Trishuli: In a bid to further promote adventurous tourism based in mountainous rivers of Nepal, the International Rafting and Kayaking Festival has kicked off in Trishuli today. The 24th Himalayan White Water Challenge 2026 and 50th international Himalayan Rafting and Kayaking festival, which has become the meeting point of river, adventure, and tourism, is expected to promote the rivers of Nepal as a prime destination for adventurous tourism.
According to National News Agency Nepal, the three-day competition, jointly organized by the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) and Nepal Association of Rafting Agencies (NARA), will run by Thursday. Rafting and kayaking athletes from Nepal and various other countries are showcasing their crafts and courage while navigating through rapid currents and playful waves of the Trishuli River in the competition.
In this year’s festival, a total of 51 paddlers participated in the first kayak sprint (300 meters) competition, and 10 teams took part in the raft sprint (300 meters). According to NARA Vice President and festival coordinator Sukra Lama, the ‘Kayak Cross’ (300 meters) and Raft Mandatory competition (10 kilometers) will be held on Wednesday. Festival coordinator Lama informed that 32 athletes selected from the preliminary rounds will take part in these competitions.