BENI, Jan 16: Rafting is now available on the Kaligandaki River that flows through Beni, the headquarter of Myagdi district. Domestic tourists visiting Beni’s 8th Myagdi Festival can now enjoy a new short rafting trip launched Wednesday, running from Jaleshwor to near the festival’s open stage.
The rafting service was launched in collaboration with Nepal River Explorer Pvt. Ltd., said Gam Pun, the operator of the Gandaki Hotel in Kalipul. Pun has been conducting regular rafting on the Kaligandaki River every winter. “For additional entertainment, rafting has been launched for the visitors and tourists coming for the festival. We have provided rafting services at a minimum fee over a short distance,” he said. Rafting can be done from Jaleshwor in Beni to the inlet of Myagdi and the Kaligandaki River at a fee of Rs 800 per person and from Bagarphant to the inlet of the river at a fee of Rs 600 per person.
Rafting resumes on Kaligandaki River
Guide Santosh Giri said that the hilly terrain around the river and the settlements in the coastal area are considered ideal for rafting on the Kaligandaki. He informed that if a group of people who want to enjoy rafting is formed, rafting can be conducted even over long distances.
For the time being, two boats with a capacity of eight passengers each have been operated. Although priority has been given to Galeshwor-Beni, it is said that rafting can also be conducted via Beni, from Maldhunga to Nayapul and to Mirmi, depending on the wishes of passengers and tourists.
Myagdi Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Subin Shrestha highlighted the potential of rafting in the area around Beni and said that rafting is expected to help promote tourism. He informed that initiatives are being taken to operate rafting from Galeshwor Dham, Beni Municipality-9, to the district headquarter, Beni, via Dobhan, Maldhunga-Nayapul, and Mirmi.
