The Srinagar Bus Park now stands not only as a place for boarding and alighting passengers but also as a symbol of development and potential in Salyan district. This bus park has evolved from its humble beginnings with a bulldozer to a modern infrastructure facility. It continues to provide convenience to local residents and visitors alike.
The Kathmandu District Court has authorized an additional 5-day detention of former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and former Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak for investigative purposes. Both were arrested on Chaitra 14 (March 28) in Bhaktapur. The extension was granted to facilitate investigation into their alleged roles during the Janajivi Movement held on Bhadra 23 and 24 relating to a life-threatening case. (Chaitra 22, Kathmandu)
KP Sharma Oli, former Prime Minister and chairman of the Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist-Leninist), along with Ramesh Lekhak, former Home Minister and leader of the Nepali Congress, have had their custody extended by 5 days to allow for further investigation. The Kathmandu District Court issued the order on Sunday to prolong the investigation period against both individuals. The inquiry commission, focusing on their roles while they were in the Home Ministry during the Janajivi Movement on Bhadra 23 and 24, has recommended investigating allegations related to serious charges. Oli and Lekhak were apprehended on the morning of Chaitra 14 in Bhaktapur.
The Ministry of Health is currently functioning in temporary tin sheds within the Singha Durbar premises, where work becomes difficult during the rainy season due to water and mud. After the ministry building was completely set on fire during the Gen-Ji movement in Bhadra (August-September) of last year, the ministry established a temporary office on the vacant land of the Narsingh Dal Gan within Singha Durbar. Dr. Bhaktbahadur KC, the ministry’s information officer, stated that an appropriate building is being sought and coordination with the government is ongoing to relocate the ministry entirely inside Singha Durbar.
The Ministry of Health and Population, located in the nation’s supreme administrative center Singha Durbar, is forced to endure severe shortages and disorder. Upon entering the ministry compound, one sees the temporary tin structures or ‘boxes’ where the Health Minister, Secretary, and several divisions operate. Staff are compelled to work in these structures. Once the rainy season begins, the condition of these structures deteriorates further. Water accumulates around the premises and mud makes movement difficult within the office complex.
Employees’ shoes get muddy as they carry files from one room to another. “The entire compound becomes muddy when it rains. The tin roofs clang, disrupting work,” said a ministry staff member. Another issue arises from cramped working spaces, with three to four employees sharing a single table. Due to limited rooms and insufficient desks, more than three employees have to share one table.
According to ministry officials, it is not feasible to continue operations long-term in these temporary arrangements, so relocating the ministry to an appropriate government building soon is necessary. As the Health Ministry directly serves the public, it sees many visitors daily. However, the pass system required to enter Singha Durbar makes management challenging.
March 22, Kathmandu – Samsung Nepal has announced the opening of pre-orders for its new A series smartphones: the Galaxy A57 5G and Galaxy A37 5G.
These devices feature enhanced, attractive designs, intelligent camera systems, and advanced software tools. Designed for professionals, students, or everyday users, the new Galaxy A series aims to make daily tasks easier and more efficient. Pre-orders for both models will be available in Nepal from April 5 to April 18 (while stocks last).
In this regard, Pranaya Ratna Sthapit, Senior Director at Samsung Nepal, stated, “The new Galaxy A series reflects our commitment to bringing AI to all users. With Samsung’s core capabilities enhanced by AI intelligence, the Galaxy A57 5G and Galaxy A37 5G will deliver reliable performance for daily use. Additionally, by introducing 24-month EMI options, we have made cutting-edge technology more accessible.”
Key Features
Artificial Intelligence for Daily Life
Powered by One UI 8.5, these phones come equipped with Samsung’s advanced AI intelligence. Voice transcription converts recordings, calls, and voicemails into text. AI Select enables seamless selection and use of objects displayed on the screen.
Tools like Object Eraser, filters, and edit suggestions make photo editing faster and more intuitive. The Galaxy A57 5G also includes features like Best Face and Auto Trim.
Google’s Circle to Search is now available with multi-object recognition, while the upgraded Bixby and Gemini provide more natural interactions. Both phones feature a triple camera setup including a 50-megapixel primary camera.
Availability and Pricing
The Galaxy A57 5G is priced at NPR 89,999 for the 12GB/256GB model and NPR 84,999 for the 8GB/256GB model.
The Galaxy A37 5G is priced at NPR 79,999 for the 12GB/256GB model, NPR 72,999 for the 8GB/256GB model, and NPR 64,999 for the 8GB/128GB model, according to Samsung Nepal.
