Rafting in Nepal

2023-01-22 | Published By: Bold Himalaya

Nepal is well-known for its tourism activities, particularly trekking, mountaineering, and rafting. Nepal has over 6000 perennial rivers, with major rivers such as the Kosi, Narayani, Gandaki, Marsyangdi, Bheri, Karnali, and Mahakali flowing from the glaciers of the mighty Himalayas. Rafting is a recreational outdoor activity that involves navigating a river or other body of water on an inflatable raft.
This is frequently done on whitewater or in varying degrees of roughness. Risk is often a component of the experience. Many of the world's best rivers offer enjoyable and thrilling river rafting activities. The rafting rivers of Nepal have rapids that are ideal for rafting since they descend quicker and farther than other rivers on earth. River rafting in Nepal is unique because it is crossed by some of the most famous Himalayan rivers.

The reality here is the beautiful inheritance; as the rivers cut through Nepal's extreme terrain, they create steep falls faster and more potent than most rivers on the planet. The rafting rivers of Nepal have rapids that are ideal for rafting since they descend quicker and farther than other rivers on earth. Different grades of whitewater rafting trips may differ based on interest and preference. The crystal clear chilling river flowing straight down the snow-covered Himalayas with rapid speed, swift current, and crashing waves is an exciting experience, and rafting on a rubber-inflated boat or kayak cruising down is an exhilarating experience for life.

The vast altitude variation from 70 m to 8848 m in less than 200 km has blessed Nepal with numerous fast-flowing rivers that gush down from the Himalayas, cutting through mountain ranges and carving profound gorges on their way to the lowland plains. Nepal is the home of the Himalayas, from which rivers rush through the foothills, aided by monsoon rains and melting snow, on their way to the Great Plains.

So your thrilling rafting adventure in Nepal will undoubtedly be one you remember for the rest of your life. The rafting rivers of Nepal have rapids that are ideal for rafting since they descend quicker and farther than other rivers on earth. Different grades of whitewater rafting trips may differ based on interest and preference.



Reason to do river rafting in Nepal

White Water Rafting is a popular water sport you can relish with friends, family, or even alone. White Water Rafting has captured the hearts of adventurers and sports enthusiasts as among the most thrilling and memorable water activities. Rafting is a terrific opportunity to explore the true beauty of Nepal since the rivers

all begin in the Himalayas and snake their way downhill through human habitat, agricultural areas, wilderness, and some of the most stunning scenery. Rafting is becoming increasingly popular as a great holiday activity; whether you do a quick day trip or an entire expedition, there are numerous reasons to go whitewater rafting. There are numerous reasons to go whitewater rafting.

If you have yet to try whitewater rafting, here are 11 reasons why you should plan a trip to rafting in Nepal:


The Wildlife: When you go rafting in Nepal, you truly immerse yourself in the environment. Once you get off the main roads, the wildlife in Nepal is simply breathtaking. You'll get to see the world's deepest gorge, rice paddies, and various other faunas, not to mention the astonishing hills and Himalayas lurking in the background and breathtaking scenery. Nepal is home to a diverse range of animal species, some of which are peculiar to the nation, due to its unusual geographical location.

Among the iconic animals of Nepal are red pandas, Royal Bengal tigers, snow leopards, Asian elephants, sloth bears, greater one-horned rhinoceros, Himalayan monals (Danphes), Ganges river dolphins, wild water buffaloes, wild yaks, Himalayan black bears, Gharial crocodiles, Mugger crocodiles, Blackbucks, Sarus Cranes, Himalayan wolves, many other iconic species.

Nepal also has around 900 bird species. Late into the evenings, you will be treated to a plethora of bird life singing their songs. Observing animals feeding, playing, and interacting with their natural surroundings is a beautiful way to reconnect with nature and escape daily life.


The Camaraderie: The group will work collaboratively on a rafting trip, and everyone's participation will be equal. This sort of bonding experience may foster a healthy work culture in which individuals like interacting with one another and recognize the worth of those with whom they work. The people you are with must be one of the top reasons to go whitewater rafting in Nepal.

