Rafting with Adventure Makalu

Upon what gigantic scale does Nature here operate!

-Botanist/naturalist Joseph Hooker, on the Himalayas

White water rafting means cruising down a rushing river in an inflatable rubber raft or white water kayak over crashing waves and swirling rapids for the excitement of a lifetime. Nepal has earned a reputation as one of the best destinations in the world for white water rafting. Nepal's thundering waters, coming from the glaciers of the mighty Himalaya, provide unmatched thrills for rafting and immersing oneself in the landscape. A rafting trip is bound to be the highlight of your stay in the country.

Rivers are graded on a scale of one to six, with one being a swimming pool and six a one-way ticket to your maker. Four is considered to be quite challenging without being exceedingly dangerous to the novice rafter. Five requires some previous river experience.

Here are some of the popular rafting trips:

The Trisuli River (grade 3+) is one of the most popular, if not the favorite, of Nepal's raftable rivers. Due to its proximity to Kathmandu and the easy road access which accompanies it, most rafting companies offer trips on the Trisuli. For first time rafters it offers plenty of excitement. Many choose to incorporate a ride down the Trisuli with either a trip to Pokhara or to the Royal Chitwan National Park.

The Kali Gandaki (4 - 5) winds through remote canyons and deep gorges for five days of intense rapids among gorgeous wilderness and mountain views. The run flows 120 km and its challenges are continuous. Trips on the Kali Gandaki begin and end in Pokhara and offer an exciting alternative to the Trisuli.

The Bhote Koshi (4 - 5) is worth special mention, It is a two-day run of pure adrenaline located only three hours from Kathmandu. Twenty-six km of continuous white water soaks rafters as they shoot through a veritable maze of canyons and boulders. LittIe more than a swimsuit is needed for this one.

The raging Marshyandi(4 - 5) is a relative newcomer in this group. The Marshyangdi run is four days of uninterrupted white water. Flowing through the gorges of the Annapurnas, it runs sandwiched between 52 km of boiling foam and towering peaks. Trips on the Marshyangdi start from Pokhara.

The Karnali River (4 - 5) in the far west is the longest and largest river in Nepal. To arrive at its banks requires a two-day trek from Surkhet in the Terai. The next 90 km are spent flying through spectacular landscapes and narrow gorges and down some of the most challenging rapids in the world. For the remaining 90 km, the scenery and wildlife are the main attraction, as is the abundance of fish. During most of this trip, the wilderness is uninterrupted by human habitations.

The Sun Koshi (4 - 5) is Nepal's second offering for expedition rafting. With a put-in only three hours from Kathmandu, it is more easily accessible than the Kamali while nevertheless offering an incredible stretch of exhilarating white water. The run is 270 km and requires 8-10 days to complete with road access only at the beginning and end. On the third day rapids reach the upper 4 classifications and the remainder of the trip is consistently intense - the white water stays white until the very end.

Trishuli
Grade 3; 2-3 days

White water rafting is one of the exciting adventures available in Nepal. For one to three days rafting we drive from Kathmandu approximately three hours to the rafting starting point. The rafting starting point will vary according to the level of the river and the number of days you wish to raft; it may be Baireni, Charaudi or Fishling. Drive to Baireni is approximately 2.5 hours (75km) and to fishling three and a half-hours (98km). At the river our crew will be waiting in readiness with all the rafting gear. After a brief comprehensive safety talk by the lead river guide with some final tips on how to ride the raft and paddle, you will set off for some exciting white water rafting. The Trisuli River is Nepal's most popular Rafting River and easy accessible by Kathmandu or Pokhara, scenic valleys and impressive gorges, exhilarating rapids and easy section as well as the right amount of time all make it the perfect trip for first-time or experienced rafters.

Itinerary

Day 1	2.5 Hrs drive to rafting starting point at Baireni. River guide gives a short safety briefing to our clients. Rafting starts about 11 am. Lunch will be served on the river beach about 12.30 pm. Again rafting will be continuous till 3:30 pm. Camp will be settled at Malekhu in river beach. Dinner will be 7:00 pm.
Day 2	Breakfast will be at 7: 00 am and the again trip starts at 9:00 am. Lunch will be 12:30 pm. Camp will be in Fishling.
Day 3	After breakfast trip will be continuous as on previous day. Trip will end at GaiGhat. After the trip we will drop to your on ward destination.

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Kali Gandaki
Grade 4-5; 3 days

The Kali begins its journey high on the Tibetan plateau in the kingdom of Mustang. Plunging its way down through the Himalayas, the rivers carves the deepest gorge in the world between the two 8000m peaks Dhaulagiri and Annapurna. Kali Gandaki was first opened to commercial use in 1991. The journey descends through 1590 kms if challenging white water, unique cultures ands amazing beaches. When not negotiating rapids, time on the river can be spent under cascading waterfalls, and exploring the abandoned royal palace or on the flatter stretches, even learning to kayak.

