Thulo Chhaga, located in Chilaule Village of Balephi Rural Municipality-3, Sindhupalchok, has emerged as a popular destination for both domestic and international tourists. This surge in popularity is attributed to the introduction of canyoning and rock climbing activities, spearheaded by the local government.
The initiative has transformed what was once considered an intimidating waterfall into an adventure hotspot. Resident Pritam Kumar Tamang, who once feared visiting the waterfall, now enjoys participating in canyoning and rock climbing. “I used to be terrified of going there, but now, I’m thrilled to be able to do canyoning and rock climbing,” shared Tamang.
It was Pritam’s vision to introduce these adventure sports to the Thulo Chhaga waterfall. Five years ago, after attending a canyoning festival in the jungles of Sundarijal, he dreamed of bringing a similar experience to his village’s waterfall. He proposed the idea to the local government, and his persistence paid off when the rural municipality took the initiative to develop the site.
Another local, Asim Tamang, also shared his initial fears and eventual triumph over them. “I was scared at first, especially when I heard about descending the waterfall with a rope. But after learning from the instructors, I gained confidence and completed both canyoning and rock climbing,” he said.
The rural municipality allocated a budget of NPR 350,000 for the fiscal year 2080/81 to develop basic infrastructure for these activities at Thulo Chhaga. Ward Chairperson Ritesh Tamang explained that the waterfall is divided into three levels for canyoning: the first level, about 9 meters high, is for beginners; the second level, approximately 12 meters, is for those with some experience; and the third level, around 17 meters, is reserved for advanced participants.
To ensure safety and skill development, the rural municipality provided a two-day basic training program for 10 local youths. Three instructors conducted on-site training, teaching essential safety measures, proper rope techniques, and effective methods for ascending and descending the waterfall.
The successful completion of canyoning and rock climbing at all three levels by both the instructors and trainees has sparked growing interest among visitors. The rural municipality has noted an increasing number of tourists eager to try these adventure sports.
Saruma Lama Tamang, Vice-Chairperson of Balephi Rural Municipality, expressed commitment to establishing Thulo Chhaga as a hub for adventure sports. She believes that by developing similar sites within the municipality, which is just about 85 kilometers from Kathmandu, the area could become a center for economic growth and employment opportunities for locals.
The local community and the rural municipality are now focused on promoting and preserving Thulo Chhaga, with the belief that tourism development will lead to the prosperity of Balephi. Rural Municipality Chairperson Gangabahadur Tamang emphasized that the area has several untapped tourist potentials and expressed satisfaction with the addition of canyoning and rock climbing to Balephi’s adventure sports offerings, alongside rafting.
