Shillong: The 7th edition of the Meghalaya Kayak Fest took place recently in Umtham Village, located in the scenic Ri Bhoi District of Meghalaya. The event, held from October 10-12, brought a surge of excitement as participants engaged in the heart-pounding sport of whitewater racing.
Spanning three days, the festival combined the beauty of nature with intense competition, creating an atmosphere of adventure and adrenaline. Its primary objective was to promote adventure tourism, with a vision of establishing Meghalaya as a premier destination for water sports on the global stage.
Meghalaya, known as one of the wettest regions in the world due to its unique geographical features, is home to numerous rivers ideal for whitewater kayaking. This natural advantage sets the region apart as a prime location for such events.
The Megha Kayak Festival showcased Olympic-recognized disciplines, including Giant Slalom, Extreme Boater-Cross, and Time-Trial Races, drawing seasoned athletes and kayaking enthusiasts alike. A key feature of this year’s festival was the promotion of female participation in adventure sports, aiming to make the event more inclusive.
Simultaneously, the 6th edition of the AHOR 4×4 Offroad Challenge, organized by the Adventurous Hynniewtrep Offroaders (AHOR), took place at the picturesque Kharsati Nature Park in Umtham from October 10 to 12. The event featured three competition categories—Pro Modified, Modified, and Stock—each designed to accommodate varying levels of vehicle modifications and skills.
Over the course of three days, participants faced six challenging tracks, pushing both seasoned drivers and newcomers to test their abilities and endurance. The AHOR 4×4 Offroad Challenge, one of the largest offroading events in Meghalaya, attracted a diverse group of offroad enthusiasts from across the state and other regions, showcasing their passion for adventure sports.
Both events underscored Meghalaya’s growing reputation as a hub for adventure tourism, offering participants a unique blend of competition and natural beauty.