Location: Nepal, Asia
Departure point: Kathmandu or Pokhara
Put-in-Point: Besishahar
Take-out-Point: Bimal Nadar
Outward travel: 5 ½ hours drive
Best season: Nov/Dec, March/April
Distance: Approximately 45 km
3 days: Kathmandu –Kathmandu
The Marsyangdi River is one of the most outstanding grade IV Kayaking Rivers in the world. Continuous, exhilarating white-water with magnificent mountain backdrops and drains the northern slope of the Annapurna Himal. It flows east through an arid valley around Manang and then swings south to join the Trisuli River at Mugling. Marsyangdi means ‘raging river’ in local dialect. It was opened to commercial rafting in 1996 and demands 100% Commitment from both crew and guide. It is totally different from the big volume rivers like Sun Kosi and Karnali, the rapids are technical and require a very different approach. Need 100% power and a good line, fast reactions from crew to get through this pinball machine and quickly forges raft crews of complete strangers into true teams.
Day 01: Kathmandu –Besishahar
Day 02: Besishahar –Tarkughat
Day begins with hot cup of tea or coffee, after breakfast we break campsite and starts on our expedition down on the Marsyangdi. We start straight away encountering the rapids, one after another. Rapids are not named but one rapid follows straight after another with lots of technical and fast maneuvering required but great fun. A beautiful blue and white-water glinting in the sunshine and looking back up river magnificent and constantly changing views of the Annapurna and Manslu ranges. We have packed lunch. After lunch we continue floating to Tarkughat. By the time we reach Tarkughat camp will be set, tea and biscuits will be serve on your arrival. Dinner will be prepared. Just before dinner enjoy your Rum punch.
Day 03: Tarkughat/Bimalnagar/Kathmandu or Pokhara
Kinds of Rafting:
There are essentially two kinds of rafts available - the oar-powered raft and the paddle raft. The oar-powered raft has a frame either at the back or in the middle where the river-guide sits and does all the paddling and guiding work. The paddleboat requires all participants to do their bit. Depending on the size of the raft, four or eight participants sit on the side tubes and power the boat using long paddles. It involves teamwork and more physical effort than the oar-powered boat. Paddleboats, however, capsize more easily as the are lighter and do not have the rigid structure of the oar-powered boat. On big rivers like the Sun Kosi (Class IV to V) where there are huge rapids, more care is required. In such rivers, we usually use one oar-powered boat and one paddleboat so that one acts as a rescue boat in case the other capsizes. This also gives each particpant an opportunity to ride both kinds of rafts - be actively involved in one and relax in the other. Equipment: rafts are inflatable boats made of thick rubber, usually with separate air compartments so that a hole in any part of the tube does not mean that the whole raft will deflate and collapse. Life jackets and helmets are provided as mandatory gear. Paddles may be made of synthetic alloys and fibres which are longer and more maneuverable, or they may be of plain wood coated with synthetic waterproof paint. Wooden oars are slightly heavier but break less easily. On longer trips or more demanding rivers, splash jackets may be provided.
All the gear and food will be packed inside waterproof bags and carried on the raft itself. Your cameras and accessories, stored inside the waterproof barrel, will be available for your use during the DAY. The setting up of camp and cooking will begin as soon as the campsite is reached.
Safety requirements: While on the boat, you may at times take off your helmet and lif jacket, or even jump out of the boat to take a dip in the river. Nevertheless, it is of utmost importance to consult your guide before indulging in such activities, as his knowledge of the river will help prevent you form finding yourself unprotected when hitting the rapids.
All our staff, whether guides, cooks or helpers, are trained professionals who look after your safety on the boat and your comfort while at rest. Rely on them to give you the best treat of your holiday.
Summer Season | |||
River | Trip Date | Where to start | Where to end |
Chose below | Let us know and book in advance | Depend on River | Depend on River |
Trishuli, Seti, Lower Bhote Koshi, Upper Sun Koshi | Whenever you want | Depend on water level | Depend on water level |
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