Rafting in Nepal
What to Carry?
- Camera and Binoculars.
- Light Colored and casual clothing that blend with the nature. Light jackets and weather during the winter months (November-March)
- Insect repellent and personal medicine.
- Comfortable walking shoes.
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Rafting on the wild Himalayan Rivers:
Introduction:
White Water Rafting is a special venture in the river on inflatable rubber boat. A river trip is usually an unusual adventure. The most thrilling, exciting and exotic river trips in Nepal can be arranged through us. You can choose river trips lasting 1 to 12 days on some of the best and exciting rivers in Nepal. These wild rivers rising from the hidden plateau of Tibet and the high Himalayan Mountains of Nepal cut deep down the rugged sloppy mid-hills of Nepal and then finally meander across the Nepalese and Indian plans to join the holy waters of the river Ganga.
In a country like Nepal, a river trip is one of the best to explore the typical cross section of the country's natural as well as ethno cultural heritage. Whether it's just the two of your for a romantic escape or perhaps a group of friends outing or just you, this action packed jaunt to the foothills will surely become a favorite outing sports of yours for years to come. 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. Out staffs are highly trained and qualified in the aquatic sport for white water rafting.
Why go rafting on the Himalayan rivers.
- The rivers of Nepal take away from the busy towns & settlements and lead you to the heart of rural unspoiled Nepal where there are no roads.
- Rafting leaves no footprints and has minimal ecological effect. Which causes little disruption to the social patterns of local life.
- Rafting gives you the unique and enjoyable experience of river travel and it's better way of viewing wildlife, peoples, geography, culture and nature.
Int's rivers classification of difficulty:
Class - 1: (Easy)
Moving water with occasional small rapids. Few or no Obstacles.
Class - 2: (Moderate)
Small rapids with regular waves. Some maneuvering required but easy to navigate.
Class - 3: (Difficult)
Small rapids with irregular waves and hazards that need avoiding. More difficult maneuvering required but routes are normally obvious. Scouting from the shore is occasionally necessary.
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 and the right water level, In the right condition with the all possible safely precautions, but still considerable hazard to life ultimate in rafting.
What we provide:
In all out river expedition, we provide professional whitewater guides, private ground transportation, porters, permits, cooks, delicious meals that are hygienically prepared (vegetarian options are available, as well as special dietary needs), first-rate equipment, self bailing rafts, life jackets, helmets, wetsuits (according to season and on certain rivers), dry bags for gear, tents and camera barrels. But we do not include the following: Bottled or alcoholic beverages, any type of insurance, visa and personal expenses.
Physical:
You do not have to be an athlete to join our trips. A reasonable level of fitness is recommended through, as it will add to the enjoyment of your adventure, We do suggest some swimming ability, but non-swimmers cab e accommodated., We already take many non-swimmers on the river. Our hi-buoyancy in life jackets and helmets mean there is little chance of getting into trouble.
On the river:
There are nor rules to running rivers. To enjoy, feel and learn, we ask that you be flexible and open to the ever changing situations. Here is what you may encounter on a typical day during your journey.
We rise with the sun, eat a hearty breakfast, load the rafts and begin our rafting day. On the river we paddle hard through countless rapids and cruise the water in between. On the larger volume rivers, approximately 30 percent of the time is spent running rapids and 70 percent drifting. Lunch is alongside the river on a sandy beach around noon. Throughout the day we stop to assess the more challenging rapids, as well as explore in interesting cultural sites and villages, A typical day consists of about 4-6 hours spent on the river, (time dependent) upon our choice of spectacular riverside campsites.
At around 3-4 pm in the afternoon we arrive in camp, leaving plenty of time to relax and enjoy the surroundings. Evenings are spent around campfire, drinking hot-spiced rum and getting to know fellow rafters. Meals are prepared communally and the kitchen soon becomes a major social point.
On linger trips, a layover day is build into the itinerary, giving you an opportunity to do as little or as much as you like. Longer expeditions have the advantage of real hear-thumbing whitewater, with the semblance of a long river journey, By spending more time on the river things are more relaxed relationship progress at a more natural pace and memories are established for a lifetime.
