The MARSYANGDI is the mother of all rivers. In the local dialect it means 'raging one' and rage it does! It is steep, powerful and not to be underestimated. It has some of the wildest commercially run whitewater in the world. This river has a reputation amongst rafters as one of the best due to both the intensity of the rapids and the awe-inspiring mountain scenery. Unlike some of the lower rivers, the MARSYANGDI is usually a clear turquoise blue. The rapids wrap themselves around weirdly sculpted boulders and flow beneath impossible undercuts as the river drops down out of the Annapurna's. If you ever see a group of wizened river rats drowning in a bar you may hear the MARSYANGDI described as an 'Adrenaline Overload, Most Beautiful River I've Ever Run, Orgasmic, a Jewel of a River, or Liquid Madness'.

It may be a dream whitewater run, but it's a logistical nightmare. Even still, our guides fight amongst themselves for the honor of running it. The huge boulders require instinctive expert river reading skills to identify the right lines. The rapids are so continuous and technical that we run the rafts empty for greater maneuverability. In true Nepali style, we employ porters to carry our gear. Don't worry; we still manage to carry on board our extensive first aid kit and the exceptional Drift Nepal lunch box.

TRIP FACTS
Pre departure meeting at 6pm
Grade:	4 - 5
River Length:	52 km
From Ktm:	1½ days
River Days:	4

DETAILED ITINERARY
Day 01: Drive to put in 6½ hrs (paudi), rafting and camp.
Day 02-03: Breakfast, rafting and camp.
Day 04: Rafting, lunch and drive back to Kathmandu.