The Nepal Association of Rafting Agents (NARA) organized the event on the occasion of its founding day.
NARA President Nani Kaji Thapa said more than 250 domestic and foreign tourists took part in the one-day rafting event that took place between Belkhu and Malekhu of Dhading district. Originally, organizers had expected participation of over 700 tourists.
NARA General Secretary Meg Ale said the event was organized to promote rafting as a major tourism activity.
As a part of popularizing different rivers as rafting destinations, the NARA has been organizing such events every year.
The government has allowed rafting in only 14 rivers of around 6,000 flowing across the country. Bhote Koshi, Trishuli and Kali Gandaki are the most popular rivers for rafting.
Most of the tourists visiting major tourist destinations, such as Pokhara, Sauraha, Manang and Lumbini, prefer rafting in Trishuli, which falls on the route to these tourist hubs.
According to Thapa, around 30,000 tourists raft every year in the Trishuli River.
“Out of the total foreign tourists visiting Nepal, around 15 percent prefer rafting. And, Trishuli is their first choice,” Thapa said.
He also informed rafting has been gaining popularity every passing year since it was first introduced by Edmund Hilary -- the first person to climb Mt Everest -- in Koshi River.
“It has become one of the most favorite water sports among foreign expats as well,” Thapa said.
Tourism entrepreneurs have long been demanding that the government formulate appropriate policy to promote rivers where rafting can be conducted. These calls come amidst increasing pollution and excavation of river products that have threatened rafting business.
“We have to formulate clear policy on rivers where rafting can be promoted. Otherwise, we have to lose our image as destination for white water rafting, “said Uttam Kandel, coordinator of the Save Trishuli Campaign.
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