Nepal’s stunning capital Kathmandu is the perfect base for some of the country’s most spectacular kayaking holidays. With rivers surging with pristine glacial melt-water, the summer months offer some of the best kayaking conditions in the world. With one, two and multi-day trips within striking distance, Kathmandu kayaking holidays are highly recommended.
Explore the city and then head out to explore some of the region’s rivers to build confidence before taking on some of Nepal’s huge Himalayan melt-water. The country is more or less a kayaker’s paradise, with incredible rivers backdropped by simply astonishing mountain scenery. This is kayaking like you’ve never experienced before.
Home to just under two million people, Kathmandu is the mountain country of Nepal’s largest settlement. But it’s no ordinary city. Never conquered, largely thanks to its inaccessibility, Kathmandu retains a completely unique appearance and charm, with a number of must-see attractions.
For thrill seekers, however, Kathmandu is also the starting point for Nepal’s best kayaking trips. The Bhote Kosi, Belephi and Trisuli rivers are all within a few hours drive from the city, as are parts of the Lower Seti. All full of the crystal clear run off from the towering Himalayas, they are the perfect place to hone skills and prepare yourself for some of the country’s larger and more powerful rivers.
A short drive from Pokhara you’ll find the Upper Seti and Modi rivers. The Upper Seti lies in the shadow of the legendary Annapurna Mountain region and offers great opportunities for a combined trekking holiday. The Modi is full of huge boulders, which create some big white water and currents to paddle.
Heading back towards Kathmandu again, the Marsyandi is another big and thrilling river bubbling with freezing white water.
Kathmandu kayaking holidays
With such a big choice of rivers, there is kayaking near Kathmandu to suit all ability levels. Beginners will find some of the closer rivers a good place to learn and practice before tackling some of the larger flows at higher altitudes. The Trisuli has some nice class II and III rapids for building confidence, and at just a short drive from Kathmandu it’s well worth checking out.
The Upper Seti has some more challenging class III and IV rapids, and the Modi with its boulder garden is home to some tough class IVs. More advanced paddlers will relish the chance to get stuck into the Marsyandi’s big class Vs, and the Bhote Kosi and Belephi have a variety of rapid sections ranging from class III to V.
Beginners should research which kayaking Kathmandu holidays are more suitable, as at high water season, some of Nepal’s rivers can be very challenging. More advanced paddlers should be spoilt for choice. Situated in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Kathmandu Valley, the city is well worth exploring. Bookend your kayaking Kathmandu holidays with a few days in the city to explore.
