KATHMANDU, MARCH 3
Nepal, home to 14 highest peaks towering above 8,000 metres, historic trails, lush jungle is often considered an ideal destination for adventure-seekers. Well-known for its trekking, mountaineering and rafting, among other escapades, stakeholders are now eyeing a new frontier on the same segment: Canyoning.
A mix of rock climbing, swimming, and rappelling through rugged river canyons, the sport has long been a European favourite. In Nepal, despite having countless gorges and rivers, canyoning remains largely unexplored and in the shadows from the general public.
Borderlands Eco-Adventure Resort recently held the first Canyoning Fest 2025, which took place from February 28 to March 2, bringing internationally recognised Nepali canyon guides and participants from across the country in an attempt to further promote and unlock the sport's potential.
As per canyon guides and stakeholders, while the potential is limitless, canyoning could redefine Nepal's adventure tourism if promoted strategically and ensuring the conservation of our natural resources, shifting the country's focus from traditional trekking and mountaineering activities.
The sport was first introduced in Nepal by Megh Ale, a leading figure in outdoor sports after 1996 following the conclusion of his training in Austria. Although the sport was initially taught by foreign trainers, many Nepali adventure athletes are actively engaged in the sport at present, Madan Magar, outdoor instructor and coordinator of the fest, shared.
"Our goal is to facilitate canyoning spots, equipment and ensure safety for adventure-seekers who wish to experience the sport. At the same time, we aim to further promote the sport, which has been in the shadows for almost three decades since it was first introduced in Nepal," Magar told THT.
He also emphasised that while there are many spots for canyoning in Nepal, only a handful have been explored and commercialised. There are over nine canyoning spots around the Bhotekoshi valley alone and the fest aims to promote them so that the immense adventure potential Nepal has to offer can be capitalised.
Arjun Tamang, another outdoor leader in various adventure activities, pointed out that while the country's geography has laid a playground for adventure including canyoning, the surge in dam constructions and crusher industries are killing these rivers and the backbone of the sport as well as the ecosystem that depend on them.
"The construction of hydropower companies has increased the risk of rockfalls across many canyoning spots. In addition, some such spots with huge potential have become a dumping site making them unusable," Tamang said.
He also reiterated that Nepal has not been able to promote the sport despite the huge prospect of becoming a world famous spot for canyoning and pushed for further initiatives from the authorities to safeguard and promote it.
Mohan Singh Limbu, a canyoning guide from Dharan said, "While there are around three known canyoning spots in the Koshi province alone, they rarely see any tourists. "This may be due to canyoning being a new sport for people and the region. Also, lack of promotional activities from the local government, and stakeholders concerned has limited the sport's future in the same gorges along with the potential they carry," Limbu shared.
He also opined the lack of a nationally recognised canyoning guide licence for outdoor instructors, leaving little room for trust from national and international tourists. "Although many canyoning guides are certified from foreign associations, we are facing difficulties in getting one despite completing a canyoning guide course from the Council for Technical Education and Vocational Training (CTEVT). The trust issue factor could be the reason for lower than expected turnout in canyoning activities," he opined.
Meanwhile, Magar informed that canyoning guides are holding discussions with educational institutes to develop a nationally recognised course to develop highly skilled manpower in the field. "We are also working to train locals and interested people to create accessible routes and open more canyons to the public. The fest, despite attracting only 34 participants in its pilot edition, aims to spark interest and collaboration with educational institutions to build a skilled workforce," Magar added.
Manoj Gurung, another outdoor guide from Chitwan shared that while the region is also a hotspot for 15 to 25 metre waterfalls, the low turnout of participants in the sport has numbed its further development.
"Canyoning activity in Chitwan was at its peak around 2014 and 2015 with many tourists taking part in the sport. This has however dwindled to mere numbers," he said. He also called on the need for further initiatives from the local government to develop canyoning as a local adventure product.
"There are a number of waterfalls including the Jalbire waterfall. Although the local government has taken initiatives to develop parks in the area, promoting the sport could present further possibilities of attracting more tourists and prolonging their stay," Gurung told THT.
Furthermore, Ishwor Shrestha, canyoning guide and former president of Gati Youth Club, pointed out canyoning to be an ideal activity for increasing employment and income for the local youth population. "The Bhotekoshi valley is gifted with several waterfalls, canyons, and gorges. With the development of the sport, it can provide ample employment and a good source of income for the locals while also engaging all under a single outcome," he said.
The youth clubs also own canyoning equipment with Rs 300,000 with the support of the local government to further push this initiative," he added.
In Nepal, canyoning activities are majorly done in the Bhotekoshi valley, Marsyangdi, Sun Koshi, and some parts of Chitwan, Koshi province as well as in Kakani.
