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 Kosi, Sapta Gandaki and Karnali.
1. Trisuli
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 excellent river for those who are with limited time. 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.
River class : 2, 3+
From : Baireni - alt 425 m.
To : Narayan Ghat - alt 180 m.
Distance : 106 km
Average:gradient : 3 m/km
Volume : 300 cms
River days : 1-4 days
2. Seti Khola
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 Machhapuchere and flows through Pokhara valley. The name Seti is named for the color of the river.
River class : 2, -3
From : Damauli -alt 480 m
To : Gai Ghat (Trisuli) -alt 200m.
Distance : 62 km.
Average:gradient : 3m/km
Volume : 40cms
River days : 2-3 days
3. Kali Gandaki
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 river 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 Nayayani. The Kali Gorge between the 8000m mountains Annapurna and Dhaulagiri is the deepest gorge in the world.
River class : 4-, 4+
From : Beni - alt 820 m
To : Andhi Khola - alt 540m
Distance : 60km
Average:gradient : 5m/km
Volume : 120 cms
River days : 3 days
4. Marsyangdi
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 Marsyangdi is raging river in local language.
River class : 4 +, 5-
From : Nagadi - alt 890m
To : Bimalnagar - alt 390m
Distance : 52 km.
Average:gradient : 10 m/km
Volume : 80 cms
River days : 3 days and one day trek
5. Sun Koshi
The Sun Koshi means " River of Gold"- because of its beauty or may be because of its orange color in the monsoons when it is thick with alluvial silt. This river is one of the ten best white water rafting trips in the world. Big rapids, warm water, beautiful scenery and great camping beaches make this a classic multi-day river trip. Upper section of this river is known as Bhote Kosi-river from Tibet. A small tributary of the Sun Koshi joins it below Bare Bise. Raft put in point, Dolalghat is only 2 hours drive from Kathmandu.
River class : 4, 4+ , 5-
From : Dolalghat -alt 625m
To : Chatatra -alt 150m
Distance : 260 km
Average:gradient : 2 m/km
Volume : 400cms
River days : 8-10 days
6. Bhote Koshi
Bhote Koshi, translated as "river from Tibet", is the origin of the Sun Koshi. The river offers two days of intense and challenging activity. This is probably the most exciting short rafting trip offered anywhere.
River class : 4 +, -5 ,5
From : Borderland Resort - alt 1020 m
To : The Dam - alt 760m
Distance : 17 km
Average:gradient : 16 m/km
Volume : 40 cms
River days : 1-2 days
7. Karnali
The Karnali is Nepal's longest and largest river. The area it flows through is wild and relatively unpopulated with some of the most pristine jungle scenarios in Nepal and abundant wildlife. The rapids are also pretty wilder in comparison to Sun Koshi. The Karnali is more constrained by its canyon walls , making bigger , more continuous and serious rapids. The access to the river is two days drive from Kathmandu.
River class : 4+ , 5- ,5
From : Sauli - alt 560 m
To : Chisapani - alt 113 m
Distance : 180 km
Average:gradient : 4 m/km
Volume : 300 cms
River days : 7 days and 2 days walking
8. Bheri
It is one of the most scenic rivers in Nepal with golden cliffs, green jungle, crystal clear green water, white beaches, excellent fishing opportunities, good bird watching coupled with a powerful current and sparkling rapids of moderate difficulty.
River class : 2, 3, 3+
From : Devisthan - alt 550m
To : Chisapani - alt 125m
Distance : 142 km
Average:gradient : 2.5 m/ km
Volume : 170 cms
River days : 5 days.
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