KATHMANDU, April 14: Aanbookhaireni Rural Municipality has launched a motorboat service in the reservoir of Marsyangdi Hydropower Center, located alongside the Prithvi Highway. The service provider, Botebora, entered into an agreement with the rural municipality and commenced commercial operations from Sunday, according to Botebora Chairman Bishnu Dhakal.
Dhakal mentioned that the motorboat operation began immediately with an investment of Rs 10 million. The company plans to expand its investment to construct facilities including a beach restaurant, floating deck, river viewpoint, restroom, and a motorboat service center along the reservoir's shore.
Two motorboats named Agni and Fishtail, constructed by Nepal Ship and Boat Building, the first and largest motorboat manufacturer in Nepal, have been launched.
During the inauguration on Sunday, Hari Bahadur Chuman, a minister without portfolio of Gandaki province, expressed his pleasure at the successful launch of the motorboat service, despite facing various challenges. He highlighted the importance of municipalities taking the initiative to promote inter-municipal tourism in the future.
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Chuman also discussed plans to enhance the road connecting Chimkeshwari of Aanbookhaireni, the highest point in Tanahun, with Bandipur, often referred to as the queen of the hills, to boost tourism and improve rural connectivity in the area.
Similarly, Sukra Chuman, chairman of the rural municipality, stated that after two years of efforts, Aanbookhaireni has succeeded in establishing itself as a tourist hub by promoting various destinations such as Aaina Pahara, Chimkeshwari, and local homestays.
Botebora is a motorboat operating company in Nepal, known for creating jobs and establishing new destinations by supporting water tourism in the country. The company has previously provided motorboat services to tourists at water parks in Nepalgunj, as well as in Narayanghat and Devghat in Chitwan, and Bharattal in Sarlahi. It plans to expand its operations to Bulbul Lake in Surkhet soon.
How much is the fee?
Different fees have been set according to the duration of the motorboat ride. According to the company, a motorboat ride costs Rs 250 per person for 6 to 8 minutes, Rs 500 for 10 to 12 minutes, and Rs 1,000 for a 15 to 20 minutes ride.
How to reach?
The motorboat station of Botebora can be reached by traveling 14 km from Mugling towards Pokhara and 10 km from Dumre Bazar towards Kathmandu. The station is located three kilometers from Aanbookhaireni. Public transport is readily available on this route, and there is also a parking facility for those who prefer to drive.
