Rafting In Nepal
Rafting In Nepal
Nepal's Wild Waters: Whitewater Rafting Expeditions Await!

Although Nepal is (justifiably) famous for its excellent trekking, Nepal has a reputation for being one of the best places in the world for White water rafting, Class 3 and 4 rapids, extremely outstanding river journeys ranging from steep, adrenaline-charged mountain streams to classic big-volume wilderness expeditions. Warm water, a subtropical climate, and huge white sandy beaches are just some of the reasons why you should go whitewater rafting in Nepal.

Can we take both short and long trips?

As Nepal has many raftable rivers, there are more than many choices. You can whitewater raft in Nepal for as little as half a day, or as long as 11 days. Depending on your time and interests.

  • Bhote Kosi or Trisuli Rivers would be an ideal choice if you’re short on time, or have never Rafted before By driving within a couple of hours from Kathmandu. Both the Bhote Kosi northeast and the Trisuli to the west. Xtreme Climbers rafting crew will pick you up early in the morning from Kathmandu and drop you back later, or you can stay at any number of riverside camps.
  • Kali Gandaki, Seti, or Marsyangdi Rivers (all accessible from Pokhara). For those adventurers who are experienced and confident on the water, 2-3 day trips can be made.
  • Sun Kosi, Tamur, and Karnali Rivers  7-11-day trips can be made for the ultimate adventure. These longer trips often travel down as far as the Indian border and are the ultimate way to see Nepal’s landscape slowly change from high mountains and hills to flat, steamy jungle.


Best Time:

September to early December and March to early June are the best times for rafting and kayaking.

March to May The summer season has long, hot days and lower water flows, which generally means the rapids are a grade lower than they are from September to November. The rivers rise again in May with the pre-monsoon storms and some snowmelt.

June to August Monsoon rains means the rivers carry 10 times their low-water flows and can flood with 70 to 80 times the low-water levels, making most rivers insanely difficult. 

NOTE: Only parts of the Seti, Upper Sun Kosi, and Trisuli are commercially run during the monsoon.

September to early October and May to June Rivers can be extremely high with monsoon run-off. Any expeditions attempted at this time require a very experienced rafting company with an intimate knowledge of the river and strong teams, as times of high flows are potentially the most dangerous times to be on a river.

Mid-October to November is One of the most popular times to raft or kayak, with warm, settled weather and exciting runs.

December Many of the rivers become too cold to enjoy unless you have a wetsuit, and the days are short with the start of winter – the time to consider shorter trips.

Rivers of Nepal:

  1. Bhote Kosi
    • Trip Duration (Days): 1
    • Approximate Cost (US$): ……………
    • Transport: 3 hr from Kathmandu
    • Season/Grade: late Oct-May/4 (5-)
    • Possible day site trips: bungee jumping, canyoning, kayak clinics.
  2. Upper Sun Kosi
    • Trip Duration (Days): 2
    • Approximate Cost (US$): …………….
    • Transport: 2 hr from Kathmandu
    • Season/Grade: Oct-May/3 (4), Jun-Sep/4 (4+)
  3. Trisuli
    • Trip Duration (Days): 2
    • Approximate Cost (US$): …………..
    • Transport: 2 hr from Kathmandu
    • Season/Grade: Oct-May/3 (4), Jun-Sep/4 (4+)
    • Possible day site trips: excursions to Bandipur or Pokhara, day trips possible
  4. Seti
    • Trip Duration (Days): 2-3
    • Approximate Cost (US$): ……………..
    • Transport: 2 hr from Pokhara
    • Season/Grade: Sep-May/2 (3+)
    • Possible day site trips: kayak clinics are popular here
  5. Kali Gandaki
    • Trip Duration (Days): 3
    • Approximate Cost (US$): …………….
    • Transport: 2 hr from Pokhara
    • Season/Grade: late Sep-May/3 (4)
    • Possible day site trips: Chitwan National Park
  6. Marsyangdi
    • Trip Duration (Days): 4
    • Approximate Cost (US$): ……………..?
    • Transport: 5 hr from Kathmandu
    • Season/Grade: late Oct-Apr/4 (5-)
    • Possible site trips: Annapurna Circuit Trek
  7. Sun Kosi
    • Trip Duration (Days): 8-9
    • Approximate Cost (US$): …………..?
    • Transport: 3 hr from Kathmandu, then 16hr bus back to Kathmandu, or fly from Biratnagar
    • Season/Grade: Sep-Nov/3+ (4+), Dec-Apr/3 (4)
    • Possible site trips: Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve or continue on to Darjeeling in India
  8. Karnali
    • Trip Duration (Days): 10
    • Approximate Cost (US$): ………………….?
    • Transport: 16 hr bus ride from Kathmandu, or flight and 4hr bus ride
    • Season/Grade: late Sep-May/3 (4+)
    • Possible day site trips: Bardia National Park
  9. Tamur
    • Trip Duration (Days): 12
    • Approximate Cost (US$): ……………..?
    • Transport: 18 hr bus ride from Kathmandu, or flight then three-day trek; flight or 16hr bus back (six days of rafting in total)
    • Season/Grade: Oct-Dec/4 (5-)
    • Possible site trips: Trek to Kanchenjunga

Note: The ‘Season/Grade’ column, the number in brackets, refers to the grade when the high river flows, which is normally at the beginning and end of the season.

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