White Water Rafting - Nepal

Helping Nepal to re-build – Our philosophy is that all profits go to the local community – ie the remote villages that were so badly hit by the quakes last year – We have been helping with fund raising initially with getting food, water, medicines and shelter to them and then with rebuilding the heart of the communities – the schools – we are currently rebuilding a third school now. 

Nepal lies in the central Himalayas between India and China (Tibet).

From the beautiful Himalayan Mountains to the central hills down in the flats of the Terai region, the country is rich in culture and diversity.

The varying topography and altitude mean there is a wide range of climatic conditions. In summer the temperature is usually between 28-30 degress celcius and in winter around 10 degrees. The highest rainfall is in the monsoon season which is usually June to August.

Habituated by a wide variety of races and tribes and they have their own religious and cultural patterns. Brahmins and Chetris are widely distributed throughout the country and many Newars are concentrated in the Kathmandu valley. Approximately 90 percent of the people live as subsistence farmers working in agriculture with tourism as the next highest income earner.

Tourism one of the country’s most important industries and plays a large role in the economic activity of Nepal. It is a major source of income for a great many residents in the Kathmandu valley.

Kathmandu, the capital city is the urban core of the Himalayas and the largest metropolitan city, sitting at an elevation of about 1400 metres. Its estimated population is 1.5 million and the estimated total population of Nepal is 21 million spread over  of an area of 147.181 square miles.

Politically speaking Nepal is a relatively young democracy and it was an absolute monarchy until 1990. Recent political developments are more difficult to predict and follow. After the killing of the King and his family in 2001, the kings brother took the throne for his second reign. He dissolved parliament and set up his own government. The Maoists since then have taken over most of rural Nepal and in 2008 forced the King to step down and release his control over the political process.

At this point the Maoists were elected into government but they have since resigned and now Nepal is currently in a state of hung parliament. They are working on electing a new prime minister, however the tourism industry is not affected by the political situation. In fact, 2011 was promoted as tourism year in Nepal by the Nepalese Tourism Board.

Wild Rivers is run and operated by Stephen Walker an experienced Level 3 Raft Guide & Search & Rescue Technician. We will also take some local Nepali Guides from White Water Adventure Nepal who will run safety kayaks and be in charge of our gear raft, food and supplies.

White Water Rafting is our passion! Wild Rivers provides world class white water rafting and kayaking adventure trips around the world.

Wild Rivers mission is to offer an opportunity for everyone to explore the rivers and mountains of the world and experience new cultures and environments through river trips and exploration.

Nepal is predominantly Hindu (70 %) and Buddhist (20 %) with a few Christians and other religions as well.

There are a wide variety of races and tribes and they have their own religious and cultural patterns. Brahmins and Chetris are widely distributed through out the country and Newars are concentrated in the Kathmandu valley. Aproximately 80 percent of the people live subsistantly and work in agriculture, and tourism is the next highest income earner.

The Nepalese are reknowned as especially warm and friendly people and welcome foreigners into their homes offerering genuine smiles and friendship. Many Nepalese speak English and it is widely taught through the schools.The Nepalese speak over 30 languages and Nepali is the national language however any foreigner with a little knowledge of Nepali can make themselves understood in any part of Nepal.

The Nepalese people are amongst the most gentle of folk you will ever meet anywhere in the world.  With strong family and community values, the country feels like a safe and hospitable place to travel.  A whole family of grandparents, parents and many children will reside in a two room hut with basic amenities.  

The traditional food is a common dish called Dhal Bhat which consists of white rice, spinach and usually chicken which is on the bone and served in a medium flavoured curry sauce.  Food is locally farmed, sourced and fresh!  A meal such as Dhal Bhat will set you back around £1 so you can live quite frugally whilst travelling in Nepal.

With the surgence of tourism there is now a wide varirty of accommodation available to suit all budgets.  Whilst trekking you can camp or stay in charming local tea huts.  Whilst rafting you will be camping on remote little riveside beaches and when staying in the cities you can stay anywhere from a travellers budget hotel at around a cost of £5 per night or a more luxurious 4* hotel with aircon, power shower and room service from an astonishnigly affordable £16 per night.