Nepal is an ancient Hinduism country located in the great Himalayan region. We can even call it ‘Mountain Nation’, for there are 8 snow-capped mountains beyond 8000m high within Nepal. Rivers descending from these peaks also make Nepal the world’s famous rafting destination. All major rivers created from the Himalayas and running down the mountains offers tremendous exciting experience of white Water rafting. Compared to others, rafting in Nepal is much cheaper and there is a variety of rafting routes for you to choose. Besides the adventurous rafting tour, camping along the riverside at night, enjoying the starry sky, and drinking the Everest Beer will also become an unforgettable experience of your lifetime.

Nepal rivers map

Best season for Rafting in Nepal:

• February to June: Occasional rainfall, clear water, but not so swift.
• July to September: As the rainfall becoming continuous by the monsoon, the water level will rise rapidly. Rafting at this time maybe the most challenging to you and may even be full of danger.
• October to November: The rainfall season has been passed, but following the best rafting season and the best pleasant climate.
• December to next February: You should get well preparation for the cold weather, as it is winter time.

Rafting grade:

• Grade 1 – Easy: The water flows gently, with some occasional small rapids and few obstacles.
• Grade 2 – Moderate: Small rapids with regular waves, easy to navigate.
• Grade 3 – Difficult: Rapids with irregular waves and hazards that need avoiding. More difficult maneuvering required but routes are normally obvious. Scouting from shore is occasionally required.
• Grade 4 – Very difficult: Large rapids with dangerous hazards. Scouting from shore is often necessary and rescue is difficult. Kayakers should be able to roll. Turbulent water and large irregular waves may flip rafts. In the event of a mishap there is significant risk of loss damage and/or injury.
• Grade 5 – Extremely difficult: Grade 5 carried out to the extreme of navigability, requiring people who join this tour with rich rafting experience.
• Grade 6 – Export: There are so many obstacles in the rapid river such as stones and trees, it’s very dangerous for those who choose this grade rafting, their life maybe threatened too.

Hot rafting route:

• Trushuli - Average Grade 3
  Regular 1 or 3 days tour can be arranged for this rafting route. It is considered as a high commercial water sports destination of Nepal due to its convenient accessibility, few risks and challenge, and the beautiful scenery en route, especially for those who only want do the short-day rafting tour. Along this route, you can reach Chitwan directly, but Pan-Tibet Travel strongly recommend you to choose 1-day rafting, for the rest of this route is just like lake boating.
• Sun Koshi - Average Grade 4+
  One of the top 10 expedition river trips in the world, with 3 hours driving to the entry point from Kathmandu. This rafting route may take you 8 to 10 days, from the third day’s rafting, you can enjoy waves and rapids beyond Grade 4, the river consists- beautiful open valley, amazing waterfalls, clean sandy beaches, dense forest and colorful remote cultural villages.
• Kali Gandaki - Average Grade 4
  One of the oldest major tributary of Gandaki river system in mid-west of Nepal. Before Himalayan born 70 million years ago, the river was following from the marginal Himalayan range of Tibetan plate it was falling into the tethys sea of Indian Ocean. After Himalayan rage born it cut the valley of Annapurna (8091m) and Dhaulagiri (8167m) massif in between formed deepest gorge in the world. The kali Gandaki river valley route also known as oldest trading route and holy pilgrimage trail to the Muktinath (nirvana centre). The beautiful sceneries, tumbling waterfalls and grate challenging rapids attract the many whitewater seekers to encounter once upon a time for their rafting experience. This holy river is ideal for medium length wildness expedition and a reward for bird watching and wildlife, lasting for 5 days with start and ending point both in Pokhara.
• Bhote Koshi - Average Grade 4
  There are quite a lot of rivers with more or less the same name with this river in Nepal, because ‘Bhote’ in Nepali means ‘river from Tibet’. This route lasts two days, the upper valley above Bahrabise is impressively narrow with steep hill sides shooting up over 2000m from the river. And there are some dramatic and scenic gorges down at river level. With the continuously waves one after one, it quickens the blood and excited the mind.
• Marshyangdi - Average Grade 4+
  Marshyangdi in local dialect means ‘raging river’, with the Grade 5 difficulty from September to December. The scenery is magnificent with every bend of the river opening up fresh vistas of some of the world’s highest mountains, but these are behind –as someone said “great views but you need rear view mirrors”. The Marshyandi is a photographer’s sculptured boulders, some spectacular white water, green valley sides, and a magnificent backdrop of the world’s highest mountains. You can find the joy in both rafting and the picturesque view among the great Annapurna region.
• Karnali - Average Grade 5
  The river rises from the marginal Himalayan region of Tibet and flowing down to the southern direction to fall into Gangaes, which entered in Nepal from Humla district and cut the Mahabharat mountain near by Chisapani. This wild west river is considered as the longest river of Nepal. After the monsoon rapids, there is an unique expedition trip and wildness experience.
• Arun - Average Grade 5-
  Taking 16 to 18 hours driving from Kathmandu to the start point, and also a 14 to 16 bus driving can make you exhausted after the whole trip. We can also arrange you a one way flight to Tumlingtar to start your trip, and an alternative way is also available. This rafting route maybe a bit expensive than other ones, but it is indeed worthwhile trying.
• Seti Khola - Average Grade 3
  With the unspoilt greenish jungle scenery, wonderful birds watching site, local cultural heritage and beautiful clean beaches, many small and undemanding rapids, it is indeed an ideal rafting destination for those who are looking to experience some of the spectacular riverine forest scenery in mid-west of Nepal without rushing of big challenging rapids.

Nepal rafting permit:
People from foreign countries must obtain a permit before going on a river trip. Usually a fee of Rs.80 (equivalent payable on cash in any convertible foreign currency) must be deposited at the Nepal Rastra Bank, Thapathali, Kathmandu. A copy of documents must be submitted to the Ministry of Tourism, Mountaineering Section, located at Tripureswor behind the Dastrath Stadium. This process could be completed in a day, except on Friday and other half-working days. Normally, You need to book with a local travel agency which holds the rafting operation certificates, licenses and experienced guide, after your rafting route being confirmed, you will get the travel permit for rafting in Nepal.

Preparation:
In short, people who want to do the adventure sports in Nepal should get his or her luggage lightweight and practical, the less you take, the more you will enjoy yourself. Below are preposed things listed by Pan-Tibet Travel for your reference:

• Several-season sleeping bag
• Soft foam pads (can make you a good night’s sleep.)
• Cotton underwear
• Lightweight pants
• Fleece style jacket and pullover
• Long sleeved T-shirt for sunlight protection
• Plenty of moisturizing lotions
• Lipstick
• Sun glasses/cap
• Personal water bottle
• Water sandals
• Flashlight or headlamp
• Shorts or swimming costume
• Medication recommended by your doctor
• Reading material
• Towel

Other cost:
Almost few you may cost and you may find to buy when rafting in Nepal, because there are no shops along the riverside, but you may treat yourself some chocolates and sweets to increase your body heat especially when at night.

Environment care:
This is and always will be Pan-Tibet Travel’s responsibility and concern, with the impressive natural scenery and brilliant culture, Nepal is actually a nation with fragile environment. Not only us, but people from all over the world should feel an increased responsibility to protect the wildness resources of Nepal, leaving every campsite much clearer each time than ever before to the following people.

About Nepal Rafting Tours

• 2 Days Short rafting tour in Bhote Koshi River
• 2 Days rafting in Trisuli River
• 4 Days Seti River Raftingwith Chitwan Package tour
• 8 Days rafting tour in Sun Koshi River
• 3 Days Kali Gandaki River expedition