High above the Himalayas: Chhayanath ultra trail Race 2026 set for Mugu

Kathmandu: A new chapter in Nepal’s adventure tourism is set to begin as the Chhayanath Ultra Trail Race 2026 will take place on Jestha 3 (mid-May) in the remote district of Mugu.

The event is being organized by Mugum Karmarong Rural Municipality in collaboration with All Nepal Sports Foundation, aiming to promote the region’s tourism potential through adventure sports. The announcement was made during a press conference held at the Nepal Tourism Board in Kathmandu.

Speaking at the event, Rural Municipality Chairperson Chhiring Kyapre Lama said the initiative is not just a race but a step toward sustainable tourism development in Mugu.

The ultra trail will test athletes with a challenging 30-kilometer route, starting at 2,550 meters and reaching up to 4,820 meters at Chhayanath. A 5-kilometer fun run has also been included to encourage wider participation, especially among locals, along with a separate category for participants from Mugu district.

According to organizers, participants can register online, and the event will receive technical support from the Nepal Adventure Running Federation.

Winners in both men’s and women’s 30-kilometer categories will receive cash prizes ranging from NPR 200,000 for first place to NPR 50,000 for fifth place. Local category winners will also be awarded cash prizes along with medals and certificates.

Director at the Nepal Tourism Board, Laxman Gautam, stated that such high-altitude events will help boost tourism and the local economy, while also noting the need for proper planning due to the challenging nature of the race.

With iconic destinations like Rara Lake and Chhayanath Dham nearby, the event is expected to position Karnali as a key destination for adventure tourism.