This is a momentous upshot of an idea that Gaurav, Smita, Charanjiv, and Manishankar exchanged while driving back from Leh to Delhi in September of 2023.  The idea of organising a Kayaking Championship on the Tawangchu came up during the Leh-Delhi drive. From an idea to kayaks in the river was an arduous journey that  involved months of brainstorming and meticulous planning.
The resources needed to run such an event in the remotest part of the country took our collective energies with the guidance and patronage of Honourable Cabinet Minister Shri Kiren Rijiju and Honourable Chief Minister Shri Pema Khandu. A special mention to our Corporate Sponsors, who funded us on trust and saw the vision and passion we had for the event.   
 
We had to build up the course and camp from scratch and tugging everything from far. Access to the remote Tawang Chu bordering Bhutan was very challenging and adventurous. Crossing the snow-laden Sela Pass to reach the remote Dungshingmang village, the site of the championship, was a memorable milestone. Chains had to be wrapped around wheels for more traction and to ensure the vehicle didn’t slip on the snow. Eventually, everybody made it to the campsite exhausted after such a challenging and tense drive. It was great to see the enthusiasm in the participants to explore a new river and of course, a beautiful scenic location of Arunachal Pradesh.

The entire stretch of the river that we have selected for the Kayaking Championship looked destined for a Kayaking Championship of this scale. Besides the challenging class V rapids, it has a beautiful space for camping along the river with easy access for everyone.

A big thank you to all the participants who came from across the world to be a part of this championship. This event would not have been possible without the patronage of Honourable Cabinet Minister Shri Kiren Rijiju and Honourable Chief Minister Shri Pema Khandu.

He is a distinguished wildlife and bird photographer, and the visionary founder of India Angling and India Birding Tours. With a profound passion for nature, Gaurav has dedicated his career to capturing the beauty of wildlife and birds through his lens. His ventures, India Angling and India Birding Tours, offer customised and guided experiences for enthusiasts, showcasing India’s rich biodiversity. Gaurav’s work not only promotes wildlife conservation but also supports local communities, making a significant impact on sustainable tourism in India. His expertise and dedication have earned him a respected place in the world of wildlife photography and nature tourism.

He is an accomplished IT professional and an avid adventurer with a passion for rafting and trekking. Widely traveled, Charan has led numerous expeditions, showcasing his leadership and adventurous spirit. He leverages his IT expertise to work closely with communities, enhancing their capabilities and fostering development. Charan’s unique blend of technical skills and love for adventure makes him a dynamic individual dedicated to both his professional and personal pursuits.

He is the founder and director of Questrails, an adventure and wildlife-based activity company. Growing up in the picturesque surroundings of Assam, Manishankar developed a deep love for the outdoors. This passion led him to establish Questrails, which offers focused summer camps and outdoor activities inspired by the US model. Under his leadership, Questrails has seen exponential growth, providing unique and immersive experiences in the Himalayas and beyond1. Manishankar’s dedication to adventure and nature has made Questrails a prominent name in the field of outdoor activities and wildlife exploration.

She is an experienced media professional and an avid traveler who has explored every remote region of India. Her extensive travels have given her a deep understanding of community issues across the country. With a background in media, Smita combines her storytelling skills with her passion for travel to highlight the unique challenges and vibrant cultures of various communities. Her work not only brings attention to these issues but also fosters a greater appreciation for the diverse and rich heritage of India.