ITINERARY FOR Various RIVERs

BHOTE KOSHI RIVER

Grade: IV to V

Rising from the land of Bhot (Tibet), navigating its way through the mountains, deep gorges and astounding valleys, Bhote Koshi is another very popular river for rafting that lasts a few days. With its classic rapids of Class III in the lower level and IV to V at higher flows, Bhote Koshi offers the trip of a lifetime. Only a 3-hour drive away from Kathmandu, on the way to the Tibetan border, Bhote Koshi is the most stimulating raft trip in Nepal. Owing to its sharp gradient, this is a fast flowing river, offering a unique combination of exceptionally fun and challenging rapids without it ever getting past the point of recreation. Suitable for both novices and expert rafters, Bhote Koshi offers the ultimate adrenaline rush.

It is said that the best way to know Nepal is to raft down its rivers. The adventure of Bhote Koshi is not just limited to its white-waters. Indeed, the drive to our adventure spot unfolds wonderful views of Nepalese and Tibetan mountain ranges such as the Langtang range, Dorje Lakpa and others. Similarly, the sights of emerald green fields, terraced hillsides, deep canyons, gushing waterfalls complemented by smiling villagers and the shining waters of Sun Koshi (river of Gold) are just awesome. Rapids: Frog in a Blender, John's Home, Great Wall, Gerbil in the Plumbing, Exlax, Liquid Bliss, Dazed and Confused. One-day trip of Adrenaline Overload

DAY 1 Day 1 begins early in the morning with our drive from Kathmandu to reach the put-in point located 96 k.m away. Bhote Koshi awaits us for a perfect roller-coaster ride. This is an extraordinary rafting trip and moreover, the 3-hour drive also has a bagful of wonders for us. Crossing the busy streets of Kathmandu, we reach Thimi, a typical Newari town that keeps its own slow pace of life and eventually we enter the countryside as we approach Banepa. There is lovely greenery all around as we drive along the Arniko Highway. Further up at Dhulikhel, life is a lot more relaxed and we see people working in the fields; there is no loud honking and all is peace and quiet here. Across the emerald paddy fields we see the leaves dancing in the breeze while far away in the distance the great Himalayan ranges dominate the horizon. Enjoying great views of the countryside, we arrive at our put-in point, located just below the dam on the Upper Sun Koshi, 40 km south of the Tibetan border.

We unload the gear, prepare for rafting, get ready in our rafting outfits and rub some sunscreen lotion – all set for the day's adventure. The rapids come continuously and are highly technical. Hence, it is very important to listen to your guide and paddle according to his instructions. The journey on the flowing torrents could thus be an exhilarating and fun-filled adventure. After a series of Class III rapids, easy yet so adventurous, we hit the first Class IV rapid popularly known as Gerbil in the Plumbing followed by the technical rapid Frog in a Blender, which makes us fearless while tackling the churning waves as we wind up in a big swirling pool. After a long gutsy ride, which feels like a ride on the back of a giant dragon, we stop for a scrumptious lunch on the riverside.

Certainly, a good meal after a great adventure is such a delight. But it's not over yet. We gear up again and board our rafts to face more challenges and more excitement. The river flowing through beautiful narrow canyons with lush green vegetation and tumbling waters that come down from great waterfalls, join the churning waves of the great Bhote Koshi. There are more exhilarating rapids ahead making our descent yet more thrilling. What could be more flattering for a keen rafter than to cross the Dazed and Confused rapids successfully. Depending upon the time available, we end our journey at one of the take-out points, either near Barabise or Lamo Sangu (Long Bridge) Dam and drive back to Kathmandu, bringing home some fond memories. A two-day trip can also be arranged, in which case we end up at Barabise and stay at a resort as there are no good campsites at Bhote Koshi.