Rafting in Nepal

The torrential rivers of Nepal emerging from the glaciers of the highest mountains in the world and flowing through the mysterious plateaus of the Himalayan region, both in Tibet and Nepal provide ample opportunity to enjoy rafting in Nepal. Nepal is a river runner’s paradise. No other country can provide such a great choice of multi-day trips, away from roads, in such magnificent mountain surroundings with warm rivers, a semi-tropical climate, impressive geography, exotic cultures, wildlife and friendly welcoming people and no nasty biting insects. Rafting provides a unique chance to see the natural beauty, flora and fauna and enjoy the beautiful landscape in the most memorable way.

Unique geographical structure of Nepal has created the most exciting rafting rivers in Nepal. Rafting in Nepal is usually a ‘wilderness’ experience, as tamed wilderness with white sandy beaches for camping, clean blue rivers and friendly locals. Rivers lovers have described Nepal as “blissful escapism!” incredibly inexpensive and beautiful country where rafters and kayakers get a warm welcome”.

Rafting has been considered as the best eco-tourism. Traditionally, we Nepalese have always revered and at the same time are afraid of holy rivers. To ferry across a river in dugout is a dangerous and fearful experience – most Nepalese cannot swim. The idea of running rivers, especially the big river for fun seems quite crazy to us. The first ‘crazy’ river runners arrived in Nepal in the late 1960’s. Two Frenchmen are said to have descended on parts of the sun koshi in 1968. The river sun koshi is categorized as one of the top ten classic rivers of the world. Rafting and kayaking history of Nepal starts from 1970. The first commercial trip was organized in 1974 for 15 foreigners in different rivers of Nepal. The trip was so successful that Mr. Al Rid, an American national associated with tiger tops started regular raft trips in trisuli and sun koshi under the able leadership of Mike Yager. Mr. Yager infused the spirit of newly trained Nepali rafting guides and explored the rivers of Nepal for commercial purpose. He organized training programs including a tour to the USA. In their final exam, they scored higher marks than any other groups in the whole of the United States. In 1976, Himalayan River Exploration was registered with the Government of Nepal. This was the first commercial river rafting company in the Himalaya or in Asia. By the early 1980’s Nepali rafters were recognized as world class professionals and were invited to lead and support expeditions growing only. This figure does not include other tourists who visit Nepal for other purposes and go rafting. But now it is difficult to determine it as we do not have the provision of taking river permits.

Why go rafting in Nepal

• The rivers of Nepal take you away from the busy trekking routes and penetrate the heart of rural, roadless, unspoiled natural heritage of Nepal.
• Rafting offers an attractive alternative to trekking, if you do not enjoy walking. It offers the country from different viewpoints.
• Rafting leaves no footprints, has minimal ecological effect, and Causes little disruption to the social patterns of local life.
• It is one of the best ways to view wildlife.
• Warm rivers in mind hot weather.
• Impressive geography of mountains.
• Rafting includes not only water – it includes temples, people, culture, festivals, and medieval villages. It involves so many activities and so many varieties.
• Anybody can join the trips – do not need previous experience, training, etc.
• Nepal is believed to be the paradise of the rafters. Unique geographical setting has made it possible – highest snow mountains, deepest gorge.
• No other country has such a choice of multi-day trips.
 

The best among the best rivers of Nepal

• Best long, white water trips –“world classic” – Karnali, Tamur, Sun koshi
• Best rivers for wild life and fishing - Baabai, Bheri, Karnali, Mahakali
• Best 3-6 day white water trips – Marsyangdi, Kali, Tamur
• Best 1-3 day white water trips – Trisuli, Bhote koshi
• Best 4-5 days easy water trips – Bheri
• Best 1-3 day easy water trips – upper Sun koshi, Seti, Babai, Trisuli
• Best Combined trekking and rafting trips – Tamur, Maarsyandi
• Best budget trips – Trisuli, Kali, Sun koshi
• Best family trips – Upper Sun koshi, Seti, Trisuli
• Best short white water – Bhote koshi