River Rafting in Nepal

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River rafting in Nepal is quickly gaining popularity. With many certified rafting tour companies to choose from, Nepal's best rapids are at your disposal, with all class types (I-VI) to fit various skill levels.

Drawing from Nepal's mountainous terrain, there are three main river systems-the Koshi, Karnali and Gandaki. These three rivers mostly emerge from upper glaciers - glacier melt and high-altitude lakes. With an undulating raft sweeping you through steep, rugged valleys, and cloudless skies all around, river rafting in Nepal can be the highlight of any trip to Nepal.

One of the newest rafting rivers in Nepal is the Marshyandgdi. Considered one of the best white-water rafting rivers in the world, the Marshyandgdi is not for the inexperienced or faint of heart. With a top-notch guide and knowledge of what to expect, the Marshyandgdi will take you to a whole new level of rafting experience. And as you twist and turn through the rapids you could even spot the peaks of Manasulu or Annapurna off in the distance.

Not a lot of information is available about the Marshyandgdi, except that it's fast and furious. Because it was only recently that commercial tour operators could acquire the proper permits to access the drop-off and pick-up points located around local villages, many of its rapids are not yet classified or named. After a day's rafting journey you might want to jot down descriptions to remind you of the rapids you've encountered.

Another wild river of growing popularity is the Trishuli. Most tour companies and day-riders put rafts in at Baireni, a town filled with Hindu temples famous for detailed wood-carved windows and doors. At this point, the river lulls, moves slowly, and dips into the occasional sinkhole,. Farther down, the Trishuli is not so serene. With rapids easily classified as high as IV and V, you better listen to the guide, or you'll be swimming for the nearest landfall.

The Trishuli River has a more diverse selection of flora and fauna than the Marshyandgdi. Here, the landscape is more pastoral with cultivated fields and terraced vegetable patches lining the slanted knolls and foothills. It's more likely that you can catch glimpses of wildlife and birds here as you coast between rapids. After this bit of comfortable sightseeing, the river will then take you through gorges and more death-defying rapids after you pass the town of Charaundi. If you want to ride the biggest rapids, visit this river after the summer monsoon season, which promises faster runs, steeper drops, and whirlpools that keep your arms spinning. Though well-visited and notorious among regular rafters, the Trishuli River promises at least as much rafting variety and more photo opportunities than a river with higher classed rapids.

You could spend a year rafting in Nepal, but with some planning you'll find just the right river in Nepal to suit your sense of adventure and your time frame.

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