10 Best White Water Rafting in Nepal, To put it bluntly, Nepal’s raging rivers, which originate from Himalayan glaciers, are unparalleled anyplace in the world.
Nepal is home to the Himalayan Mountains, whose beautiful peaks feed rivers that flow down through the foothills to the Ganges Great Plains, nurtured by monsoon rainfall and melting snow.
As a result, your Nepal rafting adventure will be one to remember. The most thrilling adventure activity in Nepal is rafting. The bulk of Nepal’s rivers have rapids and are steep.
Rafting is challenging during the monsoon since the rapids are at an all-time level. The monsoon season, which lasts from June through July, brings unprecedented water levels to the region.
The ideal months for rafting are October through December, and April through May. The melting snow in the mountains causes a whitewater flood and exhilarating rapids in the rivers during the summer.
Rafting enthusiasts are enthralled by the crystal clear water and thunderous rapids. In Nepal, there are several rivers recognized for their tough rafting. Beginners can enjoy one to three-day journeys on rivers like the Trishuli and Seti.
The Bhote Koshi and Kali Gandaki, for example, are extremely challenging rivers for professionals to navigate. We can float for two or three days in these rivers.
We take rafters to the Sun Koshi River in eastern Nepal and the Karnali River in central Nepal for longer and more challenging rafting. Rafting adventures of up to ten days are possible on some rivers.
Longer rafting experiences can be found on the Tamor and Arun rivers in eastern Nepal. The few shortlisted places for rafting in Nepal are as follows.
Contents
- 1 Top 10 Best White Water Rafting in Nepal List:
- 2 UPPER SETI RIVER RAFTING
- 3 KARNALI RIVER RAFTING
- 4 SUN KOSI RIVER RAFTING
- 5 MARSHYANDI RIVER RAFTING
- 6 TAMUR RIVER RAFTING
- 7 TRISULI RIVER RAFTING
- 8 BHERI RIVER RAFTING
- 9 BHOTE KOSHI RIVER RAFTING
- 10 KALI GANDAKI RIVER RAFTING
- 11 LOWER SETI RIVER RAFTING
- 12 FAQ’s White Water Rafting in Nepal
- 13 Which is the most popular river rafting in Nepal?
- 14 Which are the most suitable months for rafting in Nepal?
- 15 How much is rafting in Nepal?
- 16 Which place is best for river rafting?
- 17 What city is river rafting famous?
- 18 Is River rafting safe?
Top 10 Best White Water Rafting in Nepal List:
UPPER SETI RIVER RAFTING
Float along with one of the most beautiful rivers in Nepal. Rafting on the Upper Seti is one of Nepal’s most popular and enjoyable river activities. In other rivers, you’d have to fight the same number of waves for a full day, but you’d have to do it in half the time.
The river can be located just outside Pokhara. You can get there in around half an hour from Lakeside. It cascades down from Mt. Annapurna, shattering into rocks and stones as it travels. It also runs south to meet the Marsyangdi River.
Upper Seti Rafting is a great half-day adventure that takes about 30 minutes from Pokhara’s lakeside. Anyone kayaking in Nepal should see this site. We can squeeze two runs in if you’re interested.
One of our most convenient and enjoyable river tours is on the Upper Seti. It has the same number of rapids as the Kaligandaki but takes half as long. The continuous rapids give Seti its name, which means “white water.” At all costs, stay away from the ‘Landslide’… its monster!
Rafting starts: | Bamboo Bridge |
Rafting ends at: | The Dam |
Grades | Class III-IV |
Duration: | Half Day |
Distance: | 7 km |
Best season: | September to June |
Perfect for: | Adventure lovers, thrill-seekers |
Difficulty: | Intermediate |
Tour starts at: | Pokhara, Half hour bus ride from Lakeside, Pokhara |
KARNALI RIVER RAFTING
Mt. Kailash in Tibet is the source of the Karnali, Nepal’s longest and largest river. Karnali River Rafting has become a popular pastime for adventure seekers in Nepal. The rapid rushing of the river has aided tourism development in this isolated part of Nepal’s far western province.
Because of its unique natural beauty and untouched atmosphere, Karnali, also known as the “Wild West,” has seen an increase in tourists.
