Trishuli Rafting from Pokhara: 3 hours of Grade 2-3 rapids

Three hours of moderate rapids through a Himalayan gorge, with all the gear and a guide who knows the river.

Trishuli rafting from Pokhara is a 12-hour day trip on Nepal's most famous white-water river, combining 3 hours of paddling through Grade 2-3 rapids with transport, equipment, lunch and a live English or Hindi-speaking guide. The river flows from the Himalayas through a dramatic gorge lined with traditional villages and forest. The rapids suit both novice and intermediate rafters. Pickup from your hotel and all transport to and from the river are included.

Step-by-step itinerary

Trishuli River Rafting Adventure

• Start rafting on Trishuli River
• Navigate moderate rapids grade 2 to 3
• Enjoy scenic gorge and rock formations
• Observe traditional villages and wildlife
• Complete 3-hour rafting over 22 km

The experience

The Trishuli is one of Nepal's most-run rafting rivers, and the reason is simple: 22 kilometers of Grade 2-3 rapids that move fast enough to feel real but stay manageable for anyone who can swim. You'll spend 3 hours on the water paddling through a gorge with rock formations rising on both sides, passing traditional villages on the banks and forest that comes down to the water's edge. The river itself is the draw: wild and cold from the Himalayas, it gives you the full spectrum from a mild drift through exciting sections to white-knuckled moments over the bigger drops.

The day starts with pickup from your hotel and transport to the put-in point. Once on the water, your guide handles the navigation and calls the paddle strokes. You're responsible for your own paddle and staying in the boat. The rapids come in waves rather than one long push, so you get moments to breathe and take in the gorge between the harder sections. Lunch happens after you come off the river, and all the gear (foam mat, paddle top, helmet, life jacket, dry bag for a camera) is provided. A first aid kit travels with the group.

The full day is 12 hours door-to-door, which accounts for the drive to the river, the paddle itself, lunch, and the return to Pokhara. This timing makes it easy to combine with travel between Kathmandu, Pokhara and Chitwan if you're moving through Nepal. Public transportation options are available nearby if you need an alternative to hotel pickup, and the river suits all fitness levels. The work is in the paddling, not in climbing or hiking.

What’s included

• All rafting equipment including foam mat, paddle top, helmet and life jacket.
• transport to and from the river with hotel pickup in Pokhara.
• a live guide in English or Hindi.
• lunch.
• dry bag for a camera.
• first aid kit.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 07:15

Book up to12h before

AgesAdult (5 and older) · Under 5: can't be booked

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish and Hindi

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 5 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearby

Operated by Saara Tourism Nepal-Travel Advisor in Nepal

Is this one for you?The 3-hour paddle suits anyone who wants to feel the river without committing a full day to paddling: the Grade 2-3 rapids give you real whitewater without the intensity of higher grades, and the gorge scenery keeps the day interesting between the harder sections. If you're moving between Kathmandu, Pokhara and Chitwan, this trip fits neatly into a multi-destination itinerary.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Hindi.

What are the rapids like on the Trishuli River?

The Trishuli runs Grade 2-3 rapids over 22 kilometers, which means they're turbulent and require active paddling but stay within reach of novice and intermediate rafters. The rapids come in waves through a Himalayan gorge rather than as one continuous push, so you get moments to recover between the harder sections.

How long do I actually spend paddling on the water?

You paddle for 3 hours on the Trishuli. The full day is 12 hours total, which includes transport to and from the river, lunch, and the return to Pokhara.

What's included in the rafting trip?

The trip includes all rafting equipment (foam mat, paddle top, helmet, life jacket), transport to and from the river, a dry bag for a camera, lunch, a first aid kit, and a live guide who speaks English or Hindi. Hotel pickup in Pokhara is also included.

Is this rafting trip suitable if I've never rafted before?

Yes, the Trishuli is recommended for all fitness levels and suits both novice and intermediate rafters. The Grade 2-3 rapids are manageable for anyone who can swim and is comfortable paddling as part of a team.

Can I combine this with other travel in Nepal?

Yes, this trip is ideal for combining with travel between Kathmandu, Pokhara and Chitwan. The 12-hour day fits into a multi-destination itinerary without requiring an overnight stay on the river.