Rafting the rivers of Nepal is an ideal way of escaping the trappings of everyday life. Nepal's rivers are second to none, originating from the high glaciers of the Himalaya they plunge through the towering gorges and forested foothills on their way to the Indian plains. There are more tranquil stretches in between the white water which provides time to reflect on the natural environment along the way. Like the mountains, rivers are regarded as gods in Nepal, each will have its own character and reason for being. Days rafting during a vacation to Nepal combine well with trekking and also provide a very different Nepali experience. Overnights are based on riverside camps, often around a campfire made from driftwood. All necessary equipment is provided by NEC and each rafting team is led by an experienced raft leader. Previous experience is not necessary, unless mentioned in the itinerary.
The Trishuli River: The Trishuli is the most easily accessible rafting river from Kathmandu. It blends well with a journey to Pokhara or Chitwan National Park. Rafting on the Trisuli can be from a few hours up to three days. The river is ideal for beginners, however, there is plenty of white water to keep things interesting along the way. |
Karnali River:
The Karnali provides one of the finest high volume river trips in the world, a classic expedition into Nepal’s remote and unpopulated “wild west”. Nepal’s longest river, it’s source comes from the base of Mt Kailash in Tibet (considered to be the centre of the universe for both the Buddhist and Hindu religions). Flowing south to Nepal, it forms the major drainage system of the western districts. From our starting point at Sauli, the river drops into a number of impressive canyons which are filled with powerful big volume white water, rapids like “Captivity”, “Flip and Strip” and “Gods House” are separated by just enough water to regroup and prepare for the next big challenge. The river is located amongst remote pristine jungle which teems with many birds and wildlife.
Towards the end of the trip, the river gradient begins to ease as the Karnali leaves the mountains to follow the Gangetic plains of the Terai. The jungle thickens as the river broadens, with many pristine beaches which become larger and more beautiful the further one goes.
This is an ideal opportunity to combine your journey with Bardia National Park, if you choose this option, the staff of either Bardia Adventure Resort or Rhino Lodge Bardia will be on hand to collect you from Chisapani. You stay at the park is likely to be for three days two nights (extendable) .
Departure point: Kathmandu or Pokhara
• Rafting starting point: Syauli
• Rafting ending point: Chisapani
• Rafting time: 6 full days ( Per day 4 to 5 hours )
• River grade: 3 to 4+
• Return journey time: 12 hours |
The Bhote Koshi River:
Is three hours drive from Kathmandu. The river is regarded as the most action packed short white water run in Nepal. The water drops steeply, offering relentless stretches of grade 3 - 4 white water. Boulder gardens, small waterfalls, steep chutes and 90-degree bends are just some of the obstacles to be overcome. Like the
Marshyangdi River, the river is typical of the big volume water of the Himalaya, it is steep and technical and requires a reactive crew.
• Departure point: Kathmandu / drive 3 hrs.
• Rafting starting point: Barabise
• Rafting ending point: Lamosanghu Dam
• Rafting time: 5 hours
• River grade: 3 - 4
• Return journey time: 3 hours
Kali Gandaki River:
The Kali Ghandaki originates high on the Tibetan plateau in the Kingdom of Mustang. Plunging down through the Himalayas the river carves the deepest gorge in the world, between Dhaulagiri and Annapurna, both 8000m peaks. The river was first opened to commercial use in 1991 after exploration by an experienced rafting team. When not negotiating the multitude of big volume rapids, time on the river can be spent enjoying the backdrop of the Annapurna ranges and cascading waterfalls. The trip combines well with a visit to Pokhara and trekking in the Annapurna region.
From: Beni to Andhi Khola
Distance: 60km
Total Day: 3 days
Grade: 4 - 4+
Day 01: A briefing is held the evening prior to your departure in Kathmandu.
Day 02: Travel to Pokhara by bus or flight.
