resides on an enclosed case on the center of the exhibit. It was built by Lama Kechha Sherpa. It is a delicate and intricate piece of art.
- The Hall of World Mountains has information about the 14 peaks which cross 26,247 feet. The picture of the mountains and factual data are also provided. The mountain section gives a deep insight into the above facts. There is a geological section here, which educate the travelers on the ammonite fossils found in Upper Mustang and a variety of rocks. There are interactive monitors that depict the formation of the Himalayas. There are some rare minerals as well which are worthy of your time and attention.
- The flora and fauna section is another important part of the Hall of World Mountains. It identifies some rare species of plants and animals. A huge butterfly collection also resides in that area. The corner of dedication highlights the contribution made by the Nepali people to the growth development of IMM.
- The Hall of mountain activities prioritizes on the thorough display of mountains as per their height, and the people who have climbed it. It is classified into 5 different sections. The mountaineering section gives us an insight into the number of people who have climbed the 14 peaks. Pictures along with the equipment are displayed on a photograph. The mountaineering equipment section displays the common equipment used by travelers during the climbing season. They are classified as per age and type. Along with primary equipment, there is a small section that showcases different types of knots and their usage.
- The mountain ecology and environment section focus on the environment and altitude. There is also a large display of garbage, which was removed from Mount Everest and Lhotse. It aims to highlight the fact that nature is not to be trifled and cleaning these parts is mandatory. There is a separate section dedicated entirely to Mount Everest, where we can observe vintage photographs of Everest and life during the ancient times.
- There is a climate change section, which demonstrates the effect of climate change on Nepal’s mountains. The most notable impact is the decrease in the size of glaciers. This section is classified into the air, water, and ice. A touch screen section is available that allows us to interact with satellite images to view mountains, lakes, and different areas of Nepal. The Hall of Temporary Display has a prayer room and a library. There is a figurine of Mount Manaslu and a Yak.
- International Mountain Museum has a strong presence in the mountaineering community for being the best place to observe the history of mountains. If you are on a trip to Pokhara, then you should definitely visit this place as it is the place to be.
We do have a day tour in Pokhara that includes of International Mountain Museum.
