When you think about Nepal the first thing that comes to mind is Mount Everest, but there is a lot more to the country than the world’s highest mountain. Nepal white water rafting is widely considered as some of the best in the world. It boasts some of the most famous white water rafting rivers and no matter what your ability or previous experience you will be spoilt for choice.
The main seasons for rafting in Nepal are September to November and March to June, however you will find some rivers (for example the Lower Seti and Trisuli) are open all year round. Most rivers close from June-August due to the high volume of water caused by the monsoon.
For families the Lower Seti is your best option, with smaller rapids, great scenery and the warmest waters in Nepal. A one to two day trip that will get you off the roads and show you what real rural Nepal is all about. This is one of the safest rivers in Nepal, with most of the rapids being just Grade II. However, if you are looking for action, this is not the river for you.
For beginners just wanting to get a quick taster of whitewater rafting in Nepal a one or two day trip on the bouncy Trisuli is ideal. Big wave trains run down this river making it fun and safe. The river runs from Kathmandu toward Chitwan and Pokhara, so it is also a great trip to break up a long and winding bus journey! This river runs all year round and is really something during the monsoon months (July to Sept).
For rafters with a bit more experience or those looking for more of an adrenaline filled Nepal white water rafting experience the 2 day trips on the Bhote Kosi and Marsyandi are highly recommended but not for the faint hearted. Running Grade IV the whole way, both these rivers offer non-stop rapids in beautiful gorges fed by the Himalayan ice-melt.
If you are looking for longer trips, then you won’t be disappointed as Nepal has some of the best multi day white water rafting trips in the world. The Sun Kosi is rated by National Geographic as one of the top ten river journeys in the world and the the Karnali and Tamur also offer spectacular trips.
All three are between 8 and 11 days long, taking you to the most remote regions of Nepal and giving you a real taste of Nepal’s river culture and an insight into rural Nepal. Great rapids, fishing, local villages, wildlife (keep an eye our for Tiger footprints!), cliff jumps, local food and drinks and stunning monasteries can be look forward to on these trips.
White water rafting in Nepal can suit anybody, of any age, of any experience and on any time scale….
