Rafting is a competitive sport where the adventurers travel on rivers or streams with the help of a raft. Generally in the recreational sport, the inflating raft is used to cruise on the high flowing river or a stream. To add further excitement to the sports, mostly it is performed on a rough water surface where the adventurers battle through the waves
Rafting is mostly practiced on a different level of rough water and whitewater (a river flow which is formed due to change of the river’s gradient creating a different level of turbulence). So you could say that this adventure-sport adds more thrill relative to the steep gradient of the river flow which increases the turbulence and water velocity on the surface.
There are different levels of whitewater (a significant number of rapids) rafting which has been categorized by the International Scale of River Difficulty (an American system to measure the navigating difficulties of a river or as per the significant number of the rapid of a river).
Class 1: Presence of a small number of rough areas where a very basic skill level is enough to enjoy the water sport.
Class 2: There is a decent number of rough spots with the probability of the presence of some rocks in this class. You need to have basic paddling skills to surf on these classes of water surfaces.
Class 3: In this class, there is a presence of a few drop areas with medium waves and maybe even some rocks. You need to have some experience in rafting to venture through rivers of this level.
Class 4: In this category, the waves are medium with the possibility of rocks and considerable drop exceptional maneuvers and rafting skills need to be acquired by the participant.
Class 5: This level indicates the larger waves with the possibility of large rocks as obstacles along the cruise. The possibility is that the drop is also large in this level of identified rafting zone. So you need to have a master level of rafting skills to venture the water surface of this category.
Class 6: The river and streams of this category are simply unattainable. The huge water waves and obstacles along the path are so dangerous in this category that it's nearly impossible for a rafter to make it through without any injuries. The class 6 rafting zones rapid and routes can basically bear the risk of rafter being seriously injured and in the worst-case scenario possibility of death.
A Brief History of Rafting
The first whitewater rafting was tracked down back in 1811; the first attempt to journey the Snake River (a major river of Pacific Northwest region) in Wyoming was planned. The plan to conquer the Snake River didn’t go smoothly, lack of proper equipment and preparation failed the adventure as the river was too dangerous and difficult to navigate. Then, the river was nicknamed as “Mad River”.
However, later in June 1940, Clyde Smith was able to successfully venture through the Mad River; taking the sports to new heights of recognition.
Rafting In Nepal
The country with high Himalayan range and simply breathtaking natural beauty--down on the foothills holds the greatest treasure of mankind. There are many rivers resting on the foothills of the Himalayan range which flow with the nourishment of the great Himalayas and monsoon rain.
The country boasts some of the finest destinations in the world to enjoy rafting. These are the best rafting zones that are renowned across the globe.
1. Bhote Koshi River Rafting
If your trip is short planned and you wish to enjoy the water adventure as closest as possible near the capital of Nepal; the rafting zone located at 3 hours driving range from Kathmandu will refresh your adventurous heart. Bhote Koshi is one of the best destinations for short white water rafting in the world; it offers 26 km continuous rafting where you can test your courage on class 3, 4 and 5 rapids.
The miraculous piece of art from nature takes your excitement to the next level; enjoying the views of Himalayas, greenery and beautiful gorges. Also, the deep canyons, beautiful terrace, and magnificent waterfalls will add magic to your courageous moment. So, sign in for the wildest rafting experience in Nepal with different levels of challenging rapids as well as comfortable stimulating fun for the beginners. If you fall in love with the surrounding you can spend more time and stay the night at the riverside camps.
2. Trishuli River Rafting
Starting its roots from the Langtang Himal, Trishuli is one of the most popular destinations in Nepal to enjoy rafting. It is just a 3 to 3.5 hrs drive away from Kathmandu which makes it one of the most preferred short-route rafting destinations.
The small gorges, view of Manakamana hill, the cable car line, pretty terraced farmland, and enormous high hills make Trishuli one of the treasured rafting adventure zones. The visitors of all ages and basic skill levels also can enjoy rafting here as the straightforward trip without challenging huge rapids will be a pleasant adventure that will fill your memories with gracious divine beauty and peaceful-restful surroundings. Although the river lacks very challenging rapids, the cross-section journey, breathtaking gorges and the magic of The Himalayan flow will melt your heart away.
3. Kali Gandaki Rafting
If you are looking for non-stop thrills and a greater number of rapids Kali Gandaki is a fitting destination that is famous for quick paddling rafting. Furthermore, you can explore the stirring rafting class 4 and class 5 rapids which are available in Kali Gandaki.
The challenging rapids as well as calm white water and mesmerizing wildlife makes Kali Gandaki a prized spot in the world of rafting.
