24th Himalayan Whitewater Challenge to Promote River Conservation and Adventure Tourism
Kathmandu – The 24th Himalayan Whitewater Challenge is set to take place from Falgun 14 to 16 (late February), carrying a strong message of river conservation alongside the promotion of adventure tourism.
Organized by the Nepal Association of Rafting Agencies (NARA) in collaboration with the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB), the event also marks the 50th International Whitewater Rafting and Kayaking Festival. According to the organizers, this year’s edition goes beyond competition, aiming to raise awareness about protecting rivers and promoting sustainable adventure tourism.
The three-day event is expected to feature around 30 international and 140 national athletes. Competitions will be held in two kayaking categories and one rafting category.
Senior Director of the Nepal Tourism Board, Hikmat Singh Ayer, emphasized that Nepal’s global tourism identity should not be limited to its mountains alone. He said river-based adventure activities must also be established as a key pillar of Nepal’s international tourism brand, adding that without river conservation, the future of adventure tourism cannot be secured.
Similarly, NTB Vice Chairman Ram Prasad Sapkota expressed concern that hydropower projects and riverbed extraction are directly impacting river-based adventure sports. He urged the government to adopt sustainable management policies by designating separate rivers suitable for hydropower development and tourism activities.
According to NARA President Kamal Bahadur Thakuri, the festival also celebrates Nepal’s 50-year legacy in water-based adventure tourism. Rafting in Nepal began in the 1960s and expanded commercially in 1975. Since then, rivers have played a vital role in the growth of the country’s adventure tourism sector.
The competition schedule includes participation of more than 100 kayakers on the first day, followed by knockout rounds on the second day. The final day will feature rafting events. Organizers have also planned a special recognition program honoring the pioneers who introduced commercial rafting in Nepal.
This year’s festival aims to send a broader message to the international community: “Save Rivers, Promote Tourism,” reinforcing the link between environmental conservation and sustainable adventure development.
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