Rhino Cruise Launched on Narayani River in Nepal
2nd February 2026, Kathmandu
Nepal has officially entered a new era of luxury water tourism with the formal launch of the Rhino Cruise Narayani River. Operating from the scenic banks of Gaindakot in Nawalparasi East, this pioneering project represents the country’s first large scale cruise service designed to integrate river based leisure with religious and cultural tourism. Following its successful inauguration on Sunday evening, the cruise has commenced regular scheduled trips, offering a unique perspective of the Narayani River and its surrounding biodiversity.
Rhino Cruise Launched
The initiative, led by Rhino Water Entertainment Pvt. Ltd. in collaboration with Hotel River Crown, aims to transform the Nawalpur and Chitwan corridor into a premier destination for both domestic and international travelers seeking high quality water activities.
Strategic Objectives and Tourism Connectivity
The Rhino Cruise Narayani River project is built on the vision of strengthening connectivity between Nepal’s most prominent religious and natural landmarks. By utilizing the Narayani River as a natural highway, the cruise aims to link several key sites into a single, cohesive tourism circuit:
- Devghat Dham: A major religious confluence for Hindu pilgrims.
- Maulakalika Temple: A popular hilltop shrine in Gaindakot.
- Valmiki Ashram: An ancient site of historical and religious significance.
- Chitwan National Park: The gateway to Nepal’s wildlife tourism in Sauraha.
The long term goal is to create a seamless economic cycle where river experiences, luxury hospitality, and cultural exploration support the local economy of Bagmati and Gandaki provinces.
Technical Specifications and Passenger Safety
Designed for leisure and sightseeing rather than simple transportation, the Rhino Cruise Narayani River is a feat of modern river engineering. The vessel measures 95 feet in length and 21 feet in width, standing two and a half storeys tall. While the ship is technically capable of carrying up to 200 passengers, the management has capped the capacity at 150 passengers per trip to ensure maximum comfort, mobility, and safety.
Safety is a paramount priority for the operators. Managing Director Deepak Dhungel has confirmed that every passenger is covered by a comprehensive insurance policy of 1 million rupees. The vessel is designed to navigate even during high wind conditions and variable water flows, making it a reliable year round attraction. Each standard cruise lasts approximately one hour, providing ample time for photography, dining, and taking in the panoramic river views.
Cruise Packages and Fine Dining Experience
The Rhino Cruise Narayani River offers a diverse range of pricing tiers designed to cater to budget travelers as well as luxury seekers. The integration with Hotel River Crown allows the cruise to provide high quality culinary services on board.
Advertisement
- Standard Cruise Ticket: 500 rupees (ideal for quick sightseeing).
- Breakfast Cruising: 1,500 rupees (morning trips with sunrise views).
- Lunch Cruising: 2,000 rupees (daytime excursions with full meal service).
- Dinner Cruising: 3,000 rupees (evening trips featuring the river sunset and gourmet dining).
The cruise is also being marketed as a premier venue for destination events. Special booking packages are available for weddings, Bratabandha, Pasni, and corporate seminars, positioning the Narayani riverbank as a competitive alternative to traditional land based banquet halls.
Government Support and Infrastructure Investment
The launch of the Rhino Cruise Narayani River has received strong backing from local government authorities. Gaindakot Municipality Mayor Madan Bhakta Adhikari has pledged municipal assistance for the project, particularly in addressing technical challenges such as river depth and the removal of underwater obstacles. There are ongoing discussions to extend the route further south toward Triveni Dham, which would significantly enhance the religious tourism potential of the region.
The total investment in the cruise and associated hotel infrastructure has reached 500 million rupees. This capital injection has already begun to yield economic benefits for the local community. Currently, 50 local residents have gained direct employment through the cruise and hotel operations, while the demand for local agricultural products and services has seen a noticeable uptick since the project’s soft launch.
Economic Impact and Future Vision
Industry leaders, including representatives from the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI), view the Rhino Cruise Narayani River as a catalyst for regional economic growth. By attracting tourists who might otherwise only visit Sauraha or Pokhara, Gaindakot is establishing itself as a standalone hub for water based entertainment.
The project aligns with Nepal’s national priority of diversifying its tourism products beyond trekking and mountaineering. As the service matures, the management plans to introduce more technologically advanced vessels and expand the docking facilities to accommodate a higher volume of international visitors, particularly from neighboring India and China.
Conclusion
The Rhino Cruise Narayani River is more than just a boat ride; it is a bold statement about the potential of water tourism in a landlocked nation. With its combination of safety, luxury, and strategic location, the cruise is set to become an iconic symbol of Nawalpur’s progress. For travelers looking to experience the tranquility of Nepal’s rivers without compromising on comfort, the Rhino Cruise offers an unparalleled adventure that bridges the gap between nature and modern hospitality.
For More: Rhino Cruise Launched
