Nepal, home to some of the highest mountain peaks in the world, is one of the most popular destinations globally. Being a proud mother of these big giants, Nepal also boasts raft-able rivers flowing down the foothills, fed by the melting snow and rains. Rafting in Nepal is one of the significant ‘Action-Filled’ activities preferred and loved by tourists and the natives.
Rafting
Nepal offers many rivers for active riding. Himalayan River Rafting in Nepal can be divided into categories:
Short Rafting Trip (1 to 3 days): This usually involves a decent and less challenging whitewater trip. Trekking is not included in this package, which is perfect for first-timers.
Long Rafting Trip (7 to 11 days) – Usually involves both less challenging as well as some of the most challenging rapids in the world. Short treks are also included to/from the river.
Short Rafting in Nepal
Rivers in this category are:
Trishuli River—Perfect for first-time rafters, the Trishuli River offers exciting rides through some of its popular rapids and gorges. The river is visited almost all year round, but some prefer to visit it during the monsoon when the challenge is most difficult. This is when rapids and whirlpools are at their best.
Kali Gandaki—Named after the Hindu goddess Kali, the Kali Gandaki River offers breathtaking mountain views and a ride alongside Magar and Chettri villages.
Bhote Koshi River—The best time to raft in this river is between October and May. The river offers some of the fastest and most challenging steep rapids to rafters who prefer true adventure. Rafting also offers a close encounter with Tibetan culture and lifestyle.
Seti Khola – The river is the gentlest one among all other short rafting rivers most of the year. This river is most preferred by children, older people, families, and first-time rafters. The rapids in Seti Khola are at their best during monsoons when professional rafters face actual challenges. This river is considered to be one of the most preferred rivers to learn Kayaking in Nepal.
Marshyangdi River—The waters from the Annapurna range make this famous river one of the best whitewater rafting destinations in Nepal. This trip offers views of the Annapurna range, traditional villages, and Nepal’s rich cultures and traditions.
Long Rafting
Rivers in this category are:
Karnali River—This longest river in Nepal offers challenges through dense forests and rapids that will make your ten days of trekking and rafting the most adventurous. The rafting ends at Bardia National Park, famous for safari trips.
Arun River—The river offers strong currents for an action-filled rafting adventure. This adventure combines trekking with rafting through Arun Valley villages and the Arun River.
Sun Koshi River – Sun Koshi River rafting has earned a name as one of the top 10 whitewater rafting rivers in the world. During monsoons, the river is even more adventurous when the water rises high and the rapids are extreme.
Tamur River—This trip includes trekking and rafting, which one can never forget. The breathtaking view of Mt. Makalu and Kanchenjunga adds beauty to this trip. Rafting in this river lets you encounter more than 100 extreme rapids from start to finish.
