Trishuli River Rafting
Trishuli River rafting is the most popular white-water day trip in Nepal and the easiest way to add some adventure to your holiday. Drive about three hours from Kathmandu along the Prithvi Highway, get kitted out by our river team, and spend around 2–3 hours on the water running fun Grade III rapids between calm stretches past suspension bridges, villages and forested gorges, with a riverside lunch on a sandy beach.
No experience is needed, so it is perfect for beginners, families with older children and groups. Because the Trishuli runs alongside the main highway, you can return to Kathmandu the same day or continue to Pokhara or Chitwan after the trip. Transport, professional river guides, all safety equipment and lunch are included.
Trip highlights
- Grade III white-water rapids on the Trishuli
- No experience needed: ideal for beginners
- Professional river guides and full safety equipment
- Riverside lunch on a sandy beach
- Continue to Pokhara or Chitwan after rafting
Short itinerary
View detailed itineraryTrishuli River Rafting overview
Quick answer: Trishuli River rafting is a one-day trip from Kathmandu (or Pokhara) with about 2–3 hours of rafting on Grade III rapids. It costs from US$85 per person, including transport, guides, safety equipment and lunch, and runs from September to May.
The Trishuli rises on the Tibetan border and flows south past Langtang before swinging west along the Prithvi Highway towards its meeting with the Kali Gandaki. The stretch used for day trips has a good mix of bouncy rapids, wave trains and calm pools for swimming in the warmer months. It is the river most people in Nepal start on, and many of the rafting guides working on the big expedition rivers learned here.
Trishuli rafting at a glance
| Trip fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Duration | 1 day (2–3 hours on the river) |
| River grade | Grade III (higher in monsoon) |
| Start | Kathmandu or Pokhara, about 3 hours by road to the put-in |
| Minimum age | About 10 years (depending on water level) |
| Experience needed | None |
| Best time | September–May |
| Cost | From US$85 per person |
Why raft the Trishuli?
- Easy day trip from Kathmandu or Pokhara.
- Fun Grade III rapids, suitable for first-timers.
- On the way to Pokhara or Chitwan, so it doesn't cost you a travel day.
- Professional guides and full safety equipment.
- Riverside lunch on a sandy beach.
How safe is it?
Safety comes first. Every raft has a trained, experienced river guide; we provide helmets, life jackets and paddles, and safety kayakers accompany larger groups. Before you get in the water, your guide gives a full briefing on paddling commands, what to do if you fall in and how to help others. Water levels are high and powerful in the monsoon (June–August), when we only run trips with extra precautions or recommend another date.
Want more?
Add a night at a riverside camp with a second day on the water, or try a multi-day river like the Sun Koshi, Kali Gandaki or Karnali. Our rafting guide compares Nepal's rivers.
Day-by-day itinerary
What’s included
Included
- Pick-up from your hotel in Kathmandu
- Transport to the river and back to Kathmandu (or on to Pokhara or Chitwan by tourist bus)
- Professional, licensed river guide in each raft
- Raft, paddles, helmet and life jacket
- Safety kayaker for larger groups
- Riverside lunch
- Dry bag for your camera and valuables
- All government and local taxes
Not included
- Accommodation in Kathmandu, Pokhara or Chitwan
- Breakfast, dinner and drinks
- Travel insurance
- Private vehicle (can be added)
- Photos and videos of your trip (sold separately by some photographers)
- Tips for your river guides
Useful info
Who can join?
Anyone in reasonable health who is comfortable in water. You do not need to be a strong swimmer, but you must be happy to wear a life jacket and follow your guide's instructions. The minimum age is about 10, depending on water levels.
Season and water levels
September to May is the main season. October–November has warm, clear days and lively water after the monsoon; December–February is calmer and the water is cold; March–May is warm and good for swimming. In the monsoon (June–August) the river is high and powerful, and we only run trips when conditions are safe.
What to wear
Swimwear or quick-dry clothes, sandals with a heel strap or old trainers (no flip-flops), and sunscreen. In winter we can provide wetsuits and splash jackets. Bring a full set of dry clothes and a towel for after the trip.
Continuing your journey
Because the Trishuli runs alongside the Prithvi Highway, you can raft on your way from Kathmandu to Pokhara or Chitwan. We put your luggage on the bus or vehicle and you join it after the trip.
Travel insurance
Please travel with insurance that covers white-water rafting.
Packing list
- Swimwear or quick-dry clothes
- Sandals with a heel strap or old trainers
- Sunscreen, sunglasses with a strap and lip balm
- Full set of dry clothes and a towel
- Warm layer for after the trip in winter
- Waterproof camera or phone pouch
- Refillable water bottle
Add-ons & trip options
Choose add-ons and quantities on the booking form.
More options, quoted on request:
- Two-day trip with a night at a riverside camp.
- Private vehicle to Pokhara or Chitwan with a rafting stop.
- Multi-day rivers: Sun Koshi, Kali Gandaki, Marsyangdi and Karnali.
Frequently asked questions
A full day from Kathmandu, with about 2–3 hours on the river.
The Trishuli has Grade III rapids, suitable for beginners. Levels are higher in the monsoon.
From US$85 per person, including transport, guides, equipment and lunch.
It helps, but it is not required. You wear a life jacket throughout.
About 10 years, depending on water levels.
September–May. October–November and March–May are the most popular.
Yes. We take your luggage on to Pokhara or Chitwan, and you join it after rafting.
With professional guides, proper equipment and a safety briefing, rafting on the Trishuli is very safe.
Swimwear or quick-dry clothes and secure sandals or trainers. Wetsuits are provided in winter.
Yes, in a waterproof case or our dry bag. A GoPro on a strap is ideal.
Only when conditions allow, with extra safety measures. We may suggest another date.
Yes, on the Sun Koshi, Kali Gandaki, Marsyangdi and Karnali rivers.