Budhigandaki Rafting

Arun River Rafting Adventure

9
Days
8
Nights
From US$ 2,500
US$ 2,000
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US$ 500
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Experience the wild beauty and exciting whitewater of eastern Nepal on the Arun River Rafting Adventure – 9 Days / 8 Nights. Travel from Kathmandu to Tumlingtar and embark on a multi-day rafting expedition through remote valleys, forested hills, scenic river landscapes, and traditional riverside communities. Enjoy thrilling rapids, peaceful stretches, riverside beach camping, and unforgettable wilderness experiences before completing the journey at Chatara and returning to Kathmandu.

Destination
Nepal
Activities
Rafting
Group size
4+
Grade
Class IV-V
Best season
Spring (March–May) and Autumn (September–November)
Starts and ends
Kathmandu / Kathmandu
Transportation
Bus Transportation
Accommodation

Tent Camping

Meals
Breakfast • Lunch • Dinner • Tea/Coffee • Drinking Water during the expedition.
Adventure route

Kathmandu → Tumlingtar → Arun River Put-In → Arun River → Lower Arun → Chatara → Kathmandu

Highlights

  • 9-day / 8-night multi-day Arun River rafting expedition
  • Travel from Kathmandu to Tumlingtar and into eastern Nepal
  • Experience exciting whitewater through the remote Arun Valley
  • Navigate a variety of rapids and scenic river sections
  • Explore the beautiful Arun and Lower Arun river landscapes
  • Enjoy spectacular forests, hills, rocky cliffs, and riverside scenery
  • Experience peaceful wilderness away from Nepal's busy tourist routes
  • Spend nights at scenic riverside and beach camps
  • Enjoy freshly prepared meals during the rafting expedition
  • Discover traditional villages and rural riverside communities
  • Experienced rafting guides and safety kayakers
  • Professional rafting and safety equipment
  • Team-based paddling and river adventure
  • Complete the final rafting section at Chatara
  • Return to Kathmandu after completing the river expedition
  • A memorable combination of whitewater, wilderness, camping, nature, and adventure

Overview

Arun River Rafting Adventure – 9 Days / 8 Nights is an exciting multi-day whitewater expedition through the remote and scenic landscapes of eastern Nepal. The journey begins in Kathmandu with travel to Tumlingtar, the gateway to the Arun Valley, before heading to the river put-in point.

Over several days, paddle through exciting whitewater, scenic gorges, forested hills, rocky riverbanks, and peaceful stretches of the Arun River. The expedition combines adventure with riverside camping, allowing you to experience the wilderness of eastern Nepal away from busy tourist routes.

As the journey continues downstream, the landscape gradually changes toward the Lower Arun. After completing the final rafting section, the expedition reaches Chatara, from where you begin the return journey to Kathmandu.

This 9-day / 8-night Arun River rafting adventure is designed for travelers looking for a genuine Himalayan river expedition combining whitewater excitement, nature, camping, and remote landscapes.

Important Note

The Arun River is a remote and naturally changing whitewater river, so the exact rafting route, rapid difficulty, camping locations, and daily schedule may vary according to river levels, weather, rainfall, road conditions, and local safety assessments.

Participants should be prepared for multi-day rafting, riverside camping, changing weather, and basic wilderness conditions. A professional river team will provide safety instructions and make operational decisions based on the conditions encountered during the expedition.

For safety reasons, the itinerary may be adjusted, shortened, or modified when river conditions are considered unsuitable for the planned section. The final decision regarding rafting sections and river activities rests with the expedition leader.

Guests should bring suitable outdoor clothing, secure footwear, personal medication, sun protection, and waterproof protection for important personal belongings. Respect for local communities, wildlife, and the natural river environment is expected throughout the journey.

Safety, responsible river travel, and the well-being of every participant remain the primary priorities throughout the Arun River Rafting Adventure.

Adventure Itinerary

Your Arun River adventure begins in Kathmandu. Travel toward Tumlingtar, the main gateway to the Arun Valley. After arrival, meet the expedition team, check the rafting equipment, and prepare for the river journey. Depending on the travel schedule, continue toward the overnight location near the rafting area.

Overnight: Tumlingtar
Meals:lunch & dinner
Activity: Travel, expedition briefing & preparation

Arun River Rafting Adventure Accommodation Tent Camping or Local Lodge
Arun River Rafting Adventure Meals lunch & dinner

After breakfast, continue toward the designated Arun River put-in point. Once there, the river guides provide a detailed safety briefing and explain paddling techniques and river procedures. After the final equipment check, launch the rafts and begin your Arun River expedition. Enjoy the first rapids and scenic surroundings before setting up camp beside the river.

