Tours - Nepal

"rafting" ("bhote khosi")

introduction

Nepal is one of the best and popular countries in the world for rafting (and/or kayaking); the combination of countless spectacular rivers and beautiful landscapes is unique. No other country has such a large choice of rivers with relatively warm water, a subtropical climate (without too many mosquitoes) and countless sandbanks where you can camp perfectly. You can make rafting trips in Nepal from 2 to 12 days.

September to early December and March to early June are the best period to raft in in Nepal. From the beginning of September to the beginning of October and from May to June, the rivers can be wild by melting mountain snow and ice.

tips:

- Always try to arrange everything directly with the raft organization/agency;

- Try to speak to someone who has experience with a raft trip with that organization about his or her experiences;

- Where is the meeting-point and what time?

- How many hours are you actually going to raft?

- On which river do you go rafting and what is the gradation;

- Ask what is included in the trip

Transport to and from the raft site;
Accommodation; where and how arranged;
What is included in terms of food and drink;
Are you going to do other things than rafting; evening activities eg

more information:

Permit:

For some rivers you need a permit, but not for all; ask around information centers, rafting agencies and consult internet / websites.

Gradations river:

Rivers for rafting are divided into classes ranging from 1 to 6 with 1 being the easiest with few obstacles and 6 the most difficult. People who are in an average condition and are not afraid of water can easily go rafting in a river that is qualified with gradation from 1 to 3.

Prices:

These vary naturally and depend among other things on how large your group is, where you sleep, how long you go, where you are going (river), quality guides and stuff etc. Please take into account a daily rate (all-in) of 30 USD up to 60 USD (2004).

Advice:

Check the rafts well before you get in - they should be modern and safe;
Good safety jackets and helmets;
Modern plastic paddles (no wood);
There must be at least two rafts per group (at high water that is better); so ask how many people have booked. If the one raft is going upside down, the group is supposed to get into the other;
There should be a watertight bag for all personal items of everyone;
There should also be a watertight container for cameras and other electronic devices;
Of course there must be a "first-aid" bag / container e.g.

Guides:

The most important aspect of rafting safely is the quality of your rafting guide, your equipment and the cooperation of the whole group. The average criterion is that the head rafting guide must have at least 50 days' experience in rafting and have done at least 5 rafting weekends on the river/spot where you will go rafting. In addition, he/she must be in possession of a first aid certificate and must be trained in first aid activities. All rafting trips must have been preceded by a strict briefing about what to do in emergencies.

Take:

During the day you can wear "light" clothing - which quickly gets dry. For the evening you need a cardigan, long trousers and take an extra pair of socks, underwear and T-shirt or something like that;
For rafting you will of course need a headgear, sunscreen, sunglasses, possibly swimsuit, sandals or light tennis shoes / sneakers and shorts;
Sleeping bag;
Camera, possibly a book for the evening, evening wear, flashlight, toiletries etc.

Tips on the water:

Keep your arms and legs inboard;
Listen carefully to the instructions from the guides;
Always wear your helmet and lifejacket;
If you end up in the water always lie on your back and hold your paddle so that you are spotted faster. Try to stay calm and breathe normally. If you come from a stream swim to the side;
In a stream you can also be taken care of by one of the individual kayaks (“tigers”) - here you shoul “hang” on the front of the kayak.

Website:

www.raftnepal.com

Tours - Nepal

"rafting" ("bhote khosi")

introduction

tips:

more information:

see also:

LANDEN: