Rivers of Nepal

In Nepal you are seriously spoiled for choice whenriver is voted by many as one of the world's ten
it comes to whitewater, so choosing which riverclassic river journeys. It's a great way to discover
to raft or kayak can sometimes prove a bitthe real Nepal as you meander through remote
tricky! The trips offer everything from heartrice paddies and hopefully find some inner peace
racing rapids, snow capped mountains, isolatedalong the way. Certainly a trip worth considering if
villages and unspoiled surroundings (not forgettingyou have the time.
the singing and dancing in the evenings from theKarnali- The Wild West. Nepal's mightiest river.
river guides!). So how do you choose the perfectSpringing from the base of the Holy Mount Kailash
river? Below I have listed a short summary ofin Tibet before dropping off into dramatic canyons
many of Nepal's rivers, short and long trip forraging with whitewater. A great way to get into
beginners or experienced paddlers, there'sthe remote Wild West where very few travellers
definitely a river for everyone in Nepal.venture as it has only recently been opened to
Trisuli- This river originates from the Langtangtourists. You will need 8-10 days for these Class
Himal and is the most popular rafting trip in NepalIV rapids. The second half of your journey will
(although this does mean you are likely to run intotake you near Bardia National Park where you will
other trips on your way down). Easily accessiblesee the jungle thickening, great for checking out
from Kathmandu or Pokhara the river winds itsthe wildlife. In high water the Karnali is a huge
way through stunning gorges and exhilaratingundertaking and not one for beginners, the 7km
rapids a great trip for anyone. With rapids such asgorge it holds has been described as a 'thrill a
Ladies Delight, Landslide and Good Morning you'reminute roller coaster rider', basically one giant rapid!
bound to have a great time. This river can beKaligandaki- The Holy River. Named after Kali the
enjoyed all year round, although it can really packHindu goddess of destruction this is Nepal's holiest
a punch during the monsoon...not for the faintriver. It begins its journey high on the Tibetan
hearted! It is perfect for anyone, first timers orPlateau in the Mustang region on the Northern side
more experienced wanting to practice their skills,of the Himalaya, carving down into one of the
a good 1-2 day trip with up to Class IV Rapids.deepest gorges in the world between Dhaulagiri
Bhote Kosi-100% Adrenaline Rush. Rapids are aand Annapurna. Includes the well known rapids Big
good class IV-V just after monsoon and a III atBrother and Little Brother, these Class III+ rapids
lower water. After a three hour scenic bus rideare well worth a visit. Wildlife, lush vegetation,
from Kathmandu you'll be greeted by pristinewhite sandy beaches, remote villages, jaw
glacial whitewater. This river is continuous anddropping gorges and surfing waves almost the
action packed . If you have limited time (1-2 days)entire trip, what more can you ask for?! Now that
but what a full adrenaline rush then this is thea dam has been built toward the lower section of
river for you. Rapids such as A Ferret in Yourthis river the trip is shorter than it once was but
Pants and Frog in The Blender give you an idea ofstill makes it one of the best medium length
what's in store! Located very close to therivers (3 days ideal) with more complex rapids
Borderlands Resort, this trip can be tied in with athan many of the other rivers offer. Make sure
quick bungy jump from one of the tallest in theyou have your camera ready for this one.
world, or a spot of canyonning or even a quickTamur- The Jewel in Nepal's East. With Class IV
bike trip to the Tibetan Border. I would highlyRapids you'll need 11 days for this one (6 river
recommend this trip for those short of time.days). This is one of the newest rivers open to
Seti- White River. Named because of the constantcommercial rafting and kayaking. This trip
whitewater it offers. This river travels throughcombines one of the best Himalayan treks with
Magar villages from where the famous Gurkhaan exhilarating river journey. The water comes
soldiers hail. This river will take about 2-3 days tofrom the mighty Mount Kanchenjunga, the third
get the best out of it and is more relaxing thanhighest peak in the world and in its 131 raftable
the Bhote Kosi making it more suitable for familieskilometres there are 120 rapids! The unspoilt and
or those who have a slightly more delicate heart!barely inhabited environment of this area make
Although I have to say it is one of the mostfor an unforgettable trip.
beautiful rivers Nepal has to offer (and is actuallyMarsyandi- The Raging River. Ranging from Class
said to be the warmest as well!)I-V rapids depending on the time of year, you'll
Sunkoshi- River of Gold. This river gets her nameneed 5 days to complete this beast! This is one of
from the Goddess Kaushiki, it is one of thethe next generation of rivers in Nepal as it has
longest trips Nepal has to offer running 8-10 daysonly recently been opened (many of the rapids
through the beautiful Mahabharat range and is theare still yet to be named if you have any ideas!).
longest river in Nepal (270km). It's quite anThe scenery on this trip is simply breathtaking.
experience to begin just 60km from the TibetanRapids are steep, technical and continuous and a
border and end up looking at the dusty Northernserious undertaking. If you're after a more
Indian plain in just a week! Most of the rapids aredemanding river with great scenery this is
Class III but be prepared as the biggest wavesdefiantly the river for you but be warned, this
are saved for the last few days, hopefully you'llriver deserves respect from those that chose to
be working like a well oiled machine by then! Thisrun it, not for a beginner!