Some Popular Rafting Trips
Trishuli River
On account of its easy access from both Kathmandu and Pokhara, the Trishuli
River has become the most popular river-running course. Graded at Classes
2 to 3, it is safe for beginners, and at the same time it offers plenty
of big and bouncy rapids for an exciting run. The best times recommended
are from October till December, and from March till May.
Lower Karnali
This is a beautiful river for rafting on account of both its natural
beauty and its remoteness. Because it is so remote, it can be reached
only after a two-day trek to the river from Surkhet, which itself takes
a day to reach by road and around an hour and a half by air from Kathmandu.
For those who have want combine a short trek with rafting, this offers
the best possibility. This trip is graded Class 4 to 5 and is best taken
in November/December or March/April.
Tamur
This river has been called one of the best in the world on account of
the number of rapids - 130 - one encounters on a relatively short run
of 6 days. The river is also good for the “wildness” of
the rafting route. There are two ways of approaching the river: either
by flying to Taplejung airstrip, just two hours away from the starting
point, or by driving up to Basantapur from Kathmandu (around 18 hours)
and then taking a two-day trek to where the trip begins. Tamur has been
graded Class 4 to 5 and the recommended months are October through December
and February through April.
Sun Koshi
A trip down the Sun Kosi is probably Nepal’s rafting equivalent
of the Everest trek. Everything is right: no town or roads for close
to ten days, fantastic scenery, huge rapids and, best of all, relatively
warm water - so uncharacteristic of Himalayan rivers. The approach is
also close to Kathmandu and the two?hour drive leads through beautiful
countryside. The river is graded Class 4 to 5 and is best tried during
October through December and March through May.
Arun
For those with time constraints that exclude the classic Sun Koshi,
this is a short but worthwhile substitute. As you have to fly in to
reach the river, the magnificent view of the mountains is an added bonus.
Graded at Class 4, the best season to tackle this river is November
through April.
Upper Kali Gandaki
This river has become popular in recent years, mainly due to the reason
that access to it has been simplified with the construction of a highway.
Another reason for its popularity is that it is a perfect way to end
the famous Annapurna circuit trek after which one can either proceed
to Pokhara or carry on to Chitwan National Park. Its charm lies in its
running through unspoiled terrain where wildlife can be seen aplenty.
It is of particular interest to bird watchers as well. The trip itself
is exciting, graded as it is at Class 4. The best season to run this
river is October to December and March/April. |
