BaydaarWhite Water Rafting on the Kunhar River: A First-Timer's Guide
Everything to know before rafting the Kunhar River in Kaghan Valley: the season, how safe it is, what to wear, and a 2-day rafting and camping trip from Islamabad.
If you have never rafted before, the Kunhar River in Kaghan Valley is the place to start. It is a few hours from Islamabad, it runs cold and fast with glacier melt all summer, and the rapids are exciting without being frightening. It is also the best weekend trip we run for groups of friends and office teams.
Where is the Kunhar?
The Kunhar rises at Lulusar Lake near the Babusar Pass and runs south through the Kaghan Valley, past Naran and Kaghan, down to Balakot, before joining the Jhelum. Most commercial rafting runs on the stretch around Kaghan and Kiwai, where the river is wide enough to raft safely and fast enough to be fun.
When is rafting season?
Rafting on the Kunhar follows the snowmelt. The usual season is June to August, when the river is high and powerful. Early June and late August are a little calmer, which is good for nervous first-timers. Operators stop running when water levels become unsafe, so dates always depend on the river that year.
Is it safe?
With a proper operator, yes. On our trips:
- Every rafter gets a life jacket and helmet, and wears them the whole time.
- A trained instructor rides in every raft and steers it.
- There is a safety briefing on land before anyone gets in the water: how to paddle, how to hold on, and what to do if you fall in.
- We only run the river when the level is right.
You do not need to be a strong swimmer to raft, but you do need to listen to your instructor. Families with young children, and anyone with heart or back problems, should check with us before booking.
What to wear and bring
- Quick-dry clothes, not jeans or cotton. You will get soaked.
- Sandals with a back strap or old trainers that can get wet. No flip-flops.
- A full change of clothes and a towel for afterwards.
- Sunscreen and a strap for your glasses.
- Leave your phone on land, or in a proper waterproof pouch.
The Kunhar is glacier water and it is cold even in July. Once you are out, get dry and warm quickly.
A 2-day rafting trip from Islamabad
This is how our White Water Rafting on the Kunhar weekend runs:
Day 1: Drive and first descent
Leave Islamabad in the morning and drive up through Balakot to Kaghan. After the safety briefing, you get your first run on the river in the afternoon, then camp by the water with a bonfire and dinner.
Day 2: The long run
A full-day descent on a longer stretch of river, with lunch on the bank, and then the drive back to Islamabad by evening.
The trip is PKR 25,000 per person, including transport, all rafting gear and your instructor, camping and all meals. Bring your own personal gear, and insurance is up to you.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need rafting experience?
No. Most people on our Kunhar trips are first-timers. The instructor steers, and you paddle when told to.
What happens if I fall in?
You float, because of your life jacket. Keep your feet pointing downstream and up at the surface, and wait for the raft or the rescue line. This is exactly what the safety briefing drills before you start.
Can I combine rafting with Naran?
Yes. Naran, Saif-ul-Malook Lake and Babusar Top are all further up the same valley, so rafting fits well at the start or end of a Naran trip. Ask us about a custom trip if you want both.
