Do you want to have a great vacation accompanied by a lot of thrill and excitement?
White water rafting is the kind of fun you need to experience!!!
What is WHITE WATER RAFTING?
Rafting or white water rafting is a challenging recreational outdoor activity using an inflatable raft to navigate a river or other bodies of water. This is usually done on white water or different degrees of rough water, in order to thrill and excite the raft passengers. The development of this activity as a leisure sport has become popular since the mid-1970s.
What is White Water Raft?
The modern raft is an inflatable boat, consisting of very durable, multi-layered rubberized or vinyl fabrics with several independent air chambers. The length varies between 3.5 m (11 ft) and 6 m (20 ft), the width between 1.8 m (6 ft) and 2.5 m (8 ft). The exception to this size rule is usually the packraft, which is designed as a portable single-person raft and may be as small as 1.5 metres (4.9 ft) long and weigh as little as 4 pounds (1.8 kg).
Rafts come in a few different forms. In Europe, the most common is the symmetrical raft steered with a paddle at the stern. Other types are the asymmetrical, rudder-controlled raft and the symmetrical raft with central helm (oars). Rafts are usually propelled with ordinary paddles and typically hold 4 to 12 persons. In Russia, rafts are often hand made and are often a catamaran style with two inflatable tubes attached to a frame. Pairs of paddlers navigate on these rafts. Catamaran style rafts have become popular in the western United States as well, but are typically rowed instead of paddled.
Classes of White Water
Grade 1: Very small rough areas, might require slight maneuvering. (Skill Level: Very Basic)
Grade 2: Some rough water, maybe some rocks, might require some maneuvering.(Skill Level: Basic Paddling Skill)
Grade 3: Whitewater, small waves, maybe a small drop, but no considerable danger. May require significant maneuvering.(Skill Level: Experienced paddling skills)
Grade 4: Whitewater, medium waves, maybe rocks, maybe a considerable drop, sharp maneuvers may be needed. (Skill Level: Whitewater Experience)
Grade 5: Whitewater, large waves, large volume, possibility of large rocks and hazards, possibility of a large drop, requires precise maneuvering (Skill Level: Advanced Whitewater Experience)
Grade 6: Class 6 rapids are considered to be so dangerous as to be effectively unnavigable on a reliably safe basis. Rafters can expect to encounter substantial whitewater, huge waves, huge rocks and hazards, and/or substantial drops that will impart severe impacts beyond the structural capacities and impact ratings of almost all rafting equipment. Traversing a Class 6 rapid has a dramatically increased likelihood of ending in serious injury or death compared to lesser classes. (Skill Level: Successful completion of a Class 6 rapid without serious injury or death is widely considered to be a matter of great luck or extreme skill)
Techniques
Rafts in white water are very different vehicles than canoes or kayaks and have their own specific techniques to maneuver through whitewater obstacles.
- Punching - Rafts carry great momentum, and on rivers hydraulics that are dodged by canoes and kayaks are often punched by rafts. This involves the rafting crew paddling the raft to give it enough speed to push through the hydraulic without getting stopped.
- High Siding - If a raft is caught in a hydraulic it will often quickly go sideways. In order to stop the raft flipping on its inside edge, the rafters can climb to the side of the raft furthest downstream, which will also be the side of the raft highest in the air leading to its name. In this position the rafters may be able to use the draw stroke to pull the raft out of the hydraulic.
Capsizing
- Dump Truck - Rafts are inherently stable crafts because of their size and low center of mass and often they will shed gear and passengers before they actually capsize. In the industry if a raft dumps some or all of its passengers but remains upright, it is said to have dump trucked.
- Left Over Right or Right over Left - Rafts almost always flip side over side. If the left tube rises over the right tube, the raft is said to have flipped left over right and vice versa.
- Taco - If a raft is soft, or underinflated, it may taco, or reverse taco. Rafts are said to have tacoed if the middle of the raft buckles and the front of the raft touches or nearly touches the back of the raft. This often is a result of surfing in a hydraulic. A reverse taco is when the nose, or stern of the raft is pulled down under water and buckles to touch the middle or back, or nose of the raft.
