Traditionally, the Nepalese people have always revered and feared the holy rivers. To ferry across a river in a dugout canoe was dangerous experience and the idea of running rivers, especially White-water Rivers, for ‘fun’ seemed quite crazy to us in the past.
The first ‘crazy’ river runners arrived in Nepal in the late 1960s. Two Frenchmen are said to have descended parts of Sun Koshi in 1968. Kurt Jorguestein from Germany explored the Sun Koshi and Trishuli and two Americans, Teri and Cholis Beach, also explored the local rivers in 1973 as an alternative to climbing and trekking. They began with an inflatable ‘ducky’ that was quickly replaced with a fold-boat and then an Avon raft the following season. Al Read realized the commercial potential and started Himalayan River Expeditions in 1976, this was the first commercial river rafting company in the Himalayas or in Asia.
An experienced river guide, Mike Yager was brought in from America to manage the company and to train Nepalese guides. They advertised in ‘The Rising Nepal’ for ‘Raft Guide Trainees’ and received more than a 100 applications. Most of the applicants had absolutely no idea what was involved in rafting but they thought that being a Guide was a glamorous and well paid job. Yager arranged some capsize drills on the Trishuli and when may of them found out what white-water really meant, they were horrified and never returned!
Yager finally selected eight men and they started a very thorough training program that included travel to the U.S.A. for training. It was so successful that by 1980 he had worked his way out of the job and the former students formed the nucleus of a strong team of professional guides who then went on to train others and later to split off and form their own companies. They imported guides from Europe which resulted in the fertilization of international expertise.
At the same time when commercial rafting was developing, ‘expeditions’ from abroad were arriving. In 1976, Major Bash ford Snell led an expedition to conquer the Trishuli and broke his nose in the rapids, which is now named ‘Snell’s Nose’ in his honor.
By the early 1980s, Nepalese rafters were recognized as world class professionals and were invited to lead and support expeditions to other countries in the Indian Sub-Continent including; Sikkim in 1980, Bhutan in 1981, and Zanskar in 1981. The Nepalese teams were also invited to International Rafting Rallies in Switzerland in 1988, Siberia in 1989, and the U.S.A. In 1990.
In the years since rafting and kayaking in Nepal has taken off the country is now known as one of the world’s premier river running destinations.
Trip Options
One of the best things about rafting in Nepal is that there is something for everyone, whether you want adrenaline or to simply float down a river and enjoy the views. Trips can be as short as an afternoon, usually out of Kathmandu or Pokhara, or 12 days should you wish. Any overnight trips will usually involve camping on one of Nepal’s many river beaches which are as beautiful as they are comfortable, and all food and drink will be provided.
We suggest you have a quick read of the below and email us by clicking here to let us know how long you wish to travel for and what standard you would like. We will then tailor make a trip best suited to you, whether you are in a group or on your own.
Short Trips
For short trips the Trishuli is the obvious and popular choice for either white-water or easier rafting. However, if you have 2 days and are looking for an easy trip, then your top choice should be the Seti River, which is away from the road and has beautiful scenery. If you only have a day, then the upper Sun Koshi is close to Kathmandu yet is relatively unspoiled. For experienced rafters the Bhote Koshi offers two days of challenges and a continuous buzz.
Medium Trips
If you want an exciting, multi-day white water raft trip but your time is more limited, then the obvious choices are the Trishuli and the upper Kali Gandaki. The cheapest trip is likely to be on the Trishuli River but the main highway that runs alongside most of its length is a bit of a spoiler.
The upper Kali Gandaki is a much finer river in our opinion and the Arun is another option. For an experienced rafter, the above rivers are surpassed by the magnificent white-water and scenery of the Marsyangdi.
If you prefer easier water, then, the most accessible option is the lower Kali Gandaki as this offers good scenery, wildlife and unspoiled beaches.
Long Trips
If you have seven days or more to spend on the Himalayan Rivers and are looking for adrenaline pumping adventure in the white-waters of Nepal, then you can choose among the Tamur, the Sun Koshi and the Karnali Rivers, all of which are classics with excellent white-water, stunning scenery, beautiful beaches and unspoilt villages that are located away from the busy roads. These rivers surpass all the other rivers in Nepal and a rafting trip in one of these rivers is highly recommended.
The Sun Koshi is the cheapest and most popular of these trips because the starting point is close to Kathmandu and you can drive to both the start and the finish points. Described as one of the ‘ten best rafting trips in the world’, the trip makes for an excellent choice for most people, especially for those doing their first river trip in Nepal.
The Karnali is our pick as the best overall trip. The rapids are more challenging than the Sun Koshi and there are superb canyons and a pristine wilderness to enjoy. You can finish the trip with a couple of days at the Bardia Wildlife Reserve to create a truly fulfilling holiday.
The Tamur can also be described as mini-Karnali. With a spectacular trek during the start of this trip and lots of white-water adventure with the right water level, this is probably the most challenging amongst the above rivers.
If you are looking for multi-day trips on easier rivers, then the best options are: the Seti, Karnali, Bheri and Mahakali rivers in the Far West. All these rivers are remote yet beautiful and unspoilt.