Pre-Order Offers
The company offers a memory upgrade worth NPR 4,000 on the Galaxy A57 5G (12GB) and NPR 2,500 on the Galaxy A37 5G. EMI plans are available for up to 24 months, starting at NPR 1,764 per month.
Following the government’s decision to grant holidays to all government offices on Sundays, the Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) has announced it will resume regular trading sessions on Fridays. Since Jestha 1, 2079 BS, the market had opened on Fridays when Saturdays and Sundays were declared holidays, but otherwise, Fridays and Saturdays remained closed. With the new arrangement, the stock market will now operate five days a week.
Speaking on this change, a NEPSE director said, “Since the government has declared Sunday a holiday, the market will remain closed that day, but it will open on Fridays. There have been previous instances of opening on Fridays and closing on Sundays. There is no issue with opening on Friday; however, necessary procedures need to be completed.”
Earlier, starting from Jestha 1, 2079 BS, when the government announced Saturdays and Sundays as official holidays for government offices, NEPSE also operated markets on Fridays while closing on Saturdays and Sundays, resulting in a five-day trading week. The new policy will similarly maintain a five-day trading schedule. Until now, the market was closed on Fridays and Saturdays.
Today, the Cabinet meeting decided to close all government offices on Sundays to facilitate better management of petroleum product supplies, reinforcing this change.
Lucknow Super Giants achieved their first victory in IPL 2026. Captain Rishabh Pant remained unbeaten with 68 runs, successfully guiding his team to chase down a target of 157 runs. Mohammad Shami’s four-over spell, taking two wickets and conceding just 9 runs, helped restrict Hyderabad to a low total. 22 Chaitra, Kathmandu.
Thanks to Mohammad Shami’s exceptional bowling and captain Rishabh Pant’s unbeaten half-century, Lucknow Super Giants claimed their inaugural win in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026. Pant scored 68 runs as Lucknow defeated Sunrisers Hyderabad by five wickets in Sunday’s opening match, registering their first points on the table.
Pant struck three fours off the final over bowled by Jaydev Unadkat to seal the chase, with Lucknow reaching the 157-run target with one ball to spare, losing five wickets in the process. Pant faced 50 deliveries and compiled an unbeaten 68 runs, including nine fours. Opener Aiden Markram added 45 runs off 27 balls, while Abdul Samad contributed 16, Mitchell Marsh 14, and Ayush Badoni 12 runs.
For Hyderabad, Harsh Dubey took two wickets, while Isan Malinga and Shivang Kumar claimed one wicket apiece. Earlier, batting first after losing the toss at their home venue, Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad posted 156 runs for nine wickets, boosted by half-centuries from Heinrich Klaasen and Nitish Kumar Reddy.
Klaasen top-scored with 62 runs off 41 balls, featuring five fours and two sixes, while Reddy scored 56 runs off 33 balls, including three fours and five sixes. Mohammad Shami bowled an impressive spell for Lucknow, delivering four overs for just nine runs and picking up two wickets. Prince Yadav and Avesh Khan also took two wickets each, while Digvijay Rathi and Manimaran Siddharth contributed one wicket apiece.
Nepal Rastra Bank has maintained the risk weight at 60 percent for loans extended to small and medium-sized enterprises. The government had instructed a reduction in the risk weight for loans up to NPR 30 million. For loans fully secured by the Deposit and Credit Guarantee Fund or by land and buildings, the risk weight will remain at 60 percent. Kathmandu, 22 Chaitra.
Nepal Rastra Bank announced a reduction in risk weight for loans up to NPR 30 million. Following government directives, the central bank has set the risk weight for loans to small and medium enterprises at 60 percent. According to Clause 57 of the Government Directives, the government has arranged to lower the risk weight on loans provided to small and medium enterprises, agricultural sectors, and information technology fields to appropriate levels. The government had given the central bank a 30-day timeframe to implement this.
The central bank states that the risk weight for loans granted to small and medium enterprises, agriculture, IT, and productive industries has been set at 60 percent. Specifically, loans fully secured by the Deposit and Credit Guarantee Fund or by land and buildings have their risk weight reduced to 60 percent. Such loans must be insured by the project, and in cases involving land and buildings, the policy applies only when the difference between market value and loan amount remains at 25 percent. Previously, the risk weight for these loans had been determined based on risk and security assessments.