- End over End - Occasionally rafts will flip end over end. This is usually after the raft has dump trucked to lighten the load, allowing the water to overcome the weight of the boat flipping it vertically before it lands upside down. Rafts will usually taco and turn sideways, making an end-over-end flip a very rare flip in most rafts.
Re-righting
- Flip Line - The flip line technique is the most used in commercial rafting where flips are common. The guide will take a loop of webbing that has a carabiner on it and attach it to the perimeter line on the raft, Standing on top of the upside down raft they will hold the line and lean to the opposite side from where the flip line is attached, re-righting the raft.
- Knee Flipping - Capsized rafts that are small enough with little or no gear attached can be knee flipped. This involves the rafter holding the webbing on the underside of the raft, and pushing their knees into the outer tube, and then lifting their body out of the water, leaning back to overturn the raft.
- T rescue - Much like the kayak technique some rafts are large enough that they need to be overturned with the assistance of another raft or land. Positioning the upturned raft or land at the side of the raft the rafters can then re-right the raft by lifting up on the perimeter line.
Tricks
- Rock Splats If the rafters load the back of the raft, they can paddle the raft into a rock on the river, having it hit the bottom of the boat instead of the nose; if done correctly this can raise the raft up vertically on its stern.
- Surfing Commercial Rafts often use waves on rivers to surf.
- Nose Dunks Large rafts can enter hydraulics called holes from downstream and submerge their nose, or reverse taco. This can be a safe way to get rafters wet in a hydraulic.
- CLASS I Easy moving water with a few riffles and small waves.
- CLASS II Small to medium rapids with waves up to three feet high, some obvious obstacles to maneuver around.
- CLASS III Medium to moderate difficult rapids with high irregular waves, narrow channels, rocks and holes, some maneuvering required.
- CLASS IV Difficult to very difficult; long turbulent rapids with powerful waves and holes, many obstacles requiring precise maneuvering.
- CLASS V Extremely difficult; long violent rapids that must be scouted from shore, dangerous drops, unstable eddys, irregular currents.
- CLASS VI Unrunnable
SAFETY
Like most outdoor sports, rafting in general has become safer over the years. Expertise in the sport has increased, and equipment has become more specialized and increased in quality. As a result the difficulty rating of most river runs has changed. A classic example would be the Colorado River in the Grand Canyon or Jalcomulco River in Mexico, which has swallowed whole expeditions in the past, leaving only fragments of boats. In contrast, it is now run safely by commercial outfitters hundreds of times each year with relatively untrained passengers. [2]
Risks in white water rafting stem from both environmental dangers and from improper behavior. Certain features on rivers are inherently unsafe and have remained consistently so despite the passage of time. These would include "keeper hydraulics", "strainers" (e.g. fallen trees), dams (especially low-head dams, which tend to produce river-wide keeper hydraulics), undercut rocks, and of course dangerously high waterfalls. Rafting with experienced guides is the safest way to avoid such features. Even in safe areas, however, moving water can always present risks—such as when a swimmer attempts to stand up on a rocky riverbed in strong current, risking foot entrapment. Irresponsible behavior related to rafting while intoxicated has also contributed to many accidents.
One of the most simple ways to avoid injury while out of a raft, is to swim to an Eddy (a calm spot behind a rock in the water which the current disperses around) to avoid being taken downstream.
To combat the illusion that rafting is akin to an amusement park ride, and to underscore the personal responsibility each rafter faces on a trip, rafting outfitters generally require customers to sign waiver forms indicating understanding and acceptance of potential serious risks. Rafting trips often begin with safety presentations to educate customers about problems that may arise.
White water rafting is often played for the adrenaline rush and this often becomes a problem for people and their own safety. White water rafting accidents have occurred but are not common.
