24th Whitewater Challenge from February 26

By A Staff Reporter,Kathmandu, Feb. 12: The Nepal Association of Rafting Agencies (NARA) is set to organise the Himalayan Whitewater Challenge 2026 and the 50th International Whitewater Rafting and Kayaking Festival from February 26. 

The 24th edition of the competition will be held in collaboration with the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) for three days till February 28. 

Speaking at a press conference organised in Kathmandu on Wednesday, organisers announced that the Himalayan Whitewater Challenge will feature 30 international athletes and 140 national athletes.

Senior Director of the Nepal NTB, Hikmat Singh Ayer, said that the Board has long been associated with whitewater events and has addressed shortcomings from previous editions. He noted that this year’s event aims to establish river-based adventure sports as a strong component of Nepal’s tourism image.

“Not only Mount Everest and the Himalayas, but also river-based adventure activities such as rafting, kayaking and canoeing must be promoted in the international market. 

For this, it is equally important to prioritise the conservation of our rivers,” Ayer said.

Similarly, Vice-Chairperson of the NTB, Ram Prasad Sapkota, stated that hydropower projects and riverbed extraction are adversely affecting river-based adventure sports.

NARA President Kamal Bahadur Thakuri emphasised that the competitions are not merely competitions but also a celebration of Nepal’s 50-year history of river expeditions.

The festival will include three competitive disciplines—two in kayaking and one in rafting. On the first day, a race involving more than 100 kayakers will be held, the second day will feature knockout sessions, and the third day will host the rafting competition. 

According to the organisers, the event is expected to attract 400–600 participants, including athletes, volunteers, judges and spectators. 

They also announced that the founders of Himalayan River Exploration, who pioneered commercial rafting in Nepal, will receive special honours.