Most travellers are drawn to Nepal for the Himalayas; the world’s tallest mountains and their towering peaks.

But Nepal’s valleys promise plenty of adrenaline-fuelled adventures, too. Rafting is quickly becoming one of the most popular activities outside of trekking, and little wonder; the rivers that cut through this country are every bit as powerful as the mountains towering over them.

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And rafting Nepal’s rivers is also one of the best ways to discover its most secluded, isolated and breathtaking hidden corners, where remote villages, linked to the outside world by a single swinging suspension bridge, exist outside of time.

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When I rafted in Nepal, I was on a long-term, nomadic backpacking trip and the price of $100 seemed out of my budget.

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But I took the plunge and spent three days sailing downstream; camping out by the river; playing football on secluded jungle beaches. I regretted nothing.

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Even if you’re on a budget, still consider rafting. It's one of my favourite travel memories and was every bit as much an adventure as hiking.

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From multi-day high-adrenaline excursions to serene drifting through hidden lands, here are five picks for the best white-water adventures on offer in Nepal.

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2. A Serene Raft to Chitwan National Park

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Looking to travel to Nepal's Chitwan National Park but don’t fancy the janky twelve hour bus ride? Raft there instead. This two day excursion from Pokhara is perfect for beginners and follows the majestic Seti River all the way to the world-famous national park in the south of the country.

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You’ll float through pristine forests, deep gorges and lush jungle valleys on relatively calm waters; it’s less of an exhilarating thrill-ride, more a serene adventure through some of Nepal’s most secluded and biodiverse spots.

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Setting up a campsite by the river, hunkering down and sleeping beneath the stars is one of the absolute highlights of any Nepal trip and is what makes this particular adventure so special.

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And it only gets better once you arrive at the destination - safaris at Chitwan promise certian rhino and elephant encounters as well as a decent chance of a tiger sighting.

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Best Time: February to June/October to December

Cost: Around $100 per person

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