Tuesday, June 1, 2010

Nepal river rafting

What is Whitewater Rafting?

River  Adventure

White water rafting is negotiating river rapids and obstacles in an inflatable rubber boat with a team of up to eight people and a river guide. Rivers are graded from easy to near-impossible according to their size, the intensity of their rapids and the difficulties that may affect rescue attempts.

Whitewater Rafting in Nepal
Whatever your desire for adventure, it is easy to find the perfect river in Nepal. With a wide range of difficulties from a gentle A day float down the Trisuli river, to an exhilarating 10-day adventure through the rapids of the remote Tamur and Karnali, there is an experience for everyone waiting in Nepal's famous white waters. Nepal's rivers change with the seasons. Each year, after the heavy monsoon rains the waters swell, changing the run of the rivers and the nature of the rapids. New rapids are created; others become more difficult and some simply impossible to navigate. It is important to remember that some of the white water action you are about to read about could have changed by the time you come to run the river. At WWN we are constantly monitoring changes in the rivers and their rapids, so that we can always ensure the safety of our clients and plan expeditions with precision...


Short Rafting/Kayaking Trips with River information:

River Adventure
Short river trips takebetween one and four days and do not involve any trekking. Some of these rafting/kayaking trips involve less challenging white water and are ideally suited to first time rafters and families. Others attract experienced thrill-seekers with their world-class rapids.


WhiteWater Nepal - Seti River Rafting/Kayaking

Most of the year, Seti river (class 2 to 3+), famous for its dazzling scenery, is a gentle river attracting families, bird watchers, nature lovers and dreamers. However, during the monsoon, its swollen rapids prove an exciting test for experienced rafters and kayakers. The Seti is best river for learning kayak in Nepal.
Enjoying Seti Rafting

Fact Sheet

Season Grading Water Volume
September - December 3+ Approx.50 cumecs
January - May 3+ Approx. 20 cumecs
June - August 4+ Approx 100 cumecs
Location, Transportation and Timetable
Damauli, the put-in point for rafting on Seti River is 5 hours from Kathmandu by tourist bus. WhiteWater Nepal arranges transportation for you. The 35 km of river action take 2 days. The take-out point of Seti river trip is at Gaighat and it is approximately 4 - 5 hours drive from both Kathmandu and Pokhara.

Description
The warm and beautiful Seti River passes through stunning jungle scenery, green hills and valleys. It is an excellent river for bird-watchers and those interested in the abundance of nature found on this trip.

This normally gentle river has plenty of small and straightforward rapids. During the monsoon months the intensity of the rapids increases and attracts a radically different set of rafters.

Rafting on Seti River - is an ideal trip for those wanting to experience some of the stunning river scenery in Nepal without the intensity of complex or challenging rapids. The Seti is a very suitable river for family trips and it's the best river to learn kayaking in Nepal.


WhiteWater Nepal - Trisuli River Rafting/Kayaking

For first time paddlers, a rafting trip on the Trishuli is an experience not to be missed (class 3 to 4+ in high water). While you learn to handle the river’s well spaced, Raftingstraightforward rapids, a panorama of stunning gorges drifts quietly past. During the monsoon, the river promises a more challenging ride, withpowerful rapids and whirlpools. Rafting/Kayaking on Trishuli river can easily be combined with a visit to Chitwan National Park or Pokhara.

Trisuli  River Rafting

Fact Sheet

Season Grading Water Volume
September - December 4 Approx.300 cumecs
January - May 4- Approx.200 cumecs
June - August 4+ Approx 450 cumecs
Location, Transportation and Timetable
The put-in point for Trisuli River Rafting/Kayaking is located just 3 to 3.5 hour drive west of Kathmandu, making it an excellent choice for short trips, or for those who are en route to Pokhara or Chitwan National Park.
The Trisuli can be rafted for 1 to 3 days, 15 - 60 km. Most people do the classic two day trip. The return journey to Kathmandu is 5 hours, to Pokhara is approximately 4 hours and to Chitwan is approximately 1 hour.
WhiteWater Nepal arranges private or tourist bus transportation to the put-in point, usually Charaudi. (This may differ for longer/shorter trips and depends on the season). Transportation from the take-out point of Trisuli river trip is also arranged to whatever destination is next for you.

