Balephi River Rafting

Starting Point

Starting Point Baseri

Duration

Duration 1 Day

Difficulty

Difficulty Moderately challenging

Activity

Activity White water rafting and kayaking

Max. altitude

Max. altitude 1400m

Best Season

Best Season March - June | Sept - Nov

Distance

Distance 11 KM

Group Size

Group Size Minimum 1, Maximum 14

Ending Point

Ending Point Lamosangu

What makes the Balephi River Rafting Unique?

  • Thrilling and adventurous White water rafting Balephi trip: You can experience an exciting and adventurous Balephi river rafting trip in the white water without going too far from the capital city.
  • Kayaking opportunity: During this trip, you’ll also have the opportunity to Kayak in the Balephi River. Our dependable guide will guide you throughout the process. 
  • Fishing opportunity: If you’re a fishing enthusiast or want to experience fishing in the Balephi River, this trip is perfect! You can angle for many fish species, including common Mahseer, trout, carp, golden Mahseer, and catfish.
  • Fantastic view of nature: On the way to Dhulikhel, you will get to see the most terrific scenery of the lush green hills along with the steep valleys, and local habitats.
  • Glimpse of Balephi Hydropower Limited: You will see Balephi Hydropower Limited on the Balephi trip. The hydropower project is in the Balephi rural municipality in Sindhupalchok district.

Balephi River Rafting Overview

Balephi River Rafting is a popular 1-day trip near Kathmandu. The river flows through Balephi Gaupalika, a peaceful rural area in Sindhupalchok District of Province 3, Nepal. It is the gateway to Jalbire and Jugal Gaupalika. The town lies on Araniko Highway, a 114 km long highway that connects the capital city, Kathmandu, to the Chinese border in the north. There is a temple, Kapileshwar Mahadev, named after the Hindu god Shiva, the town’s main attraction.

It is a beautiful town inhabited by people between two Koshi tributaries, namely Bhotekoshi and Balephi. These are famous tourist hideouts for adventure tourism, such as rafting, kayaking, and camping. During this trip, you will see different types of fish like Mahseer, trout, and carp in the river. In addition to this, you can also fish along with rafting in the Class III and Class IV rapids. Kayaking is another fantastic activity you can do when in Balephi. 

1 Day Balephi River Rafting Itinerary

Day 1: Activity Day

In your one day Balephi River Rafting itinerary, we leave for our adventure at 7:00 a.m. from your Hotel, sharp, as per our itinerary. Please make sure that you are well prepared before departure. There will be a tea and coffee stoppage for 20 minutes at Zerokilo (self pay). It will take about 1.5 hours to reach Zerokilo from Kathmandu and another 1.5 hours to reach our starting point at Balephi. It will take approximately 30 minutes to set up the equipment for our rafting adventure.

You can change into more comfortable clothes if you want. There will be a 20 minute rafting safety briefing before starting on our adventure. During our trip, we’ll encounter places where you can go for a swim or experience jumping off cliffs. Our guides will inform you when we reach those areas. We’ll stop to have lunch en route downstream and continue onwards. We will depart for Kathmandu at 5 pm. Our journey will end at your Hotel, where we began.

What to Bring During Balephi River Rafting

  • Shorts / ½ pant
  • Sport Sandals
  • Shirts that will dry quickly
  • Swim suit
  • Warm layers (fleece, trousers)
  • Towel
  • Toiletries
  • Sunscreen
  • Sunglasses
  • Camera and batteries/chargers
  • Water Bottles
  • Flashlight
  • A little cash

What's Included

  • Professional English speaking licensed guides highly trained and safety certified to international standards in Whitewater River Guiding, Swift Water Rescue, and Wilderness First Aid
  • Professionally trained and certified safety kayakers.
  • Quality rafting and kayaking equipment, including boats, kayaks, helmets, paddles, PFDs, dry bags and Pelican boxes.
  • Treated drinking water
  • Two-way transportation
  • River permits.
  • Industry standard first aid kits
  • Team photos (photos videos by our team)
  • Lunch

What's Not Included

  • Visas, flights, other taxes etc.
  • Personal items like toiletries, clothing, camera etc.
  • Alcohol and other packed food.
  • Insurance policy: paddlers need to have their own insurance since we only provide insurance to our crew.
  • Tips for guides – we pay our guides and porters fairly but if you want you can tip them personally.