Due to this the overall risk level on a rafting trip with experienced guides using proper precautions is low. Thousands of people safely enjoy raft trips every year.
Environmental Issues
Like all , rafting must balance its use of nature with the conservation of rivers as a natural resource and habitat. Because of these issues, some rivers now have regulations restricting the annual and daily operating times or numbers of rafters.
Conflicts have arisen when rafting operators, often in co-operation with municipalities and tourism associations, alter the riverbed by dredging and/or blasting in order to eliminate safety hazards or create more interesting whitewater features in the river. Environmentalists argue that this may have negative impacts to riparian and aquatic ecosystems, while proponents claim these measures are usually only temporary, since a riverbed is naturally subject to permanent changes during large floods and other events.
Rafting contributes to the economy of many regions which in turn may contribute to the protection of rivers from hydroelectric power generation, diversion for irrigation, and other development. Additionally, white water rafting trips can promote environmentalism. By experiencing firsthand the beauty of a river, individuals who would otherwise be indifferent to environmental issues may gain a strong desire to protect and preserve that area because of their positive outdoor experience.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rafting
White water rafting is really fun and exciting! You've got to try this with your family and friends!
Here are the best WHITE WATER RAFTING locations in the world!
Have fun!!!:D
TOP 10 BEST WHITE WATER RAFTING VACTIONS
Top 10 Whitewater Rafting Vacations - Overall
From the Andes to the Himalayas, the world's most popular whitewater routes are spread across the globe. High altitude is a dead giveaway when looking for these raging rapids, but with a bit of luck you can find incredible rivers with difficult torrents everywhere from Idaho to Turkey. Hydroelectric projects and dams already killing some of the best whitewater runs in the world and it is clear that many more are on the chopping block. So get out while you can. Many of the rivers on this list may be slowed to a dribble within the next few years.
- Rio Futaleufú, Chile
Often considered the best whitewater river in the world, the Futaleufu in Chile's Northern Patagonia has mystifying turquoise waters created by the till from glacier run off. Rapids run from Class II-V and attract whitewater enthusiasts from all over the world.
- Colorado River, Arizona
The Colorado, which snakes its way through the legendary Grand Canyon, is whitewater haven. On the 5-20 day trips on this wild Class IV run you'll get a glimpse of the entire western US from Indian ruins, wildlife, unusual rock formations, and of course cowboys.
- Zambezi River, Zimbabwe
These Class V rapids near Victoria Falls are one of the most intense in the world. The expert only run has long and violent torrents, big descents, and steep gradients.
- Rio Apurímac, Peru
The Apurímac sits in a 9,843 feet deep canyon not far from the South America's tourist capital of Cusco. Awesome scenery and rare wildlife such as Andean bears, pumas, and otters can occasionally be seen while tackling the Class III-V rapids.
- Karnali River, Nepal
The Karnali is the gnarliest river in Nepal. Besides being longer and larger than any other river in the country, it offers seven days and 110 raftable miles of pristine wilderness. It's remote too. It can only be reached via a two day hike.
- Tongariro River, New Zealand
The North Island's Tongariro River offers more than 60 Class III-IV rapids in a volcanic gorge. This is a favorite river of both kayakers and rafters.
- Salmon River, Idaho
Idaho has more whitewater runs than any other state and the Salmon River's Middle Fork is perhaps the premier stretch in the United States. Raging rapids ranging from Class III-IV run through pristine alpine forests. Permits are required, so going with an outfitter is your best chance at rafting here.
- Rio Cangrejal, Honduras
These class III-V rapids border the virgin rainforest of Pico Bonito National Park. This river is divided into top, upper, and lower sections all easily accessible from the party capital and beach town of La Ceiba.
- Corhu River, Turkey
The Coruh's Class V rapids in May and June, thanks to melting snow in the Pontic Mountains, are run on multi day trips past ancient ruins and through vast canyons and valleys. This is an extreme run suitable for only die hard whitewater fanatics.