Description
The scenery of river Trishuli includes small gorges and a glimpse of the cable car leading to the famous Hindu Temple Manakamana.
For the most of the year the rapids encountered on the Trisuli are straightforward, easily negotiated and well spaced out. Trisuli river is an excellent river for those looking for a short river trip, without the challenge of huge rapids, but with some really exciting rapids, with beautiful scenery and a relatively peaceful environment. During the monsoon months the intensity of the rapids increases and attracts a radically different set of rafters. But there are sections for rafting during the monsoon for those who are looking for simply exciting trip!

What we provide
Along with our high quality self-bailing rafts, we provide helmets, plastic paddles, wetsuits, lifejackets, and first aid kit.
We provide plentiful, healthy and hygienically prepared food and drinks. Tents and sleeping mats are also provided. Sleeping bags can be supplied upon request.
All our equipment is of the highest quality, clean and well maintained.


Bhote Koshi River: The harmony of Tibet and the Himalayas (2 days)
Bhote Koshi River Rafting/Kayaking trip is one of the best white water adventure in Nepal (class 4 to 5). Your journey to thestarting point takes you through the mountains, passing views of traditional Tibetan lifestyle. Once you’re on the river though, there is no time to stop and admire the scenery, as you and your fellow rafters negotiate some of the fastest and steepest rapids in Nepal. This true adventure can be rafted between October and December and February and April.

Fact Sheet

Season Grading Water Volume
September - December 5- Approx.100 - 50 cumecs
January - May 4+ Approx. 40 cumecs
June - August Lower section only 4+ Approx 180 cumecs
Location, Transportation and Timetable
Baseri (95 km.) the main put in point for Bhote Kosi River is 4 hour drive North-East of Kathmandu. Transportation to Baseri will be by private transport. The 25 km. of river action takes two days. The road journey from the 'Dam' - take out point is approx. 3 hours to Kathmandu. There is an orientation meeting early in the evening before the trip, providing you with an opportunity to ask any further questions you may have, to meet your fellow rafters and also your guide.

Description

There is not much time to look at the mountain scenery and surroundings once you are on this river as whitewater action starts! However, en route there is an excellent opportunity to stop in Dulikhel to admire the stunning views of the Himalayas! The Bhote Kosi is regarded as one of the best short white water rafting trips in the world. It is the steepest river that is rafted in Nepal, with continuous rapid action making this river a full-on commitment and a huge adrenaline rush.
This is an ideal trip for those wanting a short but intense and thrilling rafting trip. It is better suited to those who has some previous rafting experience.


Kali Gandaki River: River of God (3 days)
Named after the much-revered Goddess Kali and descending from the deepest gorge in Asia, this fabulous Kali Gandaki river (class 3 to 4+) offers a mixture of astounding mountain views and pure adrenaline with a full immersion into the wilderness.
Along the way you will encounter culture at its simplest. If you’re lucky, traditional Magar and Chetri villagers will venture down to the riverbank to witness your journey through the remote mountain wilderness of Nepal.
Kali  Gandaki

Fact Sheet

Season Grading Water Volume
September - December 4+ Approx. 550 cumecs
January - May 4+ Approx. 200 cumecs
June - August High risk Approx. 1000 cumecs
Location, Transportation and Timetable
Newbridge, (Kusma) the put in point for rafting on Kali Gandaki river is just 3 hours from Pokhara and is reached by private transport provided by WhiteWater Nepal. Those departing from Kathmandu leave the morning before the trip, arriving in Pokhara mid afternoon. There is an orientation meeting early the same evening, providing you with an opportunity to ask any further questions you may have, to meet your fellow rafters, your guide and team. Overnight accommodation in Pokhara can be arranged on request. The 55km of Kali Gandaki river action takes 3 days. The return trip from the 'Dam' take out point of Kali Gandaki river trip to Pokhara is about four and half hour drive.

