Himalayan River Fun

F. A. Q.

Is rafting dangerous?
Rafting is thrilling, exciting, wet, wild and unbelievably fun. However, as in all adventure sports, there is an inherent risk involved. That risk contributes to the excitement, and is one of the reasons people enjoy it so much. Our guides are trained to minimize risks, and, statistically, you're safer on a raft than in your car. One state government found in an investigation that the injury rate for whitewater rafting is similar to that for bowling! But still, there is a risk, and you must accept that risk when you go on the river. By the way, the most common injury is sunburn, and most other injuries occur on land, especially getting into and out of the boats.

I can't swim. Can I still go rafting?
Everyone on commercial rafting trips wears a coast guard approved buoyancy vest. This will keep you afloat in the event that you find yourself in the river. Many non-swimmers go on rafting trips, and they have a great time. It is more important that you are not afraid of the water. Non-swimmers should not go on class IV+ or class V trips, and should be comfortable in the water with a buoyancy vest for class III or IV. One things we have our one man single rescue Kayak. This safety kayak always front of us if some body fall down from water this Kayaks man (Kayaker) immediately rescue to the fallen people. This rescue Kayaker always waiting at the ends of the risk place like Rapids.

How fit should I be to go rafting? Is it strenuous?
On many rafting trips paddle boats are used. This means that you will have a paddle in your hands, and will be paddling. You should be reasonably healthy, and must be able to fit into the buoyancy vests supplied by the outfitter. Paddling can be tiring, but guides will instruct you on paddling technique. Oar boats, where you ride along as a passenger, are also available on many rivers. If you're in doubt about your ability to go rafting, or your fitness, check with your doctor before you go.

What should I wear on the river?
This depends on the time of year, water temperature, and weather. As a rule of thumb we recommend you dress for the water temperature, rather than the air temperature, since you'll be getting wet. Hotter days, with cold water, we recommend wearing a wet suit, which can be rented from us when you make your booking. Cooler days, with cold water, and especially Class V trips, we require a wet suit, or a wet suit/paddle jacket combination. You might also bring some synthetic fleece, polypro, capilene, or wool garments. Don't wear cotton. It will just make you colder. An old pair of tennis shoes, running shoes, or even converse hi-tops is the best on the river. Wet suit booties are good if it is cold. Sandals don't offer as much protection, and tend to come off easily in a swim. Sunglasses, especially prescription glasses, should have a croakie or other retainer that cinches tight. Consider a hat cord to tie your hat to your life jacket as well. In warmer weather, and late season warmer water, shorts and a T-shirt are good. Use sunscreen, but don't put it on your forehead, or the backs of your legs. It may run into your eyes, or cause you to be slipping all over the boat.

I've never been before. Which trips are best for me?
Start off with a class III, or an easier class IV trip. An alternative is to ride along on an oar boat, which many companies offer on different rivers. If you're confident in the water, healthy, and feel adventurous, you can drop right into a class IV river without prior experience. Guides will make sure you are trained in safety and paddle techniques. For class V rivers, you must have prior class IV experience.

I have a family with young children. Can they go rafting?
Many companies have special family trips available, on which you can take children as young as four. Each particular river trip and company has it's own suggested age limits. Contact the individual outfitters to find out suggested ages for their trips.

I am a senior citizen. Can I go rafting?
For fit, active seniors over 65 we recommend, as a first step, a class I-II paddle trip, or an oar boat trip. Then depending on how this feels, you might want to try paddling a class III river. Healthy people of all ages, including spry folks in their 70's and 80's enjoy rafting.

What happens on a typical trip? How are the boats set up?
You'll meet the trip leader at your designated rendezvous place and time. He or she will collect your release forms, distribute wet suits if you rent them from us, then get everyone on the bus. You'll go to the put-in, from where the trip will start, and the trip leader will give you a safety talk. This is a vital 20 minutes or so of information about how to be safe on the water. Then you'll head to your boat. The boats typically seat six to eight people and a guide. The guide will give you further instruction on how to paddle, and how to follow his or her commands. Then you'll head on down the river, and have the time of your life!

What are my chances of falling out of the boat? What should I do if I do?
Believe it or not, many people love falling out of the boat. It's exciting. But it can be disorienting and a little overwhelming at first. Many people have taken multiple trips and never fallen in. Some people swim on their first trip. It's a part of rafting. Before you go on any trip, you'll be given extensive instructions on what to do if you fall in, and how to stay safe. Follow you're guide's instructions, and your "swim" could be the most exciting part of your trip !

Can I bring my camera or video camera?
We don't recommend bringing video cameras, or even expensive still cameras, on trips. Many people bring disposable waterproof cameras, which work just fine. The quality of the pictures is pretty good, and if you lose it, it's not the end of the world. They are well suited to rafting. Some river trips have professional photographers, whose photos you can view and order after the trip.

Should I tip my guide?
Tipping is not expected, but is certainly appreciated by the guides, who work hard to make sure you have a fun, yet safe trip. If you feel your guide has done a good job, keeping you entertained, and sharing the wonderful river environment with you, then feels free to show your appreciation.

When is the best time to go on a White Water Raft trip?
Our season starts on March 01 to may 15 and we raft all the way to September 25th to December 15th. If you are going to tour to Nepal and you want to do rafting, in that time you can do rafting on certain River like (Trisuli River & Seti River). In these rivers you can do rafting 1 or 2 Days as well.