Rafting in Nepal
Rafting is the crucial way of exploring remote regions of Nepal, travelling through deep gorges and riding over cheeky rapids. The warm water, white sandy beaches, gorgeous mountain scenery and the rich cultural heritage of the country all add up to an unique experience. Enjoy the coaster ride on the swirling waters of Nepal's many marvellous rivers.
The rivers of Nepal are an ever-flowing source of magnificence rising from the glaciers and the snow fed-lakes in the high Himalayas forging their way through rugged landscapes, lush green forests, alpine meadows and lowlands of the Terai in southern Nepal to meet the holy Ganges in India. The rivers of Nepal are segregated into three categories: the big and large rivers, the medium range rivers and the third category of streams and rivulets. The first category comprises three major river systems on the basis of their origin. They are the Koshi, Gandaki and Karnali.
The Koshi river system is comprised of Tamur, Arun, Dudhkoshi, Likhu, Tamakoshi, Sunkoshi and Indravati rivers, and are also known as Sapta Koshi (Seven Koshis). The Arun and Sunkoshi originate from Tibet and the confluence of the Saptakoshi is in the Sagarmatha Zone. Saptakoshi flows through narrow gorges before entering the vast plains and merges with the Ganges.
The Gandaki river system that lies in central Nepal includes the Kaligandaki, Budhigandaki, Marshyangdi, Trishuli, Seti, Madi and Daraundi rivers. The Kaligandaki; the longest river of Nepal, originates from Mustang and meets the Trishuli; the main stream of the Gandaki river system in Deoghat and hence, the river is called Narayani. This confluence - Deoghat is considered a holy place by Hindus. Narayani flows into the southern plains and on to the Ganges.
The Karnali river system is the longest river system of Nepal originating in Western Nepal and consists of Humla Karnali, Seti, Bheri, and Mugu Karnali rivers. The main tributary of this river system is Humla Karnali that originates in Tibet. All these rivers flow into India where they converge and is known as Gogra.
Rivers rising from the Mahabharat range such as Mechi, Mahakali, Rapti, Kamala etc. and Bagmati, the principle river of Kathmandu Valley that drains out from Chobhar make up the second category of rivers in Nepal. The third category of rivers consists of streams and rivulets that mostly originate in the Chure Hills. These rivers flow only during the monsoon and during the rest of the season are dry.
The varying altitude, staggering topographical variations and the mighty Himalayas of Nepal have contributed in making these rivers beautiful, fast flowing and a playground for adventure. Hence, Nepal has become ever so popular in the last few decades for the most exhilarating and rewarding whitewater rafting and kayaking a rafter could ever experience. |
