River Grades

Rivers are graded on a scale of difficulty from 1 to 6.

Class 1: Slow moving current with few or no obstacles.
Class 2 & 3: Fast moving with some obstacles and small to medium-sized rapids.
Class 4: Long, continuous sections of white water with large waves which require strong paddling and good teamwork in the raft.
Class 5: Prolonged sections of powerful rapids with large holes, requiring very strong paddling & preferably some previous rafting experience.
Class 6: Considered to be almost impossible to run.

The Trisuli River (grade 3-4) runs just west of Kathmandu, making it ideal for one and two day trips.

The Kali Gandaki River (grade 3-4) is regarded as one of the holiest rivers in Nepal. It runs past numerous villages and temples, giving a panoramic view of cultural life in rural Nepal. The Kali Gandaki is more challenging than the Trisuli with more continuous stretches of white water. Trips generally last between 4 and 5 days.

The Marsyangdi River (grade 4) has only recently been opened for rafting. It offers exciting white water rapids and beautiful views with some great camping spots. Trips on the Marsyangdi generally last for 6 to 7 days.

The Karnali River (grade 4) offers, we believe, the most beautiful and enjoyable trips in Nepal, with a great mix of jungle scenery and lowland forests. The Karnali runs far to the west of Kathmandu through remote countryside which has only recently been opened to visitors. Trips on the Karnali take about a week and can optionally conclude with a visit to the Royal Bardia Wildlife Park.

The Sun Koshi River (grade 2-4) is the longest in Nepal and offers the chance to raft from the far north of Nepal through grade 2-3 rapids and then on through adrenalin-pumping grade 4 rapids as you head to the southern border. This trip takes generally between 7 and 8 days.

The Bhote Koshi River (grade 3-4) is the steepest in Nepal and offers a total white water experience with a lot of class 4 rapids. Located 3 hours from Kathmandu, this is a great option for one or two day trips.