March 22, Butwal – To celebrate the Nepali New Year 2083, the Siddharth Local Street Food Festival is being organized in Bhairahawa. Organized by the Rupandehi Hotel and Restaurant Entrepreneurs Association, this festival will be held on Chaitra 30 at the Rangshala Road in Siddharthnagar-3, marking its fifth edition, organizers announced at a press conference on Sunday.
The festival aims to preserve traditional foods from various ethnic groups and provide musical entertainment to Bhairahawa residents on the occasion of the New Year. According to President Rajesh Mahotra, 80 food stalls will be operated during the event.
Mahotra stated that special emphasis will be placed on the authentic dishes and cultural arts of communities such as the Tharu, Magar, and Gurung. Both large and small hotels in Bhairahawa will showcase their signature dishes through dedicated stalls. The one-day festival anticipates participation from approximately 30,000 visitors and targets sales exceeding NPR 10 million.
To enhance the festival’s appeal, musical performances by singer Simran Pariyar along with local artists are scheduled, organizers added. During the press conference, tour and travel entrepreneur Chandra Thapa, Ganesh Prasad Belbase, Secretary of the Hotel and Restaurant Entrepreneurs Association of Lumbini Province, and Anil Kumar Gyawali, Chairperson of Siddharth Network, suggested strategies to attract Indian tourists to the festival.
Under the leadership of the treasurer of the Nepal Chess Federation, a group of players has departed for Shanghai, China, and Almaty, Kazakhstan. The Nepali team will compete in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) International Team Chess Championship scheduled from April 7 to 12. Simultaneously, five Nepali players will participate in the Asian Continental Stage of the FIDE ISCF World School Team Chess Championship, held from April 6 to 11. (22 Chaitra, Kathmandu)
Invited by the Chess Federations of China and Kazakhstan, the Nepali chess players left for Shanghai and Almaty on Sunday. The team heading to China, led by the Nepal Chess Federation’s treasurer, includes high-level players specializing in the rapid format along with Nepal’s champion FIDE Master Rupesh Jaishwal, Ashish Phuyal from Dolakha, and leading female player Kriti Sara Adhikari.
The team will compete in the 8th Shanghai Cooperation Organization International Team Chess Championship from April 7 to 12. Meanwhile, winners of the second National School Chess Championship, students from Marvelous Higher Secondary School, have left for Almaty, Kazakhstan. They will take part in the ‘Asian Continental Stage of the FIDE ISCF World School Team Chess Championship’ from April 6 to 11.
Five players from Nepal will participate in the international junior competition. The team comprises Nihana Shrestha, Suhani Singh, Krishti Rizal, Brijanandas Tamta, and Akarshan Kunwar. The team manager for the Continental Championship is Nepal Chess Federation’s rating officer and international arbiter (IA) Nirajan Prajapati, while coaching responsibilities have been entrusted to Rijendra Rajbhandari. Both teams were seen off and wished well at Tribhuvan International Airport on Sunday by Nepal Chess Federation President Herakaji Maharjan and spokesperson Raju Tamrakar.
Summary: Since the formation of the new government, the Nepalese stock market (NEPSE) has dropped by 9.59% (284 points) to reach 2,676 points. Crackdowns on major businessmen under asset purification investigations have affected market sentiment. Investors are pressuring the government to implement reforms in the capital market.
Kathmandu, Chaitra 22: The stock market has been unsettled following the establishment of the new government, with NEPSE declining by 9.59% (284 points) within just one week. During this period, the market value of investor assets has fallen by approximately NPR 450 billion. Before the government was formed, NEPSE stood at 2,960 points. After the decline that began last Sunday, NEPSE has dropped to 2,676 points. Previously, total market capitalization was NPR 5 trillion, which has now decreased to NPR 4.55 trillion.
On Sunday alone, the NEPSE index decreased by 3.79% (105 points). The significant market downturn has caused concern across political parties. Many investors have been forced to sell shares at heavy losses. The principal cause of the decline is ongoing government crackdowns on businesspersons. Some have had assets frozen while others have been arrested, impacting market psychology.
Former President of the Stock Brokers’ Association of Nepal, Narendra Sijapat, stated, “The crackdown on major businessmen due to asset purification investigations has caused others to become fearful.” He added, “Large businessmen hold substantial amounts of shares, and their increased selling may be behind the market decline.” While asset purification investigations are routine state affairs, he noted it is inappropriate to spread excessive panic and rumors purely because of them. According to Sijapat, the market drop is based on psychological factors, and declining prices push other investors to sell as well.
