The 20th Annual HPRC

1.  Conference Overview

The 2026 Himalayan Policy Research Conference (HPRC) will be held on May 18 and 19, 2026, at the University of New Mexico (UNM) in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Further details regarding the specific venue on campus will be announced closer to the conference date. Please check the conference website for updates.

2.  Important Notes

•  The conference does not provide transportation or travel funding for participants.

•  Participants are responsible for arranging their own flights, hotel accommodations, and local transportation.

•  Please make hotel reservations well in advance, as Albuquerque accommodations can fill up quickly around May.

3.  Getting to Albuquerque

By Air

The primary airport serving Albuquerque is the Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ), located approximately 5 miles from the UNM campus. Most major airlines serve this airport, and it is the most convenient option for conference attendees.

Alternative airports:

•  El Paso International Airport (ELP) in El Paso, Texas, approximately 265 miles south of Albuquerque. Ground transportation options such as car rental and bus service are available.

•  Santa Fe Municipal Airport (SAF) in Santa Fe, New Mexico, approximately 60 miles north of Albuquerque.

From ABQ Airport to the UNM Campus

•  Rideshare/Taxi: Approximately 10-15 minutes; estimated cost $15-$25.

•  Albuquerque Rapid Transit (ART) / ABQ Ride: Public bus service is available from the airport area. Visit www.cabq.gov/transit for routes and schedules. Single-ride fare is $1.00.

•  Rental Cars: Available at the airport from all major rental companies.

•  Hotel Shuttles: Several partner hotels offer complimentary airport shuttle service. Please confirm with your hotel when booking.

By Car

Albuquerque is accessible via Interstate 25 (north-south) and Interstate 40 (east-west). Parking is available on the UNM campus. Details on parking permits and designated lots will be provided closer to the conference.

4.  Hotel Accommodations

UNM maintains partnerships with several hotels throughout Albuquerque and the surrounding region. The hotels listed below offer negotiated rates for UNM guests. To receive the discounted rate, please identify yourself as a UNM guest when booking. All listed hotels accept the UNM PCard for payment.

Attendees are encouraged to book accommodations early. Hotels closest to the UNM campus or downtown Albuquerque will be most convenient for the conference.

Note: For a complete and up-to-date list of UNM partner hotels, including additional locations in Santa Fe and surrounding areas, please visit: https://purchase.unm.edu/local-hotel-information/index.html

5.  Local Transportation in Albuquerque

Public Transit

ABQ Ride operates the city's public bus network, including the Albuquerque Rapid Transit (ART) corridor along Central Avenue, which runs directly through the UNM campus. Single-ride fare is $1.00. Visit www.cabq.gov/transit for schedules and route maps.

Rideshare

Uber and Lyft operate throughout Albuquerque and are widely available. Rideshare pickup and drop-off is straightforward at both the airport and most hotels.

Taxis

Several taxi companies serve the Albuquerque area. Taxis can be arranged at the airport, most hotels, or by phone.

Rental Cars

All major rental car companies have counters at the Albuquerque International Sunport. A rental car may be convenient for attendees staying in hotels farther from campus or planning to explore the surrounding area.

Parking at UNM

Parking information for the UNM campus will be provided closer to the conference date. Please check the conference website for updates.

6.  Dining and Activities

Albuquerque offers a wide variety of dining options near the UNM campus, particularly along Central Avenue (Historic Route 66) and in the nearby Nob Hill and Downtown neighborhoods. Conference participants will have ample opportunities to experience New Mexican cuisine.

Information about conference meals (for example, provided breakfasts, lunches, or dinners) will be communicated through the conference program. Any optional group dinners will be at participants' own expense.

For those wishing to explore the area, Albuquerque offers a range of attractions including Old Town Albuquerque, the Sandia Mountains, the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta grounds, and the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, among others.

7.  General Travel Tips

•  Albuquerque sits at approximately 5,300 feet (1,615 meters) above sea level. Visitors unaccustomed to high altitude are advised to stay well hydrated, limit alcohol consumption initially, and allow time to acclimatize.

•  New Mexico weather in May is generally warm and sunny, with daytime highs around 75-85 degrees Fahrenheit (24-29 Celsius) and cooler evenings. Sunscreen and sunglasses are recommended.

•  The University of New Mexico campus is easily walkable and is accessible via public transit from most hotels in the city.

8.  Contact and Further Information

For questions regarding conference logistics, please contact the conference organizing committee. Updates and additional details will be posted on the conference website as they become available.

Himalayan Policy Research Consortium

Website: https://sites.google.com/view/hprc/home