Arunachal Pradesh Launches India's First Border Adventure Race

Arunachal Pradesh has successfully hosted the 3rd National Adventure Racing Championship in Mechukha, marking India's first-ever border adventure race. The Adventure Racing World Series Asia event welcomed teams from 12 Indian states and three countries. The championship showcased the state's scenic beauty, hospitality and growing ambitions in adventure tourism, reinforcing Arunachal's push for global visibility.

Arunachal Pradesh recently concluded the much-anticipated 3rd National Adventure Racing Championship 2025 in Mechukha, becoming the first Indian state to host a border adventure race. Organised by Nth Adventure in collaboration with the Arunachal Pradesh Tourism Department, the event unfolded from 17 to 20 April and drew teams from across India and beyond.

Positioned as India's First Border Adventure Race, the competition is part of the globally recognised Adventure Racing World Series Asia Series. The championship also serves as a qualifying event for the ARWS Asia Championship, which is scheduled for Malaysia later this year. Participation in the series offers teams global exposure and the opportunity to compete internationally.

This year's edition saw participation from 12 Indian states alongside international teams from Malaysia, Nepal and South Africa. The venue not only tested competitors' endurance and team spirit but also spotlighted the potential of Arunachal Pradesh as an emerging hub for adventure tourism.

"Arunachal Pradesh is well-positioned to emerge as a leading adventure tourism destination globally. We want to showcase our state's potential in adventure tourism through events like the National Adventure Racing Championship. We plan to organise this event in a much bigger way next year," said Pasang Dorjee Sona, Minister of Tourism of Arunachal Pradesh.

Beyond the race, participants were introduced to the state's rich culture and scenic beauty through local homestays in Aalo and Basar. The 150-kilometre event route led teams through villages, rivers, mountains, and valleys in the Mechukha region. The area lies close to the Line of Actual Control, with the McMahon Line making the boundary between India and Tibet 29 kilometres north of the race site.

As adventure disciplines like hiking, trail running, kayaking, and mountain biking challenged participants, the state simultaneously highlighted its growing status as a tourism destination. In 2023, Arunachal Pradesh reported a 300% increase in foreign tourist arrivals and a 365% rise in domestic travellers, underlining its appeal on national and international fronts.

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