Also, many trips begin with strangers and end with lifelong friends. Several people from the expeditions have married and had children. That's awesome! Rafting trips, for example, are packed with like-minded, fun people looking for adventure. It's also an excellent time to catch up with family and friends. All you need is a pounding heart to get the banter going.


The Camping and Stargazing experience: Camping is all about getting away from the conveniences of city life to reconnect with nature, encounter wildlife, and gaze at the stars away from the city's bright lights. Nothing beats the night skies seen from the banks of Nepal's rivers. It's a great place to watch the show because there's no light pollution. It is common to see the Milky Way on clear nights. Because sleeping under a tent is optional, you can spend the entire night gazing at the wonders above. However, rafting in Nepal may be the best option for those who want to experience stargazing and camping, and such efforts are frequently really worthwhile.


Nature calling: Nature may be our constant and provide us with comfort through difficult times. White Water Rafting in Nepal is much more than physical activity. While sitting on the raft, you can have a one-of-a-kind experience out in the open. The tranquil river and surrounding environment add to the enjoyment and memories of your trip. The scenic mountains in the distance, the birds, chipmunks, and other tiny wildlife scurrying on the river's banks, the cool breeze and river water mixing on your skin, and the overall peaceful vibe the area exudes are all visible. This is unquestionably nature at its finest.


The Food: Contrary to popular belief, Nepalese cuisine is one of the most beautiful aspects of their culture. They have a variety of dishes that are a mouthwatering combination of unique flavors. Simply put, the food is excellent. We'll serve you a delicious and nutritious feast of traditional Dal Bhat and familiar dishes like steaks and pasta. While rafting in various locations, a traditional Nepali everyday meal may be enjoyed locally from diverse areas. After a long day on the raft, you're bound to be hungry, and we'll make sure you don't go hungry.


The Climate: Climate is an important component that visitors consider, either explicitly or implicitly, while arranging their trips, and it serves as both a push and a pull factor for them. Unlike that, one can always raft regardless of the weather. There is no such thing as bad weather, only wrong gear. With top-notch equipment and a great team, you're set for a fantastic rafting adventure.


Exercise: White River Rafting may appear to be fun from a third-person perspective. You'll be paddling against the river currents, and the path can be pretty rocky. Still, rafting requires tremendous physical strength and balance, and even a straightforward blunder by a teammate can flip the entire raft upside down or injure someone. Adrenaline junkies will love it, but this can be a good exercise workout if you don't get out much. It is an excellent way to work your muscles while also having fun.


The ideal activity for families and groups: Whitewater rafting is an excellent team-building activity for a group of friends or a family. You're forced to work together to navigate river rapids when you're in a raft with your friends. It's also so much fun that it'll bring you closer together as a family or group of friends. It's not just rafting; spending the evening around the campfire telling stories about the fun you had that day is a great bonding experience. Make a new and exciting family tradition.


It's entertaining: The first and most important reason to go rafting in Nepal has to be fun. Seriously, it's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. We can't think of a better way to spend our days outside in nature, with a great group of people, crashing through the waves, our hearts pounding with adrenaline. We'll be stopping along the beaches for fun and games before wrapping up the day around a campfire.


The Challenge: Regular vacations can be monotonous and boring at times. A whitewater rafting vacation in Nepal could be the best solution. Exploring caves, cliff jumping, tracking tiger footprints, jumping down waterfalls, and other activities are all part of whitewater rafting. A week away from technology and just the simplicity of camping and rafting. Get out of your comfort zone and try something new; you won't be sorry. You'll feel great when you finish the journey.

The Great Outdoors: A rafting vacation is a one-of-a-kind experience that allows you to get away from it all, which is only sometimes accessible today. Is there anything better than spending time outside in nature, away from the internet, TV, pollution, and the stresses of work and daily life? We love that for nine days, and it's just us and the river.


