Let the Ultimate Rivers team take you on the white water expedition of a life time on the Tamur River hidden in Nepal's Far East. This trip is more than an incredible paddling experience, it's a journey, a true expedition into the wilderness on foot, carrying everything we need. Trekking through the foothills to one of the best rafting rivers in Nepal. The 131 km of the river boast 120 or more rapids, making this one of the most intense paddling experiences that will be lapped up by even the most seasoned rafter.
Aptly named 'The Jewel in the East', the waters of the Tamur fall down from the slopes of the world's third highest peak, Mount Kanchenjunga. With its length and number of rapids it has an immense amount of white water interest for the rafter, that doesn't pettier out as you progress but gets better. There is a short day or so of mellow water in the middle to allow the rafter to suck in some air, relax racing pulses and get a good look at the mind blowing scenery.
A long journey waits us in the early hours of the morning. We traverse the hills into Eastern Nepal, we are talking about a 16 hour bus journey, but there is plenty to see on route to Biratnagar where we will stay overnight. The following day its back in the bus for the short journey to Basantapur. This is where the real fun begins, arranging porters, sorting gear and getting ready for our expedition trek to the river. If you have less time and more cash, you can choose to fly direct to Biratnagar, saving a days travelling.
Time to gear up and shoulder our packs. Follow the sturdy porters hefting kayaks, rafts and all of our camping equipment slowly up the winding trail and over the 10,000 foot pass towering above the scared Gupha Pokhari (Lake). The trekking route is quite spectacular with superb views of the Everest Region and beyond. We camp alongside the trail at night and rest our wiry limbs. On the last day the trail drops down into the green rice fields of the Tamur Valley where the river awaits us.
While most river expeditions start out slowly with time to warm up, not this one, be prepared, the first 18 or so kilometers of the Tamur are one wild ride. No time for practice here lads, paddle hard and hold fast, this is man verses nature at its most epic! The river stretches on and does not let up, in this 120 km there are some 100 rapids, the only time you get to relax and let your hair down is in the evenings at the river side camps.
You may thinks it's all over, but wait, the fat lady has not sung yet, the last section of the Tamur is perhaps the steepest, the jungle lets out to green terraced rice fields as we are flushed down this wild, foaming chute and spat out onto the flat plains of the Terai. Take out at Chatara and drive to Biratnagar airport for flight.
If you choose not to fly out, you will travel by overnight bus and arrive back in Kathmandu today around mid morning.
After days of riding the wild waves of the Karnali, slow things down and swap your paddle for binoculars. Just a short journey downstream lies Bardiya National Park, Nepal’s largest and most untouched jungle sanctuary — the perfect way to round off your adventure. Here, the rhythm of life is different. You’ll wake up to the calls of exotic birds, breathe in the earthy scent of the forest, and set out on safaris with expert guides who know the jungle like the back of their hand. Keep your eyes peeled — this is one of the best places in Asia to spot the elusive Bengal tiger, along with one-horned rhinos, wild elephants, swamp deer, gharials, and countless bird species. In between adventures, relax in a cozy jungle lodge, watch sunsets melt into the Karnali River, and meet the Tharu people, whose culture and traditions are beautifully interwoven with the forest around them. This safari isn’t just about wildlife — it’s about slowing down, soaking in the stillness, and letting the jungle leave its quiet mark on you. After the thrill of the river, it’s the perfect balance of excitement and serenity.
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Here's a concise packing list for a rafting trip:
For Multiday Trips:
Karnali, the 'Mightiest' river in Nepal carves its way through magnificent gorges and pristine jungles like a pulsating, thrill a second roller coaster ride. Arguably one of the country's finest river journeys.
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Karnali, the 'Mightiest' river in Nepal carves its way through magnificent gorges and pristine jungles like a pulsating, thrill a second roller coaster ride. Arguably one of the country's finest river journeys.
The Seti River with its warm white waters, incredible scenery and beautiful camping places is one of the most popular short and easy river trips in Nepal. The gentle waters spill down from the slopes of the Fishtail Glacier and disappears underground near to Pokhara
Bhotekoshi is the ideal introductory trip to whitewater inNepal. A pleasant half day trip, a blue river ,few gentle rapids and glisteningwhite beaches.
