The NATTA Heritage Run 2026, organized by the Nepal Association of Tour and Travel Agents (NATTA) under the theme “Nepal Calling,” concluded successfully on September 27, 2026, as part of the celebrations marking the 47th World Tourism Day. The six-kilometre heritage run brought together tourism, health, heritage and community participation, connecting two of the Kathmandu Valley’s prominent historic destinations through a sporting event.
Held under the leadership of NATTA President Bharat Jung Pandey, the event sought to promote Nepal’s cultural heritage through tourism activities while encouraging healthy lifestyles and community participation. Despite rainfall on the day, the event witnessed enthusiastic participation from tourism professionals, young people, members of different organizations, NATTA members and the general public.
Run Connects Kathmandu and Patan
The six-kilometre run began at Kathmandu Durbar Square and concluded at Patan Durbar Square, creating a direct link between two historically significant heritage areas of the Kathmandu Valley. The route passed through several important locations, including Ratna Park, Shahid Gate, the National Sports Council area, Thapathali, Sajha Petrol Pump and Labim Mall, before reaching Patan Durbar Square.
By bringing the two heritage squares together through a single running route, the event provided participants with an opportunity to experience the historic and cultural landscape of Kathmandu and Lalitpur while taking part in a tourism-oriented sporting activity.
The organizers said the run was intended to demonstrate how tourism activities can be integrated with heritage promotion, public participation and healthy living. Rather than limiting the event to a conventional running competition, NATTA positioned the Heritage Run as a broader celebration of Nepal’s tourism and cultural identity.
Bharat Jung Pandey Leads NATTA Initiative
The event was organized under the leadership of NATTA President Bharat Jung Pandey, with support and cooperation from the organization’s entire executive committee. NATTA Executive Committee Member Nabin Gurung served as the coordinator of the Heritage Run and was responsible for coordinating the event. Sushma KC handled the responsibilities of master of ceremonies, while NATTA General Secretary Raj Kumar Devkota oversaw the overall management and operation of the programme. The collective involvement of the NATTA leadership, secretariat and members contributed to the organization and execution of the event along the six-kilometre heritage route.
Rabindra Rawat Wins Men’s Category
The competitive component of the Heritage Run saw Rabindra Rawat secure first position in the men’s category. Salman Sheikh finished second, while Sher Bahadur Shahi secured third place. In the women’s category, Sujina Ramdam emerged as the winner. Sumitra Tamang finished in second position, while Sangrila Shrestha secured third place. The winners and other participants were recognized as part of the event, with the competition adding a sporting dimension to the broader World Tourism Day celebration.
Veteran Athlete Baikuntha Manandhar Joins Event
Veteran Nepali athlete Baikuntha Manandhar attended the event as the chief guest. The senior athlete extended his best wishes to all participating runners and wished them success in the race. His participation added a sporting perspective to the event, which brought together the tourism and athletic communities. The presence of an experienced figure from Nepal’s athletics sector also reinforced the event’s focus on health and physical activity alongside tourism and heritage promotion.
Despite the rain, participants maintained their enthusiasm throughout the event. The strong turnout demonstrated the interest of tourism professionals, young people, organizations, NATTA members and members of the public in activities combining tourism, culture and recreation.
Rain Fails to Dampens Heritage Run Spirit
Rainfall presented an additional challenge for participants, but it did not significantly affect the enthusiasm surrounding the event. Runners continued along the designated route from Kathmandu Durbar Square toward Patan Durbar Square, while volunteers, organizers and supporting agencies worked to facilitate the programme. The event provided a different way of experiencing the Kathmandu Valley, allowing participants to travel through historic areas on foot while engaging with the city’s cultural and tourism landscape. The organizers emphasized that the Heritage Run was not simply a race but a shared celebration involving health, tourism, heritage conservation, community participation and unity.
BAM BAM Energy Drink Supports as Title Sponsor
BAM BAM Energy Drink served as the title sponsor of NATTA Heritage Run 2026 and provided significant support for the organization of the event. According to NATTA, the sponsorship and cooperation from BAM BAM Energy Drink contributed to creating an energetic environment for participants and supporting the overall organization of the Heritage Run. NATTA expressed appreciation to BAM BAM Energy Drink for its contribution and partnership in making the event successful and memorable.
Patan Tourism Development Organization Supports Closing Programme
The concluding programme and hospitality arrangements in Patan received important support from the Patan Tourism Development Organization. Its President Krishna Lal Maharjan, along with the organization’s team, provided assistance for the programme’s conclusion at Patan Durbar Square. The support included arrangements to facilitate participants and ensure the smooth completion of the event at the historic destination.
NATTA expressed gratitude to Maharjan and the entire Patan Tourism Development Organization team for their hospitality, cooperation and support. The conclusion at Patan Durbar Square also reinforced the event’s central concept of linking Kathmandu and Lalitpur through tourism and heritage activities.
Frontline Hospital Provides Medical Support
Frontline Hospital served as the medical partner for NATTA Heritage Run 2026, providing important medical support and cooperation for the event. The involvement of a medical partner was particularly relevant to an event involving runners and a large number of participants. NATTA expressed appreciation to Frontline Hospital for its support in helping ensure the necessary medical arrangements during the programme.
Tourism, Heritage and Community at the Centre
NATTA Heritage Run 2026 went beyond the format of a conventional running competition by combining sporting participation with heritage and tourism promotion. The route from Kathmandu Durbar Square to Patan Durbar Square connected two major historic areas that form an important part of the Kathmandu Valley’s cultural landscape. By incorporating these heritage sites into a tourism-focused sporting event, the programme created an opportunity for participants to experience the destinations while promoting their importance.
The “Nepal Calling” theme further linked the event with Nepal’s tourism promotion efforts, presenting the country’s heritage and cultural assets as an integral part of the visitor experience. The initiative also highlighted the potential of events and recreational activities to encourage local participation in tourism and heritage areas.
Support from Government and Tourism Stakeholders
NATTA acknowledged the support provided by a wide range of government bodies, tourism organizations, security agencies, sponsors, volunteers and individuals in making the Heritage Run possible.
The organization expressed appreciation to the NATTA Executive Committee, NATTA Secretariat, chief guest Baikuntha Manandhar, Patan Tourism Development Organization, Nepal Police, Traffic Police, Kathmandu Metropolitan City, Lalitpur Metropolitan City, various tourism associations and organizations, NATTA members, Frontline Hospital and all sponsors. Their coordination was important for managing the route, supporting participants and facilitating the programme across Kathmandu and Lalitpur.
NATTA Calls for Continued Tourism and Heritage Collaboration
NATTA also thanked all participants, volunteers, supporters and well-wishers who contributed directly or indirectly to the success of the Heritage Run 2026. The association said it expects continued cooperation and participation in future initiatives aimed at promoting and preserving Nepal’s tourism, heritage and culture.
The successful completion of the NATTA Heritage Run 2026 added a distinctive sporting and community dimension to the 47th World Tourism Day celebrations. From the historic setting of Kathmandu Durbar Square to the concluding destination of Patan Durbar Square, the six-kilometre journey brought together runners, tourism professionals, heritage stakeholders and the wider community under the shared message of “Nepal Calling.”
