Nepal is undoubtedly one of the best places in the world for white water rafting and kayaking. A trip to Nepal is deemed incomplete without cruising down the gushing rivers. Nepal offers a series of the world's outstanding river journeys. The rivers of Nepal take the traveler to the very heart of a magical land and are one of the most exciting ways of exploring Nepal 's ancient cultures and unspoiled landscapes. Rising from the glaciers of the highest mountain range on earth and from the mysterious high plateau of Tibet the rivers plunge through narrow gorges and travel or lie across their rugged foothills. Along its course the rivers passes through many life-zones traveling through alpine meadows, sub-tropical forests and the lush tropical jungles of lowland Nepal . Many of Nepal 's rivers present some of the most exciting and challenging trips for rafters and kayakers alike.

The best time for rafting is from October through mid-December and March through early May. In winter hypothermia may be hindrance to some. During monsoons months of June through September, the white water sections are dangerous, but gentler stretches are easy to raft on. So far the government has opened sections of 10 rivers for commercial rafting. . Nepal is the best country destination for a true adventurer. As far as a river-rafting trip is concerned, no one is disheartened for there are rivers of all kinds for all levels of river enthusiasts. Rivers are graded on an international scale of 1 to 6 based on their level of difficulty. Grade 1 is defined as easy-moving water with few obstacles whereas grade 6 can be tough and dangerous.

White water rafting means coasting down a raging river in an inflatable rubber raft or white water kayak over crashing waves and swirling rapids for the excitement of a lifetime.  Because of Nepal's steep terrain, the rivers here churn with extra ferocity as they charge down mountain gorges to offer some of the best white waters in the world.  The rapids are graded on a scale of one to six depending on how wild they are:

The Trisuli river (grade 3+) is one of the most popular, if not the favorite, of Nepal's raftable rivers. 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 (4 to 4+) winds through remote canyons and deep gorges for five days of intense rapids among gorgeous wilderness and mountain views.

The  Bhote Koshi (4 to5+).  Twenty-six km of continuous white water batters rafters as they shoot through a veritable maze of canyons and boulders.

The raging Marshyangdi (4 to 5+) run is four days of uninterrupted white water.

The Karnali River (4 to 5).  Rafters fly through spectacular landscapes and narrow gorges and down some of the most challenging rapids in the world.

The Sun Koshi (4 to 5) runs 270 km and requires 8-10 days, road access only at the beginning and end.  Dudh Koshi and Tamur in the easter region, Balefi in the central region and Budhi Gandaki and Seti Karnali in the western part of the country are other major float trips.  The rivers offer an incredible rural scenery and amazing wilderness.