River Rafting In Nepal: Overview
Nepal serves as a home ground for several visitors who are in search of thrilling and strenuous activities. Apart from its snow-capped mountains, trekking trails, numerous national park and hereditary sites, Nepal assists as a hotspot for adventure tourism activities, including River Rafting.
The presence of over six thousand rivers, the topo and geographical landscapes and tranquil surroundings incorporate a unique and versatile experience and a sound socio-cultural prejudice.
If you are planning for adventure tourism activity in Nepal, several outlets such as Trekking, Mountaineering, Bungee, Kayaking and Rafting have been pivotal events in the tourism spectrum.
A Guide to White Water Rafting In Nepal
Tranquilly equipped with elements of surprise, Nepal stands as the holy land for rivers flowing from an altitude of 79 to 8848 meters, with an area of 200km. Several whitewater rivers, such as Kosi, Narayani, Mahakali, Karnali and Gandaki ever, flowing the entire year-round, originated from the melting snow of monumental mountains.
The immense altitude of decline from the mountain region to the close plains of Terai speeds up the flow and intensity of horizontal water pressure, forming into high waves and massive vigour.
This feature incorporated by the natural landscape and geographical structure of Nepal also possesses a great potentiality in hydroelectricity production.
Who can perform rafting in the rivers of Nepal
Rafting is an adventurous activity where an air-inflated raft is surfed into the rapidly flowing river waters. Many people are concerned with several angles, including Age, weight and a common fear of water.
But, at the same time, Nepal welcomes several grades of difficulties and options for amateurs to professionals, considering their experiences, age and physical vitality. Nepal is one of the most promising sights for white water rafting globally, which is justifiable due to the richness of the tallest mountains.
The water rolls in rampant directions, clashing through tight gorges and steep hill ridges riding from the melting glaciers of the world’s Highest mountains and the mysterious plateaus to the Ganges’ Great Plain.
Why Whitewater Rafting is prodigiously magnificent
The river excursion in Nepal is kin to provide you with a surreal experience of tranquillity and slender beauty hovering all over your periphery. You will venture upon the enriched diversity of flora and fauna, the cordial hospitality of the locals and the impressionist smiles of simple ethnic groups who willingly await your arrival.
A strong hook of River Rafting in Nepal is the free entry and accessibility in performing this adventurous muse. Individuals of all ages, young and old, novices and professionals, can participate in this thrilling involvement, determined according to their experience and physical willpower.
Travelers from all perspectives in Rafting are sure to satisfy and clinch their thirst, as our nation is rich in white water rivers accessible to Rafting. And, with such flexible routes and destinations for variable rivers, one can get overwhelmed with the versatile grades, divisions and levels of difficulty incorporated in Rafting.
The Best Time for Rafting in Nepal
People can take part in Rafting throughout the year in Nepal. However, the best time to go Rafting is generally from March to June, as the weather is clear and the sun shines the brightest. This season is also called the summery climate, as during these months, the snow melts down quickly, resulting in a swift flow of liquid best for rafters worldwide.
Secondarily, September to early December is another hot pick for river rafters since the climate during this season is moderate: neither too hot nor cold.
Ranking River Rafting Grades
The Whitewater Rivers in Nepal have been internationally certified and graded according to various details. They are as follows:
Grade I – Flat Water
Under this category, Rivers are comparatively rigid and slow-moving. Grade I rivers in Nepal constrains from any rapids and water currents to enlist a much more pleasurable experience. This grade of Rafting is executed for sightseeing, bird watching, and just relaxing while listening to the soothing sounds of water.
Grade II – Small rapid
Small rapid current water consists of a swifter current and welcomes energizing rapids to uplift your serotonin levels. Almost all age group people can perform this type of Rafting.
Grade III – Technical and Enthralling
The Grade III rivers hand out a thrilling experience with technical difficulties. This grade river rafting is performed under the supervision of a professional guide.
The flows and waves are much higher than Grade II as the rafts unravel and pass through huge drops, shattering rocks and disembarking rapids, with the help of a professional guide, withstanding to protect and become a homage of calmness for the rafters.
Grade IV – Huge Rapids
If you have gained some experience and seek true adrenaline in Rafting, Grade IV rivers are categorized to contain incredibly flowing currents and massive drops, best for escapade junkies.
This type of Rafting may not be suitable for those who cannot swim or are weak to their knees because of the requirement of technical paddling and heart of steel.
Grade V – Hair Raising
This is the ultimatum of whitewater adventures regarding Rafting. This type of Rafting is not for the faint of hearts as the rapid drops and current can rise to 5 meters and flip the boat.
