Marshyangdi River Rafting
From easy drifting rivers to great white water Challenges
Trip Facts
Blue River, white water
6 Days
River Grade: IV-IV+
To – From: Kathmandu – Kathmandu.
Total River Distance: 55 kms.
To Put – in: 1 day drive + 1½ day trek
From Take –out (P.M. day 6): 5.5hrs.
The Marshyangdi is the mother of all rivers. In the local
dialect, it means ‘raging one’ and rage it does! it is steep, powerful, and not
to be underestimated. It has some of the wildest commercially run white water
in the world. This river has reputation amongst rafters as one of the best due
to both the intensity of the rapids and the awe-inspiring mountain scenery.
Unlike some of the lower rivers, the Marshyangdi is usually a clear turquoise
blue. The rapids wrap themselves around weirdly sculptured boulders and flow
beneath impossible undercuts as the river drops down out of the Annapurnas. If
you ever see a group of wizened river rats drowning in a bar you may hear the
Marshyangdi described as an Adrenaline overload, Most beautiful river I have
ever done, Orgasmic, a Jewel of a river or Liquid madness!
It may be a dream whiter water run, but it is a logistical
nightmare. Even still, our guides fight amongst themselves for the honor of
running it. The huge boulders require
instinctive and Expert River reading skills to identify the right lines. The
rapids are so continuous and technical that we run the rafts empty for greater
maneuverability. In true Nepali style, we employ porters to carry our gear.
Don’t worry, still manage to squeeze on board our extensive first aid kit and
the exceptional Cultural Treks lunch box.
DETAILED ITINERARY
Day 01: In the early morning, we move towards the bus station to catch schedule bus to Besisahar. We reach there about 1700hrs and check-in local hotel or tent. Dinner is served at 8pm.
Day 02: After having breakfast we start trekking with porters to Nagdi. Lunch is served en-route and camping in Nagdi.
Day 03: Breakfast is served at 08:00am. As soon as we have our breakfast, we get ready for adventures rafting. Lunch is served at 1200hrs and camping at Bhoteodar.
Day 04: Today the river eases a little but we still have to make it through the Shark’s Teeth and try not to get hung up on the bone cracking boulder placed nastily in the middle of it. Let your mind drift as we wind through narrow gorges and towering cliffs. Then it’s time to wake up for a series of tight rapids and nasty undercuts that will funnel you right into the tortuous and chew Kiwi Cupcake. A few more rapids and its lunch time at the Shiva temple. It is river legend that two Kayakers from Manchester were found camped here having given up paddling and taken up religion – may be post traumatic river disorder. All as done before and camping at Turture.
Day 05: Today get
ready for another series for class 4 rapids. Watch out for the house size rock
in the middle, which forms a terminal hole. All of a sudden around a bend we
come across golden sandstone cliffs and our lunch stop, Leopard
Beach, so called after Leopard prints
were found there. This afternoon the river widens and becomes class 3+. Relax
and admire the scenery, the bird life and local fisherman. The sad signal to
the end of our adventure is the suspension bridge at Bimalnagar and the first
sight of the main road. Then it’s all aboard for Kathmandu
and the nearest bar to wax lyrical about the best river in the world.
Rafting Cost: USD Per Person.
Rafting Cost Includes:
- Transportation to & from Kathmandu by private vehicle or local Bus as per itinerary.
- All International standard rafting equipment as necessary (Such as self bailing rafts, helmets, life jackets, kayaks, plastic paddles and spray jackets etc.)
- Well-trained and highly experienced English speaking rafting guides, cooks, and other helper staff.
- 3 times’ a day continental & Nepalese meals during the rafting period (breakfast, lunch & dinner)
- Camping & Cooking equipment (tents, mattress & kitchen utensil).
- Accommodation at twin sharing tent during the rafting en-route.
- All staffs daily wages, insurance and meals etc.
- All necessary fees for rafting permit, Government local taxes, all national park and conservation area fees. Tourist service charge,
Rafting Cost Doesn’t Include:
- Land transportation by private vehicle, tourist Bus (Airport /Hotel/Airport pick up & drop).
- Hotel Accommodation in Kathmandu with all 3 meals.
- Drinks except tea & Coffee: Any type of personal expenditure such Alcoholic beverages and drinks, phone, and laundry.
- Cost for incase of any natural accident caused by weather.
- Rescue & insurance such as travel, cancellation, accident, health, emergency evacuation and loss, theft of or damage to baggage and personal effects
- Tips, Gratuities and expenditure.
