Trishuli turning into rafting hub among tourists

DHADING, APR 20: Trishuli River is becoming a popular destination for rafting among domestic and foreign tourists.

Notwithstanding increasing pollution in the river, the number of rafters choosing Trishuli for the adventurous water sport is increasing continuously for last few years, according to Nepal Association of Rafting Agents (NARA).

Of late, domestic tourists are more attracted toward rafting than foreigners, NARA added.

A tourism entrepreneur Uddhav Kandel said Nepali tourists amount to around 60 per cent of total rafters in Trishuli.

“Earlier the ratio between foreign and domestic tourists would be 70:30,” he added.

Tourism entrepreneurs view that Trishuli has been more popular than other rivers for rafting as it is near to the Capital (just 60-80 km away) and it lies on the way to popular tourist destinations including Pokhara, Chitwan and Lumbini.

They add that the river is appropriate for rafting in any season. According to NARA, around 30,000-40,000 persons raft along the river every year.

As many as 18 rafting agencies are selling tickets and facilitating the sport for tourists in Dhading district.

The agencies are also providing canoeing, fishing and camp fire services for the tourists.

Visitors throng the river and riverbanks on holidays including New Year, Holi, Valentine’s Day and Christmas, according to tourism businesspersons.

Of total rafting activities being held in the nation, around 60 per cent are in Trishuli River, informed NARA Chairperson Chandra Prasad Dahal.