A tributary of the Trisuli River the Seti offers a great mellow alternative to those looking for a more relaxing two day float. While traveling through lush forested gorges you will have the opportunity to quietly float up on a variety of wildlife species eventually reaching the village of Sarrangghat. If you are interested this place has an amazing one-day trek where we take a break from rafting and get to experience real rural life Nepal. Here we will make camp for the night below the village on a pristine white sand beach. The next day we will raft to the confluence of the Trisuli and eventually our take-out. This river trip is perfect for those looking to combing a rafting and trekking trip as there are many options for treks along the river shore. This trip is also ideal for anyone wishing to explore Nepal’s first National Park, Chitwan.
Departs from Kathmandu:
Difficulty: 2 / (3+)
From: Damauli
To: Trisuli River
Distance: 32 kms (unless continue on Trisuli)
Trip Days: 2-3 (unless continue on Trisuli)
Average Gradient: 25 ft per mile
Best Season: Mid-October – Mid-November (best time) but contact us for other dates
This trip, because of its location, makes ideal an addition to another adventure you may have planned. Since the put-in is only 2 hours from Pokhara and the take-out is on the Trisuli between Pokhara and Kathmandu a short river trip is a great way to break up your travels. Why not see the beauty of Nepal from a raft before you set out on your trek, or rest your tired legs after a long trekking trip and get to experience Nepal in a more relaxed environment? Also if you are interested in checking our Nepal’s first National Park talk to us about extending your trip down through Chitwan.
Rafting:
Rafters need no previous experience. In fact this is the perfect trip for the first time rafter looking to experience the thrill of the river.
Kayaking:
This is a great river for the beginner/intermediate kayaker looking to experience the power of his or her first Himalayan river. Our safety kayaker will be with you for the entire trip offering you advice to improve your technique and show you the lines through the rapids. Although not necessary a roll in big water would be a beneficial skill.
Sample Itinerary
- Day 01: We will depart from Pokhara or Kathmandu (depending on where you are interested in meeting us) and transfer to put-in-point (Damauli). After the rafts are rigged and a safety talk is given we will set off down the Seti River. We will spend our time mostly within its lush gorges filled with rich vegetation, a good example of the vast forested ecosystem that used to cover the midlands of Nepal. Traveling by rafts gives us the perfect opportunity to view undisturbed wildlife. During our stop for lunch, you have time to explore, capture photographs, bird watch, swim or relax. Later in the afternoon we will encounter a small but technical rapid near the village of Sarangghat. The village is inhabitant by Gurungs, a people who are renowned for generations of service with the British and Indian Gurkha Regiments. This beautiful village has friendly people and an amazing culture. We will make camp below the village on a pristine white sand beach.
If interested in exploring this village and the one-day trek around it let us know and we can take a layover day.
- Day 02: We will rise this morning with a cup of hot tea and breakfast. After breakfast we will reload the raft, and set off down in the river. We will float along this tranquil river until we encounter a technical grade III rapid. Shortly after this we leave Seti Khola and enter the Trisuli River. Here the middle hills recede and the Terai plain opens in front of us. The topography gives away to sandstone and gavel deposited by antecedent rivers. After lunch we will have an opportunity to visit a unique religious community, Deveghat, that each year draws thousands of pilgrims in the ashram to worship. Eventually we reach our take-out point with our pre-arranged transportation ready to take you off to your next adventure. Or if you are lucky we will be continuing on through Chitwan National Park.
Itinerary does not show one add on trek near the picturesque village of Sarangghat or the 2 day float through Chitwan National Park. Talk to us if you are interested in expanding your trip to include these incredible adventures.
Equipment List:
Kayaking gear: Kayakers will need all of your own boating gear (including floatation bags). Upon arrival ask us for an updated list of available kayaks to choose from. The weather should be good and the water is relatively warm, but always be prepared for the worst. We recommend either a dry top or a least a shorty for your top; wet suit shorts should be enough for the bottom. Booties/Tevas are necessary for footwear and it is nice to have a small dry bag to carry your small personal items in your kayak.
