Nepal is set to host its first three-day canyoning festival, organized by Borderland Eco Resort, from Falgun 16 to Falgun 18 in Gati, Sindhupalchowk. The festival is aimed at Nepalis interested in adventure sports. Canyoning offers great potential alongside other thrilling activities like mountaineering, trekking, rafting, paragliding, mountain biking, and honey collection. Popular canyoning locations in Nepal include Sundarijal in Kathmandu, Old Jumbo in Sindhupalchowk, Pokhara, and Jalbire in Chitwan.
Megh Ale, chairman of Nepal River Conservation Trust (NRTC) and director of Borderland Eco Resort, stated that the festival is being held in spring, focusing on water flow, geographical conditions, and the safety of participants. He mentioned that there are nine canyoning-compatible waterfalls in Sindhupalchowk, which is why the festival is being hosted there, expecting around 150 to 200 domestic tourists to participate.
According to Ale, adventure sports are becoming increasingly popular in Nepal. It is emerging as an attractive destination for adventure lovers, with significant participation expected from both domestic and international tourists. As interest in adventure sports grows in Nepal, there are hopes for further commercialization of this sector. Canyoning was first introduced in Nepal in 1996, brought by Ale after training in Austria. Initially taught by foreign instructors, it has now gained popularity among Nepali adventure enthusiasts.
Program director Madan Magar noted that canyoning can be an excellent alternative for those who find rafting overwhelming. It is both thrilling and safe for those interested in ropes and swimming. What was once an activity mainly appealing to foreign tourists is now becoming an opportunity for Nepalis as well, with efforts from the Nepal Canyoning Association to organize and professionalize the sport. Experts have expressed concerns about the lack of interest from domestic tourists in adventure tourism, as the focus seems to be on attracting foreigners.
Despite a high number of trekking and rafting guides, there are currently fewer than 50 canyoning guides, indicating a need to promote this area. For the festival, 10–15 canyoning guides and 25 volunteers will be involved. Magar expects participants to have a great time, and they can register through the Borderland Eco Resort’s Facebook page, Instagram page, or their office in New Bazaar and Thamel, or via phone and online.
