Best White Water Rafting Experience on the Trishuli River in Nepal: Fun Edition

8 Apr 2024 Chandra Gurung

Whitewater rafting in Trishuli takes you to river activity from 15 to 60 kilometers, based on what excites you. It takes you on a rafting experience between the Dhading and Chitwan districts on the Trishuli River (Grade 3+).

As one of the best travel and tour agents in Nepal, we book your Trishuli River Rafting and also take you to the holy Hindu Shrine Manakama by cable car as a side trip based on your interest. The team believes that river rafting in Trishuli is the most adventurous river rafting activity in Nepal, starting with Baireni (Dhading district). 

Trishuli River Facts: Why is it best suited for rafting? 

• The Trishuli River got its name from the trident of Shiva, Trishula, and it holds strong religious significance.
• Trishuli River originated near the Rasuwa Fort (Rasuwagadhi), close to the Nepal-Tibet border. 
• It is formed by the union of Kyirong Tsangpo (or Kerung Khola) and Lende Khola.
• Rasuwagadhi, the fort, lies in the Pekhu Kangri range (called Langtang Himal in Nepal).
• Even the holy Bedrawati water is drained into the Trishuli River. 

The Trishuli River is Nepal’s most popular rafting river, with a variety of rapids and water currents ranging from gentle class 2 to thrilling class 4 rapids. River rafting in Trishuli, Nepal, can be exciting for both beginners and experienced rafters, with challenging rapids like “Upset,” “Surprise,” “S-Bend,” and “Pin Ball.” 

Trishuli river rafting allows you to encounter impressive gorges and surrounding landscapes, including the Ganesh Himal and Langtang Himal ranges. It is easily accessible via the Kathmandu- Nagdhunga-Galchii- Trishuli roadway. 

Trishuli River Rafting: Itinerary

The Trishuli River, one of the major tributaries of the Narayani River basin in central Nepal, offers an exhilarating rafting experience for adventure enthusiasts. Originating in Tibet as a stream, the river flows into Nepal at the village of Gyriong and is one of the most popular rafting destinations between the Dhading and Chitwan districts, featuring Grade 3+ rapids.

Trishuli River Rafting Highlights:

Day 1: Drive from Kathmandu to Charaudi

7:00 AM: Early morning with breakfast, we leave from Kathmandu for Charaudi. It’s an 82-kilometer drive on the highway to Pokhara or Chitwan, taking approximately 3 hours.

11:00 AM: At around 11 am, the rafting guide will brief you about the rafting, with the  Class 3 rapid called “Twin Rock”, and other exciting rapids on the way 

2:00 PM: After a lunch break, at around 2 pm, we resume the Trishuli river rafting trip, with Class 3 and 4 rapids called “Upset” and “Surprise.” 

3:00 PM – 3:30 PM: After exciting river rafting, we conclude the activity at the riverside campsite. You will be served hot drinks and can have an overnight stay in tents.

Day 2: Drive back to Kathmandu

After breakfast and a quick pack-up, you again have a final white water rafting experience between 9:00 AM – 10:00 a.m. This time, you experience Grade 3 rapids like “S-Bend” and “Pin Ball.” You have your lunch at the Mugling, and you also recall hitting a few Grade 2 or 3 rapids, including “Tea Pot” and “Rocky 2.”

With the thrilling experience of rapids, stunning Georges on the banks of Trishuli, and serene sections. You have a quick excursion around the surrounding area, The trip can further continue depending on your preference, whether to stop at Pokhara or Chitwan National Park for additional adventure in Nepal. 

How do I get to the Trishuli rafting spot? 

Starting in Kathmandu, you have several transportation options, like a bus, car, motorcycle, or scooter. It is exciting to go to a river rafting spot easily accessible from Kathmandu, Pokhara, and Chitwan. 

Fun activities during rafting experience in Trishuli River

Nepal is a whitewater paradise where you can go on a wide variety of rafting trips. The adventure is not limited to this, experienced rafters and even beginners can seamlessly explore Kathmandu, Pokhara, Bandipur, Chitwan, and Bardia National Park combined with river adventure in Nepal. 

1. Levels of rapids for rafting

The Trishuli River is well known for its unusual and exciting water rapids, from class 2 rapids to class 4 rapids. As you navigate through the exhilarating rafting trip in Trishuli, you can enjoy the currents of whitewater, whose grades and obstacles range with classes as listed below.

2. Interacting with the locals

You can interact with the friendly locals you encounter while going to Trishuli rafting or while staying there. The residents of areas like Betrabati and Mailung greet you with warm respite. Interacting with them helps you understand the way of life, culture, and norms of the Nepalese. 

3. Wildlife Viewing Opportunities

The Trishuli River is home to numerous wildlife and various species of birds, such as kingfishers, herons, and eagles. You can even catch glimpses of mammals like langur monkeys, reptiles, and other fascinating wildlife along the Trishuli riverbanks or in the adjacent forests.

