Rafting Launched on Kaligandaki River Targeting Domestic Tourists in Pokhara

Myagdi. Tourism entrepreneurs in Pokhara have launched 'rafting' on the Kaligandaki River, targeting domestic tourists.

With the aim of extending the stay of tourists visiting Pokhara, the tourism capital, rafting has been initiated on the Kaligandaki River from Pharase in Jaljala Rural Municipality to Nayapul in Kushma Municipality, Parbat.

A team comprising tourism entrepreneurs, elected representatives, representatives from the Metropolitan City, industrialists, businesspersons, and journalists inaugurated the rafting on the Pharase-Nayapul stretch, organized by the Pokhara Tourism Year Performance Committee.

Gopibahadur Bhattarai, coordinator of the Pokhara Tourism Year Performance Committee, stated that 38 people participated in the rafting managed by the Rafting Runner company. He said, "Tourists coming for rafting on the Pharase-Nayapul stretch, which is reachable from Pokhara by vehicle in two hours, can also visit Kushma, Baglung, Beni, and Galeshwor. This could be an ideal destination for those who love nature, culture, and adventure tourism."

Rafting on the approximately 10-kilometer stretch from Pharase to Nayapul takes one hour and 30 minutes. Ahead of the Pokhara Tourism Year, the committee had previously promoted rafting on the Marsyangdi and Seti rivers.

Birendra Lama, operator of Rafting Runner, mentioned that eight people can raft in one boat at a time. A three-day rafting package from Nayapul to Ridi in Gulmi is available for foreign tourists.

Kartik and Chaitra months are considered favorable seasons for rafting. Gokarna Karki, President of the Pokhara Chamber of Commerce and Industry, stated that he felt thrilled while observing the mountainous terrain and riverside settlements along with the journey on the Kaligandaki River.