Rafting in Nepal

To white water raft is to bounce down a river in an inflatable rubber raft over crashing waves and swirling rapids for the excitement of a lifetime and Nepal offers some of the most exciting river rafting adventures in the world for white water kayaking, catter raft and rafting. Since the entire country is on a steep incline the rivers that thunder down from the high Himalaya churn with extra ferocity to provide some of the fastest and most challenging white waters in the world. Foaming with the waters of melting glaciers the agitated waters crash through gorges, valleys and tropical jungles on their way to the plains of India. The ever-changing landscapes through which they pass reveal an amazing diversity of flora and fauna.

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 (Class 3) - 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.

Suitable for 1-4 day raft or kayak expeditions for beginner and intermediate standard rafters.

Sun Koshi (Class +5) - According to experts this river provides one of the best rafting trips in the world. The Sun Koshi, which has fairly warm water, is a remote and pristine river with no roads nearby. A few friendly villages are passed on the way and the banks of the lower section reveal a wide variety of wildlife. There are excellent camping sites along the banks.

Kali Gandaki (Class 2 - +4) - 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 (Class 5) - 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.