Kathmandu - In a strategic move to promote adventure tourism and unlock the untapped potential of Karnali’s remote landscapes, the Chhayanath Trail Ultra Race 2026 is scheduled to take place on May, 17 (Jestha 3) in Mugu District. The event will be hosted by Mugum Karmarong Rural Municipality in collaboration with All Nepal Sports Foundation.
The announcement was made during a press conference held at the hall of the Nepal Tourism Board in Kathmandu. Organizers emphasized that the ultra race is not merely a sporting event but a broader initiative aimed at strengthening tourism infrastructure, promoting iconic destinations like Rara Lake and Chhayanath Dham, and enhancing local livelihoods.
According to local representatives, the program is part of a long-term vision to establish the region as an international-standard destination for high-altitude adventure tourism. Chairperson Chhiring Kyapre Lama highlighted that tourism will be positioned as a key driver of economic growth in the area. He noted that Mugu, often recognized for its pristine natural beauty, holds far greater potential as a sustainable tourism hub if developed systematically.
The ultra race presents a physically demanding challenge. Starting at an altitude of 2,550 meters, participants will ascend to approximately 4,820 meters at Chhayanath, covering around 30 kilometers. Such event makes it one of Nepal’s more demanding trail races, likely to attract both domestic and international endurance athletes. Registration for the event will be conducted online.
Technical support for the race will be provided by the Nepal Adventure Running Federation. To ensure inclusivity and local engagement, organizers have also introduced a separate category for residents of Mugu, along with a 5-kilometer “fun run” designed to encourage broader community participation.
Prize incentives have been structured to attract competitive runners. In the 30-kilometer category (both men and women), winners will receive NPR 200,000, while second and third place will be awarded NPR 150,000 and NPR 100,000 respectively. Fourth and fifth positions will earn NPR 75,000 and NPR 50,000. In the local category, the top three finishers will receive NPR 30,000, NPR 20,000, and NPR 10,000.
Speaking at the event, Laxman Gautam, Director at the Nepal Tourism Board, underscored the broader impact of such initiatives. He stated that positioning Mugum Karmarong as a hub for adventure sports could significantly contribute to regional tourism growth and economic activity. He also noted that high-altitude races like this can enhance international visibility for destinations such as Chhayanath Dham and the wider Karnali region, provided safety and coordination among stakeholders remain a priority.
While the event brings promising opportunities, experts point out that managing high-altitude risks, ensuring environmental sustainability, and maintaining logistical preparedness will be critical for its long-term success. If effectively executed, the Chhayanath Trail Ultra Race could emerge as a flagship event in Nepal’s adventure tourism calendar, placing Mugu more prominently on the global map.
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