Yes, you don’t need to know how to swim to go rafting or have solid swimming skills. On all of our trips, you will be wearing a PFD (personal flotation device), which will provide you with extra flotation if you end up in the water. On gentle stretches of river, many people like to jump in the water and float down feet first, which is always a fun experience.
Our standard 16-foot boats carry from 6 to 8 people plus your guide.
No. First-time rafters are always welcome on our trips and you will be given a comprehensive safety briefing before you take to the water. Our guides will explain how to paddle and the various instructions they will give to you throughout the trip to ensure it’s a memorable adventure for all the right reasons.
Wear lightweight, quick-drying clothes—ideally with UV protection—since you’re likely to get wet even if you don’t fall in. In summer, a long-sleeve shirt for sun protection works well. For cooler weather (early or late season), layer with a fleece or wool top, and consider a wetsuit jacket or dry top if it’s very cold. For footwear, use sandals with good grip to protect your feet when getting in and out of the raft. Sunglasses with a strap are also a smart idea so they don’t get lost in the water. Finally, pack a towel and dry clothes to change into after the trip.
Only bring essentials—you don’t want to lose or damage valuable items like phones or cameras, especially since waterproof bags aren’t always foolproof. Raft space is limited, so pack light. Apply sunscreen before leaving the support vehicle, and bring a water bottle that can be clipped to the raft’s D-rings to keep it secure in rough water. We’ll give you a small dry bag for items you might need during the day. For multi-day trips, we’ll provide a packing list to help you prepare. As a rule, don’t bring anything you can’t afford to lose or don’t truly need.
The best time to go rafting in Nepal is during the post-monsoon (autumn) and pre-monsoon (spring) seasons:
Autumn (September to early December): This is the peak rafting season. Rivers are still full from the monsoon rains, offering exciting rapids, and the weather is clear and stable. It’s ideal for both beginners and experienced rafters.
Spring (March to May): The rivers are lower than in autumn but still fun to raft. The weather is warm, and the scenery—especially blooming rhododendrons—is beautiful.
For the best mix of safety, scenery, and thrilling rapids, aim for September to November or March to May.
Falling into the river is a normal part of whitewater rafting and nothing to worry about. Our guides are highly experienced and can often help prevent it—especially if you ask for a more relaxed ride. Still, whitewater is unpredictable, and there’s always a chance you might get tossed overboard. That’s why it’s crucial to listen to your guide’s instructions and always wear the proper safety gear, which is required on all Ultimate RIvers trips.
Rivers are classified using the International Scale of River Difficulty, which rates rapids from Class I to Class VI based on their technical challenge, water speed, and obstacles:
Class I – Easy: Calm, slow-moving water with few small waves. Great for beginners and families.
Class II – Novice: Gentle rapids with clear routes and small obstacles. Minimal maneuvering required.
Class III – Intermediate: Moderate waves, narrow passages, and some need for quick maneuvers. Fun and splashy—ideal for adventurous beginners.
Class IV – Advanced: Strong, intense rapids with powerful waves and tricky sections. Requires good paddling skills and experience.
Class V – Expert: Very challenging rapids with large drops, complex routes, and high risk. For experienced rafters only
.Class VI – Extreme: Nearly un-runnable and very dangerous. Attempted only by professional teams with proper safety support.
This scale helps match rafters with trips that suit their skill level and comfort zone.
Yes, we do! Ultimate Rivers Nepal offers multi-day rafting expeditions on some of Nepal’s most iconic rivers, such as the Karnali, Sunkoshi, and Tamur. These trips combine the thrill of whitewater with the beauty of remote wilderness, giving you a truly immersive adventure experience.Our multi-day expeditions include camping on pristine river beaches, delicious meals prepared by our river crew, and opportunities to explore local villages, spot wildlife, and enjoy unplugged time in nature. Whether you're looking for a relaxed journey or an adrenaline-filled adventure, we have expeditions suited to all levels.We take care of all logistics—including gear, meals, transport, and safety—so you can focus on enjoying the ride. It’s the perfect way to experience Nepal’s rivers, culture, and landscapes in a way few travelers ever do.
Like all adventure sports, rafting does involve some risk—but it’s far from the extreme, dangerous activity many people imagine. At Ultimate Rivers Nepal, your safety is our top priority, both on and off the river. We believe in strict safety standards across every part of your trip—from mandatory helmets and a zero-tolerance drug and alcohol policy to well-maintained gear, trained drivers, and highly experienced guides. For added peace of mind on more challenging rivers, we also deploy safety kayakers to assist if needed. But our greatest safety asset is our team of world-class, certified professional guides, who make all the difference.
No – Nepal currently does not have a third-party insurance system for the whitewater rafting industry, so we cannot offer insurance coverage for participants. For this reason, we require all guests to have their own emergency medical and evacuation insurance that covers adventure activities like rafting. This ensures you're protected in case of unexpected situations. At Ultimate Rivers Nepal, we do provide full insurance coverage for all our river crew, reflecting our commitment to safety and professional standards.
At Ultimate Rivers, we pride ourselves on having some of the most experienced guides in the country. Our guides are world-class professionals from across Nepal and beyond..
Booking a rafting trip with Ultimate Rivers Nepal is easy. Simply send us an inquiry through our website, email, or social media with your preferred trip, dates, and group size. Our team will get back to you with availability, trip details, and pricing. Once your trip is confirmed, you'll need to visit our office in person to complete the booking and make payment.
We recommend reaching out early, especially during peak season, as spots can fill up quickly.
