Kathmandu — Organisers of the Tenzing-Hillary Everest Marathon have announced a new sporting event, the Royal Trek Triathlon, which is scheduled to take place in the Begnas area of Pokhara on December 8, 2026. The event is being introduced with the aim of supporting tourism recovery while promoting sports, local livelihoods and environmental awareness.
The triathlon will combine swimming, cycling and running, with the swimming section planned in Begnas Lake and the running route following a historic trekking trail in the surrounding area. Organisers say the route has a connection with the former Prince of Wales, who trekked in the Begnas region around 46 years ago.
According to organiser and tourism entrepreneur Bikram Pandey Kaji, the Royal Trek Triathlon is designed not only as a sporting competition but also as a way to bring greater international attention to the Begnas area and its tourism potential. The initiative comes at a time when Nepal’s tourism sector has faced disruption from recent floods, landslides and severe weather.
The event is also expected to include activities linked to tree planting, climate awareness and environmental protection. Organisers have said they hope international participation can contribute to educational support for local schoolchildren while creating income opportunities for nearby communities.
Plans also include encouraging local residents to participate through small markets, handicraft sales, locally produced goods and food services, helping connect the sporting event directly with community-based tourism and local economic activity.
Education expert Tej Bahadur Gurung is expected to coordinate school-related and local support activities in the Pokhara area, with Bishnumani Bhandari assisting in coordination. Organisers have also proposed naming some of the event’s awards after notable Nepali figures, including Dr Harka Bahadur Gurung, Chandra Prasad Gurung and Bhupi Sherchan, in recognition of their contributions to society.
The organisers hope the Royal Trek Triathlon can develop into a new sports-tourism attraction for Pokhara, combining the region’s natural landscape, historical trekking heritage and outdoor adventure activities in a single event.
