Going on a rafting trip is exciting but it’s important to make sure you have the right gear with you when you go which is why we have created this rafting packing list. Your rafting outfitter will provide you with all the necessary safety equipment such as a helmet, PFD (personal floatation device) and a paddle. They should also provide you with a tent and sleeping bag, so all you need to thing about are your personal belongings.
You can see our full packing list here, however listed below are a few items that you might not necessarily think about when packing for your whitewater rafting trip.
1 – A journal / book / Colouring Book
On many of our expedition trips (or even our Trisuli day trip and when you spend a night at our tented camp), you will have some time to yourself in the late afternoons/evenings when we have finished rafting. A journal, book or colouring book are a great way to pass some time and have some chill out time to your self. Although the days are go, go, go, there’s plenty of time during the evenings of your whitewater rafting trip to have a bit of you time.
2 – Water bottle
An essential piece of kit. We will of course provide you with as much drinking water as you need, but it’s handy for you to have your own bottle, especially if camping over night. You’ll be out on the water most of the day in the sunshine, so you’ll need to be careful not to get dehydrated. And actually whilst we’re on the subject of hydration – don’t forget to pack your BEER as well!!
3 – Comfortable shoes
Your feet will take a beating whilst on a whitewater rafting trip in Nepal, so comfortable shoes are a must. You’ll want a suitable pair or river shoes, but also a comfortable pair for around camp. Our recommendations? Chacos, Teva’s, Keens or something similar. And here’s a hint, if your buying shoes especially for your rafting trip, make sure to break them in first! There’s nothing worse than blisters on the river. Cheap flipflops just don’t cut it on a rafting expedition I’m afraid. Don’t forget to pack a pair of ‘camp slippers’ as well. This is when flipflops are handy!
4 – A little treat – pick me up
We won’t let you go hungry, we promise, in fact our food is one of the most talked about things on our rafting trips. However, it’s nice to have a sneaky chocolate bar or biscuit when you need a sugar hit! Keep these quiet though as our guides have a sweet tooth!
5 – Lotion
Another item to add to your rafting packing list is lotion. Depending on which trip you are doing, you could be outside, in the elements, in sand, without a proper shower, constantly going from wet to dry for up to 13 days. Lotion is a must. Dry skin can occur and sun burn if you are not careful. So make sure you take care of yourself and bring along some lotion.
6 – Binoculars
So many of our trips are out in remote Nepal and we are surrounded by the most beautiful scenery. If you are interested in birdlife, or indeed any kind of wildlife, it’s nice to have a paid of binoculars to get up close and personal. On many of our trips we can see a multitude of birds, monkeys and deer to name a few.
7 – Fishing Rod
This is a favourite for our Sun Kosi and Trisuli trips. You can either fish in the afternoons when we’ve finished rafting on the side of the river, or even take a kayak out to a quiet section of the river. The rivers here are full of fish, and its a great activity for the afternoon. If your lucky, you may catch a glimpse of the famous Golden Mahseer river fish
8 – I know we said 7, but we always like to give you a little bonus treat! Of course, it’s a deck of cards (although to be honest, this is a guide favourite and your GRG raft guide will normally have these in his/her dry bag any way! Bring a standard deck, or even better a game of UNO! We love all cards games, they are a great way to pass the evenings, connect with the local kids and lets not forget drinking games!
We hope this list gives you a few ideas of those extra little things to pack for your rafting trip to Nepal.
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Here is our FULL packing list as copied from our FAQ page
Day Trips:
- Swimsuit
- Sun cream
- Shorts or cropped trousers and T-shirt you don’t mind getting wet
- Clothes for traveling in
- Sun glasses with sports strap
- Capped hat
- Teva style sandals or trainers
- Warm fleece
- Socks
- Camera
- Small amount of money for snacks and treats if you wish
- Water bottle
- Towel
- Personal medication
Whilst rafting, your belongings will be transported to our take out point by a member of staff. They will not be traveling on the raft with us.
Overnight trips / expeditions you will require the above as well as:
- Sleeping bag and mattress (if you do not have, please ask and we can provide for you for free)
- Dry clothes for the evening(s). Make sure you bring warm clothes with you as the night times can get cold, especially in the winter months.
- Warm hat, gloves and scarf for the winter months
- Pajamas (Thermal Pajamas are recommended in the winter months)
- Small wash kit – biodegradable products are preferred if you have them
- Torch
- Book, deck of cards or small travel games
- Personal medication (please let us know of any pre-existing medical conditions before participating in any whitewater trip)
- A small amount of money for treats here and there
- Photocopy of your passport & visa
