Indian Tourists Show Growing Interest in Pokhara's Bungee Jump

Pokhara. The attraction of Indian tourists towards adventure sport bungee jump in the tourist city of Pokhara has been observed to be increasing. The bungee jump operated by Bungee Nepal at Ratopaira, Pokhara Metropolitan City-17, has the highest number of Indian tourists among those who jump. Durga Datta Kharel, Chairman of Bungee Nepal Adventures Pvt. Ltd., informed that out of 500 people who bungee jumped in the month of Jestha, 50 percent were adventurous Indian tourists. In a single month, the company has been successful in earning more than Rs 3.75 million from it. According to him, compared to the past, the number of people bungee jumping has increased significantly in the months of Baishakh, Jestha, and Ashar this year. With the road and air access becoming easier, there has been a significant increase in the arrival of Indian tourists in Pokhara. Recently, groups of Indian youths have been coming daily to bungee jump. The trend of Nepali youths, who are employed abroad or pursuing higher education, returning to their homeland for holidays and wanting to experience adventure sports along with sightseeing in Pokhara is also increasing. Bungee jumping is becoming a special attraction for them during holidays, according to Chairman Kharel. He said, "Bungee Nepal, which started operation 6 years ago, has provided bungee jumps to more than 15,000 people so far. The company charges Rs 7,500 per person, which includes a photo, video, and a T-shirt as a gift." The biggest feature of this bungee jump, which involves jumping into a depth of 101 meters, is its natural scenery. He said, "While jumping, one can see the magnificent view of the Machhapuchhre and Annapurna mountain ranges on one side, and on the other side, the Seti gorge flowing below and the surrounding greenery make the adventurous experience even more thrilling." It is because of this view that many tourists consider Pokhara's bungee jump as an unforgettable experience of their lives. Bungee Nepal was jointly invested with Rs 82.5 million by 11 young entrepreneurs of Pokhara, including its founder chairman Santosh Bhattarai. A 55-meter long platform for bungee jumping has been constructed from the base of a 35-meter high tower built in the design of a cantilever bridge. It is believed that the bungee jump will become more attractive as it can be done while looking at the Seti River gorge and the wide mountain ranges. Since the operation of bungee, it has indirectly boosted economic activities for locals in employment, tourism business, and surrounding hotels, restaurants, and transportation sectors. Currently, 20 people are directly employed in the company, informed Meena Baral, the company's Executive Director. Every year, the company pays revenue of two to two and a half lakhs to the Government of Nepal. Mani Raj Lamichhane, Chief of Nepal Tourism Board, Gandaki Province, stated that bungee jumping is becoming established as an important tourism product in Pokhara, along with adventure activities like paragliding, zipline, ultralight, and hot air balloon. He said that such adventure sports are making a significant contribution to earning foreign currency, providing employment to youth, and promoting tourism in Pokhara. According to tourism entrepreneurs, if such adventure tourism destinations can be promoted more systematically through collaboration between the local community, private sector, and government bodies, Pokhara can achieve greater heights as an international adventure tourism destination. The bungee, located about three kilometers from Pokhara's main tourist area, may extend the stay of some domestic tourists in Pokhara for this purpose. However, it is also possible to return after bungee jumping in a single day. According to Chief Lamichhane, bungee jumping is operated in Kushma, Ratopaira in Pokhara, and Hemja in Gandaki Province.