Overnight: Riverside camp
Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Activity: River preparation & rafting

Arun River Rafting Adventure Accommodation Riverside camp
Arun River Rafting Adventure Meals Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Wake up to the peaceful sounds of the river and enjoy breakfast at camp. Continue downstream through a mixture of whitewater and calmer stretches. Paddle through forested hills, rocky riverbanks, and remote landscapes. Stop for a riverside lunch before continuing to the day's campsite.

Overnight: Riverside camp
Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Activity: Full-day rafting & camping

Arun River Rafting Adventure Accommodation Riverside camp
Arun River Rafting Adventure Meals Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Today's rafting takes you deeper into the Arun River wilderness. Navigate exciting rapids and waves under the direction of your professional river guide. Between the rapids, enjoy the spectacular scenery and remote character of the valley. In the afternoon, reach a suitable wilderness campsite and enjoy a freshly prepared dinner.

Overnight: Wilderness riverside camp
Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Activity: Whitewater rafting & wilderness camping

Arun River Rafting Adventure Accommodation Wilderness riverside camp
Arun River Rafting Adventure Meals Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Continue your downstream adventure after breakfast. The river offers a changing combination of rapids, waves, calmer pools, and scenic sections. Enjoy views of forests, hills, rocky cliffs, and rural landscapes. After the day's rafting, camp on a suitable riverside beach where you can relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.

Overnight: Riverside beach camp
Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Activity: Rafting & beach camping

Arun River Rafting Adventure Accommodation Riverside Beach Camp
Arun River Rafting Adventure Meals Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Enjoy another full day on the Arun River. Your rafting team will navigate the appropriate rapids according to the current river conditions. Take a break for lunch along the river and continue downstream through beautiful natural surroundings. Arrive at a scenic campsite in the afternoon and enjoy an evening beside the river.

Overnight: Scenic riverside camp
Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Activity: Full-day rafting & camping

Arun River Rafting Adventure Accommodation Scenic riverside camp
Arun River Rafting Adventure Meals Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Today continues the main rafting section of the expedition. Work together with your rafting crew as you paddle through exciting whitewater and calmer stretches. The changing landscape provides views of forests, farmland, villages, rocky banks, and Himalayan foothills. After completing the day's river section, settle into another riverside camp.

Overnight: Riverside camp
Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Activity: Whitewater rafting & camping

Arun River Rafting Adventure Accommodation Riverside camp
Arun River Rafting Adventure Meals Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Continue toward the Lower Arun for the final stage of your river expedition. Enjoy the changing landscape as the river moves toward the lower eastern plains. Complete the remaining rafting sections and eventually reach the Chatara area.

After taking the rafts out, the team packs and organizes the expedition equipment. Celebrate the completion of your Arun River adventure before transferring to your overnight accommodation.

Overnight: Chatara area
Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Activity: Final rafting section & expedition completion

Arun River Rafting Adventure Accommodation Hotel or Tent Camp
Arun River Rafting Adventure Meals Breakfast, lunch & dinner

After breakfast, begin your return journey from Chatara to Kathmandu. Travel through the changing landscapes of eastern and central Nepal, with suitable breaks along the way. Depending on road and transportation conditions, the journey may take most of the day.

Arrive in Kathmandu and transfer to your hotel or onward destination. Your Arun River Rafting Adventure – 9 Days / 8 Nights officially concludes.

Meals: Breakfast & lunch
Activity: Return journey & trip departure

Arun River Rafting Adventure Meals Breakfast & lunch
Not satisfied with this itinerary? Make your own.
Plan My Adventure

