Kathmandu: Nepal’s first river cruise, Rhino Cruise, officially began operations on the Narayani River on Sunday, aiming to promote water-based tourism and connect the region’s religious and natural attractions. The project, supported by Gaindakot Municipality and private operators, seeks to make the riverbanks of Gaindakot and Nawalparasi a model destination for sustainable tourism in South Asia.
Mayor Madan Bhakta Adhikari highlighted the cruise’s potential to integrate popular sites such as Devghatdham, Triveni Dham, and Maulakalika Ashram into a unified tourism corridor, while pledging municipal support to improve infrastructure and clear navigational obstacles. Industry leaders noted that the project will stimulate local economic growth, with collaborations planned between the cruise and hotels for water activities and tourism packages.
Operated by Rhino Water Entertainment Pvt. Ltd., the cruise is 95 feet long and 21 feet wide, accommodating 150 passengers. It offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner cruises, as well as packages for weddings and special events, with ticket prices ranging from Rs 500 to Rs 3,000. Each passenger is covered by Rs 1 million in insurance, emphasizing both safety and comfort.
