Rafting sees a Surge in Number of Internal Tourists

May 1: With the onset of summer, the number of tourists opting for rafting in the Kali Gandaki River has increased. Domestic tourists have shown keen interest in rafting in the Kali Gandaki River following the commercial start of rafting from Maldhunga to Naya Pul.

Three youths of Modi in Parbat district had started rafting in the Kali Gandaki River with an investment of Rs 7 million. Adventure lovers started rafting since the first week of Chaitra with the start of summer season.

According to Hom Bahadur Pun, a representative of Kali Gandaki Camp Rafting, internal tourists from Baglung, Myagdi, Kaski and Syangja have started rafting in the Kali Gandaki River. Before this, Pokhara Rafting Company was the only company which had been operating rafting in the river. Breaking the syndicate, the new company started rafting, Pun explained.

According to Pun, tourists prefer Kali Gandak for rafting due to less flow of water. Two to 10 tourists have been visiting Kali Gandaki for rafting on a daily basis. Rafting is being operated from Lasti to Naya Pul and Maldhunga to Naya Pul.

“Internal tourists didn't show much interest for rafting earlier,” said Nabin Thapa, manager of Kali Gandaki Camp Rafting, adding, “With the introduction of packages at affordable prices, the flow of internal tourists for rafting is increasing.”

The number of tourists has also increased with the introduction of the package of Annapurna Trail Trekking along with Kali Gandaki Rafting, according to the concerned entrepreneurs.