The Trisuli, it has to be said, is not the most inspiring river in Nepal. There are several reasons
though for including it in this guide. It is close to Kathmandu and for a cheap bus ride you can be on
the river in hours if a warm-up is what you need on arrival in Nepal. The major road running alongside
it is, for most people, a down marker. It does however provide easy access to transport and villages
along the way. For a family trip it provides a less serious and committing adventure than many of the
other rivers.
From a rafting point of view there are some good rapids but it is best run, in my
opinion later in the season. On passing the main rapids in September 1999, many were washed out and only
the biggest were evident. The other downside is that it's close proximity to the two main cities mean
that less reputable rafting agencies have easy access to the river. If you choose the budget option with
some of these companies the outcome could range from a miserable 2 days at best to injuries or worse
due to poor safety levels.
You Have Been Warned!
Breakdown of the journey
Travel to the river
The journey to the river takes about 2-3
hours by bus from Kathmandu, 5-6 hours from Pokhara. Most groups put-in below Baireni and take out at
Mugling. The other option is to continue down to Narayanghat and visit the Royal Chitwan national park.
On the river The early sections contain class 2-3 rapids and build up steadily to class 4.
'Teen Devi' is a good class 4 above Benighat. Below here the river is class 3 as far as 'Upset' (4).
After this the river winds it's way down to Mugling at the Confluence of the Marsyandi.
Many trips
end here but some continue past the Seti and kali gandaki confluences to Narayanghat and the National
park.
Other options exist on the Trisuli for kayakers. A bus from Kathmandu to Betrawati or Trisuli bazaar
can add another 15-20km of river to a trip. The advantages are that this section is away from the big
road. It is predominantly lower in grade though at 2 - 3.
Day by Day breakdown.......
Day 1 Bus from kathmandu to Baireni or put-in below Baireni, on river and run river past 'Teen
Devi' Day 2 Run river past 'Upset' to Mugling, take-out Mugling, return to Kathmandu / Pokhara.
Day 3? Continue on day 3 to Narayanghat and arrive at Chitwan pm.
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