Archery and a theatrical play about vultures attracted visitors the most at the 8th mountain festival, as photo exhibitions, documentary screenings, and cultural shows continued for the fourth day in a row.

The festival, organized by the Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA), is still taking place on the premises of the International Mountain Museum (IMM) in Rato Pairo, Pokhara. Archery, a traditional mountain sport, emerged as a major crowd-puller throughout the festival, with the event unfolding from Friday through Sunday.

Another highlight that left a lasting impression on the audience was a thought-provoking theatrical play about vultures, presented in collaboration with Bird Conservation Nepal (BCN). The play skillfully conveyed the vital role vultures play in our ecosystem and shed light on the alarming disappearance of these birds due to the misuse of harmful drugs in animals and their carcasses. The play will grace the stage for the last time on Monday.

Diverse exhibits have been drawing crowds, including a photo exhibition featuring record-holder Nepali climbers, NMA's impactful activities, tourist destinations in Chumanuwri Rural Municipality, and the evolution of trail bridges in Nepal. Notably, the support of Chumanuwri Rural Municipality and the contribution of HELVETAS have played pivotal roles in bringing these exhibits to life.

For documentary enthusiasts, the IMM's audio-visual room has become a hub for exploration. The NMA screens four mountaineering-related documentaries daily, with "PASANG" stealing the spotlight. This documentary narrates the remarkable journey of Pasang Lhamu Sherpa, the first Nepali woman to conquer Mount Everest, capturing the hearts of the visitors.

The whole day cultural programs have been a delightful treat for the audience, featuring artists performing their original compositions. Meanwhile, stalls offering a variety of foods and mountain products have also become popular hubs for the visitors.

The festival will conclude on Tuesday.