The International Canyoning Rendezvous (ICR) 2011, being organized by Nepal Canyoning Association (NCA) with the help of Himalayan Canyon Team and Fédération Française de Spéléologie of France, hopes to attract more interest in the great potential that lies here.
For the first time, the ICR, which has a huge respect in the canyoning circles of Europe and America, is being organized in Asia. The event is organized every year which is participated in by strictly professional canyoneers from around the world. Usually, the ICR is organized in European countries where the involvement in the field is high.
The event is being organized from the April 7 to 13, at Syange and Germu, en-route the Annapurna Circuit. Though Nepal had been trying to organize the ICR in yesteryears, it had been held back by technical issues, so informs president of the NCA, Tilak Lama.
“Lack of technically knowledgeable manpower and low infrastructure had restricted us before. However, we hope to increase the interest in Nepal from now on,” remarks Lama.
Though the original ceiling to the number of participants was 150, there have already been registrations of 164 canyoneers from various countries. Most of the participants are from Europe, whereas about 15 canyoneers are from the America. The involved canyoneers have had to submit 47 Euros per person for participation.
“With the geographical topography that’s been the boon of Nepal, and after exploration of canyons here, there lies a huge potential here for adventure sport tourism,” says the NCA president, indicating the event coinciding with Nepal Tourism Year 2011.
The same notion is shared by canyoning instructor Kabindra Lama, who received his training in France. He was attracted to the sport in 2001 after a friend introduced him to canyoning in Spain. Lama has been involved in the exploration and promotion of canyoning in Nepal from 2002.
“The trekking routes in Nepal have been transformed into vehicle roads which has led to degradation of the sector. However, canyoning provides a new option for those who love adventure,” comments the instructor who was also co-team leader of the exploration of the Nar-Phu Canyon in 2010.
“Geologically, Nepal is well suited for canyoning as the country’s rural villages provide a great launching point for canyoneers,” expresses Lama.
Janak Lama, canyoneer and NCA general member, also agrees that the popularity of the sport is slowly but surely catching on. Lama has been a canyoneer for the past six years, and had his training in Nepal itself.
“The main problem here is that the materials required for canyoning are not readily available and requires importing from foreign countries,” says Janak.
“If you plan on training for canyoning, then the Bhote Koshi is the place to start as there are canyons from grade one to four,” he advises.
Kabindra Lama assures that due to the ICR being very popular in canyoning countries, there will be huge recognition for Nepal as a canyoning destination if the event goes smoothly and generates interest in the participants.
Related story
Lies, damned lies, and AI
