Nepal Whitewater Rafting

Nepal is home to 8 of the worlds top ten 8,000m peaks, and where you find big mountains, you’ll find big rivers. The far eastern border of Nepal is guarded by the third tallest mountain in the world, Kangchenjunga, a Tibetan word meaning ‘The five treasures of the high snow’. The real treasure that flows off Kangchenjungas western slopes is the Tamur River, Nepals premiere whitewater journey.

After a short flight from Kathmandu we land in Biratnagar from where we drive up through the sub tropical hills to Basantapur, a small village at the end of the road. At 7,500ft we start our trek, teaming up with local porters to manage all the rafting and camping gear for our expedition. Winding up through Rhododendron forests, the trail follows a 10,000ft ridge line, passing through small farming communities and offering superb views of the Makalu Massif to the north and Mt Kangchenjunga in the east. The trail eventually descends from the cool heights to the lush tropical valley below where our river adventure awaits (contrary to popular belief, we don’t raft high up in the snow!).

We load up our rafts and travel downstream where an adventure is in store around every corner. From the adrenalin surging rapids to scenic sandy beaches, no moment is a dull one. The Tamur has some of the finest whitewater you’ll ever find, and in between the rapids there is ample time to enjoy the scenery and abundant birdlife.

What’s included:
3 nights lodging in Kathmandu
Internal flights
Meals as outlined in the itinerary
World Class Guides; both Western and Nepalese

Not Included:
International airfare
Tips
Meals in Kathmandu

Day 1
Arrive Kathmandu, and time to explore this great city! Next two nights in the Kathmandu guest house upgraded suites.
Not included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 2
Explore the fascinating Kathmandu and do any last minute shopping. Knock-off brands of most outdoor equipment brands are available at low cost and will hold up longer than you expect. Sleeping bags, pads, jackets, etc are all available.
Included: Breakfast

Day 3
Breakfast and then a short scenic flight from Kathmandu to Biratnagar. After a filling lunch we drive to the bustling market town of Basantapur and relax there for the night.

Days 4 – 7
Awake to the typical street sounds of a Nepalese market town and enjoy breakfast and then drive to Basantapur. We then begin a spectacular journey to the river through Rhododendron Forests.
Our trek takes us over a 10,000ft pass above the sacred lake at Gopa Pokhara rewarding us with stunning views of Kachengunga, Makalu and the majestic Mount Everest. We descend through terraced rice paddies and mountain villages which lead us to the river.
Included: All meals

Day 8
After a comprehensive safety talk we put on the river and take on some of the most fun whitewater in Nepal. This river is a whitewater delight with one rapid leading into the next. At camp that evening, enjoy chilling out with your sundowners, as stories are told (and exaggerated) of the day’s rafting.
Included: All meals

Day 9
Steep canyon walls enclose the river and the rapids are powerful and continuous, many of which are still unnamed. As the river opens up we pass by small fishing villages and watch wild monkeys on the river banks. Overnight camp on a beautiful white sandy beach.
Included: All meals

Day 10
Layover day, and a chance to do exactly what you want. Whether you choose to relax and read or join in on a spot of volleyball or swim, the choice is yours. And what a spectacular setting for it.
Included: All meals

Day 11
A relaxing day punctuated by some fun whitewater.
Included: All meals

Day 12
Some phenomenal whitewater action today as towering waves leap skyward, with seemingly endless rapids surging through steep canyon walls, to finally cascade into the Sun Kosi.
Included: All meals

Day 13
An early rise today with a floating breakfast as we watch the sun rise over the hills. We leave the river at Chatara and fly back to Kathmandu. After settling in to your hotel you will enjoy an evening meal with all your fellow travelers in one of the city’s many restaurants.
Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 14
After a leisurely breakfast we take you back to the airport for your flight home.
Included: No meals

What You Should Bring
We find most of our clients have in their possession already what is needed for a river rafting journey. We have broken down here the items into what you’ll need on the river and in camp. An equipment list of what you will require for your adventure will be sent to you prior to your departure. This will be very useful for putting your drybag into for the flight to Biratnagar.

Hike To The River:
Strong hiking boots and thick socks
Dry pack for carrying personal items – water, camera, sunscreen, lunch etc.
Nalgene or similar water bottle – or a Camelbak if you prefer
Pair of shorts or a pair of long trousers for women
Long sleeved thermal top and a fleece jacket and trousers
Down jacket (this can be hired in Kathmandu for very little cost), warm hat and gloves
Rain jacket
Headlamp or head torch and spare batteries
Sunglasses
‘Chums’ for fastening your sunglasses to your head
Wide brimmed sunhat
Blister packs and plasters

River Fashion:
A pair of Chacos / Keens or similar sandals
2 pairs of River shorts or swim suit
Thermal Top – Medium weight – Heavy weight Capilene or polypropylene is the best
Thermal trousers for cooler days
A baseball cap for under the helmet to keep sun off
Wide brimmed sunhat
Sunglasses
Chums for fastening your sunglasses to your head
Nalgene or similar water bottle
Carabiner for fastening water bottle to your boat
Waterproof camera such as GoPro for the “action” on the raft shots
Waterproof sunscreen and lip balm SPF15 minimum
For evenings and around camp
Lightweight long trousers & long sleeved shirt
T-shirts and extra shorts
Fleece jacket and warm trousers
Rainjacket / Ligh weight down jacket
Ladies should bring a long skirt or sarong to cover your legs whilst in the company of locals
Underwear and socks
Glasses or Contact lenses. Disposable lenses are ideal
Toiletries. Toothbrush, toothpaste, biodegradable soap and shampoo
Forget the cosmetics and hair dryer! But we do suggest moisturiser
Hand wipes and a small bottle of hand sanitiser
A 3-season sleeping bag- this can be hired in Kathmandu for very little cost
Travel Pillow
Small pack towel
Headlamp or head torch and spare batteries
Shoes or boots for wearing around camp and on hikes
Any medication you may be taking

Optional Items:
Your favorite book or a journal for recording your river memories
Sketchpad
Photographic or video equipment. We recommend a cleaning kit as sand gets everywhere
Bring a spare memory card or plenty of film
An iPod or other music preferences – we have speakers
The only money that you need to bring is for meals in town, souvenirs, DVD, personal items, gratuities and the beer kitty for the raft trip if you drink

Personal Spending
The only money that you need to bring is for meals in town, souvenirs, DVD, personal items and the beer kitty for the raft trip if you drink. Please remember that many of the countries we visit do offer Credit Card and ATM facilities and for a small charge you can withdraw cash either from your account or Credit Card for convenience.

If you wish to pass on a gratuity to your guide we leave this entirely up to you.

Basically, we advise you to keep things as light as possible, without skimping on the necessities. It is great to bring back a load of goodies for everybody back at home.

You do not need to bring tents or sleeping mats, wetsuits or booties.

Photos from the Tamur River Expeditions