Guide your raft through churning Class IV whitewater amidst the awe-inspiring Himalayan peaks. The Sun Kosi descends from the great Mahabharay Lekh Mountains and the Himalaya, encompassing the majority of eastern Nepal’s watershed. The Karnali, of western Nepal, is the longest and largest river in the country. These world-renowned river expeditions offer exciting Class IV+ rapids amidst a unique wilderness and culture. This whitewater course explores a series of 1-2 day rafting trips on rivers outside of Pokhara.

From transporting rafting equipment on yaks, practicing swift water rescue techniques, and interacting with local villagers, students develop a comprehensive understanding of international expedition rafting skills. You’ll learn about international logistics and planning, gain experience captaining a paddle raft and rowing an oar rig, and run exciting rapids with dramatic views of the Himalayas.

Experience Nepal like no-one else; as you paddle rivers by day, eat traditional Nepalese food in the evening, and travel across the landscape to bigger and faster rivers each morning. You'll not only gain the hardskills necessary for rafting Class IV whitewater, you'll learn to lead your group, teach valuable lessons, and communicate effectively - on and off the river. This is an experience you will never forget!

Nepal: Draped along the spine of the Himalayas, Nepal is a land of spectacular scenery, ancient Buddhist monasteries, and some of the best trekking, mountaineering, and river rafting on earth. Tumultuous rivers fill glaciated valleys, ancient trails meander below towering 8000 meter peaks, and rural villages dot the landscape. IWLS courses offer a chance to experience the incredible Sherpa culture, trek through the awesome panorama of the Himalayas and climb among the tallest peaks of the world while learning expedition and leadership skills.

Kathmandu: Kathmandu, the capitol of Nepal, is the starting and ending point for our mountaineering course. It is a unique blend of cultures and time periods; students will have time before and after the course to explore this city. While in Kathmandu, we will visit the Hindu and Buddhist temples of Syhumbunath, Bodanath, and Pashupatinath, as well as the historic Durbar Square.

Himalayas: This great mountain range has inspired adventurers for thousands of years. The Himalayas include the highest peaks in the world; over 100 are more than 24,000 ft (7,300 m) above sea level.

Sun Kosi River: Named one of National Geographic's Top 10 River Journeys, the Sun Kosi River is among the best whitewater rafting in the world. Its gorgeous turquoise waters give way to churning whitewater, all while surrounded by jungle and white sand beaches.

Bhote Kosi River: The Bhote Kosi is also among the the best whitewater rafting stretches in the world. It is the steepest river that can be rafted in Nepal, with continuous rapid action making this river an adrenaline rush.

Sherpas: We will experience the Sherpa culture in full along the way! From traditional tea houses, to Nepali food, to meeting them in person, we will immerse ourselves into the Sherpa way of life as we explore their homeland.

Our Instructors: IWLS instructors and guides are highly-trained professionals recognized as some of the best in their field. They have a wealth of experience from guiding throughout Nepal, Alaska, Canada, and the world. They genuinely enjoy sharing their knowledge of the outdoors in the wild places that they love. Their experiences and leadership help our students to have the best possible experience during their course. Students' safety, education, and enjoyment are their primary goals. The International Wilderness Leadership Schools’ educational model nurtures leadership development and creates an awareness of the guiding mentality that is essential for leading safe, fun adventures in the mountains. The combination of technical skills training, experiential education and practical leadership experience make the IWLS curriculum world-class.

Experience Level: No previous experience is necessary for this course.

Certifications: Upon completion of the course, participants may qualify for the following certifications:

Guide Training Certificate of Completion
 
 
 
Swiftwater Rescue Technician

Course Itinerary (printable PDF)

Day 0: Arrive in Kathmandu.
 
Day 1: We will travel to Sukute river camp along the banks of the Sun Kosi to stage for an upcoming skills training and river descents.
 
Day 2-4: We’ll choose from a variety of rivers for 3 days of raft guide training. These options include, but are not limited to, the Bhote Khosi & Sun Kosi rivers.
 
Day 5-7: 3 days of Swiftwater Rescue training. This will set you up for success to handle potential emergencies on the water. A variety of great locations for skill development in whitewater conditions.
 
Day 8-11: A few descents of the Bhote Khosi, a bit more challenging and demanding river.
 
Day 12: Preparation for extended river expedition.
 
Day 13-22: Extended river expedition on either the Karnali or Sun Kosi rivers. From transporting rafting equipment on yaks, practicing swiftwater rescue techniques, and interacting with local villagers, students develop a comprehensive understanding of international expedition rafting skills. You’ll learn about international logistics and planning, gain experience captaining a paddle raft and rowing an oar frame, and run exciting rapids with dramatic views of the Himalayas.
 
Day 23: Return to Sukute river camp.
 
Day 24: Return to Kathmandu for departure.
 
A Typical Day: A typical day starts around 7 am with breakfast and hot drinks. While water is heating you will most likely be preparing for the days’ adventures. After breakfast we’ll get ready to hit the river or hit the trail!
 
You will play an integral part of the expedition team by setting up camp, cooking meals, or carrying a portion of the group gear. You may be leader of the day, responsible for planning the day, accomplishing objectives, or facilitating a lesson plan.
 