Best time to go rafting in Nepal

The best months to go river rafting in Nepal are September to early December and March to June. The weather is mild during this time, and the water is not too cold. The best time to go rafting in Nepal is determined by your group's white water rafting experience and the adrenaline level you seek.
Whitewater rafting experiences can be divided into beginner, intermediate, and advanced. If you are an experienced paddler looking for larger rapids, plan a trip around mid-June when the water is usually at its peak. The water levels will be at their highest at this time of year. However, if you are new to whitewater rafting or have young children at your party, you can enjoy beginner whitewater rafting throughout the summer months.


Best rivers for rafting in Nepal

Below are the top 10 white water rafting rivers in Nepal that will provide you with the most adrenaline-pumping experience.

Marsyangdi River Rafting: Marsyangdi River Rafting is a demanding experience that makes you nervous. This rafting river can be reached at just 6 hour's drive from Kathmandu. So it can be a 2 to 3 days tour. The Marsyangdi is regarded as one of the Best Rafting Rivers in the world by experienced rafters worldwide.

Around Manang, the Marsyangdi River flows east through a dry valley before turning to the south at Mugling to join the Trisuli River. The rafting starts at Bhule Bhule, ends at Sanghu/Phailiya, and covers a distance of 27 km. The river is one of the best grade IV – V kayaking rivers in the world, making it an excellent option for anyone seeking a challenging and severe rafting vacation. According to difficulty, Marsyangdi River Rafting is categorized as intermediate. Previous rafting experience is preferred.


Sunkoshi River Rafting: The Sun Kosi River originates in the world's highest mountains and allows you to experience the splendor of the Himalayas before joining the Ganges on the plains below. This rafting river can be reached at just 3 hour's drive from Kathmandu. So it can be an 8 to 10 days tour for nature and adventure lovers.

The rafting at Sun Koshi River starts at Dumja and ends at Chatara, covering a distance of 270 km. The Sun Kosi River has Class III-IV rapids throughout its forested canyons and gorges, and its difficulty ranges from intermediate to advanced. There is more to the Sun Koshi River than merely rafting. Additionally, you can take in the gorgeous countryside, pass by nearby villages, visit secluded temples, and enjoy unique beaches.


Karnali River Rafting: Karnali river rafting starts at Dungeswar and ends at Chisapani, covering a distance of 180 km. This river rafting trip necessitates rapid paddling. In Nepal, hydroelectricity is expanding quickly, and the River Karnali is one of the rivers where a dam is anticipated to alter river rafting permanently.

Therefore, if you want to experience one of Nepal's most unique river rafting excursions with class IV rapids, you must do it right away. Karnali river rafting can be up to a ten days tour that can be unquestionably the most excellent and exciting experience since you can experience distant wilderness experiences and see dolphins while on tour. The river gradually levels out and makes for simple float trips to keep an eye out for the rare freshwater dolphin.


Upper Seti River Rafting: Upper Seti rafting, unlike lower Seti rafting, provides a quick adrenaline rush by taking you through continuous rapids for more than 40 minutes. Upper Seti rafting starts at the Bamboo Bridge and ends at the Dam covering a total distance of 7 km. This rafting trip departs from Pokhara, and it takes around 30 minutes by bus to get to the rafting location.

It is particularly unusual since it offers the same number of rapids as the Kali Gandaki but in a shorter amount of time, 40 minutes instead of three days. The Upper Seti rafting has Class III-IV rapids, Perfect for adventure lovers and thrill seekers. The rafting can be categorized as having an intermediate level of difficulty.


Lower Seti River Rafting: The Seti River is one of the top rafting destinations in Nepal for beginners and families looking to enjoy river rafting in a short amount of time. One of the hottest rivers in the nation, the Lower Seti river brings you through serene rapids and lovely woodlands while offering glimpses of the area's abundant and diverse species.

The Lower Seti River Rafting starts at Damauli (Kathmandu Pokhara Highway) and ends at Gaighat (3 hours from Kathmandu), covering the actual rafting distance of 32 km. The rafting can be categorized as having an intermediate level of difficulty. The lower Seti River rafting has Class II - III rapids perfect for newbies, families, and bird watchers.


