Rafting the Tamur means a three day trek along a ridge full of rhododendron forest and sunlit meadows, summating at 3000 meters with exhilarating views of Makalu, Everest and Kanchenjunga, and then down through emerald and golden terraced fields of rice and mustard to Dobhan for six or seven days on the river itself. The power of three tributaries joining force gives a wild push to the inflatable rubber raft as you start down this river, giving a hint of what to expect next. 120 rapids in 120 kilometers makes rafting the Tamur River more than a thrill a minute. Stopping at night to enjoy the colorful traditions of the local tribes, one might try their traditional fermented millet drink, tungba, the brewing of which they have perfected to a fine art. The best section is the last few days, when the river turns back to the west and becomes steep and powerful, with towering waves leaping skyward and water shooting through canyons like an Olympic bobsled before cascading out into the Sun Kosi and eventually onwards to the sea.

Rafting in Tamur River

 

It is a magnificent white water trip, one of the best in the world, approximately 130 rapids in 120 km. The river flows through a beautiful and unspoiled valley and the trek to the start is one of the most scenic in Nepal.

 

The Tamur and its tributaries drain the snows of Kangchengdzonga, third highest peak in the world. The river is the sixth largest river in Nepal and seems to have a feeling of thrusting power.

 

Whilst it is possible to fly into Taplejung, we especially recommend the trek, a great way to start your river trip. The trek is not too arduous as it goes along the top of the ridge and then drops down to the river.

 

Itinerary 01:

Rafting with trekking (11 days)

Day 01: Drive from Kathmandu to Basantapur via Dharan.

Day 02: Arrive Basantapur and prepare for trekking and camp.

Day 03: Trek from Basantapur to Mangalbare about 5 hours and camp.

Day 04: Trek from Mangalbare to Guphapokhari about 5 hours and camp.

Day 05: Trek from Guphapokhari to Gorja about 5 hours and camp.

Day 06: Trek from Gorja to Dobhan about 3 hours and camp.

Day 07: Rafting starts at Tamur river. Run class 4/5 rapids and camp at Kabelidobhan.

Day 08: Rafting whitewater section and camp nearby Koya River bank.

Day 09: Raft down calm section and camp at Dumre.

Day 10: Rafting the continues whitewater rapids of Tamor river and camp near Tribenighat

Day 11: Rafting about 3 hours and finish at Chatara. Drive back to Kathmandu.

 

Itinerary 02:

Day 01: Fly from Kathmandu to Biratnagar and to Tumlingtar.

Day 02: Start Rafting at Tamor River. Run class 4/5 rapids and camp at Kabelidobhan

Day 03: Rafting whitewater section and camp nearby Koya River bank

Day 04: Raft down calm section and camp at Dumre.

Day 05: Rafting the continuos whitewater rapids of Tamor river and Camp near Tribenighat

Day 06: Rafting about 3 hours and finish at Chatara. Drive back to Biratnagar and then fly to Kathmandu 

 

Itinerary 03:

Day 01: Fly to Biratnagar and then to Basantapur by land transport, which is the real
starting point for your trekking trip

Day 02 -0 5: Trekking 4 days to Dovan via Gupha Pokhari. You start your four-day treks into the heart of eastern Nepal and will stop for lunch and relax and enjoy the views and culture of local village life. Trek up over the Milke Danda via Gupha Pokhari to Dovan from where we will start our rafting trip. This route has spectacular mountain views of Mount Everest, Makalu and Kanchenjunga. Porters will be carrying the main loads (including kayaks and rafts!) You make camp.

Day 06: The white water action begins from Dovan. Your expedition leader and your raft guide will give you a detailed safety briefing. Then for the rest of the day (apart from the lunch break of course) you are in a turquoise blue class 4 white water paradises Camp

Day 07 : This is the type of day that people imagine when they think of Himalayan water. It is big and continuous. We enter into the Jungle Corridor. This is a narrowing jungle clad gorge and it is all ours. The team building is put into full practice and when your guide shouts "all forward " he really means it. Enjoy the ride all day and camp in this sensational setting at God-house.

Day 08: More of the same including the notorious GOD'S house rapid. Camp at the Seti Dovan and relax.

Day 09: It isn't over yet! Keep paddling hard! You really are experiencing the best of the west on yet another day of great action and breath taking scenery and camping at Jamuna village

Day 10: Starting and ending point for the day is not mention because of this is one of the remote area for the white water rafting. This is grade 2 - 4 the whole day passing through villages and spotting wildlife particular to this area.

Day 11: Places are not mention because of this is one of the remote areas for the White water rafting. This is a rest day to enjoy the beach life, or go for a day trek to the local villages they are always so welcoming and inspiring with their unending supply of enthusiasm and smiles.

Day 12: Starting and ending point for the day is not mention because of this is one of the remote areas for the white water rafting. The action continues as you tackle more class 2-4 rapids all the way.

Day 13: Rai Ghat to Bander Ghat rafting approx. 6 hours. Hold tight, the ride is not over yet…as past the point of Sap Su Khola is a rapid with the greatest drop Huge ‘holes’, ‘eddies’ and churning ‘stopper waves’ demands team work and hard paddle.

Day 14: Bander Ghat to Bonjur Ghat rafting approximately 6 hours. We take to the rapids again, busy all morning earnestly thanking for the lunch break, emerging from the Mardheku gorge the river spreads wide, less agitated after its confinement between steep cliffs and gorges.

Day 15: Bonjur Ghat to Barahchhatra rafting aprox. 6 hours. Today the whole stretch is a mixture of fun filled rapids and calm undulating floats, you are somewhat relived, yet sad that the trip is coming to an end, all good things ultimately does…

Day 16: Starting and ending point for the day is not mention because of this is one of the remote areas for the white water rafting. Relax and enjoy a mellow day on the river as you float through the day with the occasional "all forward call" to bring you back into action. You need to relax so you are ready for tomorrow!

Day 17: Final day, raft take out in Chatara and transfer to Biratnagar for flight to Kathmandu or go for the safari trip either in Koshi Tappu or in Chitwan National park or drive back to Kathmandu. There could not be a better way to end an expedition like this other than on continuous class 4 for half a day. You end the journey in Chatara.

Best time to Raft : There are two rafting seasons. The best season is September following the monsoon and extending through October, November and sometimes early December. The second season follows the spring thaw from March to May, the best water being in April/ May. Combine the Marsyangdi or the Kali Gandaki with any of our treks in the Annapurna Region If you are short of time we can arrange an airfare back from Pokhara to Kathmandu (or vice- versa). Keen to see a tiger? Add on a jungle safari to Royal Chitwan or Bardia National Park.

Rafting guide and necessary assistants, rafting equipments such as tent, mattresses, helmet, life jacket etc. Rafting permit,surface transportation, all meals, rescue assistance, Insurance for the Nepali staffs.

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