Rafting in Nepal

Nepal is a country which was awarded as one of the top 10 countries to travel in 2022. It is know as most favorable countries for adventurous activities. Likewise, recreational outdoor activities include paddling in a river or other body of water on an inflatable raft is rafting. This is typically performed on whitewater or in varying degrees of roughness. Coping with risk and danger is a common element of the process. Individuals paddling 10 to 14-foot rafts with double-bladed paddles or oars to multi-person boats driven by single-bladed paddles and controlled by a person at the stern, or by the use of oars, has been a popular adventure sport since the 1950s. Rafting on some parts of rivers is considered a high-risk sport that can be deadly, whereas other sections are not as tough or extreme.

Being a country with land of mountains, rivers, and everything in between, providing an abundance of world-class options for river rafting, kayaking, climbing, mountaineering, biking, hiking, and the ever-popular trekking. Everyone will find something to like in Nepal.

Nepal has many rivers for you to explore: Trishuli River, Seti River, Bhote Koshi River, Kali Gandaki River, Marsyandi River, Sun Koshi River, Arun River, Karnali River, Tamur River. The most common whitewater tour in Nepal is Trishuli rafting. It is suitable for all levels of crafters, from beginners to experts. This rafting trip allows you to see the unspoiled natural splendor of the area, including gorgeous valleys, magnificent gorges, unpolluted beaches, exciting rapids, and easier portions. Gosainkunda, a Himalayan Lake northwest of Kathmandu, is the source of the Trishuli River. Lord Shiva, according to tradition, produced three springs by piercing the rocky mountain with his trident. The Trishuli River is named after these three springs, which provide water to the river.

Therefore, the rivers can be rated on different levels of scale from 1 to 6.

Class 1- It has a moderate current and few hazards. 

Class 2 &3- These rivers are often fast-moving, with some obstructions and minor to medium-sized rapids.

Class 4- These rivers are long, constant areas of whitewater and big waves characterized, necessitating hard paddling and collaboration in the boat. 

Class 5- It includes long stretches of violent rapids and large holes, necessitating very strong paddling and, ideally, previous rafting experience.

Class 6- It is said to be nearly impossible to complete.

Trishuli rafting- It is the most common whitewater tour in Nepal. It is suitable for all levels of crafters, from beginners to experts. This rafting trip allows you to see the unspoiled natural splendor of the area, including gorgeous valleys, magnificent gorges, unpolluted beaches, exciting rapids, and easier portions. Gosainkunda, a Himalayan Lake northwest of Kathmandu, is the source of the Trishuli River. Lord Shiva, according to tradition, produced three springs by piercing the rocky mountain with his trident. The Trishuli River is named after these three springs, which provide water to the river.

Moreover, Trishuli Rafting is excellent from February to mid-June and from September to January. In Nepal, the monsoon season lasts from July through August. Rafting tours become difficult to plan during the monsoon because of the high-water volume and rapids. The Trishuli River is rated 3+ to 4 on the river rafting scale (1 to 4+). Trishuli River rafting is safe if you follow the rafting guide briefing. Everyone over the age of ten is safe to go rafting. Because everyone is required to wear a rafting life jacket that permits them to float down the river.

BhoteKoshi rafting- Another most common whitewater rafting in Nepal is Bootkoski rafting. It is Nepal's steepest river flow, offering a complete whitewater experience. It's a high-octane river with numerous class 3-5 rapids. With this short river journey, you will be able to experience some of the best technical rapids in the world. The Bhote Koshi River originates in Tibet and is commonly known as Bhot, hence the name BHOTE KOSHI.

Seti River Rafting- It is a calm whitewater rafting. This river has smooth flow of water and tiny rapids which are easy to raft. Therefore, rafting on the Seti River is also possible during the summer months when the river volume increases, and the rapids become more challenging. It is always recommended for first-time rafting trips in Nepal, as well as those who prefer a quiet flow while sitting on a boat. Moreover, beautiful jungle corridor scenery and local cultural reflections can be seen along this river and are classified into 2-3 class levels of scale. 

Kali Gandaki River Rafting-Kali Gandaki River rafting is an exciting and tough river. This river is regarded as one of Nepal's holiest rivers of Nepal. Throughout the trip, villages and temples may be seen, providing a wonderful cultural glimpse of rural Nepal. It's a class 3-4 river that's both more challenging and longer than the Trishuli.  Rafting on the Kali Gandaki is one of Nepal's top whitewater experiences.

Sun Koshi rafting- The longest river in Nepal is of 8–10-day trip that takes you through class 3–4 rapids before moving on to spectacular class 5 rapids that are sure to get your pulse pumping. However, this is a popular weekend breakout that allows you to paddle from Nepal's far north to the country's southern border. This rafting is also regarded as top 10 river journeys in the world, with various camping activities every day.

Karnali Rafting- This journey is widely regarded as Nepal's most beautiful and enjoyable. There is a good combination of jungle and lowland woodland views. It is also Nepal's longest one-river journey in the Wild West, with some difficult rapids and stunning scenery. The river is located far west of Kathmandu, in a remote area that has just recently been allowed to Western visitors. It's a class 4 river that will take you a week to complete. At the end of the excursion, you have the option of visiting Bardia National Park and exploring the jungle. The trip to this river takes 7 days in total, with the remaining 3 days spent driving.