सिंहदरबार संवाददाता
Kathmandu. Nepal is set to host its first ever canyoning festival. A three-day canyoning festival will be held at Borderland in Gati, Sindhupalchowk from Falgun 16 to 18.
This festival, organized by Borderland Eco Resort, is specifically targeted at Nepalese people interested in adventure sports. The canyoning festival, which includes exciting activities such as mountaineering, trekking, rafting, paragliding, mountain biking and honey collection, is expected to become an attraction for adventure tourists.
Various places are famous for canyoning in Nepal. Among them, Sundarijal in Kathmandu, Purano Jumbo in Sindhupalchowk, Pokhara and Jalbire in Chitwan are the main ones. Megh Ale, the chairman of Nepal River Conservation (NRC) and the owner of Borderland Eco Resort, who is also the Karnali River Waterkeeper, said that the safety of the participants in the various adventure sports to be conducted during the festival is a priority. “We have paid special attention to the water flow, geographical conditions and the safety of the players while canyoning. For the first time in Nepal, we are planning a canyoning festival with a comprehensive program in the spring season,” he said.
He said that nine waterfalls in Nepal that can be used for canyoning are in Sindhupalchowk. He said that the festival is being organized to promote these waterfalls. ‘We are expecting around 150 to 200 domestic tourists to participate in this festival,’ said Ale.
According to him, adventure sports are becoming more popular day by day in Nepal. He has experience that not only mountaineering, trekking, rafting but also canyoning is becoming an attractive destination for adventure sports enthusiasts. It is expected that there will be a significant participation of domestic and foreign tourists. ‘The growing attraction towards adventure sports has raised hopes that this sector will become more professional in the coming days,’ said Ale.
The professional journey of canyoning in Nepal has a history that began in 1996. Ale, a canoeing waterkeeper and owner of Borderland, who started in France, trained in Austria and brought it to Nepal. Initially taught by foreign instructors, this sport is now becoming popular among Nepali adventurers.
According to program director Madan Magar, canyoning can be a great alternative for those who get bored while rafting. He says that this sport is not only exciting but also safe for those who want to learn rope knots and swim. Magar says that canyoning, which was initially only of interest to foreign tourists, is now gaining popularity among Nepalis as well. He said that the Nepal Canyoning Association is trying to organize it and make it professional.
Director Magar informed that 10 to 15 canyoning guides and 25 volunteers will be deployed for this program. The organizers are committed to providing a complete entertainment package to the participants of the program. “Those who wish to participate can register on Borderland Eco Resort’s Facebook page, Instagram page, or at the offices in Naya Bazaar and Thamel,” said Director Magar.
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