Learn to Kayak with the Pros! Ultimate Descents Nepal runs a series of kayak clinics each season. These introductory courses are designed for those with little or no previous kayaking experience. Throughout the 4-day clinic you will learn all the basic skills of kayaking, including: paddle strokes, Eskimo rolls, Eskimo rescue and the art of reading whitewater. While the priority is on safety, we don’t forget the joys of a more intimate relationship with the magical Himalayan whitewater!
Our instructors are some of the best whitewater paddlers and kayak instructors in the world, with a strong history of running rivers worldwide. The clinics are supported by state-of-the-art rafting equipment, which carries all personal gear, camping supplies and other needed items down the river to our campsite. The Sati River is one of the most beautiful and pristine rivers in the Himalayas. With dense, remote jungles, exquisite, sandy beaches and Class II–III whitewater runs, this is the perfect river for beginner kayakers to gain the skills needed for later kayaking expeditions.
Every season, we run a series of Kayak Clinics on the Seti for those with little or no previous
kayaking experience. The thrill and gratification of learning to kayak in the Himalaya is a great
start to kayaking. Flowing turquoise blue and warm, the Seti river meanders through an isolated
wilderness of contorted limestone gorges, forests and Class II – III rapids – the perfect river for a
more intimate relationship with the magical Himalayan whitewaters.
We have some of the best kayak instructors in the world with a strong history of running rivers
worldwide. Training begins with familiarization of being in a kayak on Pokhara’s Lake Phewa.
The clinic covers all the basic skills of kayaking and the art of reading whitewater. From the put-
in point just below Damauli, s short two-hour drive from Pokhara, until the take-out, we live,
breathe and sleep kayaking.
Every day is a combination of riverside theoretical and practical whitewater instruction and
although progress depends on the individual, by the last day almost everyone will have got the
hang of a reliable whitewater roll and can easily make their way through Class III rapids. The
clinics have support rafts that follow the kayakers down the river with personal gear and
camping supplies.
Kayaking
Kayakers are more than welcome to join any of our expeditions. We often have three or more
kayakers paddling alongside our trips, so you are never alone. Ultimate Descents Nepal
currently has 50 kayaks in stock and we usually provide you with your preference. Please give
us details of which kayak/equipment you would like and our staff will be more than happy to
put it aside for you. To be the safe side, we request that you list your first and second
preferences.
Spring 2025 Departure Dates
09Feb-12Feb
16Feb-19Feb
23Feb-26Feb
02Mar-05Mar
9Mar-12Mar
16Mar-19Mar
23Mar-26Mar
13Apr-16Apr
20Apr-23Apr
27Apr-30Apr
04May-07May
11May-14May
18May-21May
25May-28May
01June-04June
Shorts / half pants
T-shirts
Sport sandals or comfortable shoes that can get wet and will stay on your feet
Quick dry long shirts
Swimwear
Track pants / comfortable long pants
Warm fleece
Jacket (waterproof shell)
Socks
Comfortable Shoes for trekking and rafting (Tamur River)
Warm hat (in cold months) and sunglass
Travel towel
Toiletries/Sunscreen / sunscreen lip protection
Mosquito repellant
Water bottle
Head lamp / flash light
Personal first aid kit
Sleeping bag (if you do not have one – we will provide a complimentary rental)
A little cash for treats,
Tipping is certainly appreciated by the guides and other river crew, who work hard to make sure you have fun and a safe trip. If you feel your guide has done a good job keeping you entertained, safely looked after and has shared the wonderful river environment with you, then feel free to show your appreciation.
The total number of people on the team varies with the duration of the trip and how many guests there will be. The team will always include the expedition leader and the main river guide, under whose supervision there is a team of additional river guides and a minimum of two safety kayakers. All of our team members are river professionals who have the required certification for commercial river descents. The river crew prepares the camp logistics, including meals, but the clients are encouraged to join in.
A minimum of 4 people are required to make the trip operational. Each raft must be at least 6 people and 1 guide, however we can add up to 8 people depending on the river.
If you are just learning to raft, start off with a Class II or III (or an easy Class IV) rafting trip. If you are really nervous about being part of a paddle boat, an alternative is to ride along on an oar boat, which we can offer on different rivers. Many rafters who are confident in the water, healthy, and feel adventurous, drop right into a Class IV river without any prior experience. Our guides will make sure you are trained in safety and proper paddle techniques. For Class V rivers, you must have prior class IV experience.
Yes! We provide private transportation to and from the river for each rafting trip and this is included in the cost of the trip. However, if you would prefer a flight, this can be arranged for an additional cost.
Typically you will have approximately 4-5 hours of actual river journey each day. The rest of the time is spent on setting up the campsite, preparing logistics, etc. This can be a good time for personal exploration and interaction with the natural surroundings or fellow travellers.
We don’t recommend bringing video cameras, or even expensive still cameras, on trips. If you do choose to bring a more expensive camera, or any camera really, we suggest that you protect it with a waterproof case; many are available which fit different shapes and sizes of cameras. Oftentimes, our river trips also have a professional photographer, whose photos you can view and order after the trip.
The meals will include both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options which are hygienically prepared by our team members everyday. Sometimes, local delicacies are served as well. You are also welcome to bring your own nonperishable foods/snacks and any alcoholic beverages you would like to enjoy at the campsite in the evening.
What's Included
Transportation to the put-in point and back from the put-out point
Lunch
Internationally certified rafting guides and safety kayakers
State-of-the-art rafting equipment and safety gear (including dry bags, helmets, life vests, etc.)
River permits
What's Not Included
Personal insurance
Emergency evacuation
Clothing and footwear
Alcoholic beverages
Any expenses/items of a personal nature
Trip Details
Starts/Ends:
Pokhara/Pokhara
Distance:
32 km
Put in/Take out:
Damauli/Gaighat
River Class:
II-III
Overnights:
Beach camping
Drive to put in:
2 hrs
Return ride:
5 hours to Pokhara
Local bus to Kathmandu:
6 hours
To Chitwan:
2 hours
Best time for Clinic:
Feb-June/Oct-Dec
Starts/Ends:
Pokhara/Pokhara
Distance:
32 km
Put in/Take out:
Damauli/Gaighat
River Class:
II-III
Overnights:
Beach camping
Drive to put in:
2 hrs
Return ride:
5 hours to Pokhara
Local bus to Kathmandu:
6 hours
To Chitwan:
2 hours
Best time for Clinic:
Feb-June/Oct-Dec