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 Rafting Information .
 

 

Best period  
Nepal's climate is dictated by the monsoon, which starts in June & usually ends by late September. The best time for rafting are late September to early December & March to early June. From mid-October onwards the weather is settled and this is one of the most popular time to go rafting as the monsoon is over and everything is very green. Rivers are moderately high but with dropping levels creating more rapids as autumn wears on. Temperatures too are comfortably warm and skies clear with fine mountain views. The winter months from late December through to early February are cold, but skies are clear & river levels are low. From late February through to early April is also a good time for river running - river levels are reliably low and air temperatures warm. From June to August the monsoon rains arrive and the rivers swell making rafting a risky proposition.

Grading System 
There are many different types of river rafting in Nepal. It is important to select the type of trips that suits the clients’ interest and ability. Any raft with an oar frame, the river guide normally sits in the middle and rows while passengers relax and enjoy the scenery. With a paddle raft the guide normally sits at the back calling instructions and steering, while the crew provides the power. A good teamwork is very important while rafting.  

Rivers here are graded from one to six with one as an easy-moving water with few obstacles and six being considered nearly impossible to negotiate and hazardous. Anyone who is in reasonable physical shape and not afraid of water can safely go rafting on rivers with grading from one to three. One is considered as easy, two as moderate and three as moderately difficult. Four is considered to be challenging. From four to six participants should be very fit, confident and have some rafting experience.  


Few useful information:  

a.

 The clients should select the type of trips that suits their interest & ability only as per the river levels & difficulty.  

b.

They should check to see that end loops and leash is adequate before pushing off. This makes it easier to keep a good hold on the boat when negotiating big rapida and also in the event of rescue  

c.

When participants accidentally fall into a rapid, they should try not to panic. They should hold onto their paddle, which makes them more visible. They should try to float on their back, with the feet downstream.  

d.

Due to space constraint on the raft, we highly suggest clients to minimize their belongings as much as possible.   

e.

Valuables like gold ornaments, passport, air tickets, documents etc; should be left behind in the hotel locker in Kathmandu. Even credit cards are not necessary unless they will be proceeding on to Pokhara or Chitwan after the river trip. A little extra money will be required incase they prefer to have a drink in the evening or buy small souvenir.

f.

Other expensive items like camera, watch; etc are to be deposited with the river guide, who will place them in a watertight container.  

g.

During the river trip, it is adviseable to wear shorts, T- shirts & shoes without socks. A spare set of dry clothing is to be ready after the end of the trip to change into for the evening. Spectacles or sunglasses are to be tied behind in order to prevent them from being swept away in a rapid. Sun cream together with a good sun-hat is also a must. A small towel to dry off after a spell of white water rapid can be also handy.  

h.

During the trip clients must wear the provided life jacket & helmet properly at all the times. They should check with the guide before taking them off. Their feet and arms should be kept inside the raft all times.  

i.

On calm stretches of the river, they can have a swim but they must get permission from the guide before diving into the water. Our river guide is an expert and he knows the river intimately. Hence his instructions are to be followed without question. The participant should always be a team person.  

j.

Lunches are usually cold consisting of sandwiches, salads & cheese and fresh fruit. This will be eaten on the trip on a suitable river beach. Dinner is buffet style without chairs & will consist of stew, brown bread & dessert. On longer trips a Nepalese menu consisting of rice, lentils, vegetables may be provided. Breakfast & dinner are usually laid buffet style on a table with self -service. Chairs & tables for meals are not provided on rafting trips.  

k.

A flash light is a must for that late night visit to the toilet tent or the trip back to the tent in the evening. We recommend bringing own sleeping bags. Mattresses are provided by us on the trip but the clients must ensure that all the belongings are secured & inside the tent. Nothing should be left lying on the beach, either during lunch or on overnight stops.  

l.

In the winter, evenings can be quite cold and breezy. Hence, warm sweaters and jackets are necessary. In summer, the riversides are warm hence only light clothing is required.