Adventure Sports in Nepal: Top Rafting and Kayaking Routes

Nepal is one of the most exciting destinations for adventure sports. With 70% of its total land mass covered by mountains, Nepal is a prime location for trekking and mountain expeditions. Nepal is second only to Brazil in fresh water resources, making it a haven for water-based adventure sports such as rafting, kayaking, and canoeing. Most of Nepal’s rivers originate from the Himalayas, making them steep and filled with thrilling white water rapids.

Here are the top ten river routes in Nepal for rafting and kayaking.

Rafting and Kayaking Routes in Eastern Nepal

Tamur River: Rafting in the Foothills of Kanchenjunga

Distance: 120 km
Duration: 12 days
Cost: $700-$800
Transport: 5-hour drive from Biratnagar (Biratnagar is a 45-minute flight from Kathmandu)

Tamur River, located in eastern Nepal, runs in the foothills of Mount Kanchenjunga. The trip includes a three-day trek, offering a chance to experience the Nepali wilderness.

Sun Kosi River: The Longest Rafting Route in Nepal

Distance: 270 km
Duration: 9 days
Cost: $350-$450
Transport: 3-hour drive from Kathmandu

Sun Kosi River features class 2 and class 3 rapids and is the longest rafting route in Nepal. The river flows through the Mahabharata Range, starting near the Tibetan border and ending near the Indian border. This is one of the easiest river trips in Nepal, providing a magnificent experience.

Rafting Routes in Central Nepal

Trisuli River: Popular Short Rafting Trip

Distance: 40 km
Duration: 2 days
Cost: Approximately $100
Transport: 2-hour drive from Kathmandu

Trisuli River is the most popular short rafting trip in Nepal. The rapids are class 2 and class 3, but during the rainy season, they can escalate to class 4. After rafting, you can camp on the white sandy beach and visit Pokhara, a city known for its mountain that resembles a fish tail.

Bhote Kosi River: World-Class Rafting Destination

Distance: 18 km
Duration: 2 days
Cost: Approximately $120
Transport: 3-hour drive from Kathmandu

Bhote Kosi River, near the Tibetan border, is not only the best short rafting and kayaking trip in Nepal but also one of the world’s best. The river features class 5 rapids and offers bungee jumping in its deep gorge.

Upper Sun Kosi River: Ideal for Learners

Distance: 20 km
Duration: 2 days
Cost: Approximately $100
Transport: 2-hour drive from Kathmandu

Upper Sun Kosi River is an easy alternative to Bhote Kosi, with class 3 white water rapids. It is a great destination for beginner kayak clinics.

Rafting and Kayaking Routes in Western Nepal

Seti River: Perfect for Beginners

Distance: 32 km
Duration: 2 days
Cost: $150-$200
Transport: 30-minute drive from Pokhara (Pokhara is a 30-minute flight from Kathmandu)

Seti River is ideal for learners, featuring class 2 and class 3 rapids. Kayak clinics are popular here, and the river’s rising waters provide a challenging rafting and kayaking experience.

Kali Gandaki River: Rafting Through Deep Gorges

Distance: 90 km
Duration: 3 days
Cost: $130-$170
Transport: 2-hour drive from Pokhara

The Kali Gandaki River trip includes a visit to Chitwan National Park, where you can see one-horned rhinoceros. The river flows through deep gorges, offering spectacular views of villages and temples along the way.

Marsyandi River: The Raging River

Distance: 27 km
Duration: 4 days
Cost: $230-$260
Transport: 5-hour drive from Kathmandu

Marsyandi River, known as the raging river, is very steep. The Annapurna Circuit trek starts near Marsyandi River, offering excellent white water rafting and kayaking.

Karnali River: Nepal’s Longest River

Distance: 180 km
Duration: 10 days
Cost: Approximately $500
Transport: 4-hour drive from Nepalgunj (Nepalgunj is a one-hour flight from Kathmandu)

Karnali River is the longest and largest river in Nepal, famous for dolphins. The trip includes seven days of rafting and can end with a visit to Bardia National Park, where you can see the Royal Bengal Tiger. The river flows along canyons and waterfalls.

Bheri River: Rafting Along Jungles and Hills

Distance: 15 km
Duration: 1 day
Cost: Approximately $120
Transport: 4-hour drive from Nepalgunj

Bheri River runs along the jungle and hills in western Nepal. Rafting on Bheri includes a visit to Bardiya National Park, providing opportunities to see abundant wildlife and try fishing.

Explore these exhilarating rafting and kayaking routes in Nepal for an unforgettable adventure.