While participating in this sport, the rapids, which are formed by small gorges and a stream of fast-flowing water, will steal your breath away and fill you with adrenaline.
Over the course of 6 to 7 days, this 180-kilometer adventure will certainly become your once-in-a-lifetime experience. Every traveler’s desire is to raft down the Karnali River.
You will observe a breathtaking perspective of Nepal while rafting, as well as the key structural monuments of this place, while confronting the pristine environment and its charms and diversity in flora and fauna.
Graceful Adventure is a Nepal-based certified travel operator with a long history of organizing long river expeditions. Because we have the best people, members, guides, and drivers, we will make your trip unforgettable. We have vast industry knowledge and experience, therefore we will go to great measures to suit the needs of our loyal customers.
Rafting starts: | Dungeswar |
Rafting ends at: | Chisapani |
Grades | Class IV-V |
Duration: | 10 Days |
Distance: | 180 KM |
Best season: | October to November, April to June |
Perfect for: | Remote adventures in the wild, dolphin encounters |
Difficulty: | Advanced |
Tour starts at: | Kathmandu, a One-day drive from Kathman |
SUN KOSI RIVER RAFTING
One of the rivers that allow for a long journey (9 days) is the Sun Koshi (Lower). One of the top 10 high-water river adventures, it has furious waves and a big volume of water.
The river flows through a densely forested region with abundant fauna. Surprisingly, this river exposes boats to softer Class II and Class III rapids before exposing them to the larger rapids.
Rafting on the Sunkoshi River is becoming more challenging, which makes for some thrilling adventures through high water.
There are several locations to unwind during delightful floats, including a spectacular forest corridor. Rafting on the Sunkoshi River is a fantastic experience. One of the camping locations is near a rare river confluence.
The Sun Koshi (Upper) is an excellent river for beginners since it lacks large, difficult rapids. While rafting on the Sunkoshi River, the scenery is beautiful and the experience is enjoyable, with mountain views to admire.
A half-day rafting experience through forested valleys and white-sand beaches in the river run. If rafters stay overnight in Dhulikhel, they can enjoy amazing views of the Himalayas and a spectacular sunrise the next morning before heading out to the river.
Rafting starts: | Dumja |
Rafting ends at: | Chatara |
Grades | Class III-IV |
Duration: | 8 to 10 Days |
Distance: | 270 km |
Best season: | September to November, May to June |
Perfect for: | Nature and adventure lovers |
Difficulty: | Intermediate to Advanced |
Tour starts at: | Kathmandu, 3 hour drive from Kathmandu |
MARSHYANDI RIVER RAFTING
The northern side of Annapurna Mountain is drained by the “raging river.” Despite being only open to rafting since 1996, it has some of Nepal’s most stunning class IV-V whitewater.
Both the crew and the guide must do their absolute best on this river. The rapids are challenging to negotiate and necessitate a different approach than larger rivers such as the Sun Koshi and Karnali.
The crew of the Marsyangdi must react rapidly in order to navigate this pinball machine river. Large volume rivers necessitate both power and a good line.
In a matter of minutes, the Marsyangdi transforms a raft crew of complete strangers into true partners. The breathtaking views of the Marsyangdi River, which flows down the eastern side of the Annapurna circuit, have long been recognized.
With each twist and bend, the sheer gorge walls frame a fresh mountain backdrop. Rafting on the 52-kilometer Marshyangdi Torrent The Marshyangdi, a river of boiling froth imprisoned between towering peaks, flows through Annapurna’s canyons.
Rafting starts: | Bhule Bhule |
Rafting ends at: | Sanghu/Phailiya |
Grades | Class IV – V |
Duration: | 2–3 Days |
Distance: | 27 km |
Best season: | September to November, May to June |
Perfect for: | Those looking for raging rapids and fast-flowing water |
Difficulty: | Intermediate |
Tour starts at: | Kathmandu, 6 hour drive from Kathmandu |
TAMUR RIVER RAFTING
Tamur River rafting combined with a three-day hike gives stunning views of the Himalayan terrain, beautiful natural surroundings, and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to mix with the people and acquire insight into their way of life and culture while enjoying an exhilarating river expedition.
