Trishuli River Rafting — 3 Days

Rafting through Himalayan gorges from Charaundi to Narayanghat, with riverside camping

The Trishuli River cuts through the Mahavarat Range in a series of deep gorges and ravines that rise 2,000 meters above the valley floor. The lower section runs parallel to the Prithivi Highway, which borders much of the route, though the opposite bank remains relatively undeveloped. This proximity to the road also means the river is accessible and quick to return from — a few hours' drive back to Kathmandu — making it a practical choice for rafters who want significant water time without isolation or extreme technical difficulty. The rapids are predominantly large and bouncy rather than dangerous; capsizing is rare in normal conditions, and walkable portages exist for any sections a rafter prefers to avoid. The river also sees wildlife activity, particularly raptors and vultures riding thermals above the gorges. Over three days, the route runs all major rapids while tributaries swell the volume downstream, eventually releasing into the plains of the Ganges.

Highlights

Gorge rafting through the 2,000-meter Mahavarat Range with large, bouncy rapids
Riverside camping on the river bank at Charaundi, Kurintar, and Simaltar
Eagle and vulture sightings from the water and riverside camps
Four-hour downstream runs with lunch breaks, observing water volume growth from tributary inflows

Day by day

1Kathmandu to Charaundi — First Rapids on the TrishuliKathmandu · Kathmandu to Charaundi · Trishuli · river bank near Kurintar

After breakfast in Kathmandu, a three- to four-hour drive reaches Charaundi, the raft put-in point. Under your river guide's direction, you launch into a four-hour downstream run to Kurintar, navigating the upper gorge's main rapids with a lunch break midway. Camp is set on the river bank near Kurintar.

2Kurintar to Simaltar — Rafting the Widening ChannelKurintar to Simaltar · Simaltar

Rafting continues downriver toward Simaltar as the gorge opens and the valley widens. Camp is established at Simaltar for the overnight stay.

3Final Rapids and Takeout — Choosing Your Exittakeout · the river's final 3-4 hour stretch

The river's final 3-4 hour stretch reaches its climax as the group paddles toward the plains. At takeout, you choose your next destination: return to Kathmandu, head to Royal Chitwan National Park, or continue to Pokhara. Transfers are arranged accordingly.

Where you go

Map: Trishuli River Rafting — 3 Days route — Numbers follow the itinerary order. © Mapbox © OpenStreetMap

1Kathmandu

Included

Rafting trip as per the above itinerary and if the rafting trip will be more than a day, then it will be on full board (includes breakfast, lunch and dinner) with the accommodation at tented camp that will be set up on the river bank during the rafting period.
Experienced River rafting guide and the rafting crew along with all the camping gear.
All the surface transfers as specified in the above itinerary with private vehicle.

Not included

Any international airfares, Airport tax, Visa fees etc.
Expenses on alcoholic /non-alcoholic beverage. Camera fees, telephone & laundry bills.
Any kind of insurances and any extra cost arise during the trip due to the natural calamities.
Political disorder or due to any reason which is beyond the reach of Venture Travel.
Any other services which are not specified in the COST INCLUDES section above.

Activities: RAFTING