Nepal isn’t on most travelers’ must-hit list, but for adrenaline junkies, it’s the premier destination. 25,000-foot peaks beckon the mountaineers, the updrafts whistle to the paragliders, and class five rapids tow in the world’s best kayakers. After our 10-day hike through the Annapurna mountain range[link], the Seti River had our number. Fed from the snow fields of the Himalayas and gushing from monsoon rains, the Seti cuts through the Mahabharat range creating one gorgeous gorge and the perfect conditions to raft. We signed up for a two-day rafting trip with Paddle Nepal to soak up the rapids, lush jungle, local villages, and our brief stint as world-class river rats.
Rafting Nepal
With our two rafting guides from the Nepali national team and our paddling comrades–Eli and Omri from Isreal and Lucy, Sophie, and Michael from China–we dropped into the Lower Seti for the first leg of our 32-km sojourn.
For most of the trip green mountains were on both sides of us with a series of footbridges passing overhead. Without concrete causeways, these suspension bridges and pulley systems are what connect these tiny river villages to the outside world. Getting a glimpse into the river culture was half the beauty of the ride.
Then came the big rapids. Following the orders of our guides, we bobbed our way through waves—not quite sure if they were directing us around them or towards them for maximum drenching.
For paddling and laughing, we had a great crew of boat mates. Sophie and Lucy, who weren’t big on English, would make their presence known by spontaneously falling out of the boat and into a fit of giggles. Whereas Eli, the eldest of the group, had the smile of a kid in candy shop with every wave we hit.
We made it to our riverside picnic spot and had a surprisingly good lunch whipped up by the Paddle Nepal team. All our meals on the trip were delicious, especially considering the limited resources and pending threat of sogginess.
In between rapids there were plenty of opportunities for swimming or cruising in the current. At the end of the day, we took a dip in this sheltered beach cove as the crew set up camp.
Lined up on the sandy shore along the river bend, our camp was as lovely as could be. We sat around the bonfire, sipping homemade Rakshi wine and eating spicy Nepali stir-fry for a great night under the stars.
In the early morning light we spotted this pensive monkey, followed by a dozen of his curious buddies down stream.
The last leg wrapped up with some drenching rapids and a waterfall shower for good measure.
In addition to being a blast, rafting the Seti River was actually one of the most interesting ways to get around the Nepal. The trip started in the Himalaya hub of Pokhara and brought us to the foot of the famed jungles of Chitwan National Park and much closer to our final destination of Kathmandu. Though no matter where each rafter continued his or her travels, we all left with the satisfaction of having made new friends made and class-five adventures.
Well it wasn’t on my “must hit” list but after seeing your first two posts about the Annapurna’s, I’m SOLD!!!! I’m surprised after that hike you guys aren’t relaxing on a beach somewhere! I went white water rafting once and it was one of the funnest things I’ve ever done, would love to go again!
Gotta get there
Gotta get there
First comment!
HAHA
the first email i got this morning，recalled my memories in Nepal.
Still can see the dusty wind on the road when i close my eye.
We are going to Biei Japan on Mar 2nd to held our wedding ceremony.
Have ever been there when you guys in Japan?
There are a lot of things should be done be for March…
damn… a wedding is not easy…for the both mind and body…
Will send you photos after this ~
Good luck guys
Michael
We were hoping you’d get a kick out of this! Loved that we could meet you in Nepal and then see you in Shanghai a month later..the world is getting smaller! We didn’t get to Biei Japan but that is not too far from Daisetsuzan NP which was beautiful! Sounds like your dreams of a snowy wedding will come true! Good luck and keep in touch!
The Legendary Adventures of Anna – i am telling you what…Nepal is without a doubt in my top 3 countries we have visited on the entire HoneyTrek. did you see the photos from Bhaktapur and Kathmandu?….OMG. you must get there. Jim Steere yes you do my brotha!
Hey guys, this trip looks awesome, a really unique way to experience Nepal. How hairy were the rapids? Did anyone fall out? Seems like you had a blast!
Spending two days on the river added a whole other dimension to the our Nepali experience. So glad we did it! We went just at the tail end of the monsoon season so the most famous rivers were raging to the point they were closed to the public. The lower Seti was fun and still pretty wild but I think upper Seti is when it gets into the big dog rapids.
Hi, I had a great time being with you on the Seti river and enjoyed our campfire diner with Rakshi. Your blog is really impressive. Keep on the great trip. One day we will meet again. Eli
Eli, thanks for the comment. We also had a fun time with you, and your smile and good spirit was infectious (and for the record still makes us smile when we think back to that day)….and anyone that wants to see what we mean, look at the slideshow and look for the man smiling from ear to ear in EVERY photo!!!! – with regards to meeting again, i think good people have a way of making that happen 🙂 we WILL meet again.
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Your post was quite entertaining, thank you! I have enjoyed rafting in Nainital in India it was also amazing. I wish you guys would visit India someday soon.
Thank you so much Surya. We totally need to get back to India (we have both been, but it was before we started dating), now we need to return on our HONEYMOON! Woooohooooo!
This article has truly ignited my adventurous spirit! Nepal and its Seti River rafting experience with Paddle Nepal sound absolutely thrilling. The combination of breathtaking landscapes, exhilarating rapids, and the chance to immerse myself in the local culture has me eager to plan my visit. The photos and descriptions have painted such a vivid picture, and I can’t wait to experience it firsthand. The beauty of nature, the camaraderie among fellow paddlers, and the opportunity to create lasting memories make this a must-do adventure. Thank you for sharing your incredible journey! I’ll definitely be making plans to visit Nepal and embark on this thrilling rafting trip soon.
So awesome Ras…glad you enjoyed our blog so much! We absolutely LOVED Nepal, and can’t wait to return soon!