Rafting · Nepal
Trishuli River Rafting
The Trishuli is Nepal's most popular raft trip — easy Grade III water right on the Kathmandu–Pokhara highway, perfect for a quick first taste of white water.
The Trishuli is Nepal's most popular rafting river. It runs Grade III, flows right alongside the Kathmandu–Pokhara highway, and offers everything from a quick half-day to a relaxed two-day camping trip. That easy access and forgiving water make it the standard first raft for most visitors.
Overview and difficulty
The Trishuli is graded III, with calmer Grade II sections and a handful of bouncier rapids named after their character, such as Upset, Ladies' Delight and Surprise. The rapids are fun and splashy rather than frightening, with deep pools between them. When autumn water is high the river has more push and the Grade III sections feel livelier, but it remains a beginner-friendly run.
Length, days and access
Because it follows the highway, the Trishuli is endlessly flexible. A half-day covers around 10 to 15 km, a full day 25 to 30 km, and two-day trips add an overnight on a sandy beach. Put-in points cluster around Charaudi and Baireni, roughly three hours from Kathmandu, with take-outs near Kuringhat, Mugling or Fishling. Many travellers raft a section as a break on the drive between Kathmandu and Pokhara; see getting around Nepal for the wider route.
Season
Aim for autumn (October to November) for the strongest, clearest water, or spring (March to May) for warmer, slightly lower flows. Both seasons are ideal. The monsoon (June to August) pushes the river to dangerous levels, and winter water is low and cold.
What to expect
A typical day starts with a safety briefing and paddle practice in a calm pool, then alternating rapids and float sections where you can swim. Guides explain each rapid and the paddle commands before you run it. Lunch is usually served on a beach. Two-day trips add a riverside camp with a bonfire, making for a sociable, easygoing adventure.
Operators and safety
The Trishuli is run by many Kathmandu and Pokhara operators. Choose one that supplies a self-bailing raft, a helmet and a properly fitted life jacket, and an experienced guide. Wear your gear at all times, follow the briefing, and keep hold of your paddle. As the easiest of Nepal's commercial rivers it carries low risk, but standards still vary between companies, so book a reputable one.
Tips
- Pack a dry bag for valuables, plus sunscreen and a change of clothes.
- Choose a two-day trip if you want camping and a more complete experience.
- Step up to the steeper Bhote Koshi once you are comfortable, or compare options in our rafting in Nepal overview.
- Combine it with other adventure activities in Nepal on the same trip.
Frequently asked questions
What grade is the Trishuli River?+
The Trishuli is mostly Grade III, with some easier Grade II stretches and a few livelier Grade III+ rapids when the water is high. It is one of Nepal's gentler commercial rivers, which makes it the standard choice for beginners and families with older children.
How long is a Trishuli rafting trip?+
Most people do a half-day or full-day trip covering roughly 10 to 30 km. Two-day trips with an overnight on a river beach are also common. Because the river runs alongside the highway, you can join or leave at several points to fit the time you have.
When is the best time to raft the Trishuli?+
Autumn (October to November) brings the highest, most exciting water after the monsoon, while spring (March to May) is warmer with slightly lower flows. Both are excellent. Winter rafting is possible but cold, and the monsoon makes the river dangerously high.
Where does the Trishuli rafting trip start and finish?+
Common put-in points are around Charaudi or Baireni, roughly three hours from Kathmandu, with take-outs near Kuringhat, Mugling or Fishling. The exact stretch depends on whether you want a half-day, full-day or two-day run.
Is the Trishuli good for beginners?+
Yes. The Trishuli is the most popular beginner river in Nepal because the rapids are fun but forgiving, the access is easy, and the pools between rapids give you time to relax. It is the usual first choice for anyone trying rafting for the first time.