The natural beauty, stunning waterfalls, diverse cultural village and temples along the journey will certainly make your moments magical. Moreover, in one of the holiest rivers in Nepal, you can witness the Hindu ritual taking place at the bay. So, pack your bags to explore the deepest gorge of the country, vastly diversified culture and traditions delighted with a touch of nature.
4. Karnali Rafting
Karnali is another high paced river the country boasts where the adventurers can enjoy class 4 and class 5 rapids. It is another famous destination to enjoy the quick paddling water trip. Besides the breathtaking rafting, the river also builds peaceful moments where you can look out for the rare freshwater dolphins that reside in the river which are rare as the country doesn’t have any sea or oceans.
Also, the beautiful jungle scenery, lowland forest, and clear blue water without any doubts will steal your heart. The rafting journey will be concluded near Bardiya National Park where you can be in the lookout for rare species of birds and animals.
5. Seti River Rafting
If you are in a dilemma for choosing between high paced rapids or simple rapids as it might not be compatible for everyone then, Seti River is an ideal location. The Seti rafting region has been classified into two parts Upper Seti River Rafting and Lower Seti River Rafting where you can simple-easy rapids as well as extreme thrills.
Upper Seti River Rafting:
This region is superb for quick adrenaline rush with the route which takes you through continuous rapids for about 40 minutes. The landslide rapids are quite famous in the upper Seti river rafting region where the thrill-seekers can taste the water sport at an extreme level. You can relish class 3 and class 4 rapids adventure in this zone.
The upper Seti river has very challenging rapids which are more fun in mid-September--the rafting in this region is more fun as the water level will rise after the monsoon season.
Lower Seti River Rafting:
Whereas, if you are just beginners in the rafting adventure and wanting to enjoy quality time with your family; lower Seti river rafting is a suitable holiday stop for you.
You can enjoy class 2 and class 4 rapids on the Lower Seti River rafting adventure which might not be as intense as upper Seti River but, cruising through the easy rapids, beautiful scenery, wildlife, and forest will surely make your trip worth it. Not to mention, the eagles, kingfishers, and vultures are common species of birdlife of this region ,so you can be on the lookout to capture the perfect moment of the wilderness.
6. Sun Koshi Rafting
The river which can be translated to the river of gold in Nepali is undeniably a golden spot to enjoy the thrilling sports. Clean and camping beaches added with the golden sparkling sand are the specialty of Sun Koshi rafting.
The river from the Himalayas origin is one of the best locations to enjoy rafting in Nepal which boasts up to class 3 and class 4 rapids. Also, this river has been listed as one of the Top-10 River rafting destinations by Nat Geo. The beautiful gorges under the protection of majestic forests and exotic beaches will certainly link you closer to Mother Nature.
7. Tamur River Rafting
Tamur is another major river located in the eastern part of the country and a favorable destination to enjoy rafting. The beautiful river which has origin around Mt. Kanchenjunga provides a non-stop class 4 rapid to the thriller water sports lover. So, it will be better,if you have some experience in white water rafting to adventure the class 4 rapids.
Besides the challenging rapids, the perks of choosing this marvelous river are that you can enjoy the view of Mt. Everest, Makalu and Kanchenjunga while rafting. Also, the fascinating scenery and beaches will make every moment unforgettable.
8. Bheri River Rafting
Flowing at the western range of Mt. Dhaulagiri,this river's beauty and surrounding scenery are beyond any measure. The rapids are not as challenging as other rivers, so, the water surfing will be very comfortable for the beginners as well as up to class 3 rapids for a little advanced rafting courses.
The surrounding with incredible jungles and river itself filled with fishing adventures will definitely be your close encounter with the wilderness. Traveling to the rafting zone is also easily accessible--1-hour flight from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj and a 4 hours drive from there will get you to the country's one of the favorite rafting zones.
9. Marshyangdi River Rafting
The mountain river at the northwest of Mt Annapurna massif which has a length about 150 km has always been a heartthrob for the thrilling adventure lovers. The river which holds the name as one of the steep rivers for whitewater rafting in Nepal and its ferocious water flow will certainly test the adventurer soul in you.
This river is one of the most challenging rivers for rafting in the country with different levels of difficult hurdles. Marshyangdi offers up to class 4 and class 5 rapids where you can take the excitement of the thrilling water sports to the next level. Furthermore, the breathtaking mountain scenery mixed with the adrenaline rushes throughout your body from the provoking water waves will be a life-long treasurable memory for the adrenaline junkies.
