Kathmandu, May 15:

To promote domestic and adventure tourism, Nepal Association of Rafting Agents (NARA) is organising the 18th annual grand rafting festival on May 27 in Trishuli river.

“The event is a continuation of the past festivals and is aimed at promoting domestic as well as adventure tourism among Nepalis and foreigners,” said Surya Prasad Joshi, president of NARA at a press conference today.

According to him, 800 people are expected to participate in the event, which will run between Charaudi to Kuringhat in Trishuli river. The ticket price has been fixed at Rs 1,299 per head, which will include two-transportation, buffet lunch and rafting in a group of eight people. Each participant is insured for up to Rs 50,000 for any accident.

Nepal Tourism Board is the promoter of the event.

Nepal is world famous for white water rafting, where rafting can be done throughout the year. However, the situation is not the same as in the past and many rafting agencies have been shut down over the past few years due to the prolonged conflict, said Joshi.

The number of registered rafting companies has come down to 40 from 92 in the last decade and professional rafters have become either jobless or have left the country. Due to the lack of publicity and promotion, rafting has not been able to establish itself as a part of the tourism industry, complained Joshi.