TAWANG ,Jan 13: The roaring waters of the Tawangchu River are ready to reclaim global attention as the second edition of the Tawangchu Tides International Kayaking Championship (TTIKC) 2026 is officially announced. Scheduled from February 10 to 15, the six-day international event will transform the Lungla stretch of the river in Tawang district into a thrilling arena for elite national and international kayakers.Set against a breathtaking high-altitude Himalayan landscape, the Tawangchu River offers one of the most challenging and visually dramatic white-water courses in the region.
Born from the confluence of the Tsona Chu and Nyamjang Chu flowing from Tibet, the river surges through Arunachal Pradesh before entering Bhutan and eventually merging with the Brahmaputra as the Manas River. Its steep gradients, icy waters and powerful currents make it a true test of endurance, skill and precision. Perched at over 10,000 feet above sea level and close to the Line of Actual Control, Tawang lends a rare blend of strategic importance, raw natural beauty and deep spiritual heritage to the championship.
Renowned as the birthplace of the Sixth Dalai Lama and home to the historic Tawang Monastery, founded in 1680, the region provides a culturally rich and spiritually charged backdrop to the adrenaline-fuelled competition.
The championship will feature a dynamic mix of downriver sprint races and kayak slalom events, preceded by practice runs and technical briefings. In keeping with local traditions, the event will begin with traditional prayers, symbolising harmony between sport, nature and community.Organised with the support of the Government of Arunachal Pradesh, and in association with the Indian Kayaking and Canoeing Association, Arunachal Kayaking and Canoeing Association and the Arunachal Olympic Association, TTIKC 2026 aims to go beyond competition.
The event seeks to firmly establish Tawang as a global hub for adventure sports, while simultaneously promoting its unmatched spiritual, cultural and eco-tourism potential.With world-class athletes, untamed Himalayan waters and a setting unlike any other, the Tawangchu Tides International Kayaking Championship 2026 promises an unforgettable fusion of courage, culture and competitive excellence.
