River Rafting Tips in Tibet

As we all know, Tibet, with the reputations of “third pole in the world” and “the water tower in Asia”, is the sources of many rivers. The rich water resources and the seven mountain ranges on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau provide Tibet with unparalleled tourism resources. So Tibet has a good river rafting conditions. Rafting is a fun and invigorating outdoor activity and a great way to enjoy the outdoors no matter what your ability or experience level.

About Tibet River Rafting Tour

It is hard to believe that Tibet is home to a large number of spectacular rivers. Mt Kailash, in the west of Tibet is the source of the subcontinent’s four greatest rivers: the Ganges, Indus, Sutlej and Bramaputra. In the east, Tanggula Mountains is home to the source of the Mekong and the Yangtze, the 2 largest rivers in East Asia. In the summer months regular rains swell Tibet’s rivers, which causes a surprising number of world class rafting and kayaking rivers.

Having a river rafting in Tibet will be an amazing experience for you. You can add river rafting in your Tibet tour itinerary if you like adventure, and choose small rivers or bigger rivers for your rafting according to your physical.

River Rafting Tips

1. Best time to go rafting in Tibet: Most suitable time to go rafting is between 1st of June to 30th September, which is monsoon season of Tibet. These are the summer months in Tibet and are the best time to raft due to warmer weather and good water levels. 

2. Choose right river Before your rafting: Rafting is a exciting outdoor sports, there are certain risks. Therefore, you are suggested to choose the rivers according to your physical. If you are not too fit or not acclimatized since you just arrive in Tibet, smaller rivers like Lhasa River and Tulong River are better for you. If you are experienced and adventurous, bigger rivers are recommended. Due to high altitude, you should spend 2-4 days on acclimating new environment for more difficult rafting. For foreign tourist, travel insurance is compulsory. You may be asked for the name of your insurance company and your policy number when you make your reservation of River Rafting.

3. Always wear a life jacket, or personal flotation device: Although wearing a life jacket doesn’t mean it must save your life, it is very important when rafting. Please wear your life jacket correctly under the guidance of professional guide. 

4. Wear the protective gear: You should always wear a helmet to protect your head, no matter what level of rafting you are participating in. 

5. Make sure you have the right outerwear for the day: It is inevitable to get wet when rafting. Wearing a wet suit, splash jacket, and proper river shoes can make the trip much more comfortable, allowing you to enjoy the thrill rafting well.  

6. Hold the paddle properly: Holding the paddle can be a huge safety concern. One hand should be at the base of the paddle on the shaft. The other hand should always be on the end of the shaft over the “T” grip. Keeping your hand over the “T” grip will keep control of the paddle and cushion the blow if it should happen.  Ask your professional guide for the proper technique.

7. Listen carefully to your guide during the safety talk and on the water: Your experienced Rafting guide is trained to know exactly how to handle any type of situation encountered while on the river. Listen to what your guide says carefully when he talks about safety problem and when you are rafting.

8. When you book a rafting tour the following is usually included:
1) Vehicles to and from the river. 
2) All personal rafting gears including: full length wet suit, life jacket, helmet and wet suit boots. (You can also bring your own outfit)
3) Picnic lunch and snacks(all meals on multi-day expedition trips). 
4) English speaking guides.
5) Water resistant container for cameras and personal essentials.
6) State of the art rafts and expert safety kayakers.

9. Bring necessary gears: For one day trip, you should bring bathing/swim suit, towel, sun hat and sunscreen, sunglasses with strap, camera and protective camera bags and a pair of shorts to go over wet suit. For overnight or multi-day rafting trips you should also bring extra things including warm clothing for off the river and evenings, sleeping bag (available for rental if required), personal Toiletries, spare film and batteries, small torch/flashlight. All these things are very important to bring over there.