Tamur River Expedition – 13 Days

Starting Point

Starting Point Basantpur

Duration

Duration 13

Difficulty

Difficulty Moderately Difficult/ Grade B

Activity

Activity White water rafting 

Max. altitude

Max. altitude 3000m

Best Season

Best Season Autumn and Spring

Distance

Distance 131KM

Group Size

Group Size Minimum 1, Maximum 14

Ending Point

Ending Point Chatara 

What makes the Tamur River Expedition Unique?

  • The perfect combination of rafting and trekking
  • 4 days of incredible trekking and 6 days of exciting rafting
  • Challenging and intense white water rapids
  • The Tamur River is known as a “Jewel in the East” because it begins around Kanchenjunga in the east, allowing you to view Mount Kanchenjunga from afar.
  • 120 exciting rapids ranging from Class I to Class V.
  • You will begin your rafting journey from Dobha in Taplejung, allowing you to get a small glimpse of the remote location on your way to the adventurous journey. 

Tamur River Expedition Overview

The Tamur River expedition of 13 days has to be one of the best raft trips in Nepal. The river and its tributaries drain Mt. Kanchanjunga (8,586 m), the third-highest mountain in the world. This river opened in 1998 for commercial rafting; since then, it has won the affection of many rafting/kayaking enthusiasts worldwide. Tamur is not readily available; hence, you must trek for about four days to enjoy this river. However, you will not be disappointed; the trek is equally exciting. You will be treading on narrow dirt tracks that join one typical village to another. Travelers can view the glory of Mt. Kanchanjunga from the routes.

The Tamur River has 120 rapids within its rafting length of 131 kilometers. The initial parts of Tamur are tricky. This river is very challenging, and if you are looking for a massive adrenaline surge, Tamur is the river for you! Nepal River Runner has successfully carried out the Tamur expedition with a perfect record. Moreover, for this trip, we will provide you with Nepal government-licensed river guides who have completed Red Cross first aid training. Our guides hold rafting certifications from the International Rafting Federation (IRF) and are trained as Whitewater Rescue Technicians (WRT). Be assured that you will be in our safe hands.

13 Days Tamur River Expedition Itinerary

Day 1: Basantapur

We will fly to Biratnagar (80 m) from Tribhuvan International Airport or Basantapur. If you choose to fly, it will take about 45 minutes to reach Biratnagar. Then, from Biratnagar, we will take you to Basantapur by bus. 

Please note: If you prefer to fly, mention this to our office personnel when booking the Expedition. Biratnagar is the second biggest city in Nepal and is located near the south-eastern border with India.

Day 2: Chauki

Our Expedition will begin with a trek from Basantapur to Chauki, which takes around 4 to 5 hours. The trail is quite challenging, and we will employ porters to carry your personal gear bags. The guides will show you the way. By the time we reach Chauki, we will be exhausted. In Chauki, we will stay in a local tea house, where we will enjoy our dinner.

Day 3: Gupha Pokhari (2,900 m)

After breakfast, we will resume our trek. After about 4 to 5 hours, we will reach Gupha Pokhari, a lake at 2,900 meters in the Sankhuwasabha district. The trail to Gupha Pokhari is equally fascinating; you will witness beautiful landscapes and diverse cultures.

If you take this trip during the March to June season, you will experience different varieties of rhododendrons in full bloom. From your trail, you will also enjoy the views of Mt. Kanchanjunga (the world’s third-highest mountain, at 8,586 m) and Mt. Everest (the world’s highest mountain, at 8,848 m). We will spend our night at Gupha Pokhari in our Camp.

Day 4: Gorja (1,925 m)

After a hearty breakfast, we will continue our trek from Gupha Pokhari to Gorja. You will be amazed by the variety of flora and fauna you will see on the way. You will also be able to observe some of the most remote rural settlements in Nepal and perhaps the world. We will stay in our Camp for the night at Gorja.

Day 5: Dovan (730 m)

This is the final day of trekking. We will start from Gorja and reach Dovan in about 3 hours, where we will set up our Camp. We will spend the day resting and preparing to run on Tamur the next day.

Day 6: Kabeli Khola

By now, we will have trekked for 4 days; today, the much-anticipated part of the Expedition – rafting starts. We will get to Kabeli Khola (the River is called Khola in Nepali) from Dovan. We will prepare all the necessary gear, and the professional rafters will brief you on the safety measures. On this day, we will encounter some challenging white water rapids like House Rock (Class IV), Pariah Dog (Class IV+), Hodson’s Sandwich (Class IV+), and Hodson’s Last Rite (Class IV+) while paddling for about 25 kilometers in Kabeli Khola. We will camp at a beach by the banks of Kabeli for that day.

