Rafting and Kayaking
Rafting and Kayaking
Nepal Travel Activity
Nepal may be a cultural jewel of the world with its mountains, temples, architecture and people, but it is not without its fun and adventure. Nepal’s varied topography and Himalayan peaks give birth to some of the worlds most exotic, beautiful, challenging rafting rivers in the world; as diverse as Nepal itself.
Among other adventure sports, rafting and or Kayaking, can be other great and fun ways to travel through Nepal.
Nepal’s Himalayan rivers, offer something for everyone. Whether you are an experienced and seasoned rafter or looking to try rafting for the first time, there is a river for you in Nepal!
Nepal’s raft-able rivers have different levels of extreme ranging from easier rapids grade 1-2 or grade 5-5+ for the more experienced or daring river rider. It also offers a variety of options for amount of time you spend on the water. Whatever your desired vacation is you can easily make your rafting trip a personalized travel adventure of a few hours to a few weeks of rafting.
Some of Nepal’s river profiles that you can traverse down are:
Upper Sun Kosi (grade 1-2)- This adventure usually begins at Khadichour and ends in Dolalghat (about 3 hours outside of Kathmandu). The river shores here, are dotted with sandy beaches and numerous picnic and camping spots.
The most popular rafting river in Nepal is by far the Trisuli (grade 3+). It is the least expensive rafting location, and is an ideal destination to have if you also want to visit Pokhara or the Chitwan National Park. Although its grade is (3+) it can be calm and relaxing in some spurts and then raging waters the next. For those in a hurry you can go down the Trisuli for a few hours or for those with more time for 3-4days.
The Sun Kosi (grade 4-5) which is the longest river trip, it is like a river trek that can last for a week or longer. It usually starts in Dolalhgat and ends at Chatara near the northern border of India. Generally the trip lasts from 9-10 days, with the first few days being slightly milder in rapids and ending up more challenging the last few days.
Karnali (grade 4-5)-Nepal’s longest river, will definitely give you an adrenaline rush as you rip by jagged canyons and gushing waterfalls. It takes about 7 days to get down, you can get to the start by taking a bus to far-western Nepal or a flight to Nepalgunj.
Bhote Kosi (grade 4-5)-Starting above Barabise, a few hours out of Kathmandu, this 26km of near continuous steep rapids can be done in 2 days. Even during the lower water months it still offers the adventurous traveler a great challenge. If rafting down this river is not exciting enough, there is also the only bungee jumping station in Nepal over this river.
Marsyangd(grade 5-5+) is usually a 4 day non-stop ride of white water rapids. If you are not a professional at river rafting or you have even the slightest doubt of your abilities to rapid-negotiate, it is advised to consult some local professionals before heading down this difficult river. For those adrenaline-junkies looking for a great challenge for 5-6 days this might be for you.
The Kali Gandaki (grade 5-5+), also known as the deepest gorge in the world, is for the light-hearted rafting traveler, it is for the adventure-junkie! it is a rough and tumble through canyons and gorges which could be as short as 5-6 days but could be continued through to the Trisuli adding up to an extra 4 days.
Other rivers– The Arun from Tumlingtar and the Bheri in western Nepal, although not as popular they are alternative options of river rafting.
Safety- is the most important part of river rafting. Choosing a professional agency is the first step for your enjoyment, safety, and health while rafting in Nepal. Chose your river carefully by seeking information from local experts and consult literature on levels and difficulty.
It helps to be in groups or plan with a professional travel agency as there should be a minimum of two rafts per trip in case of emergency one can help with a fall from another.
You should always carry a first aide kit as well as survival and rescue gear, something a professional agency would carry.
To view pre-designed Nepal travel packages, see our programs page or the encyclopedia for more Nepal Travel items.