The Nepal Drone Racing League — NDRL — is Nepal's first structured competitive FPV drone racing league. Founded by GarudX in 2024, the NDRL community has grown to 140+ registered pilots, with races held in Kathmandu, Pokhara, and Chitwan.
Season 2 is planned. This is everything you need to know.
What is the NDRL?
The Nepal Drone Racing League (NDRL) is a sanctioned competitive FPV drone racing league organized and operated by GarudX Multipurpose Pvt. Ltd. in partnership with the Nepal Drone Sports Federation.
The NDRL exists to:
- Create a structured competitive pathway for Nepal's FPV pilots
- Develop the next generation of drone engineers through competition
- Promote responsible, CAAN-compliant drone sport in Nepal
- Establish Nepal as a competitive force in South Asian drone racing
Season 1 Summary (2024):
- 140+ licensed NDRL pilots
- 8 race events across 4 locations
- 2 competition classes: Open Class (5-inch) and Micro Class (65mm/75mm Tiny Whoop)
- Open to international pilots
NDRL Race Classes
Open Class (5-inch FPV) The main competitive class. Full-speed 5-inch freestyle and race quads.
Drone specifications:
- Motor size: 2205–2507
- Prop size: 5-inch maximum
- All-up weight: 800g maximum (including battery)
- Video system: Analog only (for fair judging and universal replay)
- GPS/automated stabilization: Prohibited
Format:
- 3-minute qualifying sessions (fastest single lap counts)
- Double elimination bracket finals
- 3-lap final race format
Season 1 Open Class Champion: Adarsha Raj Bhusal (GarudX), 1:54.3 final race time, best lap 38.1s
Micro Class (65–75mm Tiny Whoop) The entry-level class. Safer, cheaper to enter, and fully indoor-capable.
Drone specifications:
- Frame: 65mm or 75mm Tiny Whoop style
- Motor: 0802–1102
- Battery: 1S LiPo only
- Weight: Under 60 grams all-up
Format:
- Indoor gate courses
- 3-lap qualifying, bracket finals
Season 1 Micro Class Champion: Biraj Adhikari, 2:01.7 final time
How to Register as an NDRL Pilot
Register your interest for NDRL Season 2 through the [NDRL page at garudx.com/ndrl](https://garudx.com/ndrl).
Requirements to race in NDRL Open Class: 1. CAAN Remote Pilot Certificate (RPC) or NDRL Provisional License 2. Drone meeting Open Class specifications (tech inspection at each event) 3. Valid third-party liability insurance (available through NDRL for NPR 2,000/season) 4. NDRL pilot membership (NPR 3,000/season)
Requirements for Micro Class: 1. NDRL Micro Pilot Registration (no RPC required for indoor events) 2. NDRL membership (NPR 1,500/season) 3. Compliant 65/75mm Tiny Whoop
First-time pilots: The NDRL holds a mandatory safety and rules briefing before each race day. New pilots are paired with an experienced NDRL mentor for their first event.
NDRL Season 2 (2026) — What to Expect
Season 2 will expand to new venues and introduce:
- A third class: 3-inch Freestyle Class, bridging Micro and Open
- Online qualifying rounds through simulator software (enabling pilots from outside Kathmandu to qualify)
- Team format for the season finale — team of 3 pilots, combined lap times
- Corporate sponsor challenges — brand-sponsored race gates and challenges for prize money
- Live streaming on GarudX's YouTube channel
Race events planned in: Kathmandu (3 rounds), Pokhara (2 rounds), Chitwan (1 round), and a season finale at a venue to be announced.
NDRL as a Career Pathway
The NDRL isn't just sport — it's Nepal's pipeline for the next generation of drone engineers and professionals.
Top NDRL pilots have gone on to:
- Join GarudX's pilot team as commercial operators
- Work as FPV operators for Nepali film and television productions
- Represent Nepal at international competitions in India and beyond
- Start their own drone service businesses
GarudX offers a fast-track training programme for top NDRL finishers — including advanced FPV cinematography training and professional operator certification.
Watch NDRL Racing
All NDRL race events are livestreamed and archived on YouTube. Previous seasons and event highlights:
- GarudX YouTube: [youtube.com/@GarudX](https://www.youtube.com/@GarudX)
- NDRL Instagram recaps: [instagram.com/garudx.fpv](https://www.instagram.com/garudx.fpv/)
Get Involved
Whether you're a pilot, a sponsor, a venue partner, or someone who wants to watch your first race — the NDRL is open to all.
Pilot registration: [garudx.com/ndrl](https://garudx.com/ndrl) Sponsorship enquiries: collaborate@garudx.com Volunteer/marshal applications: collaborate@garudx.com
The NDRL exists because Nepal's drone community deserves a league of its own.