Description
The beautiful scenery on this remote river makes Kali Gandaki rafting/kayakingi trip a favorite among those looking for a short to medium length trip. The Kali Gandaki passes through narrow gorges, alongside tumbling waterfalls and jungle, traditional Magar and Chetri villages, whose inhabitants often venture down to the riverside to meet the rafters with traditional 'Namaste!'. There are superb opportunities to see the Annapurna Mountain range and a variety of wildlife and temples on River banks.


Marshyangdi River: The raging river (3 days)
Descending form looming Himalayan giants of famous Annapurna region and Safety instruction on Kaligandaki riverpasses through along the route of round Annapurna trekking, beautiful villages, guarding temples on the river bank with uninterrupted class 4 to 5 rapids. Under the watchful gaze of Annapurna's towering peaks. If it's adventure you seek, you'll find it on this trip with one day of easy trekking and 3 days of intense white water rafting on Marsyandi river.
This is sad as initial work for middle dam has started already. Lets raft on Marshyangdi river as in few year this best river stop flowing free for rafters and kayakers.
Marshyandi Rafting

Fact Sheet

Season Grading Water Volume
September - December 5- Approx. 225 cumecs
January - May 4+ Approx. 100 cumecs
June - August Not Run Approx. 450 cumecs

Location, Transportation and Timetable
Nagdi or Bhulbhule, the put in points for Marsyandi River Rafting/Kayaking is 5 to 6 hours drive by bus west of Kathmandu to the river side. If you start from Nagdi than Porters transport all the rafting equipment and other necessities for the river trip and you'll have around 2 hour trek. Transportation from Pokhara can also be arranged. The 35 km of river action takes 2 days . Bus transportation is provided from the take-out point of Marsyandi river trip at Bimalnagar to either Kathmandu (5 hours) or Pokhara (2.5 hours). There is a orientation meeting early in the evening before the trip, providing you with an opportunity to ask any questions you may have, to meet your fellow rafters and also your guide and team.

Description
The views on the half day trek to the put in point for rafting/kayaking on Marsyandi river is an excellent preparation for the wonderful scenery that this trip offers. Marsyandi rafting/kayaking is known as one of the best white water journeys in the world. The river rages through narrow gorges and canyons and past stunning Annapurna Mountains.

The challenging grade 4 to 5- rapids begin on day one and are practically continuous to the take-out point, with steep, technical and thrilling rides through Himalayan scenery.

Marshyangdi river is an ideal choice for those wanting an intense and extreme rafting trip and is better suited to those who have had previous rafting experience. The half day trek is a plus point to the uniqueness of this journey.


Arun River: Trekker's Delight (9 days)
This trip begins with 3 day trek through remote villages of Arun valley. Camping out in lush forests with views of the snowcapped Himalayan peaks. On Arun river, the powerful current drives your raft or kayak through 4 days of great white water action; at night you relax on fantastic beaches in dramatic valleys of Arun. In our opinion, the combination of trekking, spectacular scenery, great rapids and remote location make the Arun itself best river running.
Arun  Rafting

Fact Sheet

Season Grading Water Volume
September - December 5- Approx.400 cumecs
January - May 4+ Approx. 200 cumecs
June - August Not Run Approx. 850 cumecs

Location, Transportation and Timetable
The journey to the put-in point for the rafting on Arun river involves a 16 hour road trip, with transportation arranged by WhiteWater Nepal to Hile, followed by a 3 day trek to the village of Bumbling. The 70km of river action take 5 – 6 days. The return journey from Chatara, the take-out point of Arun Rafting/Kayaking, is 16 hours to Kathmandu. It is also possible to arrange a flight from Biratnagar (1 hour road journey from Chatara), flight takes around 50 min. to Kathmandu and it's on additional cost.

Description
This spectacular river Arun is only available for those undertaking an expedition. The scenery on both the trek and river is unrivaled and unspoiled. The Upper Arun is one of the most powerful and respected rivers in Nepal, cutting through the Himalaya with deep and awesome gorges, lush valleys and superb riverside beaches.

The powerful current and large water volume ensure huge and impressive rapids are encountered the length of this river journey. The rapids can be challenging and technically complex.

