Bogatan to promote tourism from rafting

By Dil Bahadur Singh,Doti, July 2: A 65-kilometre stretch between the Seti and Karnali rivers lies in Bogatan Rural Municipality, Doti district. Bogatan Phudsil Rural Municipality in Doti has developed a plan for tourism promotion by exploiting the rivers for boating and rafting and other recreational activities. 

According to Kamal Bahadur Gadisala, Chairperson of the rural municipality, the plan is to use the section of the Seti and Karnali rivers that flows within their rural municipality to attract both domestic and international tourists interested in adventurous water journeys.  As part of the plan, training related to water sports, material support, and publicity efforts will be carried out with the active participation of locals. Chairperson Gadisala stated, “We have successfully completed rafting three times in the Seti and Karnali rivers with teams including rural municipality officials and staff. 

We are now preparing to provide formal training to local youth so that they can operate rafting-related businesses. It is possible to raft continuously for three to four days in the Seti–Karnali stretch. We have created a plan to connect local products and culture with the tourists who come to participate in the water excursion.” “Our Bogatan Phudsil Rural Municipality is known across the district for its excellence in agriculture and livestock. By linking the locally produced goods and cultural elements of riverside communities with tourism and water adventure, this plan aims to improve the economic status of local residents,” he added.  

Ram Bahadur Budha, a resident of Kanachaurak in Ward No. 3 of Bogatan Phudsil Rural Municipality, said, “If tourism activities are promoted in this area, it can support the economic well-being of the locals.” The Seti River is a tributary of the Karnali River. The Karnali River is the longest river in Nepal. Karnali and Seti rivers are considered rich and suitable for rafting and adventure activities by tourism entrepreneurs.

Devraj Jaishi, Executive Secretary of Nepal Association of Rafting Agencies (NARA) and the operator of Karnali Rafting and Adventure Pvt. Ltd., stated, “We have been bringing domestic and international tourists to the Seti and Karnali rivers for water adventures for a long time.” 

Recently, seeing how the Bogatan Phudsil Rural Municipality promoted tourism through water adventures, we have also been encouraged. Alongside water adventures, tourists can witness various species of fish, aquatic animals, and birds that depend on the river ecosystem and will also be introduced to local agriculture and lifestyles. The Seti River is considered the pride of the Doti district.