Rafting near Kathmandu

Rafting & Kayaking

Note: Rafting trips are extra options for our Nepal tours & trips. You can not book only a rafting trip. 

Sherpa Heritage Trails has good connections with several rafting& kayaking companies to ensure a safe and exciting adventure along the rivers of Nepal.

Nepal’s rivers are fed by the glaciers of the world’s highest mountains and the snows of the Tibetan plateau. They provide exciting opportunities for whitewater rafting or kayaking and an unbeatable profile of an ever-changing landscape. The waters surge through Himalayan gorges, traverse rugged foothills, course between tropical forests, and meander across the Terai plains.
Nepal’s rivers link the mountains and plains. Tumbling out of the Himalaya’s they are sometimes violent, sometimes calm, but always beautiful.

Best season:
The best times for rafting are September to November, and March to June. During the monsoon season, the rivers can be extremely high. From December to February, the rivers become too cold to enjoy unless you are wearing a wetsuit.
Trips are available from 1 to 3 days on different rivers, all offering dramatically different experiences.

Which river is near Kathmandu:
The Trisuli is the most popular river for rafting. It takes about a half-hour drive from Kathmandu to the starting point. With easy access just out of Kathmandu, this is the perfect river if you do not have a lot of time on your hands. The Trisuli parallels the road from Kathmandu to Mugling before joining the Gandaki river system. 1 to 3 day trips conclude at Chitwan National Park and/or Pokhara.

The Sun Kosi River is also easily accessible from Kathmandu. It takes about a three-hour drive to the starting point. The Sun Kosi, “river of gold”, traverses 270 km through the Mahabharat range. At the right flow, it is an incredible combination of white water scenery, villages, and quiet evenings along an impressive river journey. After 8 to 10 day trips, the rafting adventure ends in far eastern Nepal.

Glacial waters form the Bhote Kosi River from the Shisapangma in Tibet. It takes a four-hour drive from Kathmandu to the starting point. This is a turbulent mountain stream offering the steepest rafting in Nepal. Expect to encounter beautiful terraced lands, remote villages, stunning waterfalls, and deep canyons on your journey. Rafting trips are for 1 or 2 days.

Note: Check your travel insurance if rafting is included.