The Arun is an excellent choice for a long trip for those seeking real adventure and the thrill of encountering huge rapids in an idyllic setting. It is the first choice for those wanting an expedition into the wilderness.


Sun koshi River: The river of gold (7 to 9 days) depend on season
Sun Koshi River Rafting (class 4 to 5) is famous in whitewater circles and with good reason: rafting on Sun Koshi river is one of the 10 most exciting white water rafting in the world, roaring past remote villages and green fertile mountains covered with forests and rice terraces, where local inhabitants can be seen in their daily rural activities. This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience… particularly during high waters, when the rapids can swell to massive sizes, sometimes making the rafts completely disappear from sight!
Sunkosi  Rafting

Fact Sheet

Season Grading Water Volume
September - December 5 Approx.475 cumecs
January - May 5- Approx.100 cumecs
June - August Not runable Approx 1200 cumecs

Location, Transportation and Timetable

Dumja, instead of Dolalghat, new put-in point for Sun Kosi River Rafting/Kayaking trip, is about 3 hour drive east of Kathmandu. "WhiteWater Nepal (P)LTD" provides private transport to the put-in point of Sun Kosi river trip. The 235 km. of river action can take either 7 or 9 days, it depends on the season. There is an orientation meeting early in the evening before the trip, providing you with an opportunity to ask any further questions you may have, to meet your fellow rafters and also your guide and team.

The return journey from the take-out point of rafting/kayking on Sun Koshi River - Chatara, in far south east of the country, takes approximately 16 hours to Kathmandu. It is also possible to arrange a flight from Biratnagar (1 hour road journey from Chatara), flight takes around 50min. to Kathmandu and it's on additional cost.

Description
Sun Koshi river rafting/kayaking - classic river trip is famous for being one of the top ten river journeys in the world. The ever changing scenery helps to ensure that every day on the river is exciting and different. The beginning of the trip sees high mountains, open valley, forests and small remote villages. The final days bring you to open plains and the thriving village of Chatara.

The rapids encountered at the beginning of the river trip are fairly relaxed class 3, giving an excellent opportunity for great teamwork to really develop. As the Sun Kosi winds its way across the country the size of the rapids increase and it is not unknown for villagers watching from the riverbank to lose sight of the raft in the huge waters!
Sun Kosi river rafting/kayaking is an ideal trip for those wanting to combine peaceful stretches of stunning scenery, some great and challenging rapids and the experience of a lengthy trip where lifelong friendships can often begin.


Tamur River: The best of the East (11 days)
lAn expedition on Tamur River begins with a breathtaking 4-day trek through remote Eastern Nepal. This short trek offers an amazing view of Mt. Makalu, Kanchanjanga, passing through rhododendron forest and an ancient villages of Rai majority. Once on river Tamur, you begin a 135 km. descent through more than 100 of the most exciting (class 4 to 5) rapids that the river has to offer. As with the Arun, Tamur river rafting offers you the opportunity to explore a beautiful, but rarely seen part of Nepal by foot and raft or kayak.

Fact Sheet

Season Grading Water Volume
September - December 5- Approx.350 cumecs
January - May 4+ Approx.150 cumecs
June - August Not runable Approx 750 cumecs

Location, Transportation and Timetable
The journey to the put-in point for the rafting on Tamur River involves a 18 hour road journey by WhiteWater Nepal private minibus to Basantpur, followed by a 4 day trek to Dovan (put in point for Tamur river rafting/kayaking). The 135 km river action takes 5 to 6 days. The return journey from Chatara (the take-out point of Tamur river trip), is 16 hours to Kathmandu. It is also possible to arrange a flight from Biratnagar (1 hour road journey from Chatara) to Kathmandu in additional cost.

Description
The Tamur, powerful and impressive river, is the sixth largest in Nepal. The scenery witnessed during the trek through the little known eastern part of Nepal to the put-in point is as inspiring as the river Tamur itself. The sides of the valley are wooded, with only a few villages and very little agriculture glimpsed throughout the trip. There are excellent beaches for camping and plenty of wildlife. Tamur river rafting/kayaking gives you the feeling of a wilderness expedition!

