CHITWAN:-  An international rafting and kayaking festival aimed at promoting Nepal’s river-based adventure tourism began today on the Trishuli River.

The event features the 24th edition of the Himalayan White Water Challenge 2026 and the 50th International Himalayan Rafting and Kayaking Festival. The festival has become a major gathering point for river sports enthusiasts, adventure athletes, and tourism promoters, highlighting Nepal’s rivers as key destinations for adventure tourism.

The three-day competition, jointly organised by the Nepal Tourism Board and the Nepal Association of Rafting Agencies, will continue until Thursday.

Participants from Nepal and several other countries are competing in rafting and kayaking events, navigating the fast currents and waves of the Trishuli River.

In the opening event, a total of 51 paddlers took part in the 300-meter kayak sprint competition, while 10 teams competed in the 300-meter raft sprint.

According to Sukra Lama, Vice President of the Nepal Association of Rafting Agencies and coordinator of the festival, additional events including the 300-meter “Kayak Cross” and the 10-kilometer Raft Mandatory race will take place on Wednesday.

Lama said that 32 athletes selected from the preliminary rounds will compete in these upcoming events.