WHITE WATER RIVER RAFTING IN THE HIMALAYAN KINGDOM
Here at Raft 'N Rivers we are proud to bring you the most experienced and respected white water rafting trips in Nepal. Our wide variety of trips are tailored to suit both first time rafters as well as thrill the seasoned expert. Whether you are looking for a single-day adventure ride or a relaxing multi-day float our whitewater rafting trips will be the perfect addition to your Nepali holiday. Raft 'N Rivers has over 10 years experience in running professional river trips in the Kingdom of Nepal. Our guides average 15 years of experience; having safely accompanied over thousands rafters downriver and given them the experience of a lifetime.
We encourage everyone; young or old, fit or couch potato, to experience the exhilarations of white water rafting and know that you will learn to love this sport as much as we do. Our rafting guests are often new to rafting and many of them have never been on a river trip before. Although you may have never run a whitewater river trip the only prerequisite to our trips is an enjoyment spending time in the outdoors and a desire to participate in an enjoyable and exciting rafting trip. Each member within the Raft 'N Rivers family has been carefully selected based on their standards of service, safety records and extensive professional whitewater guiding experience. Our priority is your safety and we have rigorous standards - from our guide training to the equipment we use. Our emergency precautions and our highly trained staff ensure you the best possible whitewater adventure no matter where in Nepal you decide to raft. Rest assured that when you choose a Raft 'Rivers, you will be well taken care of! Our rafting trips often create lifelong memories for our guests and offer you a unique rafting vacation experience. On your rafting trip you are bound discover a unique sense of escape; removing you from civilization, absorbing amazing scenery as you float through scenic gorges and high terraced field. During each rapid amidst rushing whitewater you will learn new paddle commands in a “no worries” environment discovering how to paddle together as a team, forming new bonds between family and friends and completely relaxing to the soft sounds of the river lapping at the side of your raft.
Come take the plunge!!
Is rafting dangerous?
Rafting is thrilling, exciting, wet, wild and unbelievably fun. However, as with all adventure sports, there is inherent risk involved. That risk contributes to the excitement, and is one of the reasons people enjoying rafting so much. Our guides are well trained to minimize and manage risk. Not to mention statistically speaking, you're safer in a raft than in your car. One noted report that the injury rate for whitewater rafting is similar to that for bowling! The most common injury on most rafting trips is sunburn, and most other injuries occur on land, especially getting into and out of those slippery boats.
If I can't swim, can I still go rafting?
Everyone on our commercial rafting trips wears an approved Life Jacket (PFD) & helmet. These critical pieces of equipment will keep you afloat and safe in the event that you find yourself in the river on your own person raft trip. Many non-swimmers go on rafting trips, (in fact most Nepalese cannot swim) and they still have a great time. Your guide will give you an in depth safety talk before your trip explaining what you should prepare for and do should you fall out of the raft. Your guide is professionally trained in whitewater rescue and will work with the rest of your guide team to ensure that you are able to feel comfortable with the whitewater conditions on your trip. However all non-swimmers should talk to their outfitter when considering a Class IV+ or Class V trip.
How fit should I be to go rafting?
Our trips provide you options on what type of ride you would like. On rafting trips where we use oar boats the guide does most of the work. You can choose to be as active as you wish; either lounging on the boats soaking up the sun or assisting the guide through some of the rapids. On many rafting trips paddle boats are used. This means that guests will be an active source of power to move the boat through the rapids and you will need to learn commands from your guides to help maneuver the boat as it moves downstream. You should be reasonably healthy, and must be able to fit into the Life Jackets supplied by your outfitter. Paddling can sometimes be tiring, but your guides will instruct you on which paddling techniques can conserve your energy. Plus they are lots of fun to learn. If you're in doubt about your fitness to go rafting or any other kind of adventure, check with your doctor before you go.
What should I wear on the river?