- Chatkal River, Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan
Tien Shan Mountains are the setting and you'll be glued to your seat for more than a week through this remote run of Class III-V rapids.
http://www.iexplore.com/activity/Whitewater+Rafting/Overall
Top 10 Whitewater Rafting Vacations - Europe
The fantastic scenery of the Alps paired with raging mountain waters are not just for 20-year old fratpackers. Some of the world's most hard core whitewater junkies make this their home base, exploring not only the whitewater sanctuary of Switzerland, but also Austria, Germany, Italy, and elsewhere. There are hundreds of raftable rivers and even more for kayakers.
- Corhu River, Turkey
The Coruh's Class V rapids in May and June, thanks to melting snow in the Pontic Mountains, are run on multi day trips past ancient ruins and through vast canyons and valleys. This is an extreme run suitable for only die hard whitewater fanatics.
- Rhein, Switzerland
The 12.5 mile stretch of the Rhein from Ilanz to Reichenau sits in a gorge known as Swizterland's Grand Canyon. The Class III-IV rapids are among the country's best.
- Lütchine River, Switzerland
Lütchine is considered the top whitewater river in Swizterland. The Class III-IV+ rapids near adventure capital Interlaken are short, an three hours in the water is sufficent, but very accesible.
- Noce River, Italy
Il Val di Sole, or the Valley of the Sun, is the setting for one of the best runs in Europe, and without question the best in Italy. The lush green valley has Class IV-V rapids blasting all summer long.
- Inn River, Austria
The Inn, a 510 mile tributary of the Danube runs through Germany, Switzerland, and Austria. The jagged Alps of Austria's Tyrol region see the Inn at its best, with Class II-III rapids.
- Sjoa River, Norway
The Sjoa is Scandinavia's best river, with Class II-V rapids depending on the water level. Camping on beaches in the immaculate Norwegian wilderness, canyons, chutes, and access to numerous other adventure activities are among the highlights.
- Dobra River, Croatia
Whitewater rafting has only recently caught on in Croatia. The Dobra, a dam controlled river, has a number of short Class IV-V runs.
- Katun River, Siberia
The Atai mountain range in Russia's Siberia region is home to the Class III-IV rapids of the Katun River. The run is lined with rolling pools and drops stops get you up close and personal with the people and cultures of Siberia.
- Västerdalälven River, Sweden
The best rapids in Sweden are in the picture perfect Dalarna region. The rapids themselves are for beginners, but the scenery can't be beat.
- Vltava River, Czech Republic
It's a fairly mild trip on the Vltava, but the easy access to Prague makes it quite a popular run. You'll pass through the quaint farms and villages that line the Czech countryside while paddling the 60 or so raftable miles.
http://www.iexplore.com/activity/Whitewater+Rafting/Europe
Top 10 Whitewater Rafting Vacations - North America
North America is where it all began. It can be pricey at times, but the equipment is always top notch, the guides are well trained, and the diversity of the runs are incomparable. Desert canyons in the western United States have long been sought after destinations for whitewater kayakers and rafters, but don't rule out the Appalachians or Canada. There is plenty to be found.
- Colorado River, Arizona
The Colorado, which snakes its way through the legendary Grand Canyon, is whitewater haven. On the 5-20 day trips on this wild Class IV run you'll get a glimpse of the entire western US from Indian ruins, wildlife, unusual rock formations, and of course cowboys.
- Salmon River, Idaho
Idaho has more whitewater runs than any other state and the Salmon River's Middle Fork is perhaps the premier stretch in the United States. Raging rapids ranging from Class III-IV run through pristine alpine forests. Permits are required, so going with an outfitter is your best chance at rafting here.
- Rogue River, Oregon
The Rogue is one of America's preeminent whitewater rivers. The Class II-IV rapids begin in Crater Lake National Park and wind their way to the Gold Coast. The upper stretch is by far the most difficult. Only for the experienced.
- New River River, West Virginia
Before it meets the Gauley, the New River is divided into three parts where the rapids range from Class II-V. The most pulsating stretch is in Little River Gorge which maintains a steady Class IV-V.