Kaligandaki River Rafting: Rafters looking for more than a day trip but less than long and difficult expeditions will fall in love with the Kali Gandaki. It can be a three days rafting tour starting from a 30-minute flight / 6-hour drive from Pokhara. Rafting in the Kali Gandaki brings you up close to deep river gorges, and the circuit is filled with breathtaking scenery.

The Kaligandaki River Rafting journey begins in Maldunga and ends in Miami, covering a distance of 90 kilometers. The Kaligandaki River Rafting has Class II - III rapids perfect for natural beauty. The rafting can be categorized as having and suiting all skill levels of difficulty.


Bhote Koshi River Rafting: Glacial waters form the Bhote Koshi from Tibet's Shishapangma. Despite having Class III to V rapids, the river is suitable for both novice and experienced rafters. The Bhote Koshi river rafting starts at Lamasanghu/Baseri and ends at Dolaghat, covering a distance of 22 km. It is only a 3-hour drive from Kathmandu and provides an adrenaline rush like no other.

It doesn't take up much of your time, but it gives some of Nepal's most stimulating and wild experiences. Bhote Koshi River Rafting is both enjoyable and stimulating, as well as complex and challenging, but it is never unpleasant. You can expect to see lush fields, beautifully terraced lands, remote villages, breathtaking waterfalls, and deep canyons on your journey.


Bheri River Rafting: The Bheri is ideal for families who want to spend some time enjoying nature's thrills and frills. This stunning river is teeming with fishing opportunities, and the incredible jungle is teeming with wildlife, with accessible wildlife viewing opportunities. The Bheri river rafting starts at Samjhighat and ends at Bardia National Park, covering a distance of 105 km. The Bheri river rafting has Class II - III rapids making it perfect for families and love birds. Also, the difficulty level of this rafting is suitable for beginners. The Bheri river rafting tour starts with a four hours drive from Nepalgunj, which continues with experiencing the best of nature and adventure. This journey combines fascinating scenery with exciting whitewater rafting experiences.


Trishuli River Rafting: If you have little free time, going on a river rafting adventure in Trisuli might be your best chance to experience the best Nepal offers in river rafting tours. This 60-kilometer rafting trip starts from Charudi and ends at Gaighat/Fishling.

Some people who are going from Kathmandu to Pokhara take the Trisuli as an alternative route. The river offers all kinds of adventures like cliff jumps and swimming and is fun and incredibly safe. As Class III grade rapids, it is suitable for people of all ages and skill levels and easily ranks among the most well-liked rafting excursions in the nation.


Tamura River Rafting: The Tamur River rafting is ideal for seasoned professionals seeking intense activity. It provides breathtaking views of Mt. Everest, Kanchenjunga, and Makalu and combines a Himalayan hike with a whitewater rafting excursion. This rafting tour can last up to about 11 days, from Kathmandu to Basantapur, on day 1. The Tamur River rafting starts at Basantapur, Terhathum, and ends at Chatara, covering a distance of 120 km. As Class IV grade rapids, it is suitable for those wanting to combine trekking and rafting adventures. Thus, it is a rafting river for advanced and professional rafters.


Packing list for Rafting In Nepal

The rafting packing list depends on the length of the rafting trip, the style of the rafting trip as well as seasons. Camping Rafting in the Himalayan rivers is an exciting and popular adventure. You will receive significant river equipment such as helmets, lifejackets, and paddles. The following is a list of essential rafting equipment.
You can filter the list based on your requirements.

Sleeping Bag, Sleeping pad / Thermo set, Rain shell Warm jacket Warm Hat River shoes Sunglasses Sunscreen (SPF 50+ Recommended) Sun hat or visor Headlight Extra batteries A good book Personal Toiletries Water bottle Quick-dry towel Rafting clothes: Appropriate nylon polyester clothing that dries quickly and keeps you from cold. Camp clothes: As per your comfort and need.

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