Trishuli River Rafting from Kathmandu: Private Car & Guide

Paddle through rapids and forest gorges, then drive back to the city in one day

Trishuli River rafting from Kathmandu is a day trip by private car where you paddle 3 to 4 hours through white-water rapids with a certified guide, safety equipment and lunch. The route passes through forested valleys and gorges, starting with hotel pickup at 7:30 am and ending with drop-off around 6 pm. Beginners and all fitness levels can join.

The experience

How do you get from Kathmandu to the rapids without renting a car? The private car picks you up at your hotel at 7:30 am and drives three hours to Charaudi Ratoghar, the put-in point on the Trishuli. You'll have a short safety briefing on the beach before you get in the raft: helmet, life preserver and all paddles are provided. A government-certified guide sits in the raft with you and walks through how to maneuver through the rapids before the current does.

The rafting itself runs 3 to 4 hours depending on the season and the river's speed. You're paddling through the Trishuli's white water, with forest and gorges on both sides. The river passes under the cable car that leads to Manakamana temple, a landmark you'll spot from the water. The pace is steady: fast enough to feel the thrill of the rapids, but the journey moves quickly. Around 2 pm you pull out on a beach for a packed lunch.

After lunch, the drive back to Kathmandu takes four hours. You'll be dropped at your hotel around 6 pm. The whole day (pickup, drive, briefing, rafting, lunch and return) is handled as one booking, so there's no arranging transport separately or figuring out how to get to the river.

What’s included

• Private transportation from your hotel in Kathmandu.
• raft and all safety equipment including helmet and life preserver.
• certified local guide.
• packed lunch at the beach.
• hotel pickup and drop-off.
• all fees and taxes.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 07:30

Book up to6h before

AgesAdult (10 and older) · Under 10: can't be booked

GroupUp to 25

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 27 pickup points.

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

Prices and times updated 17 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Welcome Nepal Treks P.ltd

Is this one for you?Book this if you're staying in Kathmandu without a rental car: the private pickup at 7:30 am means you don't arrange transport to the river, and the afternoon drive back gets you to your hotel by evening. The certified guide handles instruction, so beginners paddle with confidence.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

How long is the actual rafting on the Trishuli?

The rafting itself lasts 3 to 4 hours depending on the season and how fast the river is running. The full day from hotel pickup to drop-off is about 10 hours.

What safety gear do I get, and who teaches me how to use it?

You receive a helmet and life preserver before you launch. A government-certified guide in your raft explains how to paddle through the rapids and gives you a safety briefing on the beach first. All equipment is provided.

Is this rafting trip suitable for someone who's never done it before?

Yes. The Trishuli is designed for beginners and people of all fitness levels. The guide's job is to instruct you on how to maneuver the raft, and the rapids are exciting but manageable for first-timers.

What's included in the price, and what do I need to bring?

The package includes private car transport from your hotel, the raft and all safety equipment, a certified guide, lunch on the beach, and hotel drop-off. Tips and gratuities are not included.

What will I see on the Trishuli besides the rapids?

The river passes through forested valleys and gorges. You'll see the cable car leading to Manakamana temple from the water, and the landscape changes as you paddle downstream. The environment is quiet and peaceful between the faster sections.