The association, however, has set tariff for trips on Trishuli River for tourists from China and SAARC countries at $25 per day.
Similarly, minimum tariff for Nepalis on Trishuli River has been increased to Rs 2,000 per day. Nepalis have been paying around Rs 1,300 per day so far. Minimum tariff for Nepalis on Bhotekoshi River has been raised to Rs 5,000 per day.
The tariff covers transportation, lunch and rafting charges. On trips of more than one day, the tariff covers accommodation charge as well.
The association has cited factors like rise in transportation fares, lunch and dinner rates and hotel tariff among others behind tariff hike.
“These are the minimum rates. Rates may vary as per the facilities provided by rafting agencies,” Nani Kaji Thapa, president of NARA, said. “We were compelled to hike tariff as our operating cost has increased significantly.”
According to Thapa, who is also the proprietor of Asian Adventure Center, this is the first tariff hike in 10 years.
Megh Bahadur Ale, general secretary of NARA and proprietor of Ultimate Descent Nepal, said rafting tariff was much higher before 10 years. “Rafting agents themselves reduced the price so as to encourage more tourists to enjoy river trips,” Ale said. “Our operating costs have increased massively, but tariff has remained the same over the past 10 years.”
He also said revenue of rafting agents was decreasing by 15-25 percent per year due to rise in their operating costs.
As October is considered peak tourist season in Nepal, rafting entrepreneurs are hopeful that minimal increment in tariff will not affect their business. “Though we have increased tariff, it is not too high. We will provide better quality and will be very much careful in safety of our clients as always,” added Ale.
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