Introduction

Nepal is gearing up to host the world’s longest raft race, The Great Karnali Quest, 2024, which will cover a distance of 248 km along the Karnali river. The race, which is scheduled to take place from March 8 to 13, 2024, is expected to attract 16 teams from around the world, including six international teams that have already confirmed their participation.

The Great Karnali Quest, 2024

The Great Karnali Quest, 2024, is a joint initiative of Nepal Association of Rafting Agencies (NARA), Nepal River Conservation Trust (NRCT) and Karnali Basin Conservation Foundation (KBCF). The organizers aim to promote tourism, conservation and development in the Karnali region, which is one of the most remote and underdeveloped areas of Nepal.

The Karnali River

According to Megh Aale, the president of The Great Karnali Quest, the race will showcase the beauty and diversity of the Karnali river, which is the longest and largest river in Nepal. He said that the race will also highlight the need to protect the river from threats such as dams, pollution and climate change. He added that the race will create a brand for Karnali as a destination for adventure tourism and sustainable development.

The Race Details

The race will start from Rakam Karnali in Aathbis Municipality of Dailekh District and end at Daulatpur Ghat in Kailali District. Each team will consist of six members, who will have to pay a fee of 450 dollars to enter the race. The winner of the race will receive a prize of $4,000, while the runner-up will get $3,000. The race will also be broadcast live on various platforms.

The Benefits of the Race

Shiva Adhikari, the president of NARA, said that the race is a big opportunity for Nepal to showcase its potential as a rafting destination. He said that the race will also boost the local economy and create employment opportunities for the people of Karnali. He expressed his hope that the race will receive support from the government and the tourism board, which have been facing challenges due to political instability.

The Challenges and Opportunities

The Great Karnali Quest, 2024, is the first of its kind in the world, and is expected to set a new benchmark for rafting events. The organizers invite all the rafting enthusiasts and lovers of nature to join the race and experience the thrill and beauty of the Karnali river. However, the race also poses some challenges, such as ensuring the safety and security of the participants, the environmental impact of the event, and the coordination and cooperation among the stakeholders.

Conclusion

The Great Karnali Quest, 2024, is a unique and ambitious project that aims to promote the Karnali region as a rafting paradise. The race will not only test the skills and endurance of the rafters, but also raise awareness and appreciation for the Karnali river and its people. The race is expected to be a memorable and meaningful event for all the participants and spectators.

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