Trishuli River White Water Rafting
- 2 days
- moderate
- Up to 12
- September to May
We guide two-day descents down the Trishuli River, combining continuous white water rapids with riverside camping near Damauli.
At a glance
Trip overview
Our two-day Trishuli River rafting expedition offers a direct route into Nepal's dynamic river systems, departing directly from Kathmandu. We navigate through impressive gorges and scenic valleys, encountering a continuous mix of exciting rapids such as Snail's Nose, Teendevi, Malekhu, and Pinball alongside calmer stretches of river.
This trip suits both first-time rafters and experienced paddlers looking for accessible white water. The river environment provides an immediate window into the rural demography, local cultural heritage, and riverside flora and fauna of the middle hills. We handle all logistics, safety kayaking, and camp setup along the riverbanks.
While spring and autumn offer warm flows and clear weather, our monsoon descents bring higher volumes and more demanding conditions for experienced guests. Our lead guides maintain strict safety protocols on every run, utilizing professional self-bailing rafts, helmets, lifejackets, and comprehensive medical kits.
Why this trek
Trip highlights
Accessible White Water
We navigate continuous rapids conveniently located between Kathmandu, Pokhara, and Chitwan.
Riverside Beach Camping
We set up our tents on natural sand and pebble beaches by the riverbank with a campfire.
Named Rapids
We tackle technical features including Snail's Nose, Teendevi, Malekhu, and Pinball Rapid.
Expert Safety Kayakers
Our professional river guides and safety kayakers accompany every group to ensure secure navigation.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1
Arrive Kathmandu to Damauli and River Launch
Meals: B
Day 1
Arrive Kathmandu to Damauli and River Launch
Meals: B
We depart from Kathmandu via private vehicle, driving down to Damauli to reach our put-in point on the river. After our safety briefing and gear check, we push off into the initial stretches of the Trishuli River.
We spend several hours navigating the opening series of rapids before pulling ashore onto a jungle corridor riverbank. Our crew establishes camp on the beach where we spend the night by the campfire.
Day 2
Rafting Descent to Takeout and Return to Kathmandu
Meals: B
Day 2
Rafting Descent to Takeout and Return to Kathmandu
Meals: B
Following breakfast by the river, we pack our dry bags and launch for our second day on the water. We encounter sustained rapid sections and calmer floating stretches as the river carves through local hillsides.
We conclude our rafting run at the designated takeout point near Kuringhat, where our transport awaits to drive us back to Kathmandu.
Inclusions
Whatβs included
Included
- Private Transportation
- River Permit
- Quality meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
- Tented accommodation on river beach
- Safety kayaker and professional guide
- Rafting and safety equipment
Not included
- Mineral water, cold drinks, and alcoholic beverages
- Emergency evacuation
- Personal use items
- Travel and member insurance
- Tips for staff
Before you go
Good to know
Swimming ability
We require all participants to be comfortable in the water and able to swim. While our lifejackets provide full flotation, river rafting involves an inherent risk of tipping into the current.
River conditions
Water levels fluctuate significantly depending on the season. Spring and autumn provide moderate flows, while monsoon rains create heavy volumes and powerful whirlpools.
Meals and accommodation
We supply hygienic, freshly prepared meals during the trip. We sleep in tented camps on sandy river beaches, complete with camp equipment and support staff.
Safety equipment
Our team carries complete safety gear, including high-quality self-bailing rafts, safety kayaks, throw bags, medical kits, and helmets worn at all times on the water.
Route
Route overview
Altitude
Altitude profile
Pack list
What to pack
SwimwearEssential
Clothing
Required for wearing while on the rafts.
Secure footwearEssential
Footwear
Must stay attached to your feet in fast-moving water; no loose flip-flops.
Warm fleece or pulloverEssential
Clothing
For wearing around the campfire in the evening.
Sunscreen and lip protectorEssential
Safety
High UV protection for long hours on the water.
Sunglasses with retaining strapEssential
Clothing
Prevents loss during rapids.
Towel and toiletriesEssential
Clothing
Environmentally friendly products preferred.
Flashlight or headlampEssential
Camping
Needed around the riverside camp at night.
Personal medicationEssential
Safety
Bring any required personal prescriptions.
Paperwork
Permits & paperwork
We arrange
Handled in Kathmandu β nothing for you to do.River Permit
PermitRequired river corridor access authorization issued for commercial rafting descents.
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
Do I need previous rafting experience?
No previous experience is necessary. Our guides provide a complete safety briefing and instruction before we launch.
What happens to our luggage while we raft?
We store your main luggage securely in our support transport or pack it into waterproof dry barrels and bags carried on the rafts.
Can I swim in the river during the trip?
You can swim in designated calm sections when instructed by your guide that it is safe to do so.
What gear should I bring on the boat?
Bring swimwear, secure footwear like sandals or trainers, a towel, sunscreen, and a change of warm clothing for the evening.
Are wetsuits provided?
We provide wetsuits on certain rivers during the colder winter months when water temperatures drop.
Where does the trip end?
The rafting finishes near Kuringhat, from where we arrange private vehicle transport back to Kathmandu.
Still have a question? Message us and our trip planner will reply within a working day.
Book your trip
Pick any start date on the calendar. We block the trip out over 2 days and confirm the plan with you before payment.
Start dateTrip runs
Ready to book Trishuli River White Water Rafting?
Talk to a Himalaya Treks planner about departure dates, group discounts, or a customised private departure.
