Canyoning, rock climbing begin in Balefi waterfall

By Our Correspondent,Sindhupalchwok, Aug.13: Adventure games, canyoning and rock climbing have begun in Chilaune of Balefi Rural Municipality -3 in the district.  

 A large crowd of people is seen visiting the tall waterfall of Balefi to enjoy the exciting canyoning and rock climbing after the trainers started giving training to the learners, said Pratim Goley Tamang, a local.

There are three layers of the waterfall in the high waterfall for canyoning.  The first layer of 9 metres is suitable for starters, the 12 metre-high second layer waterfall is for people who have acquired some skills in canyoning the third layer of approximately 17 metres is for people with advanced skills. 

Trainers Pemba Tamang, Phuradiki Sherpa and Sujal Gurung have been providing training in canyoning and rock climbing. 

The trainers are now teaching security measures like tying the rope, descending and climbing the waterfall along with other necessary protocols. Dozens of people have taken training as of Monday, Tamang said. 

According to the vice chairperson of Balefi Rural Municipality Saru Lama, all necessary equipment and basic infrastructure needed for rock climbing and canyoning were managed with the budget of Rs. 350,000 they allocated in the fiscal year 2023/24.

“By breaking down the old mentality of people who believe that the waterfall areas are haunted or those who go near the waterfall will be affected by the spirit, we have decided to transform it into a recreation site by teaching people to rock climbing and canyoning and making income,” she said.

There are many places in Balefi which can be developed as good tourist destinations. The waterfall is just 85 km away from Kathmandu, and we are planning to earn income from publicising it, said Lama.