Day 03: 7.30am. Drive to Beni (3 hours) / safety briefing / commence rafting / we encounter 2 grade 4 rapids “Little Brother” and “Big Brother”. A safety kayak will descend followed by the rafts. The confluence of the Modi Khola marks arrival at the evening campsite..
Day 04: Plenty of adrenaline and spectacular scenery. Views of Annapurna 1 and Himalchuli are interspersed with continuous grade 3 rapids, culminating with the challenging grade 4 rapids of “Refund” and “Tombstone”. Lush vegetation and spectacular waterfalls cascade down from the cliff faces / camp at the village of Purti Ghat.
Day 05: Raft on through a number of grade three and four rapids to the holy village of Seti Beni and journeys end .Team members have the opportunity to take photos of the Kali Gandaki’s biggest rapids and the sacred Hindu temple before a bus ride back to Pokhara.
Sun Koshi River:
The Sun Koshi or ‘River of Gold’, rises near Shisha Pangma in Tibet and runs eastwards. It drains the highest mountains in the world before emerging on the plains of India where it joins the Ganges. The Sun Koshi is reputed to be one of the worlds top ten rafting rivers with a total length for rafting of around 272kms. The journey takes you through unspoilt countryside and small villages of some of Nepal’s remotest regions. A unique wilderness experience along with some of the best rafting in the world.
Grade: 4 - 4+
A pre-departure meeting is held the evening prior to your departure in Kathmandu.
Day 01: Breakfast at 7am / drive to Sukute Beach (lunch) / safety briefing / raft upper Sun Koshi / Bhote Koshi continuous grade 4 rapids / overnight camp.
Day 02: Breakfast / load rafts / lunch / departure.
Day 03: Big grade 4+ rapids “No exit” and “Meatgrinder”. The Tama Koshi joins the Sun Koshi at this point doubling the volume of water. Camp located near a beautiful Shiva temple overlooking the confluence / overnight camp.
Day 04: Few kilometres below the confluence of the Likhu Khola, encounter a series of rapids known collectively as “Anxiety” including / pre / post and “High Anxiety”. scout river / overnight camp.
Day 05: Harkapur. Prepare to run one of the largest and most difficult rapids of this river.
Harkapur II. Camp beyond the confluence of the Sun Koshi and Dudh Koshi which drain Mt Everest / overnight camp
Day 06: Rest day trek or relax at camp.
Day 07: “Jaws” I, II & III and Rhino Rock rapids are negotiated today / camp above the Jungle Corridor.
Day 08: The “Jungle Corridor” contains several
kilometers of continuous white water, waterfalls cascade down both sides of the canyon. It is a remote and wild place demanding commitment / overnight camp.
Day 09: A relaxing morning floating through stunning landscapes soaking up the sun and watching the world go by. The Big Dipper provides a fitting finale to this incredible journey, huge standing waves and a giant hole separate you from the Himalaya and the northern plains of India. After the confluence of the Arun Rivers the foothills dramatically give way to flat lands of the Terai / take out point at Chatara.
Day 10: Drive (15 hours) back to Kathmandu or drive to Biratnagar / fly to Kathmandu.
Seti River:
Warm and beautiful (2 days):
Season Grading Water Volume
September-December 3+ Approx. 50 cumecs
January- May 3+ Approx. 20 cumecs
June-August 4+ Approx. 100 cumecs
Location, Transportation and Timetable
Damauli, the put-in point for the Seti River is 5 hours from Kathmandu by bus. The 35km river journey takes 2 days to complete. Take-out point at Gaighat is approximately 4-5 hours from both Kathmandu and Pokhara.
Description
The warm and beautiful Seti River passes through stunning jungle scenery, green hills and valleys, it is an excellent river for bird watchers and those interested in nature .
This normally gentle river has plenty of small and straightforward rapids during the tourist season ,however, during the monsoon months, the force of the rapids increases and attracts a very different set of rafters.
The Seti is an ideal trip for those wanting to experience some spectacular river scenery without the intensity of complex or challenging rapids. It is also very well suited to family trips and ideal for kayaking beginners. |
