Rafting in Nepal

Rivers of Nepal

The rivers of Nepal offer a wide variety of rafting and kayaking opportunities. In terms of rivers, Nepal can be divided into three main river systems: sapta Koshi, Sapta Gandaki and Karnali.

1. Trisuli

River class             : 2, 3+                         Volume             : 300cms

From                      : Baireni-alt 425m.     To                    : Narayan Ghat-alt 180m.

Distance                 : 106 km.                    River days        : 1-4 days

Average: gradient : 3 m/km.                    Scenery/wind  : * 

Star rating             : **

    Trisuli is the most popular and commercially run river of Nepal as it runs in between Kathmandu and Pokhara and flows to Chitwan Valley. It has impressive gorges, moderate white water, a few exciting rapids, some easier sections and easy access. The river is drop and pool. It is an the river Bhote koshi starts from the Tibetan side of Ganesh Himal and joins the Trisuli River from Gosaikunda. It drains the water from Langtang in the east to Manaslu in the west.           

2. Seti Khola

River class             : 2, -3                         Volume             : 40cms

From                      : Damauli-alt 480m.     To                 : Gai Ghat (Trisuli)-alt 200m.

Distance                 : 62 km.                    River days         : 2-3 days

Average: gradient : 3 m/km.                    Scenery/wind  : ** 

Star rating             : *

It is an excellent river for those who do not have much time and previous experience. This is a unique river that passes through two beautiful and contrasting scenic areas – village and forest. Relatively small volume, blue and warm water cuts through deep gorges and lush jungle and finally meets the Trisuli River at Ghai Ghat (above Narayan Ghat). This is the best river for family trip and Kayak learners.

      The river starts from Machhapuchchre and flows through Pokhara valley. The name Seti is named for the color of the river.

3. Kali Gandaki

River class             : 4-, 4+                 Volume in Nov      : 120cms

From                      : Beni-alt 820m.               To              : Andhi Khola-alt 540m.

Distance                 : 60 km.                      River days       : 3 days

Average: gradient : 3 m/km.                    Scenery/wind  : ** 

Star rating             : ***

This river offers excellent medium length white water rafting  trips and views of the Annapurna as you run some moderate to difficult rapids which makes this rivers unique. The river is named after the color of the river and the Goddess Kali, so the river is considered to be holy and auspicious place to be cremated. As the river is drop and pool, the moderate waves make the river interesting.

The river originates from the Tibetan plateau draining the water of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri Himal joins with Trisuli at Dave Ghat. Then the Sapta Gandaki is called Narayani. The Kali Gorge between the 8000m mountains Annapurna and Dhaulagiri is the deepest gorge in the world.

4. Marsyandi

River class             : 4+, 5-                     Volume           : 80cms

From                      : Nagadi-alt 890m.     To                : Bimalnagar-alt 200m.

Distance                 : 52 km.                    River days     : 3 days and one day trek

Average: gradient : 10 m/km.             Scenery/wind   : ***

Star rating             : **

Marsyangdi River, rising on the northern slope of the Annapurna Himal joins with Trisuli at Mugling. This river is considered as one of the best class 4 rivers in the world – continuous, exhilarating whitewater with magnificent mountain backdrops. You have to drive up to Besishahar and take a 4/5 hours trek further up to Nagadi to reach to the starting point. Literal meaning of Marsyandi is raging river in local language.

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