Nepal is one of the best places in the world for river rafting. Numerous fine rivers offer excellent opportunities for rafting, canoeing and simply immersing oneself in the magnificent landscape. Nepal’s thundering water, coming from the glaciers of the mighty Himalayas provide unmatched thrills. The beautiful rivers surrounded by the mountain scenery, flora and fauna and the unique cultural heritage of the local people make Nepal an obvious river runner’s destination.

Rivers in Nepal are graded on a scale of one to six for white water rafting. 4 is considered to be quite challenging without being exceedingly dangerous to the novice rafter. 5 requires some previous river experience. Here are some of the popular rafting trips.

Trisuli River (Grade 3):

It is one of the most popular, if not favorite, of Nepal’s raft able rivers. Due to its proximity to Kathmandu and the easy road access which accompanies it, most rafting companies offer trips on the Trishuli. For the first time rafters it offers plenty of excitement. Many choose to incorporate a ride down the Trishuli with either a trip to Pokhara or the Chitwan National Park.

Kali Gandaki (4-6):

winds through remote canyons and deep gorges for five days of intense rapids among gorgeous wilderness and mountain views. The run flows 120 km and its challenges are continuous. Trips on the Kali Gandaki offer an exciting alternative to the Trishuli.

Bhote Koshi (4-5):

is worth special mention. It is a two-day run of pure adrenaline located only three hours from Kathmandu. Twenty-six kilometers of continuous white water batters rafters as they shoot through a veritable maze of canyons and boulders. Little more than a swimsuit is needed for this one.

Marsyangdi (4-5):

is a relative new corner in this group. The Marsyangdi run is four days of uninterrupted white water. Flowing through the gorges of the Annapurnas, it runs sandwiched between 52 km of boiling foam and towering peaks. Trips on the Marsyangdi start from the Pokhara.

Karnali (4-5):

The Karnali in the far west is the longest and largest river in Nepal. To arrive at its banks requires a two-day trek from Surkhet in the Terai. The next 90 km arte spent flying through spectacular landscapes and narrow gorges and down some of the most challenging rapids in the world. For the remaining 90 km, the scenery and the wildlife are the main attraction, as is the abundance of fish. During most of the trip, the wilderness is uninterrupted by human habitations.

Sun Koshi (4-5):

Sun Koshi is Nepal’s second offering for expedition rafting. With a put in only three hours from Kathmandu, it is more easily accessible than the Karnali while nevertheless offering an incredible stretch of exhilarating white water. The run is 270 km and requires 8-10 days to complete with road access only at the beginning and end. On the third day rapids reach the upper 4 classifications and the remainder of the trip is consistently intense- the white water stays white until the very end.