4. Observing aquatic life

The Trishuli River gives you a chance to participate in the observation of vibrant aquatic life. It’s where you can find various fish species, including endemic varieties like Danio aequipinnulus and Psilorhynchoides pseudecheneis, which are unique to Nepal. Macroinvertebrates and other aquatic creatures are also found here, as surveyed during Trishuli hydropower development. 

5. Swimming in the Trishuli River

The Trishuli River can be ideal for refreshing swims and water-based adventures like rafting. So, make the most of it by swimming in the cold water in the hot summer of Nepal, which totally rejuvenates new freshness in you. 

6. Body surfing

The body surface is enjoying the thrill of the water current and waves behind the raft. You can use free-float to remain vigilant on the water when body surfing; make sure you have a life jacket. 

7. Cliff jumping (with precautions):

The Trishuli rafting tour also has some designated safe spots to cliff jump along the river. Under the guidance of experienced rafting guides, you can have a safe entry inside the water depth and currents, with precautions to make the most of the jump. 

Which rafting companies provide rafting in Nepal? 

As the craze for rafting adventure has increased, several whitewater rafting companies have been running in Nepal. Among these, the best white water rafting companies operating in Trishuli, Nepal, are, 

1. Ultimate Descents Nepal

Ultimate Descents Nepal has provided adventurous water activities, including whitewater rafting on the Trishuli River. It has been providing rafting activity in the waterways of Karnali, Marshyangdi, Sun Koshi, Bhote Koshi, Tamur, Trishuli, Kali Gandaki, and Seti rivers with adequate safety protocols. 

2. Paddle Nepal

Paddle Nepal is also another reputed company running water activities in the top Himalayan rivers of Nepal. It is a family-run adventure company with other exceptional kayaking and canyoning adventures in Nepal.

Whitewater rafting in Nepal is a popular activity where you can choose the level of difficulty you prefer when rafting, ranging from Class I to Class V. GRG’s Adventure Kayaking and the River People also cater to your various needs when it comes to rafting in the amazing water currents of Nepal. 

What is the difficulty of rafting rivers in Nepal? 

How do I book a whitewater rafting trip in Trishuli? 

Trishuli River rafting offers exceptional adventure opportunities during September and December and from March to May. The water level is moderate, making it an ideal and pleasant time for rafting in Trishuli and other major rafting rivers in Nepal. 

So stay caught up on booking your next trip with a reputable tour operator in compliance with government policy. Here are a few tips that can be helpful for your trips. 

1. Research different companies providing rafting services in Nepal. 
2. Read reviews and compare their services, such as trip duration, difficulty level, group size, safety measures, and pricing.
3. Shortlist a reputed operator to book your trip in advance to avoid disappointments at your preferred vacation time. 
4. Receive confirmation from the rafting tour operator and review the essentials, including meeting points and required gear.
5. If not provided by the operator, rent or buy rafting gear within time 
6. Pack appropriate clothing for your rafting trip in Nepal and prepare yourself physically and mentally for this lifetime opportunity. 

What is the duration of rafting trips in Trishuli, Nepal? 

The duration of a whitewater rafting trip in Nepal varies depending on the river and the level of adventure desired. Here are some typical durations in Nepal:  

1. Day Trips

Day trips on rafting are ideal for those families or groups who prefer between 3 and 6 hours of rafting on the Trishuli River.

2. Overnight Trips 

You also get an overnight trip experience by staying in tents on the bank of the river, typically, it can extend from 2 to 3 days.

3. Multi-day Expeditions

Rafting is crazy fun that helps you realize the adventure spirit, even from remote areas to multi-day expeditions. The rafting packages for multi-day adventure with additional sightseeing can range from a 5- to 12-day package. 

Essential Rafting Gear and Safety in Trishuli River Rafting 

Safety is paramount and when it comes to whitewater rafting in the Trishuli River, it’s a good idea to check the necessary gear one needs. Here we have listed a few essentials on what you need for Trishuli river rafting,

• A sturdy helmet
• Life Jacket (Personal Flotation Device)
• Paddle
• Raft
• Wetsuit or Drysuit
• River Shoes
• Dry Bag

Nepal has strict safety regulations in place to ensure the well-being of rafters and guides. Some key regulations. Companies must have a clear emergency response plan and evacuation procedures in place.

The Nepal Tourism Board and the Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal (TAAN) are responsible for the registration and licensing of all the adventure companies operating rafting services in Nepal. A rafting guide qualifies only when he is trained and licensed under the Nepal Rafting Association (NRA) with a valid first aid certificate. That makes it more safe and secure for visitors and adventure seekers. 

When safety is a concern, life jackets, helmets, and appropriate footwear are mandatory for all participants during rafting. Sometimes, the adventure company itself provides the items or gives them to rent. They also give you a safety briefing for 15 to 20 minutes just before the rafting activity on paddling techniques and emergency protocols. 

For up to 2nd grade only, Trishuli river rafting is available for children under 10 years of age. Hence, all participants must have good physical health and be over the age of 10 to participate in the river activity. Also, the consumption of drugs or alcohol is prohibited during the river trip, with proper insurance for clients and guides.