Whitewater river rafting is a journey on the torrential river on an inflatable rubber boat. You are provided with a life-vest and one helmet to put on all time while you are on the river. A river rafting is often an adventure trip which can be enjoyed even by an amateur. Nepal has some of the best white water river rafting in the world. The adjoining slopes of the river have often dense vegetations and diverse wildlife. The high mountain peaks on background are the added excitements in the rafting. In recent years the mountain scenery, white sand beaches, and hospitable people along the river made the river rafting in Nepal very popular.
Among rivers of Nepal eight rivers in three River system of Nepal Koshi (east), Gandaki (central), and Karnali (west) are open for White water rafting for tourists. (See
Map) Modern rafts, experienced staff and well maintained equipment make the river rafting safe adventure. A beginner can also enjoy rivers of Nepal. The category of rivers of Nepal are from grade 1 to 5+ category. For more information See River
rafting FAQ.
The combination of any rafting itineraries with other Travel & Tour itineraries are Tailor made to suit your interest, time, and budget. Hence we welcome your inquiries for any combination or individual itineraries.
The River system, River, number of days required, the season, and their grades as per season are listed below. You can click the river of your choice for detail information. The * marked rivers are newly opened rivers for white water rafting. The rafting in red marked season is dangerous and inadvisable.
Introduction Rivers of Nepal are coming from the glaciers of High Himalayas.
There are eight rivers in three River System of Nepal which are
open for White Water Rafting for Tourists. They are Koshi (east),
Gandaki (central), and Karnali (west) (See Map).
A river in Nepal is regarded as sacred and is used for religious
rituals including cremation. The adjoining slopes of the river
often harbor dense vegetation and interesting wildlife. Most rivers
do not have highways along side them. Hence you can expect some
wilderness, white beaches, clean blue rivers, and friendly locals.
n Nepal, a river trip is one of the best ways to explore a typical
cross-section of the country's natural as well as ethnic-cultural
heritage. The river flows and passes through some of the most
beautiful canyons, ethnic villages and landscapes of Nepal. The
trips offer full spectrum of wilderness river experiences from
the gently flowing stretches to the loud roaring wild and wet
rapids.River rafting
implies voyaging on torrential rivers on an inflatable rubber
boat. If you are looking for an adventure with excitements then
Nepal’s rivers provide the ultimate opportunity. The picturesque
landscape and the magnificent mountains provide a perfect environment
to ease anxiety-ridden nerves.
Rivers of
Nepal are enjoyable for both novice and experienced rafters. A
beginner can enjoy rafting in friendly rivers like Trishuli and
Sheti where as wild waters of Karnali and Sunkoshi are waiting
the experienced rafters.
What
is a white water rafting? White water rafting means cruising down a rushing river on an inflatable
rubber raft with a whitewater life-vest and helmet put on all the
time while on the river. A trained professional river guide heads
the rafting team, drifting easily often times paddling away in a
frenzy whooping and screaming with waves crashing in.
Safety Most people's image of white water rafting is one portrayed by films
and the media and almost everyone who hasn't done it imagines it
as a horrendously dangerous sport. But the truth is reverse. Accidents,
even minor ones are rare and rafting has a much safer accident record
than say driving, cycling, or probably walking. This is because
when you are on the river you are in relatively protected vehicle
- a nice big bouncy rubber raft directed by an experienced river
guide will never get out of control. All river gears: rafts, Kayaks,
paddles, life jackets, helmets and wetsuits are state of the art,
and meet international standards. They are checked periodically.
River
classification of difficulty Class 1 (Easy): moving water with occasional small
rapids. There are a few or no obstacles. Class 2 (Moderate):
small rapids with regular waves. Some maneuvering is required but
easy to navigate. Class 3(Difficult):
small rapids with irregular waves and hazards. More skilled maneuvering
is required. Class 4 (Very difficult):
large rapids that require careful maneuvering. Class 5 (Extremely
difficult): long powerful rapids with confused water makes path
- finding difficult and scouting from the shore is essential. Class 6 (Nearly impossible):
might possibly but not probably be run by team of experts at the
right water level, in the right conditions with the all possible
safety precautions, but still considerable hazard to life.
Climate
and when to go? Autumn (Mid September to late November):
Most ideal time. The raining season is over, lot of greens, blue
sky, rivers are moderately high but dropping, temperatures are warm
with fine mountain views. It is a peak season of tourist arrival
and sometimes difficult to get airlines reservation. Winter (Late November to mid February): The winter months are cold, but skies are clear and river levels
are low. You should expect cold water. Spring and Summer (Mid February to
mid June): It is also a good time for river fun.
In late spring and summer rivers are fed with molten glaciers. River's
levels are low, air and water temperature warm. The spring is often
hazy. A shower is expected in spring and late summer. Monsoon (Mid June to mid September):
The monsoon brings torrential rains that flood the rivers so most
people do not fancy rafting or kayaking at this time.
What
you should bring? The fewer luggage you carry, the more you will enjoy yourself.
Synthetic fibers are preferable to cotton on the river, as they
are light, quick drying and provide insulation even when wet. For camping and traveling:
Sleeping bag and pad, lightweight pants, cotton underwear, lightweight
long-sleeved shirt or t-shirt, fleece jacket, toiletries (Including
moisture lotion, spare glasses / contact lenses, torch or headlamp
with extra batteries, water bottles. River wear: Secured-fitting
river sandals or running shoes are essential in the event of fall
off raft. Shirts, or a swimsuit, sarong (for women are recommended
when visiting villages, as it covers the legs and doesn't offend
the locals), baseball cap, sunglasses with retaining device, sunscreen
and leap balm. Optional items: Small
binoculars, camera and film, fishing equipment, Walkman / Discman
and tunes, reading and writing material and a personal first aid
kit.
Physical
fitness You do not have to be an athlete to join our trips. A reasonable
level of fitness is recommended though, as it will add to the enjoyment
of your adventure. We do suggest some swimming ability, but non-swimmers
can be accommodated.