River Opened For Rafting:
- Arun River
- Bheri River
- Karnali River
- Kaligandaki River
- Seti River
- Sunkoshi River
- Takakoshi River
- Trishuli River
- Marshyangdi River
- Bhotekoshi River
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Karnali River: (Best of West)
Nepal's longest river, the Karnali springs from the base of Mt. Kailash in Tibet, the center of the universe for both Buddhist and Hindu religions. Flowing south into Nepal, it forms the major drainage system of the western districts. The Karnali is one of the finest big volume river trips in the world, a classic expedition into Nepal's remote, 'wild west'. The starting point is Syauli where the rivers drops into imposing canyons filled with powerful big volume white water. These canyons flow into the scarcely populated areas of prostine jungle teeming with abundant bird and wildlife. Towards the end of the trip, the river gradient begins to ease as the Karnali leaves the mountains and flows into the Gangetic plains on the Terai. The jungle thickens as the river broadens and the pristine beaches become bigger and even more beautiful.
Summary:
River Grades : 3-4 +
Rapids Grades :
Return travel time : 12hrs.
Duration : 09 days.
Day 01: This 19 hrs bus journey lead us to 'best of the west' river, which departs from Kathmandu at 4:30PM soon as we reach in Surkhet.
Day 02: We serve breakfast, while others prepare bus for travel for another 4hrs. The bus stops at Karelanghat and we get the porters to carry out equipment down to the river. Camp will be fixed in the river beach.
Day 03: After having breakfast at 8:00AM will get ready for the wild ride. This section of the river is terribly wild, continuous rapid makes rafters forget to breathe. Lunch will be served en-route and camping 3:00 PM.
Day 04: Breakfast at 8:00AM, lunch at 1:00PM and Dinner at 7:00PM. Camping at God-House.
Day 05: As previous day, camp at Seti Dobhan.
Day 06: As previous day, camp at Jamuna Village.
Day 07: As previous day, camping at Solta Villate.
Day 08: This is the final day in the river. We end this trip in the early afternoon at Cheesapani Bridge and lunch will be served there. At about 15:30 we catch the night bus to get back Kathmandu or you can also enjoy a relaxed stay at Bardia National Park.
Day 09: This is the final day of the rafting trip. We arrive in Kathmandu nearly at 7:00PM unless you are not going to staying at Bardia National Park.
Kaligandaki River
The Kali Gandaki river begins its journey high on the Tibetan plateau in the kingdom of Mustang. Plunging its way down through the Himalayas. The river carves the deepest gorge in the world between the two 8000M. Peaks Dhaulagiri and Annapurna, The Kali Gandaki was first opened for commercial use in 1991. The journey descends through challenging white water, unique cultures and amazing beaches, When not negotiation rapids, time on the river can be spent under cascading waterfalls and enjoying the backdrop of the Annapurna ranges.
Summary:
River Grade:3-4
Return travel time: 5 hrs
Duration : 02 nights o3 days, a short and sweet adventure trip.
Day 01: This is the first day of our trip. You are welcomed with light breakfast in Pokhara before leaving to the rafting point. After approx: 3 hrs bus drive, we reach at Kusma (Rafting get-in point). After reaching there, some are the crewmen rig the raft, pack-up the gear, while others make your lunch. After lunch, your guide takes you a-side by the river for briefing, which takes about 1 hour. We then ride on the raft and float down for 2 hrs to camp encountering rapieds, big brother, small brother, caves, Daze and Modibehi. Camp will be at Saranghat. Dinner will be around 7:30 PM.
Day 02: Breakfast is served around *:00 AM & soon after completing breakfast, we pack-up gears & are ready for the second day adventure. This day rafting will be for 4 hrs, including lunch time while lunch is served in between 1:00 PM. The second day we encounter rapids, double bend. Python rock. Phalebas, Braindenfall, and Black rock & Sunder fall, Camping at Purtighat & Dinner will be around 7:00 PM.
Day 03: This is the final day of the Kalighandaki River. After 2 hrs continuous floating, we finally reach at Mirmi, where your bus will be ready to pick you up and take you back to Pokhara. Lunch is served at Mirmi, while others load the gear, in to the bus. After lunch, we proceed our journey to Pokhara.