Day 7: Hinwa Khola

We will raft to Hinwa Khola from Kabeli. The rapids become more challenging right from the beginning, but the rapids decrease in frequency once we cross the Limbu Bridge. While rafting, we will see white sandy beaches, blue water, and sparsely populated areas. We might be seeing more monkeys than people. As we raft downwards, we will see lower mountain regions. This region is near the Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve (75 m – 81 m). Hence, you get to see various varieties of birds. Koshi Tappu is home to around 500 bird species. We will stop by the sandy beaches and set up our Camp.

Day 8: Limbhu Khola

After breakfast, we will start rafting from Hinwa Khola to Limbhu Khola. At first, the river is flat, so we can loosen ourselves a bit and enjoy the landscape. Interested Kayakers may kayak in this region. On our way, we will encounter a few Class II or III rapids. Over the river, we will occasionally see suspension bridges. We will spend that night in the Camp by the side of Limbhu Khola.

Day 9: Mulghat (203m)

By this day, we will have rafted on some of the most exciting and vigorous rapids for four days, so we will get a chance to relax. As we raft, we will pass only a few small rapids. In around four hours, we will reach Mulghat from Limbhu Khola. We will spend the night at Mulghat.

Day 10: Tribeni

The next day, we will paddle on the Tamur River to reach Tribeni (Tribeni means confluence of three rivers in Nepali). On our way, we will pass through 30 exciting, continuous rapids; the most notable ones are Ashram (Class IV+), Hell Hole (Class IV), and Bat Below (Class IV). We will set up our Camp for that day at Tribeni, by the side of the Sun Koshi.

Day 11: Chatara to Kathmandu

After breakfast, we will raft until we reach the famous Hindu temple of Baraha. We will spend some time sightseeing and then paddle to Chatara – our final put-out point. We will have our lunch at a local restaurant. From Chatara, we will take a private bus and drive to Kathmandu for about 14 to 15 hours. We will stop our bus for dinner at a Nepali restaurant. You can choose to stop at Chitwan National Park to enjoy the wildlife.

There is one more option; you may go to Biratnagar from Chatara and then fly to Kathmandu. For arrangements, please talk to the Nepal River Runner representative. You must mention that you will take a flight at the time of booking.

Day 12: Back to Kathmandu

By morning, we will have reached Kathmandu. You will have time to rest and get fresh in your hotel. After resting, you can go for last-minute souvenir shopping. Again, if you require, our guides will recommend the best places to buy souvenirs. In the evening, you will have a farewell dinner with our office representatives (along with guides) in a typical Nepali restaurant. We will drop you off at your hotel.

Day 13: Departure

Finally, after a fun-filled 13-day trip, our journey will end. We hope that you will have enjoyed your trip thoroughly and well. But by then, the time will come for us to bid you goodbye. We will take you to Tribhuvan International Airport, and our office representative will see you off. If you have time and want to extend your stay in Nepal, you may join our other tours; we are happy to offer our recommendations.

What to Bring During Tamur River Expedition

  • Sport Sandals
  • Shirts that will dry quickly
  • Swim suit
  • Warm layers (fleece, trousers)
  • Towel
  • Toiletries
  • Sunscreen
  • Sunglasses
  • Camera and batteries/chargers
  • Water Bottles
  • Flashlight
  • A little cash

What’s Included

  • Professional English speaking licensed guides, highly trained and safety certified to international standards in Whitewater River Guiding, Swift Water Rescue, and Wilderness First Aid
  • Professionally trained and certified safety kayakers.
  • Gear raft support
  • Trekking support and guide 
  • Quality rafting and kayaking equipment, including boats, kayaks, helmets, paddles, PFDs, dry bags and Pelican boxes.
  • Accommodation in a camp and all necessary facilities including two man tents, shelters, simple mattress and sleeping bag, toilet tents, etc.
  • Treated drinking water
  • Two-way transportation, local deluxe (private bus on group size consideration, arrange option to and for fly from Biratnagar – Kathmandu)
  • River permits.
  • Industry standard first aid kits
  • Team photos (photos videos by our team)
  • Hotel cost includes a BB, twin sharing basis.
  • Included meals
    • Day 1 = Lunch & DInner             
    • Day 2-11 = Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner             
    • Day 12 = Breakfast  

Types of food provided:

Throughout our expedition, we provide treated stream water for drinking. We employ crews with great culinary ability. We will provide breakfast, lunch and dinner during the expedition in a buffet style. So, yes you have the freedom to choose what you like.   If you have special dietary needs, please let us know about it at the time of booking, so that we can arrange accordingly. 

