White Water Rafting in Nepal
White Water Rafting Day Trip from Kathmandu to Pokhara Nepal
Kathmandu and Pokhara are two
cities where many tourists visit. Fortunately, white-water rafting day trips
are possible from both. On a day trip, a picnic and lunch - usually a good dal
bhat - is usually served at the beach park. Here are some great options for day
trips from Kathmandu to Pokhara.
Trisuli River, for whitewater initiation
The resort for rafting on the
Trisuli River is a three to four hour drive from Kathmandu. It's a nice river
that flows, but the rapids aren't too big, making it a good river for
beginners. The water is often warm and the landscape is beautiful, the villages
in the country and the high mountains can be seen from the river. As these
rivers also flow between Kathmandu and Pokhara - the road goes there for part
of the way - and the river journey ends in the vicinity of Chitwan, it is possible
to arrange a transfer when after rafting, instead of returning to Kathmandu.
Bhote Kosi River, when it is hot
The Bhote Kosi River is a little
closer to Kathmandu, two or three hours northeast. Bhote Kosi has a long
rafting section, but due to a major landslide in 2014, only the short section
is still navigable. However, it can be enjoyed for a few hours and the water
here is good and refreshing - it's best for the summer months. There are some
nice beach parks along the way where you can spend the night there if you want,
but be warned that they are very busy and noisy, especially with students from
Kathmandu on festivals and weekends.
Seti River, for easy access to Pokhara
From Pokhara, rafting in Upper Seti
is the best one day option. At 90 minutes, the trip to Seti is shorter than the
Kathmandu option - but it's accessible, just 30 minutes by car. It is full of
class three and four offering great views of Annapurna. Short and sweet.
A multi-day white water rafting tour in Nepal
If you have more time in Nepal,
consider going on a rafting trip for several days and go into the desert to see
the changing nature of the Nepalese and camp on the white river. In general,
everyone gets a private tent - or can sleep under the stars - and the guides do
a great job of cooking delicious and healthy food over the campfire. Here are
some good options most days.
Kali Gandaki River, for a short trip
Kali Gandaki River is in Pokhara.
The river flows through the Kali Gandaki River, which is the deepest gorge in
the world, at 5,571 m (18,277 ft) at any given time. Kali Gandaki tours are
usually three days, so they are another good option for short trips.
Sun Kosi Beach, for beach lovers
Kosi Sun is a few hours' drive from
Kathmandu and ends near the Indian border in southeastern Nepal. This trip is
popular and a favorite among rafters and kayakers. The beaches and rivers are
sparkling with golden sand, the camping beaches are clean and private, the
nature of the high mountains gives access to the flat plains of the Terai and
there are many medium and large rapids for a lot of fun.
Tamur River, for thrill seekers
Two of the best activities in Nepal
- trekking and rafting - come together in the trip on the Tamur River. In this trip,
the first three days are spent traveling in the mountains, reaching altitudes
of more than 3,000 m (9,842 ft) in canoes and boats. The rapids on this river
are very challenging, so they are best for those with whitewater experience.
Karnali River, for intrepid travelers
The Karnali River flows through
western Nepal, a remote part of the country that has not yet been developed.
This trip is one of the few ways to see the area and pass through the blue
water, the forest, the amazing rock formations and the end near the Bardia National
Park. However, Karnali is bathed by thermal water works, so it would be better
to do this trip as soon as possible.
Rafting and Kayaking Trips in Nepal
Where white water rafts can go, so
can kayaks. Although you can learn to kayak in Nepal and do a kayaking tour, it
is possible to combine the two activities. This is a great idea for beginners
or intermediate riders who want to improve their skills, but may not have the
confidence to sail all day, every day on long trips. It is also a good idea for
a group of friends or couples traveling together, who may have different skills
and interests.
When is the best time to go rafting in Nepal?
The peak tourist season in Nepal is
spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November). During these times the weather
is the best - hot and humid with little rain. Water level is an important
factor for rafting, of course. In the spring, the amount of water can be less,
because it is the longest since the rain. In some rivers - such as the Bhote
Kosi - the current can be quite small, meaning getting stuck on rocks is
common. This is usually not a big problem, but it can be unpleasant. Wind in
some rivers - like the Karnali - can also be a problem during this time.
In autumn - after the rainy season - the water level is at its highest. This can create exciting Rapids - sometimes it's fun first and foremost. In late November, the nights are cool enough for beach camping, so pack plenty of notice.
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