MODI KHOLA EXPRESS VI

The sixth edition of the Modi Khola Express Whitewater Kayak Championship roared through the Modi Valley in Nepal this year, blending late-monsoon rain with flashes of sunshine, crisp whitewater, and that community vibe only Nepal can deliver.

« Good food, strong current, and stronger friendships: that’s the real trophy here. »

It was one of those weekends that remind you why paddlers call Nepal the beating heart of the whitewater world. The Modi Khola isn’t just a racecourse; it’s a cultural experience. The river winds below towering Himalayan giants, past rice terraces and villages where locals cheer, cook, dance, and make sure no paddler leaves hungry. Good food, strong current, and stronger friendships: that’s the real trophy here.

This year, Nepal Kayak Club called it the “last run” of the Modi Khola Express. But the people of the valley had something to say about that. “Come back until it’s dry,” they told us, and you can’t argue with that kind of invitation. The hydro project threatening the valley might be inching closer, but as long as the river runs, we’ll keep returning.

The event draws a small, passionate crowd: the best paddlers in Nepal, a few international daredevils, and plenty who simply chose river time over office time. The weekend isn’t just about racing; it’s about reconnecting. You swap stories, trade kayaks, discover your next expedition partner, or just float through a moment that feels timeless. What sets the Modi Khola Express apart is its soul. There’s no massive stage, no blaring sponsor banners—just humans, water, mountains, and that rare kind of laughter that happens when adventure turns into family.

So mark your calendars for next year: Modi Khola Express VII, March 28th-30th, 2026.

Bring your paddle, your heart, and your appetite for dal bhat. The river’s still alive and waiting.

Words: Anup Gurung | Photography: Abhinav Deep

L’article MODI KHOLA EXPRESS VI est apparu en premier sur Kayak Session Magazine.