Basantapur is accessible by road or plane. The starting point is Dovan, and the destination is Chatra. On the way back from the Kanchanjunga trek, some people want to go river rafting.
Rafting is available on the Tamur River, Nepal’s sixth largest and most powerful river. The journey to the put-in location through Nepal’s lesser-known eastern region is as stunning as the river itself.
Rafting starts: | Basantapur |
Rafting ends at: | Chatara |
Grades | Class IV |
Duration: | 11 Day |
Distance: | 120 km |
Best season: | October to November, April to May |
Perfect for: | Those wanting to combine trekking and rafting adventures |
Difficulty: | Advanced |
Tour starts at: | Kathmandu, One day drive to Basantapur |
TRISULI RIVER RAFTING
With stunning gorges, dangerous rapids, and some milder sections, the Trisuli River is Nepal’s most popular rafting river, and it’s easily accessible from Kathmandu and Pokhara.
White water rafting on the Trishuli River is thrilling, pleasant, and safe for people of all ages. Views of the river, as well as woodland and animals, are included in our one-day Trishuli River Rafting excursion.
This excursion is recommended for intermediate kayakers. A trip from Pokhara, such as the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek, the Mardi Himal Trek, the Annapurna Base Camp Trek, or a visit to Royal Chitwan National Park, can be combined with the Trishuli rafting experience.
Small gorges and a glimpse of the cable car going to the famed Hindu Temple Manakamana are among the sights along the river Trishuli.
During the majority of the year, the rapids on the Trisuli are simple, easy to navigate, and widely spaced. The Trisuli River is a great river for anyone searching for a short river trip with some pretty spectacular rapids, gorgeous scenery, and a somewhat tranquil environment.
During the monsoon season, the rapids become more intense, attracting a completely different group of rafters. However, there are portions for rafting during the rains for anyone wishing for a truly thrilling adventure!
Rafting starts: | Charudi |
Rafting ends at: | Gaighat/ Fishling |
Grades | Class III |
Duration: | 1 Day |
Distance: | 60 km |
Best season: | Round the year |
Perfect for: | Traveling from Kathmandu to Pokhara |
Difficulty: | Beginners |
Tour starts at: | Kathmandu, 3.5-hour drive from Kathmandu |
BHERI RIVER RAFTING
The Bheri River, which springs in the high Himalayas, is one of Nepal’s greatest rivers for fishing and water sports. This river, which flows across the country’s extreme west, is said to be plagued with mysteries that must be solved.
In Ramnaghat, where two tributaries (Sani Bheri and Thuli Bheri) join the river, the 140-kilometer-long river rises in size. This rafting excursion begins at Devisthal and concludes in Chisapani.
Because the river’s class 3 and 4 rapids aren’t as fierce as those seen on other rafting rivers, Bheri is said to be easier to raft.
A rafting trip to Bheri will allow you to see some of the region’s most remote areas, as well as some of the region’s unspoiled cultures and an enthralling view of Nepal’s natural scenery, including wild animals in their natural habitat, while also spending warm and cozy nights at the river’s white sandy beaches. This rafting excursion is a great opportunity to get away from the filthy city for a week.
Rafting starts: | Samjhighat |
Rafting ends at: | Bardia National Park |
Grades | Class III |
Duration: | 4 Days |
Distance: | 105 km |
Best season: | Round the year |
Perfect for: | Families, bird lovers |
Difficulty: | Beginners |
Tour starts at: | Nepalgunj. One hour flight from Kathmandu + 4 hour drive to location. |
BHOTE KOSHI RIVER RAFTING
Bhote Koshi White Water Rafting in Nepal (also known as the Tibetan river) is the way to go if you just have a short period of time and want an adrenaline rush.
The Araniko Highway, which runs alongside this river and connects Kathmandu and Lhasa, is a convenient route. Simply looking at the river with class 3, 4, and 4+ rapids raise your heart rate and adrenaline levels. The steepest river runs in Nepal and offers a complete white water adventure.
It’s about a 3-hour drive from Kathmandu and makes for a terrific day excursion. It’s also likely that it’ll stay at the lake camp for the night.
This brief river excursion takes you through some of the most difficult technical rapids in the world. The name BHOTE KOSHI was given to the Bhote Koshi River since it originates in Tibet and is known locally as Bhot.