The day’s activities will vary depending on weather, location, and progression of the course. We may work on developing your technical skills set, learn about different leadership styles, or get an alpine start and climb a large peak in the area. Regardless of the day’s activities, it will be full of learning and adventure.
 
Dinner could be anything from pasta to backcountry pizza. Students often walk away from our courses with a newfound love for cooking good and original food.
The day will finish with a debrief session where we’ll discuss the day’s events, what you learned, and how you’ll be able to use your newfound skills in the near future.

• Leadership: We not only exemplify leadership – we teach it and implement it. Students will have opportunities to lead the group through a variety of activities, objectives, and responsibilities.
• Safety and Risk Management: Safety is always our #1 consideration. As the course progresses, students will develop an awareness to appropriately assess risk and make safe decisions in and out of the field.
• Expedition Behavior and Group Dynamics: Because this course is a true wilderness expedition, interactions between group members need to be supportive and contribute to the efficacy of the group. The daily dynamics of the group, combined with guided instruction, will teach students not only how to be a member of a cohesive team, but how to influence and lead an expedition.
• Environmental Ethics: As adventurers in some of the most pristine environments on the planet, it is our duty to respect the natural world. All of our courses practice and teach Leave No Trace® principles.
• Communication Skills: Speaking in public, managing a personal conflict, or leading a group in the wilderness - all of these situations require effective communication. Students will gain confidence in their communication abilities while developing personal leadership styles during this course.

 
The IWLS Whitewater Curriculum is built from countless expeditions in Nepal, Alaska, Canada, and around the world. You’ll learn how to be a competent and proficient rafter in a variety of different environments. Below are some topics we’ll cover:

• Rafting Equipment:From identifying a boat’s carrying capacity and rigging a raft with appropriate lines to packing a throw bag and repairing a punctured thwart, you’ll learn the ins and outs of whitewater rafting equipment.
• River Rescue: What do you do when you find yourself swimming in a Class IV rock garden? How do you extract a pinned raft from strong current? You’ll learn and practice the techniques to carry out a safe and efficient rescue on the river.
• Hydrology: Rivers are a powerful force of nature. An understanding of river hydrology helps us to identify and assess features on the river for safe navigation. You’ll learn the fundamentals of pour-overs, eddies, holes, standing waves and more.
• Maneuvering a Raft: Whether in a paddle raft or an oar rig, the ability to steer a raft and avoid obstacles is vital for having a safe and fun rafting experience. You’ll have the opportunity to practice both types of rafting and develop a strong skill set for maneuvering down a Class III/IV river.
• Oar and Paddle Strokes: Maneuvering the raft requires effective strokes. You’ll learn and teach these skills as you practice your safety talks and captain a boat down the river.
• Paddle Captaining and Commands: The captain of the paddle raft communicates to paddlers how to maneuver the raft. Learning how to paddle captain requires managing a group of paddlers to provide a safe, fun, and rewarding experience on the river.
• River Signals: Generally, the roaring noise of a rapid makes it difficult to be heard. Learn and practice the signs and signals for effective visual communication.
• Group Management: Learn how to distribute resources for effective risk management, designate a lead boat for scouting and keeping the group together, and establish a sweep boat with critical rescue equipment.

• Course Overview- Printable detailed course overview & itinerary.
• Equipment List - Overview of personal clothing and equipment that you'll need for this course.
• Rental Gear List - List of gear and personal items available for rent
• Registration Form - Outlines policies, and essential information. One required per participant.
• Health Form - This form enables our guides to have accurate health information in the event of an emergency.
• Water Based Activity Waiver - One required per participant. Guests under the age of 18 may go on one form.
• Nepal Travel Info - Helpful information on how to get to/from Nepal.

What is included in the course price:

• Food & Lodging during the course - We will provide lodging in Kathmandu for Day 0 and Day 24, group camping equipment, and all meals during the course.
• Transportation during trip - Travel to river access.
• Rafting & Safety Equipment - We will provide rafts, necessary rafting equipment, Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs), and dry suits or wet suits.
• Professional instructors - Our instructors and guides have extensive knowledge of the area, and a passion for rafting in wild places.

 
Students are responsible for the following:

• Personal clothing & Equipment - Review the equipment list included under "Documents."
• Food & Lodging outside of the course - Students are responsible for food and lodging before and after the course. We are happy to make arrangements for additional time in Kathmandu, but this cost is not included in the course fee.
• Travel insurance - We require travel insurance for all of our international programs.
• Airfare - Review the "Travel Information" under "Documents" for more details.
• Reviewing course policies - Please reference our policies page for policies regarding payment, cancellations, refunds and student responsibilities.
• Gratuities.

 
To Book your adventure, follow the steps below:

• Please call to confirm availability at 1-800-766-3396 or fill out an online form to request more information: Request More Info
• Place a deposit of $500 or 25% of trip cost (whichever is less) to reserve your spot: this can be place over the phone by credit card, check in the mail, or through our payment gateway.
• Once you've reserved your spot, you'll receive a welcome packet with all the necessary registration forms and trip information.
• Be sure to submit all trip registration documents at least 45 days prior to your course. This includes information on your arrival/departure, lodging, dietary, and medical information.

 
Feel free to call or email anytime if you have questions about your upcoming trip. Our team is excited to help you prepare for your adventure!