Paragliding and Rafting in Nepal

Paragliding in Nepal

Like Bungee Jumping and Hot-Air Ballooning, Paragliding too is new to Nepal. Nevertheless, Para-Gliding was an instant hit among the tourists the year it was first launched. Paragliding in Nepal can be a truly wonderful and fulfilling experience for the adventure seeker. Since the 'Fall of Icarius', the men have always wanted to have their own wings. And as God is yet to be that generous, paragliding tries to fulfill that dream to some extent. And that is why; it is such a craze in Nepal. After all, who doesn't want to share his airspace with Griffin Vultures and Kites while smoothly gliding over villages, lakes and jungle with the dazzling and intimidating Himalayan peaks in the background?

Paragliding is a relatively new adventure sport in Nepal that is why you will not find much information in guidebooks. Even the famous 'Lonely Planet Series' will let you down. Your best bet is the tourist help cell at the Tribhuwan Airport. The concerned officers will make all the related information available. 

As you know, Gliding is a weather dependent sport that is why various aspects like fog, drizzle and wind is kept in mind before the flight. Like other sports such as Bungee and Hot-Air Ballooning, the flying season in Nepal commences from November and ends around February. The best months though, are November and December. The takes off point for the majority of these paragliding flights is Sarankot that is at the height of 6000 feet. The flight will give you a panoramic view of sunrise and sunset in Himalayas depending upon the weather conditions. The descent is near the magnificent Fewa Lake. The icing on the cake is the fact that absolutely no previous experience is required to experience these flights. Of course, there are qualified paragliding trainers who provide a short briefing before launching.

Rafting in Nepal

Nepal is a river rafter's heaven. Nowhere in the world will you get an experience this exhilarating, this sublime. The gurgling and bouncing Himalayan Rivers provide you with ample opportunity to live your fantasies. 

Rafting in Nepal is often re-christened "blissful escapism" because of the rafting routes that more often than none, lies in seclusion. Very few rafting routes have highways accompanying them and thus what is left is the blue water and you. The best thing about the rafting in Nepal is that it is very cheap in comparison to the similar facilities in Gadhwal in India. 

White water rafting is inseparable with rapids, of which there is no dearth in Nepal. The thundering rivers that originate from various glaciers in Tibet make Nepal one of the best rafting destinations in the world. The rivers that are fit for rafting are graded on the scale of 1 to 6. Grade 1 is awarded to the rivers that are very quiet where as 6 is given to the one that are very dangerous. The rafters have to apply for the rafting permit. These permits have grades mentioned on it. Rafters are classified according to their experience where amateurs are awarded with Grade 3 Rivers at maximum. The most experienced and the professionals are awarded maximum Grade 5 Rivers. The best month for rafting is from September to November when there is minimum melting of glaciers. There are various rafting agencies both in Northern Nepal as well as Kathmandu regions. Most of the bookings are done in advance and on the Internet. The most popular among these agencies is Mountain River Rafting Club at Kathmandu. 

Following is the list of rivers that are fit for rafting in Nepal: -

• Karnali River
• Trisuli River
• Arun River
• Bheri River
• Kali Gandaki River
• Sun khosi River
• Seti River
• Tamur River
• Marsyangdi River