Travellers Reviews

Oozwol Jamkattel

Awesome moment.

Oozwol Jamkattel

Oozwol Jamkattel

Awesome moment.

Oozwol Jamkattel

How is the Rafting Experience on the Balephi River?

The rafting experience on the Balephi River is moderately challenging. Unlike easier, family-friendly river trips like the Trishuli River, the Balephi rafting trip may not be suitable for children under eight due to its stronger rapids. The rapids are slightly more in the Balephi River. With precautions for safety in mind, a rafting enthusiast can complete the trip. Likewise, you don’t necessarily have to be experienced as a rafter to go on the Balephi river rafting trip.

The river can be as exciting as it can get as it flows down the Dorje Lakpa Himalaya. You will be floating down the steep slopes of Helambu Valley, with the put in point being at Jalbire and the take out point being at Sukute along the rocky boulders. Since this trip is completed in a single day, you don’t have to spare too many days for the journey, which makes it time-effective. And, when you’re on the Balephi river trip, you can expect to experience many different adventures besides rafting, like fishing and kayaking. 

Can I combine Balephi River rafting with other adventures?

Yes, you can combine Balephi river rafting with other adventures for sure! As mentioned before, Balephi is popular for fishing as much as for rafting opportunities. Therefore, you can combine rafting with fishing in a single day. You can also camp beside the river and go kayaking the next day. If you’re not looking to include another day in the trip, you can still choose between kayaking or fishing in the latter half of the day if the time allows.

Similarly, if you are confused about how to combine other adventures in the Balephi river rafting journey, you can get in touch with our representatives and book your journey. We will suggest an itinerary that best suits you. Though not a very physical outdoor activity, you can also go sightseeing around the river. This costs you nothing, and you can do it for a few hours as you take in the refreshing beauty of the Balephi River and its surroundings, eat delicious meals, and hang out with your friends, family, or any other fellow adventurer.

FAQs About Balephi River Rafting

What do rafters do in the evening after the completion of the rafting journey?

Rafters tend to dry their clothes and shoes once they complete their rafting journey and change into dry and clean clothes. Then, a camp is set for them. If you’re not staying overnight, you can still settle on the banks of the river and wait in the serenity of the Balephi River for your food to prepare.

What is the age limit for rafting in the Balephi River? 

The age limit for rafting in the Balephi River is fifteen years and above. Since the rapids are higher in the Balephi River than in the Trishuli River, it would be wise not to take children between the ages of eight and thirteen on this trip, as it may be hazardous.

Can I bring my phone or camera on the river trip?

Yes, if your phone and camera are both kept in a water proof bag, then you can totally carry them to your river trip. You need to be cautious as to them not dropping in the water as Balephi River water levels can get high several times along the journey. Also, carrying a GoPro with a chest mount is recommended.

Should I tip my guide during Balephi rafting tours? 

Yes, it would be great if you tipped your guide during the Balephi rafting tour. However, this is not a compulsion. Our package covers the cost of guides and services from additional representatives. Tipping will likely enhance your experience and their morale as your staff.

Is the Balephi river rafting experience suitable for beginner rafters? 

Yes, the Balephi river rafting experience is suitable for beginner rafters. You don’t need to be experienced in rafting to go on this trip, especially since you will be guided by a licensed guide and accompanied by fellow rafter. Safety should not be a concern, as everything on the trip is done methodically and safely!

This package can be booked from our booking page in any day you like.