Rafting attracts tourists to Bhotekoshi, Sunkoshi rivers

By Chitra Mijar,Sindhupalchowk, May 11: With the onset of the summer season, tourists visiting the Bhotekosi and Sunkoshi rivers for rafting have increased significantly. The Bhotekoshi and Sunkoshi rivers are ranked as the seventh best rivers for rafting among 600 rivers worldwide. Rafting in the Bhotekoshi River is considered one of Nepal's most challenging experiences. The best time for rafting in the Bhotekoshi River rafting is during the dry seasons, generally from October to November and March to May. The river has lower water levels during these months, providing a more manageable and enjoyable rafting experience.

More than 1,000 tourists are currently enjoying rafting trips on both rivers and most of them are foreign tourists. With the rising number of tourists opting for rafting, resorts and hotels in the Sukute area are now fully occupied. The river banks are illuminated with tents used by the water adventure enthusiasts.  These resorts offer a wide range of activities for tourists, including rafting, kayaking, jungle safaris, camping, swimming, bicycle riding, zip-lining, sky cycling, ping pong, giant ping pong, hammock lounging and cable car rides.

The Sukute Beach Resort, located 65 km from the capital and Nayapul Resort located 95 km away from the capital remain open round the clock.

Rafting trips are organised through the resorts, covering distances from border areas to Jambu, Balefi to Chane and extending up to Dolalghat. More than five hundred individuals are employed in resorts and hotels, with over 100 youths securing employment in rafting alone. During the summer season, a resort attracts between 500 to1500 tourists.

Ishwar Lal Shrestha, director of Indus Beach Resort Sukute Bimareni, stated that the rafting season is currently underway, with more than a thousand tourists visiting in a single day.