Sample menu for the expedition

  • Breakfast: Tea, Coffee, White Chocolate, Muesli and Cornflakes, Yogurt. Eggs, Toast, Hashed Potatoes, Pancakes, Porridge, etc.
  • Lunch: Bread, Cheese, Salami, Tuna, Sardines, Baked Beans, Salads, Fresh fruits and Biscuits.
  • Dinner: Pasta, French Fries, Curries, Steamed or Fried vegetables. We may provide Nepali Dal, Bhat in a rotation for longer trips.

What’s Not Included

  • Visas, flights, other taxes etc.
  • Personal items like toiletries, clothing, camera etc.
  • Alcohol and other packed food.
  • Insurance policy: paddlers need to have their own insurance since we only provide insurance to our crew.
  • Tips for guides – we pay our guides and porters fairly but if you want you can tip them personally.

13 Days Tamur River Rafting Map

tamur Map Download Map

Why Choose Tamur River Rafting?

  • Rafting experience with trekking: A complete river adventure awaits you at the Tamur River rafting journey because you cannot only raft in the whitewater in Nepal but also go on one of the most scenic Himalayan treks through scenic trails and remote valleys. The rafting trip on the Tamur River is one of the most sought-after. 
  • Kayaking opportunities: This adventure also includes kayaking and a whitewater rafting trip in Nepal. The spectacular journey to the river takes you down the Tamur River. This exhilarating river journey is safe yet adrenaline-triggering. 
  • Breathtaking views: The river offers stunning views of Rhododendron forests, steep canyon walls, and the Himalayas along the surging rapids. This trip is a short scenic flight from Kathmandu to Biratnagar. From an aesthetically pleasing drive to the bustling markets to an excursion to the small fishing villages, this memorable trip will be a lifetime experience.

Is Tamur River Rafting suitable for you?

Yes, the Tamur River rafting is suitable for every moderate-level rafter. If you have adequate after-training, you can complete your trip down the Tamur River. In addition to this, a river crew will be at your service much before you even begin a spectacular journey. The comprehensive safety talk we put forth also helps you continue a secure journey from your side. You won’t have to worry about your convenience throughout the trip either.

Once you’ve had a filling lunch, we drive to the river. After the trip and settling into your hotel, you will enjoy an evening meal with your fellow travelers in one of the most popular stay-ins. Good physical and mental preparation is needed for a river rafting journey, which should not be compromised in any way. Rest assured, you can experience the adventure of a lifetime with the views of the Himalayas and the river through Rhododendron forests.

What to Pack for the Tamur River Expedition

Rafting Packing List

  • Shorts / ½ pants
  • Sport Sandals
  • Shirts that will dry quickly
  • Swimsuit
  • Warm layers (fleece, trousers)
  • Towel
  • Toiletries
  • Sunscreen
  • Sunglasses
  • Camera and batteries/chargers
  • Water Bottles
  • Flashlight
  • A little cash

Trekking Packing List

  • Day pack
  • Trekking poles
  • Trekking shoes and trekking boots
  • Dry shirt and trousers
  • Fleece inners (bottoms and tops)
  • Down jacket
  • Comfortable cotton undergarments
  • Sun cap
  • Wool hat
  • Sleeping bag
  • Sunglasses

Common Questions About Tamur River Expedition

Why is the Tamur River famous for rafting? 

The Tamur River is famous for rafting, not simply because of its rafting experience, but also because of the many other opportunities the trip providers offer. During this journey, you can trek, get the most beautiful views of the Himalayas, kayak, and explore remote villages. 

How accessible is the Tamur River from Kathmandu?

Traveling to the Tamur River from Kathmandu via the Madan Bhandari highway will reach the end destination within 10 hours and 6 minutes. Traffic or other external factors may affect this time. While the river is not the closest to the capital city, you can be assured of a comfortable trip from the beginning to the end of your journey with Nepal River Runner. 

Which cultures can I explore during the Tamur River expedition? 

During the Tamur River expedition, you can explore Rai and Limbu cultures. These cultures are dense in the remote valleys around the river, allowing you to experience an affluent lifestyle and tradition that has not yet been affected by urbanization and modernization.

What is the best time to go to the Tamur River?

The best time to visit the Tamur River is autumn and spring. Autumn begins from September to November. Similarly, springtime starts in March and ends in May. These are the times when the weather is pleasant, the sky is clear, and the best possible elements for outdoor activities. 

Is it necessary to have insurance during the Tamur River Expedition?

Yes, insurance is necessary during the Tamur River adventure. The trip involves outdoor adventure, which may not always guarantee 100% safety at all times. While a guided rafting trip will be quite safe, insurance will always keep you assured. You don’t necessarily have to provide insurance for our crew, as we do it ourselves. However, you may have to find a trustworthy insurance provider yourself. 

Departure Dates

  • 10Nov 2025 Monday
  • 28Nov 2025 Friday
  • 11Dec 2025 Thursday

You can also choose any date that you want from our booking page.