The huge grade 4 and 5- rapids are challenging and exhilarating. The volume of water ensures non-stop river action.

The Tamur is best suited to those with a sense of adventure and seeking something a little different from the rivers of Nepal. In addition to the scheduled trips to the Tamur it is also possible to arrange a special trip to meet your needs. The Tamur is ideally combined with trips to Chitwan National Park or treks in the Kanchanjunga region.

Sun Koshi/Tamur: Best combined for adventure lovers (10 to 11 days)
The unique Sun Koshi River Rafting/Kayaking trip above ending with a short drive and camping on the adjoining Tamur River. Next morning we will raft the Tamur, which is a very powerful and exciting river with over 30 Class 4+ rapids in rapid succession. After rejoining Sun Koshi river, we camp at the confluence and the next morning we raft/kayak to Chatara and return to Kathmandu. This extra day rafting trip on Tamur river is the best way to end Sun Koshi rafting experience.

Fact Sheet

Season Grading Water Volume
September - December 5 Approx.475 cumecs
January - May 5- Approx.100 cumecs
June - August Not runable Approx 1200 cumecs

Location, Transportation and Timetable
Dumja, instead of Dolalghat the new put-in point for Sun Kosi River Rafting/Kayaking is about 3 hour drive east of Kathmandu, "WhiteWater Nepal (P.) LTD." provides you with private transportation to the put-in point of the river Sun Koshi. The 270 km. of river action take 10 to 11 days - it depends on the season. There is an orientation meeting early in the evening before the trip, providing you with an opportunity to ask any further questions you may have, to meet your fellow rafters and also your guide and the team.
The return journey from the take-out point of Sun Kosi & Tamur River Trip Chatara, in the far south east of the country, takes approximately 16 hours to Kathmandu. It is also possible to arrange a flight from Biratnagar (1 hour road journey from Chatara), flight takes around 50 min. to Kathmandu and it is on additional cost.

Description
Sun Koshi River in combination with exciting river section of Tamur river - a classic river trip is famous for being one of the top ten river journeys in the world. The ever changing scenery helps to ensure that every day on the river is exciting and different. The beginning of the trip sees high mountains, open valley, forests and small remote villages. The final days bring you to open plains and the thriving village of Chatara.

The rapids encountered at the beginning of the Sun koshi trip are fairly relaxed class 3, giving an excellent opportunity for great teamwork real development. As the river winds its way across the country the size of the rapids increase and it is not unknown for villagers watching from the riverbank to lose sight of the raft in the huge waters!

The unique Sun Kosi trip above ending with a short drive and camping on the adjoining with Tamur River.The next morning, we will raft the Tamur, which is a very powerful and exciting river with over 30 Class 4+ rapids in rapid succession! After rejoining the Sun Koshi, we camp at the confluence, and then the next morning we raft to Chatara and return to Kathmandu. This extra day trip to Tamur is the best way to end the Sun Koshi River Trip experience.

This is an ideal trip for those wanting to combine peaceful stretches of stunning scenery, some challenging rapids and the experience of a lengthy trip where lifelong friendships can often begin.

What we provide
Along with our high quality self-bailing rafts, we provide helmets, plastic paddles, wetsuits, lifejackets, and first aid kit.
We provide plentiful, healthy and hygienically prepared food and drinks. Tents and sleeping mats are also provided. Sleeping bags can be supplied upon request.
All our equipment is of the highest quality, clean and well maintained.

What to bring
Please bring with you shorts and a T-shirt or swimwear for on the river, suitable footwear for wearing in the raft, warm clothing for the evenings, a towel, sun block and your camera. A flashlight is also useful.

What you need to tell us
Please tell us if you are a non-swimmer, or not very confident in the water. Also it is essential that you inform us of any medical conditions that may affect your well being on the trip.
Don’t forget to request vegetarian meals if required.

Safety
WhiteWater Nepal takes the safety of its clients very seriously. All our guides are licensed, with many years of experience on the rivers of Nepal and other European countries. All are trained in CPR, First Aid and advanced river rescue techniques.

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