Tanahu, Mar. 20: A study has been conducted on the feasibility of a water excursion in the Marshyandgi River. The Aanbu Khaireni Rural Municipality of Tanahun has successfully tested a stretch of around four kilometres from the powerhouse of the Marshyangdi River located in Ward No. 4 of the rural municipality to Mugling.

The study has confirmed the possibility of effortless rafting in this river area. The rural municipality announced that Sunday’s rafting test on the river was successful.

After a successful test conducted by a team from Skype Nepal, including technical experts, rural municipality chairman, Shukra Chumaan, revealed that plans are underway to operate rafting commercially. 

Chumaan said, “Following the successful rafting test, we are enthusiastic about regularly conducting operations. We invite tourists to enjoy water refreshment.”

He said that the testing was conducted to integrate rafting with tourism for economic benefits. 

“The picturesque Marshyangdi River, in its natural beauty, can be utilised through water tourism to generate employment opportunities for locals,” he added.

Having identified suitable locations for water tourism, Aanbu Khaireni has been able to create ‘tour packages’ by incorporating the Marshyangdi River and its surrounding areas. Experts in water tourism, predicting potential and low risk due to the steady flow and moderate currents, have endorsed Aanbu Khaireni as highly suitable for water recreation, a senior guide Suman Thapa said.

During the testing phase, around eight people including the rural municipality chairman Chumaan had the opportunity to experience water recreation. 

Manoj Bastola, one of them, expressed great pleasure in engaging in water recreation due to the low risk involved, picturesque scenery, waterfalls, diverse flora, and aquatic life along with clean, refreshing water. He said, “It was my first time experiencing a water journey, and initially, I was a bit anxious. However, I felt safe and enjoyed the experience immensely, especially feeling secure in slower currents.”

The rural municipality has informed that they have begun the development of water tourism to make it easier for tourists traveling via the Prithvi Highway.

Bishnu Prasad Sharma, Chief Administrative Officer, said that as many tourists travel to places like Kathmandu, Pokhara, Manang, Mustang, Sauraha, Lumbini, Janakpur, Ilam, and others via the Prithvi Highway, they have initiated the development of water tourism to attract those tourists to Aanbu Khaireni.