OVERVIEW
Nepal is well-known for its amazing mountains and treks, but those-in-the-know also rate it as one of the world’s best destinations for white water rafting. The rivers are long and clean, they’re surrounded by amazing mountain, hill and jungle landscapes, the guides are friendly and highly skilled and costs are low. Here’s all you need to know about white water rafting in Nepal.
BEST TIME TO GO
Spring : March - May Fall : September - November
At these times, the weather is at its best, being hot but not uncomfortably so, and there’s usually minimal or no rain.
A DAY TRIP
TRISHULI RIVER
The put-in point for rafting on the Trishuli River is about a three to four hours’ drive from Kathmandu. It’s a nice bouncy river, but the rapids aren’t too big, making this an ideal river for beginners. The waters are usually quite warm, and from the river, pretty terraced farmland, local villages and enormously high hills can be seen. As this river also flows between Kathmandu and Pokhara (the highway runs parallel to it for some of the way) and river trip ends near the turn-off to Chitwan, it’s possible to arrange an onward transfer after the rafting fun, rather than returning to Kathmandu.
River Facts
Difficulty in Nov: calls 3+ (4)
From: Baireni (Alt. 425m)
To: Narayanghat (Alt. 180m)
Distance: 106 km (66 miles)
River Days: 1-4
From Kathmandu: 3 hours
Av. Gradient: 3 m/km (15 ft a mile)
Volume in Nov.: 300 cms (10,000 cfs)
Best Season: Oct-Dec, Mar-May
MULTI-DAYS TRIP
KALI GANDKI RIVER
The Kali Gandaki River is accessible from Pokhara. This river flows down through the Kali Gandaki Gorge, which is the deepest gorge in the world, at 5,571 metres at one point. Imagine the views bobbing through that! Kali Gandaki trips generally last three days, so they are another good option for a shorter trip.
River Facts
Difficulty in Nov: 4 (4+)
From: Beni (Alt. 820m)
To: Andhi Khola (Alt. 540m)
Distance: 60 km (37 miles)
River Days: 3
From Pokhara: 4 hours
Av. Gradient: 5 m/km (25 ft a mile)
Volume in Nov.: 120 cms (4200 cfs)
Best Season: Oct-Dec, Mar-May
MULTI-DAYS TRIP
KARNALI RIVER
Two of Nepal’s best activities – trekking and rafting – come together on the Tamur River trip. On this 12-day expedition, the first three days are spent trekking in the mountains, reaching altitudes of over 3,000 metres and having the kayaks and rafts carried by porters! The rapids on this river are quite challenging, so they are best suited for people with some white water experience.
River Facts
Difficulty in Nov: 4 (5)
From: Sauli (Alt. 560m)
To: Chisapani (Alt. 195m)
Distance: 180 km (113 miles)
River Days: 7
From Kathmandu: 2 Days
Av. Gradient: 4 m/km (20 ft a mile)
Volume in Nov.: 300 cms (10,500 cfs)
Best Season: Nov-Dec, Mar-Apr
A DAY TRIP
BHOTE KOSI RIVER
The Bhote Kosi River (meaning Tibetan river) is a little closer to Kathmandu, at two to three hours to the north-east. The Bhote Kosi used to have a longer raftable stretch, but due to a major landslide in 2014, only a shorter section remains navigable. Still, there’s enough for plenty of fun for a couple of hours and the water here is cool and refreshing – particularly good for the hotter months. There are nice river camps along the way here to stay for the night if you wish (although be warned that they get busy – and noisy – with partying Kathmandu students on the weekends).
River Facts
Difficulty in Nov: 4 (5)
From: Borderiand Resort (Alt. 1020m)
To: The Dam (Alt. 760m)
Distance: 17 km
River Days: 1-2
From Kathmandu: 5 hours
Av. Gradient: 16 m/km (80 ft a mile)
Volume in Nov.: 40 cms (1200 cfs)
Best Season: Oct-Dec, Mar-May
MULTI-DAYS TRIP
SUN KOSI RIVER
The Sun Kosi, or ‘river of gold’, is a couple of hours’ drive from Kathmandu and ends close to the Indian border, in south-eastern Nepal. The eight-day trip is a classic and a favourite among rafters and kayakers alike. The beaches and river sparkle with the golden sand, the camping beaches are clean and remote, the high hill scenery gives way to the flat plains of the Terai and there are plenty of mid- and big-sized rapids for plenty of fun.
River Facts
Difficulty in Nov: Class 4-( 5-)
From: Dolalghat (Alt.625m)
To: Chatara (Alt.105m)
Distance: 260Km (170 miles)
River days: 8-10
From Kathmand: 3 hours
Avg. gradient: 2m/km(10 ft a mile)
Volume in Nov: 400cms (1,4000 cfs)
Best season: Sept-Oct and May
A DAY TRIP
SETI RIVER
From Pokhara, rafting the Upper Seti is the best single-day option. At 90 minutes, trips on the Seti are a little shorter than the options from Kathmandu, but it’s much more accessible, at only a 30-minute drive away. It’s also chock-full of class three and four rapids and comes with glorious views of the Annapurna. Short and sweet.
River Facts
Difficulty in Nov: Class 3 ( 4+)
From: Dule Gouda (Alt.480m)
To: Trisuli River (Alt.200m)
Distance: 69Km (39 miles)
River days: 2-3
from Pokhara: 1 hours
Avg gradient: 3m/km(15 ft a mile)
Volume in Nov : 40cms (1400 cfs)
Best season: Oct- Apr
MULTI-DAYS TRIP
TAMUR RIVER
Two of Nepal’s best activities – trekking and rafting – come together on the Tamur River trip. On this 12-day expedition, the first three days are spent trekking in the mountains, reaching altitudes of over 3,000 metres and having the kayaks and rafts carried by porters! The rapids on this river are quite challenging, so they are best suited for people with some white water experience.
River Facts
Difficulty in Nov: Class 4 ( 4+)
From: Dobhan (Alt.635m)
To: Chatara (Alt.105m)
Distance: 131Km (82 miles)
River days: 4-6
From Kathmandu: 4 days or fly
Avg. gradient: 4m/km(20 ft a mile)
Volume in Nov: 150cms (5250cfs)
Best season: Oct-Nov, April