The government is not against the stock market but is focused on promoting good governance, he emphasized. Finance Minister Dr. Swarnim Wagle has expressed the government’s commitment to making the capital market transparent and well-governed, though market stabilization has not yet been achieved.
Association Chairman Sagar Dhakal also confirmed that rumors of government targeting major investors under asset purification investigations have spread fear. He said, “This fear will not last long. Market declines should not occur simply because of law enforcement, but psychological effects have caused an unnatural drop.” Dhakal insisted the market will not fall drastically and predicted, “It will begin to recover within a few days.” He urged the government to build investor confidence and accelerate reforms in the capital market.
One brokerage operator noted that the buying side has weakened, preventing the market from stabilizing. He remarked, “Fears of government crackdowns on major investors have caused panic, with concerns that the NEPSE could drop as low as 1,800 points.” Highlighting that regulatory bodies have not sufficiently reassured investors and traders, Securities Board Chairman Santosh Narayan Shrestha said, “Alongside asset purification, the board is focused on strengthening investor confidence.” He mentioned that the government has instructed authorities to speed up capital market reforms.
A broker operator explained that since share sale proceeds are directly deposited into investors’ bank accounts and purchases occur through banking channels, the possibility of laundering illicit funds through shares is minimal. He added, “If illegal assets are in the bank, they get frozen; if invested in shares or real estate, freezes are imposed there too.”
Tulsi Ram Dhakal, President of the Nepal Investors Forum, stated that rumors following the arrest of businessmen have dampened investor morale. He said, “The market should not decline so sharply merely because of inquiries related to asset purification. The stock market operates through the banking system; there are no cash transactions.” He further stated that no other factors are currently pushing the market down besides the crackdown. “Interest rates are low, investment options limited, policy reforms are underway, margin trading will begin from Baisakh (mid-April), and currency reserves and other indicators are strong,” said Dhakal. “Although the market dropped sharply over a short time, it is likely to recover at a similar pace soon.”
Some investors have staged protests, accusing the government of failing to implement necessary capital market reforms and not reassuring the public. The investor group demonstrated near the South Gate of Singha Durbar. Participant Tilak Koirala said, “If illegal acquisition or financial irregularities occur, action should be taken, but it is unacceptable that the market continuously falls without reforms.” He pledged to pressure authorities to accelerate capital market improvements. Koirala underlined the need for significant upgrades to stock market technology and systems and urged the government to deliver positive signals for the market.
March 22, Kathmandu – The Kathmandu District Court has ordered the release of Lumbini Provincial Assembly member Rekha Sharma from custody to allow further investigation. She had been detained by police on allegations related to offenses involving children. Sharma was accused of keeping a minor child at her home and subjecting her to child labor.
The case file, initially prepared with a recommendation from the District Government Attorney’s Office in Kathmandu to discontinue proceedings, was forwarded through the Senior Government Attorney’s Office to the Attorney General’s Office. Since a decision had already been made that the case did not require prosecution, Judge Jagat Bahadur Paudel of the Kathmandu District Court ordered Sharma’s release from custody to facilitate further investigation.
Summary: Royal Challengers Bengaluru have climbed to the top of the IPL 2026 standings after securing their second consecutive victory. Bengaluru defeated Chennai Super Kings by 43 runs, handing Chennai their third consecutive loss. Bhuvneshwar Kumar took 3 wickets for Bengaluru, while other bowlers also contributed to bowling Chennai out for 207 runs.
Kathmandu, 22 Chait – Royal Challengers Bengaluru secured their second straight win in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026, elevating them to the summit of the points table. On Sunday, Bengaluru defeated Chennai Super Kings by 43 runs. Chennai failed to chase the challenging total of 251 runs and were bowled out for 207 in 19.4 overs. This loss marks Chennai’s third in a row, leaving them at the bottom of the standings with zero points.
Chennai once again had a poor start. Captain Ruturaj Gaikwad was dismissed for 7 runs, Sanju Samson scored 9, and Ayush Mhatre was out for just 1, leaving the team at 30-3 by the third over. The standout performer for Chennai was Sarfaraz Khan, who scored 50 runs off 25 balls, including 8 fours and 2 sixes. Prashant Veer contributed 43 runs, and Jamie Overton added 37. Shivam Dube was dismissed for 18. For Bengaluru, Bhuvneshwar Kumar took 3 wickets, Krunal Pandya, Abhinandan Singh, and Jacob Duffy claimed 2 wickets each, while Suyash Sharma took 1 wicket.
