Nepal recently made a notable impression at the Rafting World Cup held in Malaysia, showcasing an impressive performance despite having limited preparation time. Narayan Shrestha, the General Secretary of the Nepal Association of Rafting Agencies (NARA), shared insights into the event, revealing that they received the invitation to participate only a week before the competition. The event was organized in collaboration with the Malaysian government and the International Rafting Federation (IRF). “We received the invitation just a week before the World Cup, yet we managed to achieve commendable results,” Shrestha remarked. “With better preparation, we could have won the World Cup.”
Leading the Nepali contingent, Shrestha headed an eight-member team from the Bhote Koshi Adventure Club that represented Nepal in Malaysia. The team performed remarkably well, securing second place in the rafting race on the Kampar River, and achieving second place in the Down River Rafting and third place in the Sprint category. Shrestha served as the coach for the Nepali team.
The competition saw participation from 19 teams across five countries. Despite Nepal’s outstanding performance, Shrestha expressed disappointment over the government’s lack of recognition. Furthermore, he voiced dissatisfaction regarding the exclusion of rafting from the upcoming 10th National Games in Surkhet, although efforts are ongoing to include the sport in the event.
The IRF has recognized Nepal’s rafting as among the best globally, with various international organizations and competitors also praising its quality. However, Shrestha expressed concerns over the threats posed by encroachments on Nepal’s rivers and pollution, which could jeopardize this recognition.
In the past, foreign tourists used to bring kayaks to Nepal for river journeys and sell them at low prices to locals before returning home. This practice gradually promoted the rafting business in Nepal. Shrestha, a 39-year-old from Sindhupalchok Balefi-5, has been involved in this sector for 13 years. Initially, Nepal’s rafting business relied heavily on foreign tourists. Before the 2015 earthquake, the number of foreign and domestic tourists was almost equal. However, recent trends show that 93% of rafting tourists are domestic, with only 3% being foreign, according to ticket bookings. Shrestha believes that the lack of clear policies from the Nepal government has hindered the influx of foreign tourists.
Nepali rafting guides, known as ‘Himalayan River Guides,’ are renowned worldwide. Shrestha proudly stated that Nepali guides are the top choice in the global rafting industry, capable of working anywhere. Saudi Arabia has even requested 60 Nepali guides for 2024, although the supply of qualified guides remains limited.
To become a certified guide, one must work as an assistant guide for two years and gain theoretical knowledge from the Nepal Academy of Tourism and Hotel Management (NATHM). NARA produces approximately 150 such trained personnel annually, with high demand for them abroad. However, there is currently a shortage of qualified guides within Nepal, as many prefer to work overseas for better pay and respect.
Shrestha is currently preparing for the Rafting World Cup in Sindhupalchok’s Balefi Rural Municipality. NARA has the necessary resources for this event, which aims to cover a 248 km stretch of the Karnali River, potentially setting a Guinness World Record for the longest rafting journey. The event is expected to attract participants from 25 to 30 countries, promoting Nepal’s tourism sector.
During his tenure as NARA’s treasurer, Shrestha envisioned the establishment of a ‘White Water Center.’ The center, currently under construction in Sindhupalchok’s Balefi Rural Municipality, is 95% complete, with the Nepal government allocating NPR 180 million for its construction. Once operational, the center will provide education on Nepal’s rafting industry, organize national and international rafting events, and promote river guides, aiming to enhance the country’s rafting sector.