Rafting Gear: We will supply you with all the necessary specialist river equipment including helmets, lifejackets and paddles. If you get cold easy and have a personal paddle jacket (rain jackets also work well) or shortie wet suit, please bring them along you.
Sample Pack List (for multiday option):
- Sleeping Bag
- Sleeping pad / Thermorest (we can provide if you do not have)
- Rain shell
- Warm jacket (down jacket-vest for Tamur Expedition)
- Warm Hat
- Hiking shoes
- River shoes/Tevas
- Sunglasses (an extra pair never hurts)
- Sun block
- Sun hat or visor
- Headlight
- Extra batteries
- A good book
- Personal Toiletries
- Small First Aid Kit*
- Water bottle (we carry water on the rafts but it is nice to have your own bottle to drink from)
- Shammy or small towel (optional but nice for after a day on the river, there will be opportunities to purchase these along the way if desired)
- Rafting clothes: Cotton is NOT a good idea. It does not dry and will keep you cold. A bathing suit works well and a polypro or other synthetic top for cool mornings. For women a swimming suit is good but quick dry shorts will also probably be wanted.
- Camp clothes: Here is your opportunity for that cotton sweatshirt and jeans; however bring polypro and synthetic clothing as well. For women it is a good idea to have skirts or wraps rather than shorts, especially when we are trekking. Everyone will want to have at least a t-shirt to wear in public places.
*Personal First Aid Kit: If you have something you are particularly prone to: ear infections, foot rot, or sinus problems, bring what you need with you. You will definitely want to be carrying medicines for common illnesses like diarrhea, infections and upset stomachs. Also you will want a complete set of inoculations for Asia, ask your doctor for these current suggestions.
Additional Food: Please bring any river snacks that you desire as these are not provided: power bars, granola bars, dried fruit, chocolate, etc. are always nice to have as a pick me up before we get to camp. Additionally Gatorade Powders (or other powdered mix-ins) are a great way to drown out the taste of iodine in your drinking water.
Pre Departure Info
Raft 'N Rivers will be more than happy to organize all your internal travel arrangements in the Kingdom of Nepal. We have a wide variety of services and budget options to suit your needs including, airport pick-ups, sightseeing day hiking/excursions around Kathmandu, airline reconfirmation, hotel room reservations and much more. Contact our friendly and experienced staff or check out our hotel’s web site at www.hotel7corner.com for more information.
Your Trip Costs Includes: All accommodation (once trip begins), river/trekking meals, instruction, trekking / river permits, all required rafting gear (mentioned above), raft support and local transportation. It does NOT include personal expenses such as alcohol, candy, soft drinks or meals in Kathmandu or Pokhara. This will give you the flexibility to do as you wish. Restaurants in Pokhara and Kathmandu are inexpensive and their cuisine varies depending on what you are in the mood for. It also does not include any flights that you may choose to add to your itinerary.
Age and Fitness: The Seti River is the perfect trip for the entire family and as such has no age restrictions associated with the trip. That being said expedition members should be good swimmers and comfortable in the water.
Insurance: Each Expedition member is responsible for having their own travel insurance including helicopter evacuation.
Vaccinations: Nepal has no official vaccination requirements for entry. However we recommend that you visit a doctor for the latest recommendations and protect yourself accordingly.
Visa: Visa can be obtained at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu upon arrival. You will need 2 passport size photographs.
Currency: The best currency to have is Euros/US Dollars in travelers cheques, cash and/or credit cards. American Express, MasterCard and Visa are all accepted in Nepal.
Recommended Reading: "White Water Nepal," by Peter Knowles; any of the many adventure travel guide books on Nepal, we recommend Lonely Planet publications.
A deposit of 50% of the trip total is required upon booking. The balance is required upon arrival.
