Thrilling Adventures: Rafting on Seti River
Need for some rush? Get on the rafting boat.
Rafting on the Seti River is one of the most thrilling activities for travelers, domestic or international alike. The adrenaline rush experienced from the crashing water and the thrill and excitement of surviving the raging waves are unlike anything else.
This post will detail the various ups and downs the Seti River offers and what to expect during your rafting adventure. We will also explain the basics of rafting, the best time to raft, and some essential tips and safety measures during rafting in Seti River.
Basics of Rafting
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Class I, II, III, and IV Rapids
Rapids are areas of a river where the riverbed has a relatively steep gradient, causing an increase in water speed. On an international scale of difficulty, rapids are of four classes, from Class I to Class IV. Class I rapid has gentle moving water with small waves, while Class IV rapid has long stretches of challenging whitewater, powerful currents, and unavoidable obstacles that require some advanced skills.
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Parts of Rafting Boats and Paddles
Rafting boats are inflatable vessels specifically designed for navigating rivers with rapids. They have thwarts to maintain their shape and distribute weight evenly, and d-rings for securing straps & gears to the boat. Additionally, there are footcups for rafters to brace themselves during the ride.
Rafting paddles can be single-bladed or double-bladed. The parts of a paddle include a blade, throat, shaft, and a grip in the middle
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Positions on Rafting Boat
Participants paddling the boat sit on the side of the raft and wedge their feet under the board or the footcups. For paddling,they use one hand to grab the grip and the other to hold the shaft about two-thirds of the way down.
Non-paddlers sit in the middle of the raft and grip on the handle below at all times.
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Rafting Journey on Seti River
Sections of Seti River
1. Upper Seti River
The Upper Seti River offers some of the most intense rapids among all sections, which range from Class III to IV. Rafting in these waters requires advanced technical skills and good teamwork, so typically, these are reserved only for experienced rafters. The put-in point for rafting in Upper Seti River is at the bamboo bridge, Mardi, and the take-out or exit point is at Yamdi Bridge Dam, approximately 6 km downstream, with about 90 minutes on water.
The average price of Upper Seti River Rafting is:
For Nepali Citizen: 5500 to 6500 NPR
For Foreigner: 6500 to 8000 NPR (or $50 to $60 USD)
2. Mid Seti River
The middle Seti River has relatively calmer water than Upper Seti River but still has frequent Class III+ rapids. It provides a periodic burst of excitement and relaxation. The water currents in the Middle Seti River make it suitable for rafters of all experience levels, including families with children. However, due to the presence of some technical rapids, participants may require some experience in rafting, swimming skills, and good physical fitness to raft in this section. Middle Seti River rafting is a day trip starting from the water around the Institude of Forestry ends at near Musetunda.
The average price of Upper Seti River Rafting is:
For Nepali Citizen: 8500 to 9500 NPR
For Foreigner: 9500 to 11000 NPR (or $70 to $80 USD)
3. Lower Seti River
For beginners and first-timers, the Lower Seti River is the best choice for rafting. This section entirely consists of Class I and II rapids, with occasional Class III, depending on the season. The Lower Seti River rafting trip lasts up to 2 days, covering a distance of over 35 km. So, novice rafters can relax and enjoy the beautiful views of Pokhara and its surroundings without any risk of falling over due to technical rapids and turbulence. The activity of Lower Set River rafting starts at the waters of Damauli, Byas, and ends on Dev Ghat.
The average price of Upper Seti River Rafting is:
For Nepali Citizen: 17000 to 19000 NPR
For Foreigner: 19000 to 21500 NPR (or $140 to $160 USD)
Crew Members
Depending on the section of rafting, agencies assign different crew members. For Upper Seti River Rafting, the crew includes a qualified rafting guide, a safety kayaker, and an extra paddler for beginners. On the trip down the middle and lower Seti River, a cook and an assistant join the crew to assist with camping.
Rafting down the waves
Drifting down the Seti River offers an unforgettable adventure to travelers. They get to feel a huge adrenaline rush as the boat is swept up in exhilarating whitecaps while skillfully maneuvering around rocks, holes, and floating debris and sharing in the victory with fellow rafters.
The relatively milder waters of the Lower Seti River offer a scenic float trip and immerse rafters in Pokhara's diverse wildlife and breathtaking beauty. As the raft goes downstream into a less-populated area, they hear the sounds of wild animals and birds singing in the surrounding forests. And on the open river just outside the forest, a picturesque view of farmlands and hills layered with the Annapurna mountain range in the background awaits them all.
Breaks at the Camp Site
While Upper Seti River Rafting lasts only 90 minutes, Middle and Lower Seti River Rafting can go on for about 1 or 2 days, so the rafting agencies schedule breaks between sessions for rafters to unwind and recuperate their energy. During overnight trips, helpers set up camps for the travelers and prepare their meals. Nighttime camping provides excellent opportunities to bond with family, chat with the guides, and learn about their local culture and lives in Pokhara.
Best Time for Rafting on Seti River
The best time for Seti River Rafting is in September, just after the end of the monsoon. The monsoon rain increases the water levels high enough for Upper Seti Rafting, and the autumn winds add up to the water current, creating a perfect condition for a stimulating rafting experience.
However, for travelers without rafting experience planning to raft on a relatively calmer stream of the Lower Seti River, November or March are the better choices. These months have a suitable climate for camping while also coinciding with some of Nepal's significant festivals, like Tihar and Holi.
Safety Measures for Rafting on Seti River:
- Follow the instructions from the guide, which include forward, back paddle, left turn, right turn, and stop with high side right and high side left.
- Wear your safety jacket and fasten all the buckles properly, starting from front, lower, and upper ones.
- Cover the t-grip with your hand so you don’t hit others when paddling.
- Falling in the river is common for beginners. If you do fall, take the whitewater swimming position. Stay on your back, feet downstream, with your nose and toes up, and hold breath when waves crash towards you.
- When in water, stay calm and do not panic.
Valuable Tips for Better Experience:
- Vertical paddles are the best. Dip the whole blade of the paddle into the water for stronger paddling and a more stable position.
- Paddle with your whole upper body, rocking back and forth, instead of using only your arms.
- Look ahead to avoid upcoming rocks and other boats, instead of straight down on the water or the boat.
- Make sure your head-mounted camera (if using one) is water-proof.
- More than often, insurance covers only the instructors and guides. Participants can apply for insurance through an emergency medical travel plan.
Things to Bring for Trip to Seti River
- Change of clothes for rafting and camping in evening
- Water shoes for rafting
- Snacks and drinks
- Sunscreen, bug spray, soaps and other personal care
- Water-proof bags, torchlights, and battery packs
Conclusion
Rafting on the Seti River delivers an exhilarating experience of fast-paced travel down the water stream. Every moment of waves crashing on the face makes the rafters feel alive again, and the successful navigation through obstacles gives a shared sense of accomplishment and bonding with fellow rafters.
Additionally, the 2-day trip on the Lower Seti River shows Pokhara in a new light; a perspective unlike the bustling city but filled with wildlife, the beauty of nature, and a mesmerizing view of the mountain range that can soothe one’s soul.
If you want to feel the excitement of rafting on the Seti River or want to admire the picturesque scenery of Pokhara, we can assist you with your travel plans. As a leading travel agency in Nepal, AntHolidays provides various services catered to your every need. So, check out our packages and make your own choice.