- Kazan, Nunavat
Canada's 540-mile Kazan, running through the Nunavat's Arctic tundra, has endless raging rapids and some of the best fishing in Alaska.
- Arkansas River, Colorado
The 100 miles of Class II-IV rapids pass through the heart of the Colorado Rockies. The proximity to Denver means that hundreds of thousands raft this river every year, but if you can ignore the crowds you'll find some great whitewater for everyone from the beginner to advanced paddler.
- Green River, Utah
The Green, a classic trip, runs through Lodore Canyon and the lonely pine forests fill the high desert plateau. You'll come across big horn sheep and an array of wildlife while battling the Class II-III rapids.
- Klamath, California
There are more than one thousand Class IV-V rapids spread out along the 187 miles of this Northern California river near the Oregon border.
- Alsek and Tatchenshini rivers, Alaska
These two branches of the same river run through the edge of Glacier Bay National Park. The two give you the chance to see heart-stopping scenery such as glaciers, moose, and grizzlies while you attempt to clear equally exciting Class III-IV rapids. Trips on this river average about 10 days.
- Chattooga, Georgia and South Carolina
If the movie Deliverance scared you, read no further, because this is the same river. The Class I-V rapids, varying with the loads of rainfall here, can be run in part or as a whole.
http://www.iexplore.com/activity/Whitewater+Rafting/North+America
Top 10 Whitewater Rafting Vacations - Latin America
The exploration of Whitewater Rivers is still ongoing in Latin America. While large groups run rivers in places like Costa Rica on a daily basis, Andean rivers in Bolivia and Ecuador only see a visitor when a group gets together. Head to Peru and nearly the everywhere in the southern half of the Andes has a Class IV-V rapids. For something more tropical go to Honduras where rapids meet rainforest in the midst of one of the country's favorite national parks. The opportunities everywhere in Latin America are growing.
- Rio Futaleufú, Chile
Often considered the best whitewater river in the world, the Futaleufú in Chile's Northern Patagonia has mystifying turquoise waters created by the till from glacier run off. Rapids run from Class II-V and attract whitewater enthusiasts from all over the world.
- Rio Apurímac, Peru
The Apurímac sits in a 9,843 feet deep canyon not far from the South America's tourist capital of Cusco. Awesome scenery and rare wildlife such as Andean bears, pumas, and otters can occasionally be seen while tackling the Class III-V rapids. Rio Reventazón.
- Rio Cangrejal, Honduras
These class III-V rapids border the virgin rainforest of Pico Bonito National Park. This river is divided into top, upper, and lower sections all easily accessible from the party capital and beach town of La Ceiba.
- Rio Pacuare, Costa Rica
You'll raft your way through Class II-IV rapids in primary rainforest in the heart of a nature preserve rarely seen by anyone and home to a native tribe. Multiple day trips allow you camp, stay at a lodge, or hike in the reserve.
- Rios Toachi and Blanco, Ecuador
These two raging Class III-IV rivers fall form the western slopes of Ecuador's Andean cloud forests. The 125 miles of rafting terrain are the most run in all of Ecuador.
- Rio Colca, Peru
Dramatic cliffs hide this vicious river in the world's second deepest canyon after nearby Cotahuasi. In your off time search for Andean condors and soak your bones in the nearby hot springs.
- Rio Cañete, Peru
The town of Lunahuana is base camp for a number of Class III-V+ runs on the Rio Cañete south of Lima. Most trips are day runs, but a 4-day run on the most difficult stretch of the river for advanced rafting and kayaking.
- Mendoza, Argentina
Who would have thought there is something other than wine in Mendoza. As the Mendoza River snakes its way from the snow-capped peaks of the Andes Class IV-V rapids, the best in Argentina, can be found.
- Rio Reventazón, Costa Rica
This 25 mile jungle river run is one of the most exciting in Central America. The Class II-IV rapids are matched by lush rainforest crammed with monkeys and Blue Morphos.