Need To Know

  • Duration: 9 Days / 8 Nights
  • Starting Point: Kathmandu
  • Access: Travel toward Tumlingtar before reaching the Arun River put-in point
  • Main Route: Kathmandu → Tumlingtar → Arun River → Lower Arun → Chatara → Kathmandu
  • Rafting Type: Multi-day whitewater rafting expedition
  • River Environment: Remote valleys, forests, rocky riverbanks, villages, and riverside beaches
  • Rafting Level: The Arun can include challenging whitewater; the actual difficulty varies with season and river levels.
  • Camping: Overnight stays are arranged at suitable riverside or beach camps during the rafting section.
  • Meals: Meals are prepared by the expedition cooking team during the river journey.
  • Safety: A professional river crew conducts safety briefings and selects rafting sections according to current river conditions.
  • Equipment: Rafts, paddles, helmets, life jackets, and standard rafting safety equipment are provided as part of the expedition arrangement.
  • Personal Gear: Bring quick-drying clothing, secure footwear, warm layers, sun protection, personal medicines, toiletries, and a waterproof bag for valuables.
  • Fitness: Participants should be comfortable with physical activity, swimming or basic water confidence is helpful, and previous rafting experience may be recommended depending on river conditions.
  • Weather: Conditions can change quickly in eastern Nepal, so the itinerary may be adjusted when necessary.
  • River Conditions: Water level, rainfall, debris, and other natural conditions can affect the rafting route and rapid difficulty.
  • Transportation: Road and domestic transportation schedules may change according to weather, road conditions, and operational availability.
  • Environmental Care: Guests are encouraged to minimize plastic waste, avoid littering, and respect local communities and the natural river environment.
  • Connectivity: Mobile phone coverage can be limited during remote sections of the expedition.
  • Accommodation: Camping is basic and designed for a wilderness experience rather than hotel-style comfort.
  • Return: After completing the final rafting section near Chatara, travel back to Kathmandu.
  • Important: The expedition leader has the final authority to modify the rafting route, campsite, timing, or river activities when required for guest safety and changing river conditions.

Includes

  • Kathmandu → Tumlingtar transportation as per the confirmed itinerary
  • Tumlingtar → Arun River rafting put-in transportation
  • Chatara → Kathmandu return transportation
  • Experienced and professional river rafting guide
  • Trained safety kayakers and rafting support crew
  • Quality rafting equipment and safety gear
  • Raft, paddles, helmets, and personal flotation devices
  • Camping equipment including tents and sleeping arrangements
  • Professional expedition cook and kitchen equipment
  • Breakfast, lunch, and dinner during the expedition
  • Drinking water during the rafting and camping section
  • Riverside camping fees and necessary local arrangements
  • River permits and applicable rafting-related fees
  • First-aid and basic river safety equipment
  • Safety briefing and paddling instruction
  • Expedition coordination and support throughout the trip
  • Waste-management arrangements during the river expedition

Doesn't Include

  • Domestic flight tickets, if required by the final transportation arrangement
  • Personal travel and medical insurance
  • Personal clothing and outdoor equipment
  • Waterproof bags or cases for personal electronics and valuables
  • Expenses resulting from weather, road closures, natural events, or other unforeseen circumstances
  • Any service or activity not specifically mentioned under Includes

Upcoming Departure Dates

No fixed departures

Packing List

  • Quick-drying T-shirts
  • Quick-drying shorts or rafting pants
  • Swimwear
  • Long-sleeve lightweight shirt
  • Secure water shoes or river sandals
  • Lightweight fleece or warm layer
  • Lightweight waterproof jacket
  • Sun hat or cap
  • Sunglasses with a secure strap
  • Personal dry bag or waterproof bag
  • Reusable water bottle
  • Sleeping bag suitable for the expected season
  • Small travel pillow or inflatable pillow
  • Headlamp or flashlight with spare batteries
  • Comfortable camp clothes
  • Warm nightwear
  • Lightweight towel
  • Earplugs if desired
  • Toothbrush and toothpaste
  • Biodegradable soap
  • Small shampoo
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Personal toiletries
  • Quick-drying personal towel
  • Toilet paper and small waste bags
  • Personal medication
  • Basic personal first-aid items
  • High-SPF sunscreen
  • SPF lip balm
  • Sunglasses with a retaining strap
  • Wide-brimmed hat or cap
  • Lightweight rain jacket
  • Warm layer for cool mornings and evenings
  • Insect repellent
  • Passport
  • Copies of important travel documents
  • Travel insurance details
  • Emergency contact information
  • Small amount of Nepalese cash
  • Phone and charging cable
  • Power bank
  • Waterproof phone pouch
  • Small daypack
  • Camera or action camera with waterproof protection
  • Extra memory card
  • Quick-dry personal clothing
  • Lightweight gloves
  • Buff or neck gaiter
  • Energy bars or personal snacks
  • Zip-lock bags for small items
  • Waterproof notebook and pen
  • Heavy suitcases
  • Expensive jewelry
  • Unnecessary electronics
  • Fragile valuables
  • Excess clothing
  • Single-use plastic items where avoidableImportant Packing Tips
  • Keep important documents, electronics, money, and medication in waterproof protection. Pack clothing in separate dry bags so that you can easily access what you need during the expedition.
  • The rafting team provides the raft, paddle, helmet, life jacket/PFD, and standard rafting safety equipment. Sleeping and camping equipment should be confirmed with the operator before departure, as the exact equipment provided can vary by expedition arrangement.
  • Pack light, stay organized, and keep your essential personal items protected from water throughout the Arun River adventure.
Why Book with Us?
  • Expert local river guides with decades of experience.
  • Top-quality rafting equipment and safety gear.
  • Best price guaranteed on all trips.
  • No hidden fees or booking charges.
  • Small group sizes for a personalized experience.
  • Sustainable and responsible rafting practices.

