I first went to Nepal more than 20 years ago to see what all the guide chat was about this place. Wow, what a mecca for running loads of great whitewater rivers. Almost all of them are multi-day trips where you’ll get to experience the wonderful culture and people of Nepal. Add to that the stunning food such as Dahl Bhat and Momos, the remote and stunning beaches and the wonderful folks you’ll get to sit around a campfire with, make it a much loved destination by our guests and guides alike.
The lower Karnali. How gorgeous is this?
The Karnali River: A rafting classic to be done post-monsoon in early to mid October, the Karnali offers wonderful vistas on the journey to the river, set in the west of the country. A short hike in sees us on this gorgeous beach, on this Holy river fed from Tibet. As we head downstream to the takeout in Chisopani, we’ll be treated to jungle clad forests, wildlife (people have even seen leopards before) and a remote journey allowing us to access world class rapids such as Jailhouse, Flip and Strip, Godshouse, Freight Train and Sweetness and Light. This is Nepal river running at it’s best. A great hint to take in after this trip is a trip to Bardia National Park at the gorgeous Tiger Tops lodge.
5 Star Camping
The Sun Kosi River: A trip almost as long as the Grand Canyon but you do it in a little over a week. Its big, its fun, the beaches in the lower parts of the river are incredible and you get to tell your friends that you have rafted in water that has come from Mt Everest! The river has wonderful waterfalls along the way to stop at and have a shower after your game of beach volleyball. With big villages along the way such as Harkapur, the time to do the Sun Kosi is now!
Amazing whitewater
The Tamur River: If you love your travel off the beaten track, this may be the trip for you. Set in the far eastern part of Nepal, the Tamur is also a tributary of the Sun Kosi fed by the 3rd highest mountain in the world, Kachenjunga. To get to start rafting, we take a gorgeous 4 day hike to the river through rhododendron forests, with our team of 100 or so strong local farmers acting as porters, make it unique. Add to that the stunning whitewater, gorgeous beaches and remoteness, make it a thoroughly loved trip by all who embark on this great journey.
Holy men in and around Kathmandu.
Add to this, the fascination of the wonderful city of Kathmandu with it’s sacred cows sitting in the streets, it’s roof top bars and restaurants with mountain views and wonderful history with it’s array of fascinating temples make this the ideal adventure travel rafting destination.
by Hamish McMaster
Hamish McMaster is the Water By Nature owner. He has spent the past 25 years exploring and playing on the world's great rivers. He still loves nothing more than getting out there and sharing adventures.
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