Nestled in the lap of the Himalayas, Chhayanath Dham, also known as Ablang, stands as a shared spiritual center for both Hindu and Buddhist devotees. Surrounded by pristine landscapes and a serene lifestyle, the region represents one of the most captivating yet lesser-explored treasures not only of Mugum Karmarong Rural Municipality but also of the world.
Located northeast of Gamgadhi, the headquarters of Mugu district, Mugum Karmarong is the largest local unit in the district in terms of geography. The area is rich in natural beauty, biodiversity, and cultural heritage, leaving visitors mesmerized at first sight. However, due to limited infrastructure and lack of promotion, the region’s immense tourism potential has remained largely untapped.
First Chhayanath Ultra Race Announced to Promote Adventure Tourism in Chhayanath
In a bid to introduce this hidden Himalayan gem to the global stage, the first-ever “Chhayanath Ultra Race” is set to be organized with the aim of promoting adventure sports and sports tourism in the region. The initiative seeks to highlight the area’s unique geography, ancient pilgrimage trails, and protected natural landscapes, which are considered ideal for trail running, ultra-marathons, and mountain running events.
Organizers believe that with proper development, the region could also support activities such as white-water rafting in the Karnali River, paragliding in the highlands, rock climbing, and extended trekking routes, positioning it as a major adventure tourism hub in Nepal.
Race Route and Event Details of Chhayanath Ultra Race
The ultra race will be held on Jestha 03 at Pulu under the joint organization of Mugum Karmarong Rural Municipality and the All Nepal Sports Foundation. The 30-kilometre race will begin from Kimri (2,880m), passing through Chhayanath (4,820m) and Chitaikuna (2,440m), before concluding at Pulu (2,255m). The competition will feature both male and female categories.
During a press conference, Director of the Nepal Tourism Board Laxman Gautam said that the campaign to establish Mugum Karmarong as a premier destination for adventure sports tourism would contribute not only to tourism promotion but also to strengthening the local economy. He stated that high-altitude adventure sporting activities of this nature would help promote Chhayanath Dham and enhance the visibility of Karnali’s overall tourism potential at the international level. “This is a highly challenging sporting activity, so all concerned stakeholders must act responsibly, exercise caution, and extend serious cooperation,” he said.
Technical support for the event will be provided by the Nepal Adventure Running Federation. In addition to the main race, a 5-kilometre “Fun Run” will also be events to encourage wider participation, especially among local residents. A separate category has been introduced for participants from Mugu district to promote grassroots involvement. Interested participants can register for the competition through both online and offline platforms.
Attractive Prizes and Local Participation Encouraged
Winners of the main 30-kilometre race will receive substantial cash prizes along with medals and certificates. The first-place winner in both men’s and women’s categories will be awarded NPR 200,000, followed by NPR 150,000 for second place, NPR 100,000 for third, NPR 75,000 for fourth, and NPR 50,000 for fifth place.
For local participants, separate prizes categories have been arranged, with prizes of NPR 30,000, NPR 20,000, and NPR 10,000 for first, second, and third positions respectively. Organizers estimate that approximately NPR 9.8 million will be required to successfully host the event.
Vision to Develop a Sustainable Adventure Destination
The events is not just a sporting event but part of a broader campaign to position Mugum Karmarong as a leading destination for adventure tourism. By integrating sports with natural and cultural experiences, the initiative aims to create sustainable economic opportunities for local communities. Organizers have emphasized that media support and positive promotion will play a crucial role in bringing national and international attention to the region.
The organizing committee has called upon stakeholders, tourism entrepreneurs, and media outlets to actively support and promote the initiative. They expressed confidence that the Chhayanath Ultra Race will become a landmark event, attracting adventure enthusiasts from across Nepal and beyond. With its blend of spirituality, untouched natural beauty, and high-altitude adventure, the event is expected to open a new chapter in Nepal’s tourism landscape while putting Mugu firmly on the global map.
