POKHARA, Nov 2: Commercial rafting will be launched in the Kali Gandaki river during the Third Annual River Festival from November 6 to 8.
Rafting in Kali Gandaki begins from Ramdi which is situated on the border of Palpa and Syangja districts and goes on to Devghat, which is on the border of Chitwan and Tanahun districts. [break]
Bishnu Thapa, president of Kali Gandaki Tourism Development Committee said commercial rafting will promote watersports and agro-tourism in the Kali Gandaki area.
Although Pokhara-based tourism entrepreneurs have been bringing some tourist groups for rafting in Kali Gandaki, it was not being carried out on a regular basis.
It takes five days to complete the 80-km distance from Ramdi to Devghat. Officials of the committee told Republica that five rafting boats have been procured for the service.
Tourism entrepreneurs are hopeful that commercial operation of rafting will boost tourism in Pokhara, Lumbini and Sauraha.
Rafting can be operated from mid-October to mid-April. Thapa said, "Each boat has the capacity to carry eight tourists and a rescuer." The committee had also arranged for accommodation in villages for rafters.
However, the committee has yet not fixed the rate for the service. During the three-day long river festival, a foreigner can buy the package including food and accommodation at $ 100 per person.
"We will shortly unveil the regular price of the service," he said.