- Rio Tuichi, Bolivia
Most often run as a four day trip, this Class II-IV begins in rare tropical dry forest and ends in the heart of the Bolivian rainforest at Madidi National Park.
http://www.iexplore.com/activity/Whitewater+Rafting/Latin+America
Top 10 Whitewater Rafting Vacations - Australia/South Pacific
What the Pacific Islands lack in whitewater, New Zealand makes up for it. The cluster of islands has more whitewater per square mile than anywhere else in the world. A few other destinations have crept up as well. Australia has a good run, as does Papua New Guinea, but the kiwis will always be king when it comes to Pacific whitewater.
- Tongariro River, New Zealand
The North Island's Tongariro river offers more than 60 Class III-IV rapids in a volcanic gorge. This is a favorite river of both kayakers and rafters.
- Wairoa River, New Zealand
The Class V Wairoa is one of the most technical in Kiwi land, well during the 26 days each year it is raftable.
- Watut River, Papua New Guinea
More than 150 Class III-IV rapids in the Morobe province are some of the most unpaddled in the world. Pass through lush jungle that has rarely seen an outside visitor.
- Upper Buller River, New Zealand
One of the highlights of paddling the Class III-IV Upper Buller River is going over the 16 foot Ariki Falls on the South Island's West Coast.
- Karamea River, New Zealand
You'll either have to hike for two days or make this a heli-journey to get to the headwaters of this 3-5 day trip down the Karamea. The Class II-V River sits within Kahurangi National Park on the northern reaches of the West Coast.
- Mokihinui River, New Zealand
You'll paddle through bedrock canyons and sub topical rainforest as the Mokihinui snakes its way to the Tasman Sea. This river has everything from chutes, slides, drops and Class IV-V rapids that will delight every technical geek.
- Clarence River, New Zealand
Rafting on the South Island's Clarence River is one of New Zealand's longest river journeys. The five day run over Class II-III rapids is fairly mild, yet traditional and an overall great trip for beginner and intermediate paddlers.
- Rangitata River, New Zealand
The Rangitata Gorge is an exhilarating Class IV-V run near Christchurch. After the three hour run dive from the legendary jump rock.
- Upper Navua River, Suva, Fiji
The Fijian highlands of Viti Levu hide a truly remote whitewater run. These intermediate rapids are flanked by lsuh fern shrouded waterfalls and pristine tropical forests.
- Franklin River, Australia
Rafting Devonport, Tasmania's Franklin River can take as many as ten days if you attempt to complete the entire 77 miles. You'll come to Frenchman's Gap, gorges, and Tasmania's World Heritage areas.
http://www.iexplore.com/activity/Whitewater+Rafting/Australia/South+Pacific
Top 10 Whitewater Rafting Vacations - Africa
Africa isn't what typically comes to mind when thinking of whitewater, nevertheless some of the best rapids in the world can be found in raw, wild mountains and raw landscape spread out across the continent. The preeminent rivers are not generally near the popular big game reserves, but in the lesser known countries that are just popping onto the tourist radar. Try Ethiopia and Namibia for a change. Sure Brand and Angelina go there, but it's about time their whitewater qualities get noticed. There are beginner rivers like the Ahansal in Morocco and Class V's like the Zambezi in Zimbabwe.
- Zambezi River, Zimbabwe
These Class V rapids near Victoria Falls are one of the most intense in the world. The expert only run has long and violent torrents, big descents, and steep gradients.
- Fish River Canyon, Windhoek, Namibia
After it drops from a plateau near Windhoek, Fish River runs for 100 miles through breathtaking rock formations. Purple, gray, and pink geological wonders are only part of what you'll see.
- Omo River, Ethiopia
Challenging whitewater and brilliant wildlife make up this remote river in Ethiopia's Omo canyon. Hippos, orchids, and Wolayta tribes are only part of what you will see on one of the world's great rafting rivers.
