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 Himalayas, 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 dangerous to the novice rafter. Five requires some previous river experience. Rafting along Nepal's mountain rivers has become increasingly popular and Nepal has become almost as well known for its whitewater rafting as for its trekking. In fact many of the adventure trips to Nepal combine rafting and trekking expeditions. The rivers of Nepal are recognized as among the very best in the world for rafting and kayaking, with many runs providing the thrill of some of the world's finest rafting rivers while passing through unrivalled scenery covering a wide range of alpine and sub-tropical environments. No special experience is required for a rafting trip. As long as you don't mind doing some paddling and have no objections to wet clothes you're a suitable candidate for a whitewater trip.
There are various levels of difficulty or ease-according to the stretch of river and the season, and you certainly don't have to be an expert, or indeed have had any previous experience of rafting, to be able to enjoy and take competent part in an organized, lower grade run. What is required is at least moderate physical fitness and some affinity for water. On the more challenging rivers this is not recommended unless you are experienced in rafting or kayaking, but it is possible to hire equipment (mainly in Kathmandu and Pokhara) and some rivers would be ideal for independent rafters. It is important to consult one of the reputable rafting companies in Nepal for conditions of the rivers you are intending to raft before setting off. Himalayan rivers are more active than most.
