Bhote Koshi River Rafting
●●●●● 4.9 · 60+ TripAdvisor reviewsA day of serious white water on the Bhote Koshi, one of the steepest rafting rivers in Nepal. Fast continuous grade 4 rapids in a narrow gorge near the Tibet border, with expert guides and safety kayakers. Best for people who have rafted before.
Bhote Koshi River Rafting: What to Expect
Grade 4 white water with hardly a calm stretch between rapids
Swift water rescue trained guides and safety kayakers on every trip
A narrow green canyon a few hours north east of Kathmandu
Lunch on the Riverbank
Bhote Koshi River rafting is the day trip for people who want real white water. The river drops fast out of the mountains near the Tibet border and runs through a narrow green gorge. The rapids come one after another with very little calm water in between. It is one of the steepest rivers rafted in Nepal and a big step up from the Trishuli.
This trip suits people who have rafted before or are fit, confident swimmers who want a challenge. Every boat has a trained raft guide and safety kayakers paddle alongside the whole way. You get a full safety briefing and a practice session on calm water before the first rapid. Expect to paddle hard, get soaked and come off the river buzzing.
The drive from Kathmandu takes about three to four hours along the Araniko Highway. You raft for around three hours, stop for a hot lunch on the riverbank and drive back to the city by evening. It is a long day but a big one.
What you will see and do:
- Around three hours of fast continuous grade 4 rapids
- A narrow green gorge with steep walls on both sides
- Trained raft guides and safety kayakers on every trip
- A safety briefing and practice on calm water before you start
- A hot lunch on the riverbank
New to rafting? Start with Trishuli River Rafting, which is gentler and fun for beginners. Want more adrenaline? Add the 228 metre bungee jump at Kushma.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Rafting the Bhote Koshi
We pick you up from your hotel at 6am and drive about three to four hours along the Araniko Highway to the put-in near Khadichaur. After a safety briefing and gear fitting you practise on calm water, then head into the gorge. Paddle hard through around three hours of grade 4 rapids down to Sukute. Have a hot lunch on the riverbank, change into dry clothes and drive back to Kathmandu by early evening.
Includes & Excludes
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Hotel pickup and drop-off Private car from any hotel in Kathmandu
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About 3 hours of rafting Grade 4 rapids from Khadichaur to Sukute
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Professional raft guides and safety kayakers Swift water rescue trained
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All rafting gear Life jacket, helmet, paddle and splash jacket
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Lunch on the riverbank Hot lunch, tea and fruit
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Government rafting permit Arranged by us
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Breakfast and dinner
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Photos and videos The raft company often sells them on the day
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Travel insurance Required. Must cover white water rafting
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Tips for raft guides and driver Up to you
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Wetsuit Available to hire in cooler months
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What Our Trekkers Say
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Finally, I had the opportunity to meander across the splendor of the Himalayas. My first concern after researching everything there was to know about Nepal was my safety and my child’s welfare. But upon our arrival at the airport, I found out that Kathmandu is one of the meanest places…
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To whoever reading this and wondering about the legitimacy of this company, they are for real. The team is genuinely dedicated to making your trekking memorable and rewarding. Such is the professionalism of the company that they went steps further to assist us that included the tracking down of the…
“We liked the concern of this company for its staffs and the environmental awareness and it has.”
There was always a response from Jagat as we had so many things to ask. We had insisted on having a Nepali guide instead of a westerner because we had to make sure the money we spend actually goes to Nepali people. We chose this company because we had heard…
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Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need rafting experience?
It is not required but it really helps. The Bhote Koshi is fast and continuous with little time to rest between rapids. If you have rafted grade 3 before or you are fit and a confident swimmer you will be fine. If this is your first time on a river, start with the Trishuli.
Trishuli or Bhote Koshi?
Pick the Trishuli if it is your first time or you want a fun splashy day with family or friends. Pick the Bhote Koshi if you want steep fast white water and a real challenge. Many people do the Trishuli first and come back for this one.
Is there a minimum age?
Yes, 16 years. Anyone under 18 needs consent from a parent and must raft with an adult.
How fit do I need to be?
You need good general fitness and you must be able to swim. You paddle hard for long stretches and you need to stay calm if you go in the water.
What happens if I fall out?
It happens and the team is ready for it. Your guide shows you how to float feet first and how to get back to the raft during the safety briefing. Safety kayakers stay close to every boat and the guides are trained in swift water rescue.
What if the river is too high or the weather is bad?
The raft company checks the water level every day. If it is not safe they will move your trip to another day or run a shorter section. From June to September the monsoon makes the river too high to raft.
What should I wear?
Swimwear or quick-dry shorts and a T-shirt, plus river sandals with a back strap or old trainers. The water comes down from the mountains so it is cold. In cooler months hire a wetsuit. Bring a dry change of clothes and a towel for after.
Can I combine it with other activities?
Yes. You can add canyoning in a side canyon of the same valley, or stay a night by the river and raft again the next morning. For a bigger jump, see our 228 metre <a href=”https://mountainkick.com/trip/bungee-jump-nepal/”>bungee jump at Kushma</a> near Pokhara.
Departure Dates & Pricing
No upcoming fixed departures are scheduled at the moment. Contact us to arrange a private departure on dates that suit you.
We never force our customers to follow our set itinerary. You can customize your itinerary exactly the way you want. Please share with us your ideas.
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20% deposit: due on booking Secures your place on the departure. The deposit is non-refundable. We also need a copy of your passport.
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80% balance: due on arrival Pay the rest in Kathmandu before the trip starts. Bank transfer, cash, or card (4% card fee).
| Cancel before you arrive | Deposit not refunded, nothing more to pay |
| Cancel after the pre-trip meeting | No refund |
| Date or name change | USD 200 per person |
| MountainKick cancels trip | Full refund or reschedule |
Weather delays and extra days cost extra, so travel insurance is required. We give you documents for any claim.
Read the full terms and conditionsBhote Koshi River Rafting
Talk to Kumar and the team before you commit. Ask about pace, hotels, a private group or adding extra days.
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