- Blue Nile River, Ethiopia
You'll be tossed back and forth as this river moves from mild to Class V the further it gets from Lake Tana. Fantastic scenery from waterfalls to wildlife.
- Doring River, South Africa
The short rafting season in the Western Cape is no reason to stay away from this technical run a mere three hours from Cape Town.
- Orange River, South Africa
The Orange, not far from Johannesburg and the border with Namibia, is the most popular river in South Africa. There are both beginner runs, such as the section above the Augrabies Falls, and expert runs, like those near the Gorge.
- White Nile, Uganda
Rafting in Uganda is still in its infancy, however, a Class V run at the source of the Nile is only the start of what you will discover.
- Rufiji river, Tanzania
The Rufiji is a beginner river, rising only to a Class III at the most rabid section, but you'll enter right through the heart of the incredible Selous Game Reserve where you'll find hippos, fine bush walking, and idyllic camp sites.
- Mangoky River, Madagascar
This calm, multi-day rafting ride will see only minimal whitewater, but will pass baobab trees, colonies of lemurs, remote villages, and other wild scenes in this nature lover's dreamland.
- Ahansal River, Marrakech, Morocco
The Cascade D'Ouzoud, a phenomenal waterfall near Marrakech, is the starting point for these fantastic light to intermediate rapids. The High Atlas run passes gorges, around bends, and beside isolated Berber villages.
http://www.iexplore.com/activity/Whitewater+Rafting/Africa
Top 10 Whitewater Rafting Vacations - Asia
From the frigid north of China to the blazing heat of the southeast, the enormous range of the Asian continent is not lacking in white water. First of all, Nepal is Asia's Switzerland. Melting snow and glacier run off in the highest mountains in the world, the Himalayas, creates spectacular whitewater in literally hundreds of locations, which only a handful are fully explored. There is plenty of rafting elsewhere though. China, the Philippines, Indonesia, India, and many other countries make use of their mountain ties. Some are jungle runs. Some pass monasteries and nature reserves.
- Karnali River, Nepal
The Karnali is the gnarliest river in Nepal. Besides being longer and larger than any other river in the country, it offers seven days and 110 raftable miles of pristine wilderness. It's remote too. It can only be reached via a two-day hike.
- Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan
Tien Shan Mountains are the setting and you'll be glued to your seat for more than a week through this remote run of Class III-V rapids.
- The Marsyangdi River, Nepal
Himalayan snowmelt adds to the rage of this high altitude raging whitewater river. The Class IV run was cut in half recently due to a hydroelectric project.Chatkal River.
- Yangtze River, China
A dozen Class IV rapids snake their way through this 120 mile stretch of the Great Bend of Yangtze River. This is one of the most majestic pieces of one of the world's greatest rivers.
- Ganges River, India
The headwaters of the sacred Ganges break through the Himalayan peaks in India's North near Haridwar.
- Seti River, Nepal
The warm waters of this beginner river (intermediate for kayakers) can be paddled in just two days. The 38 mile stretch offers stunning views and up and close looks at Nepali life and wildlife.
- Pai River, Thailand
You'll venture more than 62 miles from the lush green village of Pai to the Myanmar border on this classic Class IV run. Hot springs, gorges, waterfalls, and wildlife are all on the itinerary.
- Ranoyapo River, Indonesia
The Ranoyapo in North Sulawesi offers 60 Class II-IV rapids over 22 miles. It's a two day trip through lush jungle and coconut and clove plantations.
- Alas River, Indonesia
On the magical island of Sumatra, the lush Alas drops from the highlands and across 186 miles of Gunung Leuser National Park. Monkeys, lemurs, and orangutans are on hand to watch you attempt the Class III-IV rapids.
- Zanskar River, India
The Grand Canyon of the Himalayas is one of the most spectacular navigable gorges in the world. You'll begin at 14,000 feet above sea level and pass through some of the world's most dazzling geological formations. http://www.iexplore.com/activity/Whitewater+Rafting/Asia
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