Itinerary

Pre-departure meeting in sales office in Kathmandu the night before to answer any questions over a rum with your team. Meet at the sales office at 6 PM. You will be told where to meet for departure.

Day 1	At around 7 am, we drive to the put-in-point at Beni throughout this drive we have stunning views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri peaks as well as the sacred Machapuchre. Upon arrival, we unload all the equipment and you will receive a full safety briefing. Have lunch and then the guide will take you to the river starting point ready to begin your exciting 3 days rafting trip. First day we begin with plenty of class III rapids this is a warm up for the team, after couple of hours you will be encountering 2 big class 4 rapids. I.e. "Small brother" and " Big Brother". Your guide will be making you work hard at doing exercise to work as a team maneuvering the raft efficiently. After scouting the rapid, the safety kayaks will go first then the raft. Soon after encountering these two big rapids we will reach the Modi Khola confluence where we will choose the beach for the evening campsite. We unload the raft and the play volleyball or relax and take in the scenery.
Day 2	Once the rafts are packed we start down the river for a day mixed with adrenaline, calm and spectacular scenery including views of Annapurna 1 and Himalchuli. We will tackle many class iii sections and the challenging class IV named REFUND. This section of river is abundant with vines and lush vegetation hanging from the cliff faces. Our campsite id below the village of Purti Ghat.
Day 3	Soon after being back on the water we reach the holy village of Seti Beni. The river has deposited a house size boulder in the confluence with a smaller tributary. Since confluences are considered holly places in the Hindu religion, this boulder has become an important shrine to the local river people. There is usually a great audience to watch and listen to the spectacle as each team negotiates the rapid, which has formed around this holy place. Not long after this it is time for the journey to end. Our bus will be watching for us. We load up the gear and prepare for the bus journey back to Pokhara

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Bhote Koshi
Grade 4-5; 2 days

A short bus ride from Katmandu brings us to 'KM 95" on the Kathmandu - Tibet road. This is the put-in of the most action packed short white water run in Nepal. The river drops steeply offering relentless stretches of class iv-v white water. Boulder gardens, small waterfalls, steep chutes and 90 degree bends are just some of the obstacles to be overcome. Like the Marsyangdi, this river is not typical of the big volume water of the Himalayan, it is steep and technical and requires a reactive.

Itinerary

We organized a pre-departure meeting the bight before to answer questions and meet the team.

Day 1

Meet at the office at a time arranged by your expedition leader at the meeting. We travel by private bus to KM 95.We make camp and have lunch here. After a detailed safety talk by your guides. We raft the first 10km. Of the MOST exiting stretch of the river and then return to KM 95 and camp for the night. We return to the start to return the same stretch the next day rather than continue with only half a day paddling to the end.

Day 2

After breakfast, your have the second chance to show how your raft team can work well together in challenging rapids. We have lunch on the river and continue the action until the take out point . The bus will be waiting to take us the relatively short distance back to Kathmandu for about 7 pm.

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Marshyangdi
Grade 4-5; 6 days

The 'Raging river' drains the northern slope of the Annapurna mountains. It was only opened to rafting in 1996 and yields some of the most exiting class iv-v white water in Nepal. This river demands 100% commitment from both crew ;and guide. It is totally difference from the big volume rivers like the Sun Koshi and Karnali, the rapids are technical and require a very different approach. Big volume rivers need power and good lime, the Marsyangdi needs fast reactions power land a good line from the crew to get though this pin ball machine river. The Marsyangdi quickly forges raft crews of complete strangers into true rafting teams. Located on the eastern side of the Annapurna circuit, the Marsyangdi rivers has long been famous for the beautiful views. With each twist and turn the steep sided gorge walls frame a new mountain backdrop.

Itinerary

A pre-departure meeting to answer any question, arrange timing for the departure meet teem over a glass of rum ( or two is held the night before. Please meet at 6 PM at the Pokhara.

Day 1	We leave by private bus to Besisahar. The last four hours of this ride takes us off the "good" tarmac roads and tends to be a little bouncy in places ( I hope this is a subtle enough hint ) We have scheduled a rest day into the program to allow for any unlikely but potential delays. That right we stay at a tea house.
Day 2	We start trekking for a couple of hours to Khudi where we make camp and steep for the next two nights. We will leave one of our staff to look after the campsite., while we continue to trek for a couple of more hours to Beni. Yours expedition leader and guides will brief you and train you join land about safety and paddling. Pay attention as you ate straight into the rapids and this river has a way of underlining any mistakes! This is the most knuckle gripping section of the river so enjoy if. We finish today back at Khudi and have a well earned dinner and no dought a rum punch to help it down
Day 3	We have decided that the stretch from Beni is so good that it would be a shame not to let you do it again as you are there. So, after breakfast, we re-trace our steps to Nagdi, and go for the action. After lunch at Khudi, our porters and land staff will carry all the camping equipment to our next camp site while we rafts there, This is necessary to keep the rafts light and maneuverable. There is action all the way so do not stop concentrating.
Day 4	After breakfast the action continues until lunch. This river allows us to have magnificent views of the Annapurna ranges all the way. So between stretches don't forget to look back and all around. It is quite inspiring.
Day 5	This is the day to relax, go walking, learn to roll in a kayak and have a day in this beautiful area away from the crowds of trekkers. The only reason this day is lost is if there are any problems on day one as explained.
Day 6	The river becomes very mellow and goes through a high walled gorge with birds and vegetation that can only be described as breath taking We reach our take out point at Bimal Nagar by lunch time where our transport is waiting to take us back to Pokhara. Those who want to continue to Kathmandu, can catch the local bus from here too.

