Do I need to know how to swim?

No. You wear a life jacket and helmet at all times on the water. Your guide provides a full safety briefing including self-rescue techniques before launch. Comfort in water helps but swimming ability is not required.

Very wet. Expect full-body splashes through rapids and spray throughout the run. Wear quick-dry clothing or swimwear, and bring a complete change of dry clothes for the drive home. We provide a dry bag for your valuables.

Can I do this on the way to Chitwan?

Yes — the Trishuli is on the highway between Kathmandu and Chitwan. We can arrange a drop-off at Chitwan after rafting instead of returning to Kathmandu, saving a full day of travel. Ask when booking.

What if I fall out of the raft?

It happens occasionally on bigger rapids and is part of the adventure. Your life jacket keeps you afloat, and the safety kayaker is trained to reach you within seconds. Your guide covers the 'swim position' (feet downstream, on your back) during the safety briefing.

Adventure

4.7(196)

Trishuli River Rafting

Name: Trishuli River Rafting
Brand: Trek and Tour Nepal
Price: 55 USD
Availability: InStock

1 DayTrishuli RiverFrom $55 / person

Overview

Plunge into Nepal's most popular white-water experience on the Trishuli River, a thrilling run of Grade III-IV rapids that cuts through a lush gorge between Kathmandu and Chitwan. Named after Lord Shiva's trident, the Trishuli offers the perfect introduction to Himalayan rafting: big enough waves to get your adrenaline pumping, with professional safety kayakers alongside every raft. There is nothing quite like the roar of approaching rapids echoing off canyon walls, followed by the rush of cold water over the bow as you power through the wave-train. The river journey doubles as a scenic tour of Nepal's middle hills -- terraced rice paddies climb steep green slopes, suspension bridges sway overhead, and locals wave from riverside villages. By the time you dry off and drive home, you have covered the most exhilarating stretch of water within a day trip of the capital. This trip is ideal for first-time rafters, adrenaline junkies, and travelers looking to break up the overland journey between Kathmandu and Chitwan with an unforgettable adventure. No prior rafting experience is needed -- your licensed guide handles navigation while you paddle, splash, and grin. The best water levels run from September through November after the monsoon swells the river, but the Trishuli is raftable year-round with varying rapid intensity. You are back in Kathmandu by early evening, making this one of the best single-day adventure experiences in Nepal.

Expert Local Guides

Licensed, experienced, English-speaking.

Small Groups

Max 12 guests for a personal experience.

Pemba Sherpa

Founder & Lead Guide

20 years experience

Born in Namche Bazaar, Pemba has summited Everest 8 times and has been guiding treks for 20 years.

“Your experienced guide ensures a safe and memorable journey”

Highlights

Tackle Grade III-IV rapids with names like Monsoon and Upset

Raft through a lush gorge with terraced hillsides rising on both sides

Enjoy a riverside dal bhat lunch on a sandy beach between rapids

Swim in calm pools between rapids surrounded by canyon walls

What Trekkers Say

“The attention to detail was incredible. From the airport pickup to the extra acclimatization day they insisted on (which saved our trip!), everything was perfect.”

Sarah & Tom Jenkins · Everest Base Camp

“As a solo female traveler, I felt completely safe the entire time. Our guide Pemba was incredibly knowledgeable and the porters were treated with respect and dignity.”

Emma Richardson · Annapurna Circuit

“Third time trekking in Nepal but first time with Trek and Tour Nepal. The difference in organization and local knowledge is night and day. Won't go with anyone else now.”

Michael Chen · Manaslu Circuit

Who Is This Tour For?

First-time rafters, adrenaline junkies, and travelers looking to break up the Kathmandu-Chitwan overland journey with an unforgettable river adventure. No prior experience needed — your licensed guide navigates while you paddle, splash, and grin. Great as a standalone day trip or en route to Chitwan.

Best Time for Trishuli River Rafting

Sep-Nov (Post-Monsoon)

Best water levels — highest and most exciting rapids (Grade III-IV). River is powerful and fast. The definitive season for a thrilling run.

Mar-May (Pre-Monsoon)

Moderate water levels, Grade II-III rapids. Warmer weather makes swimming in calm pools comfortable. Good for first-timers who prefer a gentler ride.

Dec-Feb (Winter)

Low water, gentler rapids (Grade II). Cold water — wetsuit rental recommended. Still scenic and fun, just less adrenaline. Quietest season.

Jun-Aug (Monsoon)

River too high and turbulent for commercial rafting on some days. Operators may cancel. When running, rapids are Grade IV+ and only suitable for experienced rafters.

What to Expect

Activity Level

Active paddling for 3-4 hours with rest between rapids. You will get wet — guaranteed. Class III-IV rapids produce splashing waves and occasional full-boat drenches. Swimming ability is not required (life jackets worn throughout) but comfort in water helps. The 3-hour drive each way is on paved highway. Expect a full-day commitment (7 AM to 6 PM). Bring a dry change of clothes and sandals for the river.

Itinerary

1 Days

Depart your Kathmandu hotel at 7:00 AM and drive 3 hours west along the Prithvi Highway to the put-in point near Charaudi, following the Trishuli River downstream through increasingly dramatic gorge scenery. On arrival, meet your rafting team: a licensed river guide, safety kayaker, and support crew. Receive a thorough safety briefing covering paddle commands, self-rescue technique, and rapid classification, then gear up with helmet, life jacket, paddle, and splash jacket (provided). Launch into the river and warm up with a few easy Class II ripples before the gorge narrows and the rapids intensify. Over the next 3-4 hours, you power through a sequence of named rapids including Snell's Nose, Upset, Monsoon, and the churning wave-trains of Ladies Delight and Malekhu -- Class III to IV depending on the season, with standing waves, hydraulics, and splashy drops that drench everyone aboard. Between rapids, float through calm pools where you can jump in for a swim, watch kingfishers dart above the water, and admire the green canyon walls towering overhead. Pull ashore at a sandy beach for a riverside lunch of dal bhat, grilled chicken, salad, and fresh fruit, prepared by the support crew. After lunch, run a few final rapids before the take-out point near Mugling. Change into dry clothes, board the vehicle, and drive back to Kathmandu (approximately 3 hours), arriving by 6:00 PM. Alternatively, continue south to Chitwan if your next destination is the national park.

Included Meals: Lunch