Reviews

Lucas
Lucas - Switzerland

Unforgettable Arun Expedition

An unforgettable 9-day adventure on one of Nepal's beautiful rivers. The entire team—including Dipak, Santosh, Ashok, Suraj, Achut, Raju, and Jack—worked hard to make the expedition safe, organized, and enjoyable. The riverside camping and final approach to Chatara were unforgettable.

website
14th Nov 2024
Oliver
Oliver - Netherlands

Adventure from Start to Finish

This was much more than just rafting. The journey through eastern Nepal, wilderness camping, river scenery, and exciting whitewater made every day different. Raju and Jack were excellent guides and great companions throughout the expedition.

website
8th Apr 2026
Noah
Noah - Australia

Beautiful Arun Valley

The Arun River is incredibly beautiful. We enjoyed exciting rapids during the day and peaceful evenings at the riverside camps. Dipak and Santosh were friendly, experienced, and always attentive to the group

website
1st Apr 2026
Elena
Elena - Spain

Remote River Adventure

Our Arun River expedition was an incredible wilderness experience. Guide Dipak was calm, professional, and explained everything clearly before each rafting section. The riverside camping and remote scenery made this trip unforgettable.

website
22nd May 2026
See more reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

General Trip Questions

The Arun River Rafting Adventure is a 9-day / 8-night multi-day whitewater expedition through the remote landscapes of eastern Nepal, combining rafting, wilderness camping, scenic river valleys, and rural landscapes.

The main route is Kathmandu → Tumlingtar → Arun River Put-In → Arun River → Lower Arun → Chatara → Kathmandu.

The complete adventure takes 9 days and 8 nights, including travel from Kathmandu, several days of river rafting and camping, and the return journey from Chatara to Kathmandu.

The expedition travels from Kathmandu toward Tumlingtar before reaching the designated Arun River put-in point. The exact launch location can vary depending on current access and river conditions.

The main rafting journey finishes around Chatara, after which the group begins the return journey to Kathmandu.

The Arun offers a combination of whitewater rapids, waves, pools, calmer stretches, and scenic river sections. The actual difficulty can change significantly with water levels and weather conditions.

Previous whitewater rafting experience can be helpful, particularly for challenging sections. Participants should be comfortable with physical activity and follow the instructions of the professional river guides throughout the expedition.

During the river expedition, accommodation is primarily riverside wilderness camping. Camps are established at suitable locations along the river according to safety, weather, and river conditions.

The expedition team prepares breakfast, lunch, and dinner during the rafting and camping sections. Meals are generally prepared at the riverside camp by the expedition cooking team.

Standard rafting equipment includes a raft, paddles, helmet, personal flotation device/life jacket, and essential river safety equipment. The exact equipment list should be confirmed before departure.

Bring quick-drying clothes, swimwear, secure river shoes, warm layers, a waterproof jacket, sunscreen, sunglasses, personal medication, toiletries, a headlamp, reusable water bottle, and waterproof protection for valuables.

Safety procedures are an essential part of the expedition. Professional guides conduct safety briefings, assess river conditions, and select appropriate rafting sections. Water levels, weather, debris, and other conditions can affect the itinerary, and the river team may modify the program when necessary.

The most suitable period depends on river conditions, rainfall, water levels, and the specific rafting section. Spring and autumn are commonly considered favorable periods for many Nepal rafting expeditions, but conditions should be checked before departure.

Yes. The Arun is a natural river, and conditions can change. Rafting sections, camping locations, daily distances, transportation, and timing may be adjusted because of weather, river levels, road conditions, or safety considerations.

The expedition is led by an experienced river team, with guides and safety crew responsible for rafting operations, safety briefings, navigation, and campsite coordination. Your team may include Dipak, Santosh, Ashok, Suraj, Achut, Raju, and Jack, depending on the confirmed departure and crew arrangement.

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Associated with
  • Nepal Government Ministry of Culture, Tourism & Civil Aviation
  • Nepal Tourism Board