Rafting competition to promote adventure tourism

Tourists enjoying white water rafting in Bhotekoshi river of Nepal. Nepal has many such tourist attractions.

Kathmandu / November 23: Nepal Association of Rafting Agents (NARA) is organizing the 14th Himalayan White Water Challenge Competition from coming November 27 for the promotion of adventure tourism in Nepal.

NARA shared continuity has been given to adventure rafting this year as usual to keep up attraction of the tourists coming to visit Nepal even in the complicated situation following the April 25 devastating earthquake.

At a press conference organized here, NARA Chairperson Chandra Bahadur Dahal informed that some 500 participants from home country Nepal and 20 foreign countries including Australia, Canada, America, Germany, Norway, China and India are taking part in the three-day competition to be organized in the Trishuli River.

Chairperson Dahal said that the competition would be fruitful to impart message to the international community that rafting is safe in Nepal even after the earthquake and is open for tourists coming to Nepal. Some 16 rivers are open for rafting in Nepal.

The competition is to be organized in Fisling and Kurintar of the Trishuli River in Chitwan. The winner will receive a purse of up to Rs 600,000.

It may be noted that three out of 10 best rivers for rafting are in Nepal. The Bhotekoshi, Sunkoshi and Karnali rank fifth, seventh and 10th best rivers for the purpose.

An investment of Rs 2.5 million has been made for the competition, Chairperson Dahal informed, adding that an arrangement of security including 700 river guards for the security of the tourists taking part in the event. RSS