Kathmandu:

Can you think of descending from a canyon 65-metres-high? ‘Canyoning’ is a challenging sport that employs different techniques while descending a canyon with the help of a rope. Megh Ale, general manager of Borderland Resorts, introduced the sport in Nepal in 1999. After seeing its growing popularity in Europe, Ale, while in Austria decided to introduce it in Nepal.

There are not many people who practise canyoning here and we have only five guides. It was difficult finding places for canyoning. This motivated Ale to develop a place for the sport. Pranay Rai, a canyoning guide at The Borderland Resorts, says, “We are capable enough to guide others now, though we did not receive any kind of training. I used to do rock climbing and ice-climbing earlier but for two years now, I have been enjoying canyoning.” Canyoning has high-risk possibilities if instructions are not properly followed. It is all about balancing your body and hanging on to a rope before landing in water. Might sound scary but it is an ideal adventure sport. “There is nothing to be scared of. The guides are there and if the safety measures are followed well, the experience will be fantastic,” Pranay adds.

The River Festival organised by Nepal River Conservation Trust from March 26–28 had Nepali and foreign participants for the first time. Rai informs that there are 400 to 500 people who canyon with him every season. Tourists like to do it in Nepal because the weather is predictable unlike Europe. The ideal season is spring and autumn but if the weather is good, Rai takes trips in October, November and December.