Challenge yourself on Sun Kosi, a leading white water rafting river
When travelling to faraway countries, it is important to make sure you get under the skin of the destination to truly appreciate what it is all about. Nepal rafting tours are the perfect way to do this, affording you sights like the Himalayas and jungles.
The south Asian country may seem like an unusual one for water sports, but its topography means the conditions for rafting are fantastic. The breathtaking Himalayas experience large deposits of snow, which melt into Nepal's rivers to provide rapids of all classes.
Come here during monsoon periods and you will find its waterways all the more enthralling! However, don't make the mistake of thinking that only experienced rafters can take a Nepal tour that includes the activity.
Large parts of the stretches of water will be calm and gentle, allowing you to soak up the interesting and varied scenery, from lush forests and jungles to small villages and remote farmland.
After flying into the capital of Kathmandu, which is packed with aromatic markets, colourful temples and large crowds, escaping to the peace and quiet of Nepal's forests is likely to be a welcome shock to the system.
One of the best white water rafting rivers is Sun Kosi - or the River of Gold - which is also suitable for kayaking. It is classed as one of the best waterways in the world for rafting and it is easy to see why.
Sun Kosi enjoys large rapids, warm waters, stunning scenery and no nearby busy roads or towns, so you will remain undisturbed as you wind your way across Nepal's landscape.
Its quiet location means you will be able to spot and hear native wildlife such as monkeys and birds; indeed, you might be surprised just how much of a destination you take in by exploring it from a boat.
National Geographic is so impressed with the Sun Kosi River that it named it as one of its top ten waterways on which to raft. You can see why for yourself when booking holidays with specialist tour operators like Nepal Uncovered.
It highlighted forested canyons and dense tropical jungle, complete with monkeys, as two of the many reasons why it rates the river so highly.
White water rafting in the country is therefore the perfect activity for thrillseekers who expect their getaway to offer more than just the adrenaline rush that comes from tackling a variety of rapids. Rather, the chance to get up close and personal with jungle creatures and to catch a glimpse of the impressive Mount Everest and the Himalayas give Nepal the edge over other destinations.
While on a Sun Kosi rafting holiday, make sure you leave time to visit the Chitwan National Park. This UNESCO World Heritage Site lies at the foot of the Himalayas and is full of pretty flora and fauna that makes for the perfect picture.
The park is also home to endangered creatures like the single-horned Asiatic rhinoceros and the beautiful Bengal tiger. Other threatened animals you might be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of include the leopard, wild dog and the sloth bear.
So, for a getaway to an exotic destination that includes white water rafting on a world-renowned river, views of the breathtaking Mount Everest and the Himalayas and the chance to spot amazing animals, look no further than Nepal.
