Myagdi, a district rich in natural beauty, has introduced rafting in the Kali Gandaki River to attract tourists. The short-distance rafting activity, launched on Wednesday, runs from Jaleshwar in Beni to the confluence near Khulamanch, coinciding with the ongoing 8th Myagdi Festival.
The initiative is a collaboration between Gandaki Hotel, located near Kalipul, and Nepal River Explorer Pvt. Ltd. Gam Pun, the proprietor of Gandaki Hotel, shared that rafting has been a regular winter activity on the Kali Gandaki River. “This rafting service is designed to add entertainment value for festival attendees. We’ve made it accessible with minimal charges for a short-distance ride,” he stated.
Participants can enjoy rafting from Jaleshwar to the confluence of the Myagdi and Kali Gandaki rivers for NPR 800 per person. In contrast, a shorter ride from Bagarfaat to the confluence costs NPR 600 per person.
According to rafting guide Santosh Giri, the surrounding hilly terrain and riverside settlements make the Kali Gandaki an ideal destination for rafting. He added that longer-distance rafting trips could also be organized if there is sufficient demand.
Currently, two boats with a capacity of eight passengers each are operational. While the primary focus is the Galeshwar-Beni section, there are plans to extend the route from Beni to Mal Dhunga, New Bridge (Naya Pul), and eventually to Mirmi, depending on tourist preferences.
Subin Shrestha, President of the Myagdi Chamber of Commerce and Industry, emphasized the potential of rafting to boost tourism in Beni and its surrounding areas. Efforts are underway to extend the rafting route from Galeshwar Dham through Beni’s confluence area to Mal Dhunga, Naya Pul, and Mirmi.
The introduction of this adventure activity highlights the natural and cultural richness of Myagdi, offering both locals and tourists an opportunity to experience the thrill of rafting while enjoying the stunning landscapes of the Kali Gandaki River.