Luckily…rafting is a sport that seems to have skipped over fashion wear (your guide will be a good example). What you wear will depend on the time of year, water temperature, and weather for your trip. Ask your outfitter for gear recommendations before your trip. As a rule of thumb we recommend you dress for the water temperature, rather than the air temperature, since you'll be getting wet. On hotter days, with cold water, we recommend wearing a wetsuit, which can be rented from us when you make your booking. On cooler days, with cold water, and especially on Class V trips, we require a wetsuit, or a wetsuit/paddle jacket combination. You might also bring some synthetic fleece, polypro, or wool garments. Cotton has no place on the river as it holds 200% of its weight in water and will keep you cold all day long. An old pair of tennis shoes, running shoes, or even Converse hi-tops is the best on the river. Wetsuit booties are good if it is cold. Sandals don't offer as much protection, and tend to come off easily in a swim. Sunglasses, especially prescription glasses, should have a croaky or other retainer that cinches tight. Consider a hat cord to tie your hat to your life jacket as well. Always use sunscreen as the sun is very intense on the river because it reflects off the surface of the water. (Hint: don't put it on your forehead, or the backs of your legs as it may run into your eyes, or cause you to be slipping all over the boat.) For multi-day trips we have created a suggested packing list (see trip itinerary).
Which trips are best for me?
If you are just learning to raft and are a little timid about it, start off with a Class II or III Seti & Trisuli trip or an easy Class IV rafting trip. If you are nervous about being part of a paddleboat, an alternative is to ride along on an oar boat, which our company offers on a variety of rivers. Many rafters who are confident in the water, healthy, and feel adventurous, drop right into a Class IV river without prior experience. Guides will make sure you are trained in safety and paddle techniques. For Class V Rivers, you must have prior class IV experience.
I have a family with young children, can they go rafting?
Of course! There is no better way to build a family bond than to go on a 6-day float with each other. We have special family trips available, on which you can take children as young as six years old. Contact us to find out suggested ages for our trips.
I am a senior citizen, can I go rafting?
For fit, active seniors over 65 we recommend, as a first step, a class II paddleboat or oar boat trip. Depending on how this feels to you, you might want to try paddling a Class III river. Many healthy people of all ages, including spry folks in their 70's and 80's enjoy rafting at all levels.
What happens on a typical rafting trip?
Your trip begins when you meet the trip leader at your designated rendezvous place and time. He or she will collect your release forms and distribute wetsuits if you rent them from us. Then everyone gets in the vehicle of choice which will transport you to the “put in” destination. Here we do an extensive safety talk, a vital 20 to 30 minute discussion about how to be safe on the water. Then you'll head to your boat and jump in! Paddleboats typically seat six to eight people and a guide. The guide will give you further instruction on how to paddle once you are afloat and give you time to practice following his or her commands. Then you'll head on down the river, and have the time of your life!
What are my chances of falling out of the boat? What should I do if I do?
Believe it or not, many people love falling out of the boat. It's exciting. But it can be disorienting and a little overwhelming at first. Many people have taken multiple trips and never fallen in. Some people swim on their first trip. It's all a part of rafting. Before you go on any trip, you'll be given extensive instructions on what to do if you fall in, and how to stay safe. Follow your guide's instructions, and your "swim" could be the most exciting part of your trip and a great story to tell your friends afterwards!
Can I bring my camera or video camera?
We don't recommend bringing video cameras, or even expensive still cameras, on trips. Many people bring disposable waterproof cameras, which work great. The quality of the pictures is reasonably good, and if you lose your camera, it's not the end of the world. Many river trips have professional photographer's riverside, whose photos you can view and order after the trip.
Should I tip my guide and staffs?
Tipping is certainly appreciated by the guides and staffs, who work hard to make sure you have a fun, yet safe trip. If you feel your guide and staffs has done a good job, keeping you entertained, and sharing the wonderful river environment with you, then feels free to show your appreciation.
