Nepal River Rafting.
RAFTING, Kayaking, Cannoning The fact that you want to
raft down Nepal's challenging rivers means that you have
long ago graduated from the nursery school of "Row, row,
row your boat". The many 'raftable' rivers in Nepal
meander between canyons, villages, and virgin forests,
wildlife, like needle through thread, weaving the
country's rich tapestry of ethno-culture and
bio-diversity. Originating in the bowels of the
Himalayas, these rivers flow across the length and
breadth of Nepal and neighboring India, before emptying
mostly into the Bay of Bengal.
Rafting is inarguably the best way of exploring Arcadian
Nepal. The waters offer something to everybody: from
grade 5-5+ rivers with many raging white water rapids
for the brave and the adventurous, to grade 2-3 rivers
with a few rapids for the laid-back type. The beautiful
thing is that just about anybody, whether old or very
young, can raft. Moreover, it can either be a two-week
trip or a 2-3 day trip-you decide.
Paddle rafting is strongly recommended by
nepalvisitors.com. It involves
teamwork with the river runner barking instructions from
his perch on the aft. You can either do participatory
rafting, where you and your group are provided with a
runner and barebones staff support, or a "luxury safari
style" trip where a full team of staff is provided to
address your group's every need and want. Mind you,
rafting is not the only way to travel downstream. A few
companies offer inflatable kayaks, or fiberglass kayaks
for hire.
An extreme sport popular in Europe, Canoeing is now
available in Nepal. Canoeing gives you the freedom to
explore some of the most ruggedly beautiful, yet
forbidden places in the world.
Season
October through mid-December and March through early May
are the best times. It is possible in winter, but you
have to watch out for hypothermia. During monsoon (June
through September), the white water sections are
dangerous, but gentler stretches are runnable.
Raft Route
River Profiles: So far the government has opened
sections of 10 rivers for commercial rafting.
Basic
One-Day What-to-Bring List
What you
wear and bring on the river can make or break a trip.
Depending on the weather and difficulty of whitewater
you will need various gear. Wetsuits and splash jackets
are generally provided when the weather is cold or the
whitewater is advanced.
Since getting wet is part of any river trip, bring
clothing that you don't mind being saturated with river
water. Synthetic materials dry quickly and keep you warm
even when they're damp, but on really hot days, a cotton
t-shirt helps keep you cool. There is generally not room
on one-day trips to bring a change of clothes on the
river.
Clothes:
Swimsuit:
two pieces are preferable for women, but sometimes
synthetic underware are better for bottoms so you
don't get "boater's butt"
Shorts:
quick drying like board shorts or running shorts.
They can double as a swimsuit for men. Thighs tend
to get sunburned quickly and longer shorts are the
best sunscreen possible.
Tennis
shoes or water sport sandals like Keen, Teva, or
Chaco, or wetsuit booties with soles--NO flip-flops
unless you want your guide to duct-tape them to your
feet!!!
Shirts:
long sleeved shirts work best for sun protection,
cotton makes you colder
Baseball
cap or visor (with strap) for sun protection
Sometimes REQUIRED (and always nice) for cold or early
season trips:
Wetsuit*
(for either cold weather or more diffcult
whitewater)
Paddle
jacket/ splash jacket*
Hat
and/or gloves (wool or fleece for both)
Long
underwear: fleece, Capilene, Smartwool or
Polypropylene work best
Sweater:
fleece or wool
Socks to
keep your feet warm: synthetic (Polypropylene) or
wool --NO COTTON!!!
Gear
List (Optional)
Water
bottle with strap
Sunglasses with strap (chums or croakies work well,
as does duct tape!)
Insect
repellant
Sunscreen/lip block
Medications
Disposable/waterproof camera
May be
rented from or provided by your outfitter
**Your outfitter will likely include a what-to-bring
list with specific details for your trip
Disclaimer: River descriptions and classifications may
change due to natural events that may create new hazards
or flows. NepalVisitors.com advises that any paddler
that uses this site be additionally informed by seeking
out local news and updates for changes on this river.
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Rafting, Nepal River Rafting and Kayaking Trips
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Karnali, Bheri, Marsyangdi and Tamur Rivers. driftnepal.com.np
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