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Marsyandi River Rafting. (Ranging River)

The Marsyandi rises on the northern slopes on the Annapurna Himal, flows east through an arid valley around Manang, and then swings south to join the Trisuli River at Mugling. Marsyandi means 'raging river' in local dialect, and this aptly describes it. Some of the river above Ngadi has been kayaked- The 1980 British Expedition started from Tilicho Lake at 4920 m, but much of the upper river should probably be considered as un run able. 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 dream- the water is usually a clear turquoise blue; there are these huge, fantastically sculptured boulders, some spectacular white wet, green valley sides, and a magnificent backdrop of the World's highest mountains. It's worth mentioning that although the valley has a rough road up it, and is quite densely populated; you don't see this when you are addling because the river is incised about 100ft into the valley floor. The lower Marsyandi gorges from Bimalnagar down to Mugling are an excellent river trip but a dam was built some ten years ago to generate electricity for Kathmandu and so the water flows on this lower river are unpredictable and now mainly limited to post monsoon. However, we include some short notes at the end of this description.

Fast Facts

Travel by bus : 1 Day River Days : 4 days River grade : class 4 up 5+ Rafting Starting Point : Ngadi (890m) Rafting Ending Point : Bimal Nagar (390m) River Distance : 52km (33miles) Average Gradient : 10m/km (50ft a mile) Volume in Nov : 80 cms (2800 cfs) Rapids name: Instant karma, Morphine, Twinkie, Good morning

The Experience

Marsyandi means "Ranging River” in the local dialect, a fitting description for this kind of white water. One of the best class 4 kayaking rivers in the world- continuous, exhilarating whitewater with magnificent mountain backdrops. Recommended for expert kayakers and rafters. Note that a new dam is being built at Phaliya Sanghu - this will ruin the Marsyandi for kayaking and rafting- so run it whilst you can. A pre-departure meeting to answer any questions, arrange timings for the departure and meet the team over a glass of rum (or two) is held the night before. Descending form looming Himalayan giants of famous Annapurna region and passes through along the route of round Annapurna trekking, beautiful villages, guarding temples on the river bank with uninterrupted class 4 to 5 rapids. Under the watchful gaze of Annapurna’s towering peaks. If it’s adventure you seek, you’ll find it on this trip with one day of easy trekking and 4 days of intense white water rafting. This is sad as initial work for middle dam has started already. Lets raft on Marshyangdi in few year this best river stop flowing free for rafters and kayakers.

Major Attractions.

Majestic view of the Himalayas . Gorgeous rapids like God's House, and gorges like Jungle Corridor . Kayaking opportunity . Spectacular scenery . One of the finest stretches of white water in the world.

Marshyandi River Rafting Itinerary.

Day 1: Drive from Kathmandu to Dumre to Bensisahar by bus or truck, whatever available. Overnight camping at Besisahar. (B, L, D) Day 2: Rafting from Besisahar and camp at the beach at the confluence of Chepe River and Marshyangdi River. (B, L, D) Day 3: All day rafting and camping on the beach near Turtle Bazaar. (B, L, D) Day 4: Rafting to Bimalnagar. After lunch drive back to Kathmandu, Pokhara or Chitwan. As per your interest  (B, L, D)