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Sun Koshi
Grade 4-5; 8 -10 days

The Sunkosi 'River of Gold' has been rated as one of the top ten rafting trips in the world. It is also in the list of must do while in Nepal. The river rises near Shisha Pangma in Tibet and runs eastwards, draining the highest mountain of the world before emerging on the plains of India, where it join the Ganges. Our journey takes us 270km through experience. The first two days are relatively easy and allow time to train you as a team before the bigger rapids arrive. The rapids have acquired names like Meat Grinder, High Anxiety, Jaws and Big Dipper from previous experience on expeditions. Say no more! There are calmer stretches between in warm water and camp on white sandy beaches. This river is a Big volume HIGH adrenaline expedition.

Itineary

Pre-departure meeting at the sales office in Kathmandu at 6 PM the night before to clear any question over rum and coke

Day 1	Morning at 7 am meet at Makalu sales office- store baggage and finalize plans a quick breakfast then we drive to Dolalghat the Put- in - Point of Sunkoshi. The drive is beautiful in clear weather you will have a magnificent view of the Himalayan Ranges. Upon arrival at Dolalghat we unload the gear lunch will be serve and a full safety briefing will be given by your trip leader. The first and second days are easy paddling. The big one you will encounter today is a class 4+ rapid 'Rotten Cave.' We will choose our beach campsite. Where dinner will be served amidst the splendor of the star - filled sky.
Day 2	Have breakfast pack up the gear and start rolling down the river. Today you will encounter a big class 4+ rapid "Meat Grinder" it is fairly straight run down the center avoiding holes left and right. A few matters below here the Tamba Koshi joins the Sun Koshi on the left with a beach on the confluence. There is another beautiful Shiva temple over looking the two rivers. We camp here.
Day 3	Today a few kms below the confluence of the Likhu Khola is a short class 3+ rapid " pre-Anxiety" soon following by a long class 4 rapid " High-Anxiety" with large hole on the left halfway down and a series of holes at the bottom. Float a while and then camp.
Day 4	This day starts with several class 3+ rapids then a quick stop for buying food and maybe beer. Then prepare for a big and interesting one. " Hakapur 2 and 3 the hardest rapid on the river which should be carefully scouted. Camp.
Day 5	Some kms below Hakapur. Dudh Koshi joins the Sunkoshi from the left. Below here the river widens into an arid area of gravel. You meet some small rapids and then you are into another aptly named rapid " Jaws". Camp.
Day 6	Today is a hard day as you will encounter most of the class 4+ rapids you are straight into " Rhino Rock" which is a class 4+ following by " Jungle Corridor" a kilometer of continuous white water. Waterfalls cascade on both sides of the river. One waterfall makes a great spot for a team shower. Camp.
Day 7	The last few days are mainly wave trains. On the flatter stretches if interested, you can try kayaking and our guides will teach you the basic skills needed to maneuver the boats or learn the Eskimo roll. Camp.
Day 8	The last stretch of river which brings you to the last class 4+ " Big Dipper" is a series of huge standing waves, A few kms later Big Arun and Tamur joins together to form the Sapta Kosi. Then you float along on the powerful current, the hills dramatically give way to totally flat Terai and the northern plains of India. This is the end of a classic and memorable river journey. We will finish out trio around 2 PM pack the gear and the drive north to Kathmandu around 4 PM from Chatara. This takes around 13/14 hours.

For the 9th and 10th day expedition, you follow the same route as above and start and finish as above. There are extra days to allow rests in between the trip, when there is high volume of water and the current is too big. These days are also for recreation such as walk, volleyball etc. The 10th day gives an extra day to raft on smooth river in the south.

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Karnali River
Grade 4-5; 7+ days

Write to Rafting Specialist for details.

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Rafting Requirements

We Provide you with

All rafting equipment
Waterproof bags for personal gear
Helmets
Life jackets
Paddles
Wet suits when requested
Waterproof jackets
Transportation to/from the river
Food
Camping and cooking equipment
Waterproof camera barrels
First aid kit

You need to bring (optional)

Sleeping bag/mat (thermorest)

One set of warm day clothes for the beach and evening

One set of rafting clothes-shorts T-shirts (from late November to March a thermal top is recommended)

Towel/Sun tan lotion/ bathing suit

Personal toiletries/Water bottle

Baseball Cap/Camera

Personal medication where necessary and small T-shorts and hat

Sun glasses(with crokies/string retainer

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