About Our Rafting Trips
General information on Nepal rafting trips
About
Ultimate Descents
Sixteen years running expeditions worldwide have shaped Ultimate Descents trips. We specialize in rafting and kayaking some of the planet’s finest rivers. In Nepal, we pioneered the first commercial raft descents of the Karnali in the ‘Wild West’, and the Bhote Kosi, upper Marsyangdi, as well as descents of the Tamur, Kali Gandaki, Seti, and many high-water Sun Kosi expeditions. In New Zealand we ran the first successful raft descents of the upper Karamea river, and many memorable journeys on the Clarence and the Buller. We pride ourselves on being at the forefront of river running.
Our talented international guides are the essence of our operation. Skilled as boat captain and chef, trained in CPR and first-aid, naturalist and cultural interpreter, these entertaining and enthusiastic individuals do their utmost to make your experience a memorable one. Dedicated to the thrill of running wild rivers, many have pioneered exhilarating descents worldwide. We combine their experience to offer you the adventure of a lifetime.
The quality of trips and safety of participants is our primary concern. No previous experience is required, in fact most of our clients have never rafted before. Our guides will thoroughly instruct you on all aspects of rafting and river safety at the start of each journey. Once trained, the paddle crew can work in harmony with their guide to maneuver a raft down the most challenging rapids. Safety kayakers are always along on high-water expeditions.
We
run all trips with total respect for the environment and cultures
of the land. Based in Nepal we provide real benefits to the local
economy, employing and training staff, purchasing all supplies and
services on site, and supporting people in the areas we visit. We
make a special point of using gas stoves for cooking when driftwood
is not readily available. The pre-departure briefing addresses cultural
interaction issues. We feel this is especially important to make
sure the impact of our trips and personal experience is positive.
Placing service above all else, we devote ourselves wholeheartedly
to making every trip the finest possible.
State-of-the-art
Self-bailing rafts, new life jackets, helmets, dry bags for gear, mountaineering tents, and camera barrels make dealing with an expedition the experience it should be. On most trips we have a variety of crafts including paddle rafts, oar rafts, kayaks, inflatable kayaks, and catamarans. People on the trip have the option of experiencing an even more intimate relationship with the river in these agile, amazingly stable, fun craft.
Paddle
rafts are our boat of choice; the guide controls the rafts with
a series of commands to the crew who paddle in unison to steer the
craft. The exhilaration and teamwork are truly rewarding. Of course,
on most rivers we also have oar rafts for anyone who doesn’t
want to paddle, but prefers instead to relax as passenger. The guide
rows the boat with a set of oars and the physical demands on passengers
are minimal.
We run many private kayak trips and kayakers are welcome on any of our expeditions. For most rivers you will need to be competent on grade 4 water with a reliable roll. Our staff are expert kayakers and instructors are they are always willing to share their enthusiasm and expertise.
Nepal River Journeys
Featuring five days of non-stop class 4-5 rapids and unparalleled mountain views, the Marsyangdi is rated a favorite by the privileged few who have paddled it.
Nine days of constant whitewater, exploration & relaxation make this one of the ten best whitewater rivers in the world.
A classic big-volume river at all flows. This 12-day expedition in West Nepal combines trekking in a seldom-visited area with exceptional rafting, and the option of a wildlife safari in Bardia.
The Tamur
In the
east of Nepal, the Tamur combines a superb short Himalayan trek with an
exhilarating river expedition.
