Water Adventure
Rivers in Nepal offer an exciting mix of adventure and leisure. There are many activities that bring out the thrill of life and contrastingly, the rivers also serve as a peaceful backdrop for fulfilling leisurely experiences. The rivers here are full of engaging experiences. Ranging from flat water rivers with mild waves and little current to the powerful water rushes, the country has it all. The variety of river waters also provides a good reason to engage in Water adventure. Basically, tourists can enjoy the mild cruises or the high-on-adrenaline rush of rafting in different destinations of the country. Let us explore all such water adventure sports of Nepal in great detail.
White Water Rafting involves cruising down a rushing river and mapping the roaring rapids of powerful waters upon an inflatable rubber raft. The adventure is challenging, so are the crashing waves. Crossing them while padding in a same direction in unison is the key to tame the waves. The country, Nepal, is one of the world’s best destinations for river rafting; hence a visit here is unfulfilled without a whitewater river rafting experience.
In fact, it can be said that rafting is a signature experience of the country’s thrilling side. The glacial waters coming down from great heights provide unmatched thrills of rafting in the natural landscape. In their course, the rivers make their way through forests, forest meadows and world’s deepest gorges. The river route, thus, offers a variety of river activities including bungee jumping, kayaking and rafting. A team outdoor sport, this is a great way to enjoy the country’s pristine natural waters and crisp pleasures completely.
But, before enjoying the thrills and high on adventure rafting trips, a rafter should make sure that safety measures are adhered completely. He should not go on for rafting on his own, instead participate in a rafting group led by a river guide. Team work is of immense importance. Make sure your hands on paddle blades work in harmony with your team mates. Each member plays an important role while crossing the daunting rapids, and continuous hand movement is essential for the safety and security. Also, wear the proper safety gear including helmet and a lifejacket. Learn the movements and execute them in coordination so as to face the rapids. Upon finishing facing the challenges, one can definitely feel exhilarated for completing the white water rafting on the challenging rivers of Nepal.
Boating is exactly opposite of white water rafting. Unlike the adventure sport, boating is pleasurable and scenic view of cruising through the glacier fed lakes into the plains of the Terai. The lakes here surprisingly offer rich recreational experiences. Pokhara's Phewa Lake is the most popular destination for boating. As the second largest lake in the kingdom, Phewa stretches over 4 km and offers scenic views of surrounding mountains like Macchapuchare and Annapurna from a distance.
Other lakes like Begnas and Rupa Tal, located 15 km away from Pokhara also offer classic boating opportunities. While Phewa is more of touristic character, filled with tourists most of the time, Begnas and Rupa Lakes offer pristine setting and peaceful time during boating.
Usually, the boating cruise continues for a couple of hours. Boats can also be hired for the whole day, or on an hourly basis. You can either row around yourself or hire a boatman. The lakes are safe for boating as well.
Fishing is another lucrative water activity to be enjoyed easily in Nepal. Nepal’s lakes and waters are a flourishing ground for fishing. Around 118 varieties of freshwater fishes are present in these pristine Himalayan waters. The presence of such staggering numbers makes fishing a favoured activity in Nepal. Nobody can forget the prized catch of large Mahseers or fish trouts.
Fishing trips are popular in Nepali destinations like Bardiya National Park, Chitwan and Pokhara. The best part about angling here is the fact that good catches are assured and tourists can leisurely enjoy their prized catch.
Before fishing, travellers must carry fishing rods and tackle or rent it out at the fishing locations. If tourists are hiring a boat for a day, they can ask for the fishing gear from the boatman. The bait is a paste made of bread soaked in water. The benefit of fishing with a boatman is that apart from the activity, he can also inform tourists more about the caught fish, its name and other interesting information. It is thus, an enriching experience to catch fishes at the good fishing points and know more about them with hands-on experience. The best time to begin the fishing trip is before or after monsoons. During this time, fishes go upstream, consume less food and are easy to catch.
This is a world of water adventure in Nepal. The world that is filled with exciting opportunities and contrasting experiences for distinctive experiences associated with clear mountain waters.