Rafting

White water rafting means cruising down a rushing river in an inflatable rubber raft or white water kayak over crashing waves and swirling rapids for the excitement of a lifetime. Nepal has earned a reputation as one of the, best destinations in the world for white water rafting. Nepal's thundering waters, coming from the glaciers of the mighty Himalaya, provide unmatched thrills for rafting and immersing oneself in the landscape. A rafting trip is bound to be the highlight of your stay in the country.

Rivers are graded on a scale of one to six, with one being a swimming pool and six a one-way ticket to your maker. Four is considered to be quite challenging without being exceedingly dangerous to the novice rafter. Five requires some previous river experience.

The Trisuli River: The Trisuli River (grade 3+) is one of the most popular, if not the favorite, of Nepal's raft able rivers. Due to its proximity to Kathmandu and the easy road access which accompanies it, most rafting companies offer trips on the Trisuli. For first time rafters it offers plenty of excitement. Many choose to incorporate a ride down the Trisuli with either a trip to Pokhara or to the Royal Chitwan National Park.

The Kali Gandaki River: The Kali Gandaki (grade 4 to 4+) winds through remote canyons and deep gorges for five days of intense rapids among gorgeous wilderness and mountain views. The run flows 120 km and its challenges are continuous. Trips on the Kali Gandaki begin and end ' in Pokhara and offer an exciting alternative to the Trisuli.


The Bhote Koshi River: The Bhote Koshi (grade 4 to 5) is worth special mention. It is a two day run of pure adrenaline located only three hours from Kathmandu. Twenty six km of continuous white water soaks rafters as they shoot through a veritable maze of canyons and boulders. Little more than a swimsuit is needed for this one.

The Marshyangdi River: The Marshyangdi River (grade 4 to 5) is a relative newcomer in this group. The Marshyangdi run is four days of uninterrupted white water. Flowing through the gorges of the Annapurna, it runs sandwiched between 52 km of boiling foam and towering peaks. Trips on the Marshyangdi start from Pokhara.