After losing the toss and opting to bat first, Bengaluru posted a commanding total of 250 runs for 3 wickets in 20 overs, powered by a half-century from Devdutt Padikkal and aggressive batting from Tim David. David remained unbeaten on 70 runs off 21 balls, hitting 3 fours and 8 sixes. Padikkal contributed 51 runs, and captain Rajat Patidar finished unbeaten with 48. Opener Phil Salt scored 46 runs, and Virat Kohli added 38. David was bowled in the 18th over for 28 runs off the bowling of Anshul Kamboj, but the delivery was declared a no-ball, which proved costly for Chennai. For Chennai, Anshul Kamboj, Jamie Overton, and Shivam Dube took 1 wicket each.
In March 2026, the number of tourist arrivals in Nepal declined by approximately one percent compared to 2025, reaching 120,516 visitors. Despite a 21 percent increase in tourists coming from SAARC countries and India, Nepal Tourism Board indicates a decline in visitors from Western countries. Following the government’s decision to close official offices on Fridays and Saturdays, Dipak Raj Joshi, CEO of the Nepal Tourism Board, expressed optimism that domestic tourism would receive momentum.
March 22, Kathmandu – Tourist arrivals in Nepal in March 2026 decreased by one percent, defying earlier expectations of growth. While tourist visits from India and other SAARC nations rose by 21 percent, the total number of visitors remained nearly unchanged, with 120,516 tourists recorded in March 2026 compared to 121,687 in 2025.
On the other hand, the number of tourists from Western countries, especially those visiting for trekking and mountaineering, has declined significantly. Data reveals this sector has been heavily impacted. For instance, tourists from the United States dropped by 28.1 percent in March, with only 7,974 arrivals compared to the previous year. Similarly, tourist arrivals from Europe decreased; arrivals from the United Kingdom fell by 19.7 percent to 4,814 in March from 5,995 last year, contributing to an overall 18.9 percent decline from Europe. Ongoing conflicts in West Asia have adversely affected transit routes and accessibility for tourists traveling to Nepal.
CEO Dipak Raj Joshi shared his personal experience, stating, “The war has created travel uncertainties which noticeably impact countries like ours.” He recounted being stranded at Doha Airport for a week before completing training in Germany and returning to Nepal via New Delhi, India.
As spring is the prime season for trekking and mountaineering, tourists typically spend more during this period, forming a key revenue source for Nepal’s tourism sector. However, concerns over ‘fake rescue’ incidents have negatively affected the tourism market. An increase in complaints has led police to initiate crackdowns, impacting Nepal’s international tourism reputation.
Fuel supply disruptions and increases in aviation fuel prices due to the ongoing conflict have driven up tourism service costs. Nepal Oil Corporation recently raised aviation fuel prices, causing domestic and international airfares to nearly double. According to the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal, fares on the Kathmandu-Dhangadhi route have reached NPR 23,059.
The Nepal Tourism Board CEO highlighted that “expensive air travel and difficulties reaching destinations could cause tourists to reconsider their trips, economically disadvantaging the industry.” Senior tourism entrepreneur Suman Pandey, affiliated with the National Independent Party, urged joint government and industry efforts to address the fake rescue issue. He noted, “If the Iran–America conflict persists, alternative strategies must be implemented.”
He added, “Our regions are currently more peaceful compared to other parts of the world, which should be leveraged as an opportunity.” Despite challenges, he stressed the importance of government and industry collaboration to rapidly resolve these issues.
Nepal Tourism Board is actively informing international markets about transit alternatives through various channels. CEO Joshi mentioned ongoing discussions to promote safe transit routes through Turkey, Delhi, Hong Kong, and China to minimize the impact on tourist arrivals. Efforts are also focused on increasing tourists from neighboring India and China.
Joshi stated, “ASEAN, SAARC, and China are our reliable source markets. In light of increased conflicts elsewhere, we are campaigning to position Nepal as a safe destination.” He emphasized that aside from increased fuel costs, domestic tourism remains largely unaffected, presenting opportunities to transform external challenges into advantages. Recently, the U.S. travel advisory downgraded Nepal from high-risk to a lower-risk category, positively influencing tourism.
