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About
Rafting in Nepal
RAFTING Kayaking Canyoning The fact that you want to
raft down Nepal's challenging rivers means that you have
long ago graduated from the nursery school of "Row, row,
row your boat". The many 'raftable' rivers in Nepal
meander between canyons, villages, and virgin forests,
wildlife, like needle through thread, weaving the
country's rich tapestry of ethno-culture and
bio-diversity. Originating in the bowels of the
Himalayas, these rivers flow across the length and
breadth of Nepal and neighboring India, before emptying
mostly into the Bay of Bengal.
Rafting is inarguably the best way of exploring Arcadian
Nepal. The waters offer something to everybody: from
grade 5-5+ rivers with many raging white water rapids
for the brave and the adventurous, to grade 2-3 rivers
with a few rapids for the laid-back type. The beautiful
thing is that just about anybody, whether old or very
young, can raft. Moreover, it can either be a two-week
trip or a 2-3 day trip-you decide.
Paddle rafting is strongly recommended. It involves
teamwork with the river runner barking instructions from
his perch on the aft. You can either do participatory
rafting, where you and your group are provided with a
runner and barebone staff support, or a "luxury safari
style" trip where a full team of staff is provided to
address your group's every need and want. Mind you,
rafting is not the only way to travel downstream. A few
companies offer inflatable kayaks, or fiberglass kayaks
for hire.
An extreme sport popular in Europe, Canoeing is now
available in Nepal. Canoeing gives you the freedom to
explore some of the most ruggedly beautiful, yet
forbidden places in the world.
Best Time to Rafting
Season
October through mid-December and March through early May
are the best times. It is possible in winter, but you
have to watch out for hypothermia. During monsoon (June
through September), the white water sections are
dangerous, but gentler stretches are runnable.
Raft Route
River Profiles: So far the government has opened
sections of 10 rivers for commercial rafting.
Karnali (arcade 4-5):
Nepal's longest, it flows through steep, jagged canyons
whrer the rapids are tightly-packed, offering continuous
challenging water at all flows. Either a bus ride to
far-western Nepal or a flight to Nepalgunj can take you
there. The river section takes about 7 days to navigate,
even as you explore canyons and waterfalls. For those
craving an adrenaline rush, this river is a must.
Sun Kosi (grade 4-5):
This is the longest river trip (270km) offered in Nepal.
You begin at Dolalghat just three hours out of Katmandu
and end in Chatara, down the Gangetic Plain of north
India, 9 or 10 days later. The Sun Kosi starts off with
relatively mild rapids the first couple of days. The
surprises sneak up on you during the last days. It is
considered one of the world's top 10 classic river
journeys.
Trisuli (grade 3+):
The cheapest river trip available in Nepal, where you
pay $20 or so per day. Although relatively unsafe during
monsoon, it is fun otherwise. A Trisuli river trip can
be combined with trips to Chitwan or Pokhara. It is
undoubtedly the most popular of Nepal's raftable rivers.
Kali Gandaki (grade 5-5+):
Sacred Hindu river, here the rapids are technically
challenging, winding through canyons and gorges.
Starting at Baglung, you could raft down to Ramdighat in
five-six days. You may then continue on to the
confluence with the Trisuli at Devghat, adding another
130 km and 3-4 days.
Bhote Kosi (grade 4-5):
A couple of hours out of Kathmandu, it is 26 km of
continuous white water. Can be done in 2 days. It is the
steepest river rafted in Nepal, requiring Zen-like
concentration from the river-runner, and offering an
adrenaline rush even in low-water months. Starting above
Barabise, you raft down to the dam at Lamosangu.
Upper Sun Kosi (grade 1-2):
Begins at Khadichour and ends in Dolalghat. The river is
lined with clean sandy beaches, which make for great
picnic or camping spots. The trip offers a great family
getaway, far from the madding crowd.
Marsyangdi (grade 5-5+):
The raging Marsyangdi is four days of continuous white
water. Begins from the village of Ngadi, up from
Besisahar. As the rapids are unrelenting, it is advised
that you consult companies with lots of experience on
under their belt. For people looking for a 5-6 day trip
with raging rapids, the Marsyangdi is definitely where
it is at.
Other rivers: The Bheri
in western Nepal can be combined with a visit to the
Royal Bardia National park. The
Arun from Tumlingtar is another option.
Safety
-
Safety is the most important part of any river trip.
Choosing a professional veteran rafting company is
the first step. So it helps to abide by the
following tips:
-
Pick
your river with care. Seek information from a
rafting agency, local experts, and literature on
river levels and difficulty.
-
There should be a minimum of two rafts per trip, so
that one can help when a fall happens from the
other.
-
Carry first-aid kit, survival and rescue gear.
-
Check to see that end loops and the leash are
adequate before you push off. This makes it easier
to keep hold of your boat when swimming big rapids,
and also in the event of rescue.
-
Be a
team person, paddle synchronously.
-
For
boats, paddles and helmets, loud colors are
recommended.
-
Wear
life jackets and helmets, properly too.
-
Keep
your feet and arms inside the raft at all time.
-
When
you fall off into a rapid, float on your back, with
your feet downstream.
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