Rafting in nepal "white water"

For adventure seekers, rafting is the perfect way for an extended adventure on the river to get your adrenaline pumping to a new high. Nepal has some of the best rivers for rafting. Rafting trips for some is the highlight of their stay in Nepal.

source: Nepal Tourism Board

Video of rafting in nepal

Source: Discover channel

River Rafting

Flowing down from the HImalaya through the country's varied landscapes, rivers provide one of the most popular and exhilarating ways of seeing Nepal

fed by the glacier of the world's highest mountains and snows of the Tibetan plateau, Nepal's Feverish rivers provide exciting opportunities for whitewater rafting or kayaking and an unbeatable profile of an ever changing landscape. On their way to India's sacred Ganges, the waters surge through Himalayan gorges, traverse rugged foothill, course between tropical forests and meander across the Terai plains.

            River running is one of the best and most thrilling ways to abandon the cities and experience the rural life of Nepal without investing the time and energy required for a long trek.

Sacred Waters

The himalayan rivers are considered sacred to the Nepalese. Ashes of the cremated dead are scattered into rivers to be eventually carried to the Ganges. The confluence of two rivers is usually revered as a holy site for ritual bathing. Water bring life, but the rivers are also feared, which explains why on the hottest days few Neplease will be seen swimming.

            The first people to run Nepal's river were therefore foreigners. Exalting at the opportunity to test virgin waters, early pioneers set about exploring the rivers soon after Nepal opened border in the late 1940s. Sir Edmund Hillary attempted a journey to the source of the Sun Koshi in 1968. Various rivers were kayaked and rafted by visiting adventures, including Michael Peissel who tried to drive a hovercraft up the Kali Gandaki in 1973.

            But it was not until 1976 when American Al read started running and charting the rapids of the Trisuli and upper Sun Kosi rivers that river running began in earnest, with foreign experts brought in to train Nepalese river guides. Today local guides handle the rafts, supervise the camp staff and interpret the flora and fauna of the Himalaya for guests  added appreciation.

Selecting a River

Nepal's rivers link the mountains and plains like blue veins. Tumbling out of the highlands they are sometimes violent, sometimes calm but always beautiful. Trip are available from one to 13 days on different rivers, all offering dramatically different experiences.

            The Karnali, descending from Tibet's Mount Kailas, is Nepal's mightiest river. Ten days of wilderness, excitement and exploration make this the classic Himalayan expedition. Finish with a visit to Bardia National park for an unbeatable combination.

            The Sun Kosi, Nepal's "River of Gold", traverses 270km (165 miles) through the beautiful Mahabharat Range. At the right flow it's an incredible combination of white water, scenery, villages and quiet, introspective evenings along what many people consider to be one of the world's definitive river journeys. An eight- or nine-day trip finishes in far eastern Nepal.

            In east Nepal the snows of Kanchanjunga fedd a challenging cousin of the Sun Kosi. The Tamur combines one of the best short Himalayan treks over a 3000 meter (10000 ft) pass, offerings mountain views with an exhilarating river expedition.

            The Trisuli, named after Shiva's trident, parallels the road from Kathamandu to Mugling before joining the Gandaki river system and becoming the Narayani river. One to three day trips conclude at Chitwan National Park.

            The Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountains feed the Kali Gandaki west of Pokhara. Being Kali's river, the Kali Gandaki is considered particularly sacred, and at the confluence of tributaries there are temples and cremation sights in abundance. A three day trip gives a good wilderness alternatively to the Trisuli.

            The Marsyangdi is one of the most challenging white water runs in the world. A five day trip combines a short trek with demanding whitewater rafting and stunning scenery.

            The Bhote Kosi, Three hours from Kathamandu on the road to Tibet., is a turbulent mountain stream offerings the steepest rafting in Nepal. An overnight stay at one of the luxurious new resorts can include bungeejumping, canyoning or trekking.

            The Seti an excellent two to three day trip in an isolated area area with easy rapids and can be combined with trekking and jungle safaris, while the Bher, in west Nepal, is a trip with great jungle scenery and lots of wildlife. This is one of the best fishing rivers and can be combined with a visit to Bardia National Park.

            The Arun river from Tumlingtar makes an excellent three day wilderness trip, although getting to the starting point is rather complicated and time consuming.

Seasons and expeditions

Late September to mid- December and March through to early May are the best times to run rivers in Nepal, avoiding the coldest time and the monsoon. The water temperature is only 6-10^oc (43-50 F ) but the air clear and warm.

            Most trips let passengers partake in the paddling, with the professional guide steering with a series of commands. Others allow you to relax and enjoy the fun while the guide controls the boat using center mounted oars. Either way, rafting combines tranquility and thrills.

            Many of Nepal's rivers are remote and unpredictable and a responsible rafting company is vital to ensure your safety. Reputable companies employ guides trained to international standards with years of experience on Nepal's rivers. Their training includes first aid, rescue, sanitation and environmental awareness. The best outfitters provide all the essentials for a safe and fun trip: fully trained staff, self bailing rafts and safety kayakers on more difficult rivers, river rescue equipment, high buoyancy  life jackets and helmets, first aid and raft repair kits, tents, camping gear and transport.

            On longer trips time is set aside for hiking into side canyons, visiting nearby villages and swimming in the river or lazing on beaches. anywhere, but with Nepal's unique topography, cheerful people and traditional culture it is all the more rewarding .