Rafting

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.