White water rafting means cruising down a rushing river in an inflatable rubber raft or white water kayak over crashing waves and swirling rapids for the excitement of a lifetime. Nepal has earned a reputation as one of the best destinations in the world for white water rafting. Nepal’s thundering waters, coming from the glaciers of the mighty Himalaya, provide unmatched thrills for rafting and immersing oneself in the landscape. A rafting trip is bound to be the highlight of your stay in the country.

Rivers are graded on a scale of one to six, with one being a swimming pool and six a one-way ticket to your maker. Four is considered to be quite challenging without being exceedingly dangers to the novice rafter. Five requires some previous river experience. Here are some of the popular rafting trips.

Rafting Trips:

Trishuli River:
The Trisuli River (grade 3+) is one of the most popular, if not the favorite; of Nepal’s raft able rivers. Due to its proximity to Kathmandu and the easy road access most rafting companies offer trips on the Trisuli. For first time rafters, it offers plenty of excitement. Many choose to incorporate a ride down the Trisuli with either a trip to Pokhara or to the Chitwan National Park.


Kali Gandaki River:
The Kali Gandaki (grade 4 - 4+) winds through remote canyons and deep gorges for five days of intense rapids among gorgeous wilderness and mountain views. The run flows 120 km and its challenges are continuous. Trips on the Kali Gandaki begin and end in Pokhara and offer an exciting alternative to the Trisuli.


Bhotekoshi River:
The Bhote Koshi (grade 4 – 5) is worth special mention. It is a two-day run of pure adrenaline located only three hours from Kathmandu. Twenty-six km of continuous white water soaks rafters as they shoot through a veritable maze of canyons and boulders. Little more than a swimsuit is needed for this one.


Marshyangdi River:
The raging Marshyangdi (grade 4 – 5) is a relative newcomer in this group. The Marshyangdi run is four days of uninterrupted white water. Flowing through the gorges of the Annapurnas, it runs sandwiched between 52 km of boiling foam and towering peaks. Trips on the Marshyangdi start from Pokhara.


Karnali River:
The Karnali River (grade 4 – 5) in the far west is the longest and largest river in Nepal. To arrive at its banks requires a two-day trek from Surkhet in the Terai. The next 90 km are spent flying through spectacular landscapes and narrow gorges and down some of the most challenging rapids in the world. For the remaining 90 km, the scenery and wildlife are the main attractions, as is the abundance of fish.