Following the introduction of additional government holidays, enthusiasm for domestic tourism has grown. After the Cabinet approved the closure of government offices and educational institutions on Fridays and Saturdays, the Nepal Tourism Board’s CEO Joshi remarked that this decision would positively affect the promotion of internal tourism. He said, “We had been recommending this initiative to the government for some time. It will create stronger business opportunities for tourist destinations near urban areas.”
Tourism entrepreneur Suman Pandey also stated that the two-day weekend not only enhances employee productivity and provides more leisure time but will also benefit the tourism industry. He added, “Previously, Fridays were less productive; with full capacity work on the remaining five days, this two-day holiday will contribute to the economy.”
March 5, Hetauda – The Bagmati Provincial government has decided to convene the Provincial Assembly meeting after a hiatus of seven months. In a cabinet meeting held on Sunday, the Council of Ministers resolved to recommend to Provincial Chief Deepak Prasad Devkota to summon the budget session of the Provincial Assembly on March 7, Tuesday.
Prabhat Tamang, spokesperson for the provincial government and Minister for Economic Affairs and Planning, confirmed the calling of the Assembly session. According to protocol, the Provincial Chief convenes the session upon the government’s recommendation.
The provincial government is currently engaged in preparation for the budget for the fiscal year 2079/80 (2022/23). The last session of the Bagmati Provincial Assembly was held on September 2, 2025, which ended under extraordinary circumstances amid protests. After the Janjati (indigenous peoples and Janajati) movement, the government was unable to hold further meetings, but concluded the 16th Assembly session on November 18. The Assembly Secretariat’s legal officer, Prakash Chapagain, reported that this particular session included only 24 meetings.
Due to damage caused by vandalism and arson during the Janjati protests, the Provincial Assembly hall was severely compromised. As a result, the meetings will be conducted in the hall constructed inside the Office of the Chief Minister located within Hetauda Sub-Metropolitan City Ward No. 2. This hall itself was also damaged during the protests, but has since been repaired through maintenance work costing nearly NPR 20 million.
Meanwhile, the vacancy in the Speaker position of the Bagmati Provincial Assembly has created uncertainty, as the ruling party coalition remains divided on a consensus candidate. Legal provisions require that a Speaker be elected within 15 days of the Assembly’s commencement, and the government is preparing accordingly. The Nepali Congress, the leading party, recently decided in a parliamentary party meeting to stake a claim to the Speaker’s position. The coalition partner, Nepal Communist Party (NCP) UML, has also claimed the post, while the main opposition party, the NCP, maintains its stance that it should fill the position.
The Speaker Bhuwan Kumar Pathak resigned via social media on September 9 amid the height of the Janjati protests, and on September 26, he formally submitted his resignation letter to Deputy Speaker Apsara Chapagain, creating the vacancy. Pathak was appointed Speaker from the Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) based on party power-sharing arrangements, while Deputy Speaker Chapagain belongs to the UML party.
The 6th edition of the Manjushree Trail Race is set to take place from Baishakh 4 to Baishakh 6, 2083 BS (April 17 to 19, 2026). The race will feature five categories: 100 miles, 80 kilometers, 50 kilometers, 20 kilometers, and 10 kilometers. Notably, the 100-miles, 80-kilometer, and 50-kilometer categories are officially recognized by the International Trail Running Association (ITRA).
At a press conference held in Kathmandu on Sunday, the organizers announced that the race will start from Patle Jungle Resort in Chandragiri and traverse various trail routes within the Kathmandu Valley before concluding at the same location. According to Narayan Acharya, President of the Manjushree Trail Race, the competition will maintain the same five categories as previous editions.
Race Director Adarsha Mishra stated that the 100 miles, 80 kilometers, and 50 kilometers events have earned ITRA accreditation. These events are also part of the Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc (UTMB) and Asia Trail Masters series. So far, 591 runners have registered, including 480 Nepalese and 111 international participants. The Manjushree Trail Race has significantly contributed to introducing many Nepalese ultra-runners on the international stage.
The competition aims to attract foreign runners to promote tourism and to support Nepali athletes in gaining international competitive experience. Although organizing the race requires approximately 4 million Nepalese rupees, Acharya noted that due to funding constraints, the expenses for this year’s event will be kept between 2 to 2.5 million rupees. The race is also interwoven with religious and historical narratives.
The primary goals of the race include promoting tourism through adventurous and environmentally friendly sports, showcasing Nepal’s natural beauty to the world, empowering local communities of runners, and encouraging a healthy lifestyle. “This is not just a competition; it is also a campaign for sustainability and awareness,” Acharya emphasized.