Organizers say bookings by Nepali rafters encouraging
PARBAT, March 26: With the onset of summer season, rafting on the Kaligandaki River has resumed. The adventure sport was halted since October for winter. Companies that manage the sport in the river say that Nepali people are increasingly attracted to rafting, and their participation equals that of foreigners these days.
Rafting service begins in Kaligandaki River
A three-day rafting package on the river starts from Kushma of Parbat and ends at Mirmi of Syanjga, while single-day packages cover Maldhunga to Nayapul and Maldhunga to Modi Beni.
More Nepali citizens raft on the river during weekends, according to Hom Pun, a rafting guide and operator of Kaligandaki Rafting Camp. He further said: "Rafting is no more an activity of only foreigners. Nepalis are equally attracted to it."
In fact, more Nepalis are booking rafting packages than foreigners in recent days, which indicates a huge potential of domestic tourism from this activity, according to Pun.
Pun provides rafting services with five big and eight small boats for about six months every year. Rafting is held on the river till June end beginning March second week. It is also held for about two months during September and October. Nepali rafters include family visitors, youth groups, and students. Fee for a Nepali rafter is Rs 2,000, while foreigners are charged Rs 3,500 each. There is a separate but cheaper package for family and group bookings, according to Pun. The camp organizer also offers lodging and food for rafters in the river.
