Advanced Kayak Courses

The Advanced Kayak Course: Elevate Your Paddling is an 8-day / 7-night progressive whitewater kayaking program designed for experienced intermediate to advanced paddlers. The course combines technical training on the Bhote Koshi and Balephi Rivers with a 5-day Sunkoshi River kayaking expedition.

The course follows a three-river progression:

Kathmandu → Bhote Koshi → Balephi → Sunkoshi → Kathmandu

The exact river sections and training locations may change according to water levels, weather, river conditions, and instructor safety assessments.

No. This is an advanced whitewater kayaking course and is not designed for beginners. Participants should already have experience with whitewater kayaking and basic river safety techniques.

Training may include:

• Advanced boat control
• Edging and bracing
• Ferry glides
• Eddy turns
• River reading
• Rapid scouting
• Line selection
• Technical maneuvering
• Rolling and recovery
• Self-rescue and rescue awareness
• River communication
• Group management
• Expedition planning and decision-making

Each river provides a different training environment. Bhote Koshi is used for technical skills and assessment, Balephi provides further technical river training, and the Sunkoshi adds multi-day expedition experience and longer river-running sessions.

The program includes a 5-day / 5-night Sunkoshi River kayaking expedition following the initial technical training on Bhote Koshi and Balephi.

The program includes essential kayaking equipment such as:

• Whitewater kayak
• Paddle
• Spray deck
• Helmet
• Personal flotation device (PFD)
• Safety and rescue equipment
• Camping equipment for the expedition

Participants may bring their own preferred kayak and personal paddling equipment if appropriate. Equipment requirements should be confirmed before departure.

Yes. Riverside camping is included during the Sunkoshi expedition, with tents, sleeping arrangements, and basic expedition camping equipment provided.

Yes. The program includes 22 meals:

• 7 breakfasts
• 8 lunches
• 7 dinners

Meals are prepared during the expedition, and vegetarian options can be arranged. Please inform us about dietary requirements in advance.

Participants should have a good level of physical fitness and be comfortable spending several hours on the river each day. Multi-day kayaking requires paddling endurance, balance, concentration, and the ability to manage changing river conditions.

Previous rolling experience is strongly recommended for an advanced course. Rolling, recovery, rescue, and practical safety skills can be reviewed and developed during the program according to participant ability and river conditions.

Safety is a central part of the program. Experienced kayaking instructors and a professional river safety team provide instruction, safety briefings, equipment guidance, and rescue awareness. Participants must follow instructor instructions and use the required safety equipment at all times.

Yes. Nepal's Himalayan rivers can change significantly with rainfall, water levels, weather, and seasonal conditions. River sections, camps, training exercises, distances, and daily schedules may be modified when necessary based on safety assessments and participant ability.

Recommended personal equipment includes:

• Quick-dry paddling clothing
• Thermal layers
• Secure river shoes
• Waterproof rain jacket
• Sunglasses with a secure strap
• Sunscreen and lip balm
• Headlamp
• Quick-dry towel
• Personal toiletries
• Sleeping bag
• Dry bags
• Reusable water bottle
• Personal medications
• Travel and kayaking insurance documents
• Personal rescue or kayaking equipment if preferred

A detailed packing list should be reviewed before departure.

Yes. The program includes professional river safety equipment, first-aid and emergency support, and trained kayaking personnel. Participants should also have travel insurance that specifically covers whitewater kayaking and emergency evacuation, as personal insurance and medical/evacuation expenses are not included in the package.

The course starts and finishes in Kathmandu, Nepal. The planned route is:

Kathmandu → Bhote Koshi → Balephi → Sunkoshi → Kathmandu

The instructors will assess conditions and may modify the training location, river section, daily schedule, or activity level. Safety takes priority, and an alternative plan may be used when required.

Yes. Transportation for the planned course route between Kathmandu, Bhote Koshi, Balephi, and the Sunkoshi expedition area is included according to the itinerary.

Yes, experienced paddlers may bring their own suitable whitewater kayak, paddle, spray deck, PFD, helmet, and other preferred equipment. Please confirm your equipment requirements with the team before the trip.

The course is designed for experienced intermediate to advanced whitewater kayakers who want to improve technical river-running skills, develop stronger decision-making and rescue awareness, and gain practical experience on a multi-day Himalayan kayaking expedition.