White water rafting on the rivers of Nepal has become very popular over the past few years. Again there are a number of options you can go for. Simple day trips from Kathmandu or Pokhara or multi-day rafting expeditions combined with a trek or a visit to Chitwan National Park. There are three main rivers that are popular with rafting expeditions. The Sun Kosi has been rated as one of the world's 10 best rivers to raft on and is for those who want a long, wild and remote adventure. The Trisuli and Karnali are good rivers for beginners. No previous experience is necessary to go on a rafting trip although you must be prepared to do some strenuous paddling.
The rafting seasons are the same as the trekking seasons. As with trekking, rafting is governed by the monsoon. The water levels make all the difference. The pre-monsoon season from February to April has colder water and lower water levels, while the rivers are at their wildest in the post-monsoon season, between October and December. October is regarded as the best month.
Guide to Himalayan Rivers in Nepal
Below is a general guide for current trips on Nepal's most popular rivers. Himalayan snowmelt and Asia's monsoon, courtesy of the Bay of Bengal, may alter the dates listed below.