Sunkoshi River
The Sunkoshi,' River of Gold' has been rated as one of the top ten rafting trips in the world. It is also in the lis of must do while in Nepal. The river rises near Shisha Pangma in Tibet and runs estwards. Draning the highest mountains of the world before emerging on the plains of India, where it joins the Ganges. Our journey takes us 270 km through some of Nepal's most remote regions giving you a unique wilderness experience. The first two days are relatively easy and allow time to train you as a team before the bigger rapids arrive. The rapids have acquired names like Meat Grinder, High Anxiety, Jaws and Big Dipper. Say no more. The calmer stretches between rapids give you time to take in the phenomenal views, swim (voluntarily) in warm water and camp on white sandy beaches. This river is a BIG volume HIGH adrenaline expedition ! !
Summary:
River Grades: 4-5
Return travel time: 12+hrs.
Duration: 07 nights 08 days
Day 01: Departure from Kathmandu at 07:30 AM by private bus. It takes 3 hrs to get to the river. As soon as we get there, after finish lunch at the river beach; the river guides give you a safety talk. After this, our first day adventure begins. Rafting will be 3 hrs on first day & stop at Kuhebhir over-night rest. This entire section of the river gives you a change to learn more about this river. Few rapids are found here. Which are named Kuhebhir & left drop.
Day 02: You are given wake-up call early & breakfast will be served at 7:30 AM. You are highly encouraged in participating with our members to pack-up gear & help out too. After getting ready, we move down for 2 to 3 hours and then stop for lunch at 12:00 noon. It takes approx. 2 hours. After having lunch, we will proceed our journey for next 3 hrs. We stay overnight, close to Punch & juddy rapid. This section of the river is ideal for warm-up river experience. In this section, we encounter rapid named mid-grander.
Day 03: Some of the activities mentioned above will be repeated during the trip. This section is slightly difficult. You have to be little more active on your guide's command. In this section, you will encounter rapid punch & juddy, high anxiety, Motorcycle, harkapur 1, 2, 3. We stop at Raighat for the night.
Day 04/05: This section is rally beautiful with troops of monkey's and plenty of bird life for company. You will encounter rapids; like Jaws, Big-hole and Rhino Rock. We stay overnight at Rashuwaghat.
Day 06: This will be the final night at the river. After 4 days of hard works, we arrive on high volume section of the river. Some rapids in this section are called Chamereghat,. Darshandhungat, Camping point will be at Ranitar.
Day 07: Kathmandu arrival in the morning. End of the Sunkoshi river-rafting trip.
Note: After October, the above itinerary will change to 09 days itinerary because of low water volume.
Trishuli River :
01-day raft program: every day departure: s
The Trushuli is Nepal's most popular rafting river, Impressive gorges, exciting rapids and easily accessible from Kathmandu at Pokhara is the main attraction of this river. Legend says that high in the Himalayas at from Gosainkunda Lake (at 4318 meter), the Loard Shiva drove his trident (Trushul) into the ground to create three springs. This being source of river and hence its name Trishuli. A trip in this river can easily be managed to end duration depending upon the availability of time and interest. A Trishuli trip can easily be managed to end at a place where the wildlife tour begins in the Chitwan National Park.
Summary:
River Days : 1 - 4
Marshyangdi River : Class 3 + (4)
Total Raft-able length : 134 KM
02 Days raft Program:
Day 01: Departure from Kathmandu at 7:00 AM by tourist coach. After 3 hrs bus ride, we will reach to Mungling, You will be welcomed by the rafting guide and given briefed about the safety precautions before starting the trip. Lunch will be served at the bank of the river at 12:00 PM. After lunch we will again proceed out trip for couple of hours. On the fist day, we will encounter rapids Twin rock. Ladies delight, Sweet-dream monsoon, up-set, good-bye and surprise. Finally, we will stop at fishing for overnight rest. Dinner will be served around 8:00 PM.
Day 02: Breakfast will be served at 8:00 AM. And after that, we pack-up all gear & be ready for the second day adventure. On this day, we pass Butterfly, Electric, bend & Pinbal rapids. Lunch will served around 12:30. At last, we stop at Panch Kilo. We will stop at Panch Kilo from where transport will be provided to your own destination.
03 Days Raft Program:
Day 01: Departure from Kathmandu at 7:00 AM by tourist coach. After 3 hrs bur ride, we will reach to Malinga, You will be welcomed by the rafting guide and given a briefing about the safety precautions before starting the trip. Lunch will be served at the bank of the river at around 12:00. After lunch we will again proceed out trip for a couple of hours encountering Twin rock, Ladies delight, Sweet-dream monsoon. Up-set. Good bye and surprise rapids. Finally, we will stop at Fishing for overnight rest. Dinner will be served at 8:00 PM.
Day 02: Breakfast will be served around 8:00 AM and pack up and be ready for the second day adventure. Today, we pass by Butterfly, Electric, S bend & Pinbal rapids. Lunch will be served around 12:30. We stop at 5 Kilo for the night. Dinner will be served around 8:00 PM.
Day 03: After breakfast, we get ready for las day adventure. It will be about 2 hrs river journey. The coffee pot is the great rapid of this section. Luncj will be served where this trip ends and transport will be arranged to your own destination. As being easily accessible river, we can raft from Baireni to Malekhu on monsoon. (June through Septemner)
Marshandi River
The " Raging River" drains the northen slope of the Annapurna Mountains. It was only opened to rafting in 1996 and yields some of the most exciting class 4 - 5 white water in Nepal. This river demands 100% commitment from both crew and guide. It is very different from the big volume rivers like the Sun Koshi and Karnali, the rapids are technical and require a very different approach. Big volume rivers need power and a good line, The marshyangdi needs fast reactions from the crew to get through this pinball machine river. Located on the eastern side of the Annapurna circuit. The Marshyandi River has long been famous for the beautiful views. With each twist and turn the sleep sided gorge walls frame a new mountain backdrop.
Summary:
River Grades: 5 +
Total raft-able length: 46 KM
Duration: 04 or 05 days.
Itinerary:
Pre-departure meeting will be held at the office in Kathmandu at 6 PM, the night before departure.
Day 01: After breakfast, we leave by private bus Beshisahar. The last four hours of this ride takes us off the "good" tarmac roads and tends to be a little bouncy in places. After reaching Beshishar, we unload the gear and enjoy a hearty lunch. We then proceed to Khudi where we will camp overnight. We arrive at Khudi in time to set up camp, relax and find the best spot to take in the magnificence of the surrounding Himalayas at sunset.
Day 02: After breakfast, we start trekking for a couple of hours to our put in point Ngdi. Lunch will be served, rafts are pumped, gear handed out and your expedition leader will brief you and train your on about safety and padding. Pay attention as you go straight into the rapids and this river has a way of underlining any mistakes ! This is the most Knuckle gripping section of the river so enjoy it. We encounter rapids as Instant Karma, Twinkle, Adrenaline, and mama's big but by thumbhole. We end the day will a well-earned dinner, no doubt with a rum punch for company to help it down.
Day 03: Today will be the first full day trip on the Marshyangdi, which offers more rapids than many weeklong trips offer in their entirety, and it doesn't stop after the first day. The crystal blue water thunders down steep cataracts for mile after mile, with lush jungle slinging precariously to the canyon walls and surreal mountains suspended high above the forested ridges. Theis is a river with so many excisting rapids that many are waiting for a reason to be named… who knows you might get to name one. Today we start with hot drinks and then have breakfast - get ready to tackle the intense whitewater rafting for the next 5 hours. iWe go for the action have a lunch break and then continue our descent. The white sandy beaches below Besishaar make for the most comfortable nightspot around. Another evening n the river relaxing discussion the day's events, eating and watching the stars in night sky.
Day 04: After breakfast we hit directly into the water again. At Phaliya Sanghu, the whole river is squeezed between vertical walls, which rise 200 ft to a suspension bridge across the river. For a short section after Phaliya Sanghu the river relaxed, the rapids are more open and nowhere as powerful. We end the day at Bhoteodar, where we camp on the banks n the cave of a Shiva temple.
Day 05: The river becomes very mellow and goes through a high walled gorge with birds and vegetation that can only be described as berth talking. We reach our take out point at Bimal Nagar by lunchtime where our transport is waiting to take us back to Pokhara to Kathmandu.
Bhotekoshi River
A short bus ride form Kathmandu brings us to "Sukute Beach Adventure Camp" (70 KM drive from Kathmandu") on the Kathmandu - Tibet road. Further 26 km from the camp is the put-in of the most action packed short white water run in Nepal. The river drops steeply offering relentless stretches of class 3-4 white water. Boulder gardens, small waterfalls, steep chutes and 90-degree end are just some of the obstacles to be overcome. Like the Marshyangdi, this river is not typical of the big volume waters of the Himalaya; it is steep, technical and requires a reactive crew.
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