RAFTING IN Nepal
Nepal
is a river runner's paradise - no other country has such a choice of
multi-day trips, away from roads, in such magnificent mountain
surrroundings, with warm rivers, a semi tropical climate, impressive
geography, exotic cultures, wildlife and friendly welcoming people! But
it's not just the rivers - as anyone who has been there will tell you,
Nepal is a magnificent holiday in its own right - a fairy tale land of
temples, mountains, dramatic festivals, exotic culture, colourful
people, medieval villages, superb craft shopping, great food and sights -
the bonus is some of the World's best rivers! Rafting in Nepal is
usually a 'wilderness' experience in that most rivers don't have
highways alongside them - but it's a soft, tamed, wilderness with white
beaches for camping, clean blue rivers, friendly locals. Incredibly
inexpensive, Nepal is a peaceful democratic country where rafters and
kayakers get a warm welcome as one of the best forms of ecotourism.
River
rafting began in Nepal in 1975. With over 250 sizeable tributaries
within 4 major river systems, the potential for rafting is enormous. In
western Nepal lie the Karnali and Mahakali systems, in the east Nepal is
the Sapta Koshi and the Sapta Gandaki dominates the central region. To
date only a few rivers within these systems have been explored
commercially, including:
TRISULI
This
is Nepal’s most popular rafting river and is easily accessible from
Kathmandu. It meanders close to the highway and is perfect as an
alternate means of transport to Royal Chitwan National Park, or even to
Pokhara. Despite its proximity to the road the Trisuli offers great
scenery, impressive gorges and exciting rapids.
SUN KOSHI
The
Sun Koshi River is famous in rafting circles, and with good reason.
This is one of the10 most exciting white water rafting in the world,
roaring past remote villages and green fertile mountains covered with
forests and rice terraces, where local inhabitants can be seen in their
daily rural activities. This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience…
particularly during high waters, when the rapids can swell to massive
sizes, sometimes making the rafts completely disappear from sight! There
are excellent camping sites along the banks
KALI GANDAKI
This
river can be divided into two sections. The “Upper” section offers
exciting class +4 rapids and a remote, unspoiled wilderness environment
and may be ideally combined with the Annapurna-Muktinath trek.
Self-sufficient intermediate or advanced teams can raft of kayak for 3-5 days.
The
“Lower” class 2 section is wide and smooth, offering a relaxing river
trip. The natural scenery is wonderfully unspoiled and as the river
flows through narrow gorges rafters have the chance of glimpsing the
exotic wildlife of the surrounding jungles. This is a classic discovery
trip too often neglected in favor of better-known rivers.
A self-sufficient 2-4 days expedition for beginner and intermediate raft or kayak teams.
Combine the two sections to raft the entire way to Chitwan.
KARNALI
The
lower section of the Karnali is a magnificent river journey into remote
western Nepal. The Karnali is a big river, originating near Mount
Kailash, which runs through unique jungle-clad canyons that support
unique flora and fauna.
Following a 2-day trek to reach the river self-sufficient intermediate or advanced teams can raft or kayak for 5-7 days.
A white water rafting trip may be easily combined with your other adventures – trekking, jungle safaris, or Tibet tours.
The Bhote Koshi River
A
three hour drive from Kathmandu takes you to this pure adrenaline rush
as you crash through a maze of canyons and boulders. The Marshyangdi
River Marshyangdi flows through the gorges of Annapurna with 52 kms. of
boiling foam sandwiched between towering peaks. The rafing starts from
Besisahar and the ending point is Bimalangar on the Prithivi Highway.
The Tama Koshi River
A
ten hour drive to Jiri (central north region) from Kathmandu is
followed by a short walk to Besti for the commencement of this ten day
odyssey. Rafting this river is considered the most adventurous and
dangerous available.
The Marshyangdi River
Marshyangdi
flows through the gorges of Annapurna with 52 kms. of boiling foam
sandwiched between towering peaks. The rafing starts from Besisahar and
the ending point is Bimalangar on the Prithivi Highway.
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