Alpine Everest Expedition & Treks operate trips on all of its major rivers, the Triusuli, Seti, Bheri, Karnali, Kali Gandaki and the Sunkoshi. These rivers pass through some of the most exciting and scenic regions in the world. The rivers of Nepal take the traveller to the very heart of this magical land and rafting is one of the most exciting ways of exploring Nepal’s ancient and unspoilt landscapes. In a country with few roads, it is the mighty rivers that penetrate the hidden valleys of this exotic Country. Rafting the rivers of Nepal is a rewarding and exhilarating experience.

Rising from the glaciers of the highest mountains in the world, the rivers of Nepal plunge through narrow gorges and traverse their rugged foothills. Before the melted snows reach the peaceful waters of the holy Gangas, the river courses through lush tropical jungles and meanders across the plains of the Terai. During their river journey, travelers pass through continually changing, verdant landscapes, past ancient cultures and diverse peoples. The serenity of floating a river’s gentle and tranquil stretches, together with the excitement of shooting whitewater rapids, provides a truly unique experience amidst spectacular scenery.

Nepalese rivers can be grouped into three categories on the basis of their origin:

• Antecedent to Himalayas
• After the Mahabharat and,
• After the Churia range

Antecedent rivers belong to the period prior to the rise of the Himalayas. These rivers added their tributaries during or after the Himalayan origin along with the development of monsoon climate. After the formation of Mahabharat hills, the antecedent rivers changed their courses as Mahabharat stood as a barrier. As a result, most of the rivers changed their courses either to the east or west. Most of these rivers were responsible to deposit the sediments in the Churia basin.

The major river systems namely the Koshi, the Karnali and the Gandaki belong to the Gantecedent group. Rivers originating from the Mahabharat range and cutting through Churia hills come under the second group, these include Kankai, Bagmati, Kamala etc. The third group of rivers originate from the southern face of the Churia hills. For the purpose of commercial rafting, the following rivers are in use.

• Saptakoshi River System (East Nepal)
• Narayani or Saptagandaki River System (Central Nepal)
• Karnali River System (West Nepal)

Eight rivers in the three rivers systems are open for tourist for rafting. The rivers are :

The Trishuli, The Kaligandaki, The Bheri, The Seti, The Sunkoshi, The Karnali, The Tama Koshi, The Arun

The Trisuli River (grade 3+) is one of the most popular, if not the favorite, of Nepal's raftable rivers. Due to its proximity to Kathmandu and the easy road access which accompanies it, most rafting companies offer trips on the Trisuli. For first time rafters it offers plenty of excitement. Many choose to incorporate a ride down the Trisuli with either a trip to Pokhara or to the Royal Chitwan National Park.

The Kali Gandaki (grade 4 to 4+) winds through remote canyons and deep gorges for five days of intense rapids among gorgeous wilderness and mountain views. The run flows 120 km and its challenges are continuous. Trips on the Kali Gandaki begin and end ' in Pokhara and offer an exciting alternative to the Trisuli. Trips generally last for 4 to 5 days.

The Bhote Koshi (grade 4 to 5) is worth special mention. It is a two?day run of pure adrenaline located only three hours from Kathmandu. Twenty? Six km of continuous white water soaks rafters as they shoot through a veritable maze of canyons and boulders. Little more than a swimsuit is needed for this one.

The Marshyangdi River (grade 4 to 5) is a relative newcomer in this group. The Marshyangdi run is four days of uninterrupted white water. Flowing through the gorges of the Annapurnas, it runs sandwiched between 52 km of boiling foam and towering peaks. Trips on the Marsyangdi generally take 6 to 7 days.

This river is the longest in all Nepal. This 7 to 8 day trip gives you class 2 –3 rapids followed by exciting class 4 rapids that are sure to get you’re your adrenaline flowing. This is a classic camping trip which gives you a chance to paddle all the way from the far north of Nepal to the southern border.

This is the steepest river run in Nepal that provides a total white water experience. It is a class 3-4 river with a lot of class 4 rapids. It is located 3 hrs outside of Kathmandu and is a great day trip. It is also possible to spend a night on the river.

The river lies on the far west from Kathmandu. The rafters run through narrow gorges having challenging rapids. The biggest river in Far West Nepal, starting and ending at Kathmandu, 3 to +4 graded Moderate River.