SANGAM

‘Highest’ canyoning event
SANGAM PRASAIN

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KATHMANDU, MAY 30 - In a bid to promote Nepal as a Himalayan canyoning destination and package up with other activities with trekking, rafting, rock climbing and mountaineering, the Nepal Canyoning Association (NCA) has conducted its canyoning exploration probably at the highest altitude in the world.

According to NCA, the canyoning exploration by a Nepali team in Lhayju River (480m) at Nar Phu, Manang, in the Annapurna Himalayan region is probably the highest such altitude in the world. The site's base camp is situated at 4,660 metres above sea level, with the canyon head at 5,200 metres above sea level.

Canyoning is an extreme adventure that involves abseiling, sliding, jumping into deep pools, swimming and climbing down waterfalls on steep canyon cliffs while strapped in harness and augmented by ropes and other tools. The outfits are not complete without wet suits, helmets etc.

This exciting adventure sport is very popular all over Europe: in France, Spain, Italy, Austria, Switzerland etc. Canyoning is a rage in the USA as well as in Mexico, Canada, Cuba and Chili. In Africa, it is possible to practice canyoning in Morocco, Réunion Island, Madagascar and Océanie. "The move is aimed at supporting Nepal Tourism Year (NTY) 2011 and International Canyon Rendezvous (ICR) 2011 schedule in Nepal," the NCA said.

With the interests and tastes of tourists changing and the need to be competitive in the international market to catch up with international tourism trends, there is a need for timely product diversification.

Canyoning has the potential to address the needs of Nepal's tourists because of the country's stunning beauty embedded with mountainous topography, widely varied and rich natural as well as cultural attractions, the NCA said.