Grade IV – Rouge
We must consider that some rivers in Nepal contain more than a singular grade, meaning that a grade II – V river has the capacity to inhabit all sorts of elements, like slower rapids to heavy fast rapids, crossing rocks, big waves and drops in an unpredictable manner.
Best Whitewater River Rafting Destination in Nepal
1. Trishuli River Rafting
Considered the most popular whitewater rafting tour in Nepal, frolicking you the opportunity to experience the natural beauty, impressive gorges, exciting rapids, unpopulated beaches and pristine natural scenic beauty.
The river originated from Goasikuda, a lake plateaued in the northwest region of Kathmandu at 3333 meters above sea level. According to mythological readings, Trishuli was created by Lord Shiva’s trident, which was pierced into the rocky mountain. The water regurgitated from the mountain and merged into one single stream to form Trishuli.
Pointers for Trishuli Rafting
Start Point: Beni Ghat, Dhading (75 kilometres from KTM)
Ending Point: Jabang Khola
Grade of Difficulty – Class III to IV
Distance covered -Around 18 kilometres
Rafting Duration – About 3 hours
Sun Koshi River Rafting
The Sun Koshi River extends from the beautiful Mahabharata range and comprises 270 kilometres of travel. It is one of the most recommended river journeys, which covers a vast distance and serves grade 3+ rapids.
The Sunkoshi River originated from the Tibetan border and slid through the Eastern Himalayas, mixing with the sacred Ganges River in India.
The journey takes you to a fulfilling experience alongside cooling waterfalls, intriguing temples, relaxing canyons, bat caves and, of course, a versatile genre of whitewater rafting for those travelling down the river.
Pointers for Sun Koshi River
Start Point – Dumja
Ending Point – Chatara
Difficulty Grade – Class III+
Distance to cover – 270 kilometres
Bhote Koshi River Rafting
Just travelling for 2-3 hours on a transport vehicle, the serenity for rafting enthusiasts right before their venture begins in the Sukute Beach located 44 km east of Kathmandu, glaring the twinkling Bhote Koshi with its horrendous rapids.
Bhotekoshi is one of Nepal's most challenging rafting venues, often called the Tibetan River, supported by steeper turns and rocky paths. It is located near the famous bungee spot, The Last Resort and comprises established hotels and resorts,
Pointers for Bhote Koshi
Start Point – Lamasanghu/Baseri
Ending Point – Dolalghat
Difficulty Grade – suitable for all skill levels
Karnali River Rafting
Karnali is infamous for serving travellers with extreme adventure, being the largest and broadest river of Nepal at 507km length. The origination of Karnali began from the Tibetan Plateau close to MT.
Mansarovar in Tibet and streams across gorges, tropical forests, the Himalayas, and remote villages. Giant Catfish and golden Masheer are charming features of the whitewater river. Moreover, if you are lucky, you can perceive a magnificent glimpse of dolphins surfing beneath the river.
The area dispersion by the Karnali river mostly flows along the least populated zone in the country's western portion. Due to the fluctuation brought by snowfall and thawing, the river experiences seasonal rise and fall in the water density.
Pointers for Karnali
Start Point – Dungeswar
Ending Point – Chisapani
Difficulty – Grade IV
Kali Gandaki River
A short and thrilling trip for adventure junkies, complete in a brief amount of time, Kali Gandaki is situated between Dhaulagiri and the Tibetan plateau in Mustang, measuring the deepest canyons in the nation.
Named after Goddess Kali, the river rises in the mystical Mustang region and curves southward via the Kali Gandaki gorge. Paddling through the rivers and the flora, one can expedite through beautiful suspension bridges, lush green forests, mind-boggling mountain views, and traditional archaeological villages.
Kali Gandaki river rafting is four to five hours in the versatile river terrain, facing exciting rapids and beautiful glamourizing landscapes. The adventure ride grants you surreal views of Mt. Annapurna and Machhapuchhre as their significant highlights.
Pointers for Kali Gandaki
Start Point –Maldunga
Ending Point – Mirmi
Difficulty – Suitable for all skills
What is the cost of River Rafting in Nepal
Various factors should be considered in determining the cost of River Rafting in Nepal. The trip is comparatively affected by the number of trip days. According to data analysis, One day trip consisting of rental supplies, a tent and nutritional diets can cost you approximately $70, including transportation and food.
If you are performing this trip with the assistance of a guide, generous tips and gifts will be warm-heartedly welcomed since the guides are not sufficiently paid in these fields.