Rivers of Nepal

karnali bridge
In Nepal you are seriously spoilt for choice when it comes to whitewater, so choosing which river to raft or kayak can sometimes prove a bit tricky! The trips offer everything from heart racing rapids, snow capped mountains, isolated villages and unspoilt surroundings (not forgetting the singing and dancing in the evenings from the river guides!). So how do you choose the perfect river? Below I have listed a short summary of many of Nepal's rivers, short and long trip for beginners or experienced paddlers, there's definitely a river for everyone in Nepal.

Trisuli- This river originates from the Langtang Himal and is the most popular rafting trip in Nepal (although this does mean you are likely to run into other trips on your way down). Easily accessible from Kathmandu or Pokhara the river winds its way through stunning gorges and exhilarating rapids a great trip for anyone. With rapids such as Ladies Delight, Landslide and Good Morning you're bound to have a great time. This river can be enjoyed all year round, although it can really pack a punch during the monsoon...not for the faint hearted! It is perfect for anyone, first timers or more experienced wanting to practice their skills, a good 1-2 day trip with up to Class IV Rapids.

Bhote Kosi-100% Adrenaline Rush. Rapids are a good class IV-V just after monsoon and a III at lower water. After a three hour scenic bus ride from Kathmandu you'll be greeted by pristine glacial whitewater. This river is continuous and action packed . If you have limited time (1-2 days) but what a full adrenaline rush then this is the river for you. Rapids such as A Ferret in Your Pants and Frog in The Blender give you an idea of what's in store! Located very close to the Borderlands Resort, this trip can be tied in with a quick bungy jump from one of the tallest in the world, or a spot of canyonning or even a quick bike trip to the Tibetan Border. I would highly recommend this trip for those short of time.

Seti- White River. Named because of the constant whitewater it offers. This river travels through Magar villages from where the famous Gurkha soldiers hail. This river will take about 2-3 days to get the best out of it and is more relaxing than the Bhote Kosi making it more suitable for families or those who have a slightly more delicate heart! Although I have to say it is one of the most beautiful rivers Nepal has to offer (and is actually said to be the warmest as well!)

Sunkoshi- River of Gold. This river gets her name from the Goddess Kaushiki, it is one of the longest trips Nepal has to offer running 8-10 days through the beautiful Mahabharat range and is the longest river in Nepal (270km). It's quite an experience to begin just 60km from the Tibetan border and end up looking at the dusty Northern Indian plain in just a week! Most of the rapids are Class III but be prepared as the biggest waves are saved for the last few days, hopefully you'll be working like a well oiled machine by then! This river is voted by many as one of the world's ten classic river journeys. It's a great way to discover the real Nepal as you meander through remote rice paddies and hopefully find some inner peace along the way. Certainly a trip worth considering if you have the time.

Karnali- The Wild West. Nepal's mightiest river. Springing from the base of the Holy Mount Kailash in Tibet before dropping off into dramatic canyons raging with whitewater. A great way to get into the remote Wild West where very few travellers venture as it has only recently been opened to tourists. You will need 8-10 days for these Class IV rapids. The second half of your journey will take you near Bardia National Park where you will see the jungle thickening, great for checking out the wildlife. In high water the Karnali is a huge undertaking and not one for beginners, the 7km gorge it holds has been described as a 'thrill a minute roller coaster rider', basically one giant rapid!

Kaligandaki- The Holy River. Named after Kali the Hindu goddess of destruction this is Nepal's holiest river. It begins its journey high on the Tibetan Plateau in the Mustang region on the Northern side of the Himalaya, carving down into one of the deepest gorges in the world between Dhaulagiri and Annapurna. Includes the well known rapids Big Brother and Little Brother, these Class III+ rapids are well worth a visit. Wildlife, lush vegetation, white sandy beaches, remote villages, jaw dropping gorges and surfing waves almost the entire trip, what more can you ask for?! Now that a dam has been built toward the lower section of this river the trip is shorter than it once was but still makes it one of the best medium length rivers (3 days ideal) with more complex rapids than many of the other rivers offer. Make sure you have your camera ready for this one.

Tamur- The Jewel in Nepal's East. With Class IV Rapids you'll need 11 days for this one (6 river days). This is one of the newest rivers open to commercial rafting and kayaking. This trip combines one of the best Himalayan treks with an exhilarating river journey. The water comes from the mighty Mount Kanchenjunga, the third highest peak in the world and in its 131 raftable kilometres there are 120 rapids! The unspoilt and barely inhabited environment of this area make for an unforgettable trip.

Marsyandi- The Raging River. Ranging from Class I-V rapids depending on the time of year, you'll need 5 days to complete this beast! This is one of the next generation of rivers in Nepal as it has only recently been opened (many of the rapids are still yet to be named if you have any ideas!). The scenery on this trip is simply breathtaking. Rapids are steep, technical and continuous and a serious undertaking. If you're after a more demanding river with great scenery this is defiantly the river for you but be warned, this river deserves respect from those that chose to run it, not for a beginner!