Our guides are expert rafters who have rafted all of the rivers we provide and have the knowledge and abilities to make your trip safe and pleasant.
Each boat will be accompanied by a guide who will give fire safety lessons and point out the lake’s most secure route. Once you’re on the river, there’s not much time to take in the beauty of the surroundings since the whitewater action begins!
However, there is a wonderful opportunity to halt in Dulikhel en route to observe the breathtaking Himalayan vistas! One of the best short white water rafting adventures in the world is the Bhote Kosi.
It is Nepal’s steepest rafting river, with constant rapid movement that makes it a full-on commitment and a terrific adrenaline rush.
This is a great tour for anyone looking for a quick but exciting rafting experience. It is more suitable for individuals who have prior rafting expertise.
Rafting starts: | Lamasanghu/Baseri |
Rafting ends at: | Dolaghat |
Grades | Class III to V |
Duration: | 1 to 2 Days |
Distance: | 22 kms |
Best season: | Round the year |
Perfect for: | September to November, April to June |
Difficulty: | Suits all skill levels |
Tour starts at: | Kathmandu. 5 hour drive from Kathmandu. |
KALI GANDAKI RIVER RAFTING
Because no prior experience is required, rafting on the Kaligandaki River is ideal for anyone. The river is one of Nepal’s most pleasurable medium-length rivers.
You’ll go through 60 rapids in 60 minutes… Is there anything else we can add about Kaligandaki River Rafting? The Kali Gandaki is named after the Hindu deity Kali.
Kali is the Divine Mother, yet she can also be terrifying. She embodies the moon and solar currents’ natural forces, as well as Hindus’ fear of death.
While kayaking the Kali Gandaki is not dangerous, you will experience some wild, adrenaline-pumping rapids that will make your heart race.
The river runs down to the plains from the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna summits, cutting one of the world’s deepest gorges in the process. Warm water waterfalls cascade along the river’s route and are enjoyable to play in.
Rafting starts: | Maldunga |
Rafting ends at: | Mirmi |
Grades | Class IV – V |
Duration: | 3 Day |
Distance: | 90 km |
Best season: | September to November, April to June |
Perfect for: | Natural beauty |
Difficulty: | Suits all skill levels |
Tour starts at: | Pokhara. 30-minute flight / 6-hour drive from Pokhara. |
LOWER SETI RIVER RAFTING
White Water Rafting in Nepal Another famous Nepali river is the Seti, which originates in the Himalayas and makes its way through forested canyons and twisted rock and sandstone formations.
The Magar settlements, which are home to the famed Gurkha army, are located along this river. It’s a very pleasant ride with wonderful scenery, ideal for a family day.
The river is raging during the monsoon, but the rest of the year is a peaceful, safe, and pleasurable rafting adventure. For first-timers, families, and those with limited time, this is an excellent rafting experience.
Despite the river’s calm appearance, the rapids are thrilling. The river is said to be the warmest in Nepal. The Seti is one of the most beautiful and pristine rivers in the Himalayas.
It will attract you with its rich hidden vegetation, lovely sandy beaches, and beginner-friendly class II-III whitewater courses.
Rafting starts: | Damauli (Kathmandu Pokhara Highway) |
Rafting ends at: | Gaighat (3 hours from Kathmandu) |
Grades | Class II to III |
Duration: | 2 Days |
Distance: | 32 km |
Best season: | September to November, May to June |
Perfect for: | Newbies, families, bird watchers |
Difficulty: | Beginners |
Tour starts at: | Pokhara. 1.5 hour drive from Pokhara. |
FAQ’s White Water Rafting in Nepal
Which is the most popular river rafting in Nepal?
Trishuli and Kali Gandaki is the popular river for rafting in Nepal.
Which are the most suitable months for rafting in Nepal?
Suitable months would be June-July for rafting in Nepal
How much is rafting in Nepal?
The cost varies from 1500 NRS – to 10000 NRS to raft in Nepal.
Which place is best for river rafting?
Bhotekoshi is the best river for rafting in Nepal
What city is river rafting famous?
Sindhuli district is famous for rafting in Nepal.
Is River rafting safe?
Yes, river rafting is completely safe and is done under the supervision of experienced personnel.