Rafting adventures kick off on Kaligandaki River

BENI, MYAGDI: A short-distance rafting trip has been launched on Kaligandaki River, which flows through Beni, the district headquarters of Myagdi.

The trip, running from Jaleshwar in Beni to the confluence near Khulamanch, was launched on Wednesday to attract domestic tourists attending the ongoing Eighth Myagdi Festival.

Gam Pun, owner of Gandaki Hotel in Kalipul, announced that the rafting trip is being organised in collaboration with Nepal River Explorer. Pun, who has been conducting rafting trips on Kaligandaki River every winter, stated, "To entertain festival-goers and tourists, we have started rafting and are providing services at a minimal fee over a short distance." Rafting from Jaleshwar to the confluence of Kaligandaki River costs Rs 800 per person, while trip from Bagarphanta to the confluence is priced at Rs 600 per person.

Guide Santosh Giri highlighted the ideal conditions of Kaligandaki River for rafting, citing the hilly terrain and nearby settlements. He also mentioned that rafting can be conducted over longer distances for groups interested in the experience.

Currently, two boats with an eight-passenger capacity each are in operation. Although Galeshwar-Beni route is prioritised, rafting trips from Maldhunga to Mirmi via Beni and Nayapul are also available, depending on demand.

Myagdi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCI) President Subin Shrestha stressed the potential for rafting in Beni area to boost tourism. He also noted that initiatives are underway to operate rafting trips from Galeshwardham in Beni Municipality-9 to Mirmi via the confluence in Beni, and Maldhunga-Nayapul.

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