Tamur River Expedition
Experience the best Nepal has to offer!
Two days in Kathmandu, 4 day trek into a remote region of Nepal with amazing Himalayan views and then 6 days down the beautiful Tamur River in a raft or kayak.
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Trip Highlights
- Experience Nepal whitewater rafting on the Tamur River, a premier Himalayan adventure
- Combine big mountains, remote trekking, and world-class whitewater
- Raft a river fed by the slopes of Kangchenjunga, the world’s third-highest peak
- Begin with a short flight from Kathmandu followed by a scenic trek through rhododendron forests and mountain villages
- Descend from high Himalayan ridgelines into lush tropical valleys
- Navigate powerful rapids, scenic jungle floats, sandy beaches, and abundant birdlife
- Guided by South African Stan Rickets, an expert with over 20 seasons of Himalayan river guiding and the most Tamur descents by any Westerner
- Journey from the “roof of the world” to one of its wildest rivers
About this trip
Tamur River Expedition
Nepal Whitewater Rafting on the Tamur River is a true Himalayan adventure, combining big mountains, remote trekking, and world-class whitewater. Fed by the slopes of Kangchenjunga, the world’s third-highest peak, the Tamur is Nepal’s premier rafting river and a hidden gem for serious adventure seekers.
After a short flight from Kathmandu, a scenic trek through rhododendron forests and mountain villages leads you from high Himalayan ridgelines down into a lush tropical valley. From there, the river takes over delivering powerful, adrenaline-filled rapids, scenic jungle floats, sandy beaches, and incredible birdlife. It’s an unforgettable journey from the roof of the world to one of its wildest rivers. The trip is lead by South African Stan Rickets who has spent more than 20 season guiding rivers in Bhutan and has more descents of the Tamur river than any other Westerner.
Itinerary
What to expect
Days 1–2: Kathmandu Arrival & Exploration
Arrive in Kathmandu and spend two days exploring this vibrant city. Visit temples, wander local neighborhoods, and take advantage of excellent last-minute gear shopping before the expedition begins.
Day 3: Into Eastern Nepal
Fly from Kathmandu to Biratnagar, then drive through rural eastern Nepal to the lively market town of Basantapur, where the journey into the mountains begins.
Days 4–7: Trek to the River
Trek through rhododendron forests, terraced rice fields, and remote mountain villages, crossing a 10,000-foot pass above sacred Gopa Pokhara Lake. Enjoy sweeping views of Kangchenjunga, Makalu, and Everest before descending into the lush valley where the river awaits.
Days 8–12: Tamur River Rafting
Launch onto the Tamur River for a multi-day whitewater expedition featuring powerful, continuous rapids, steep canyon walls, wildlife sightings, sandy beach camps, and a relaxing layover day. The adventure builds to a thrilling finale as the Tamur flows into the Sun Kosi.
Days 13–14: Return & Departure
Enjoy a floating breakfast on the river before flying back to Kathmandu. Celebrate the journey with a final evening in the city, then depart Nepal the following day.
Lodging
Where you'll stay
3 nights at the Kathmandu guest house. https://ktmgh.com/kathmandu-guest-house/main-page/
The nights camping on the trek, and or on the river. Here is a description of the river camps –
u wake up to the sound of a fish jumping in the river. A guide taps your tent – she has a mug of fresh coffee for you. Your toes squeak through the chilly sand of the beach on your way to the river’s edge. Set your coffee on a rock and splash fresh water on your face. You’re awake. You’re here. Who knows what day it is…
Your river guides are joking with each other, sipping hot beverages, cracking eggs and slicing strawberries. The sky is brilliant – a color you haven’t seen for a long time. The canyon walls are majestic but familiar: they’ve been your home for the last two days. An eagle silently soars overhead, waking up with the rising sunlight. You’re awake. You’re here. Who knows what day it is…
At the time you’d normally be cracking open your laptop and checking email, you’re headed down the slope of a wave hearing the rush of the wilderness all around you. Hoots and hollers slide up the river walls from the boats below. You dig your paddle into the water and your body awakens, not because you’re exercising, but because it has to. You have a boat to get down the river.
Your arms are tired and your hair is a mess. You’re awake. You’re here. Who knows what day it is…
There is something very unique about a river trip – besides leaving your phone and the internet behind – there is a unique feeling to being led through nature by nature itself. The river supplies the direction, the views, the action, and the speed and rhythm of your days,
For most of our trips you do not need to be an experienced adventurer, an athlete, or even to have ever touched a paddle or spent a night under the stars. Our trips are designed for those who like or want to be introduced to the outdoors and our goal is to make these places we love accessible to everyone.
Guests are surprised by the quality of the food, the overall comfort, and the many intangibles that characterize extended time on the river. We are extremely proud of our comfortable camping in wilderness places. The camping is deluxe, the food is excellent and served in a dining room where the sky is the ceiling, and you can leave everything to us – the planning, the cooking, the cleaning, and even the gear. Just bring your toothbrush and your sense of adventure
Dates & Pricing
Plan your trip
Dates
<span style=”text-decoration: underline;”><strong>2026</strong></span>
November 3-16, 2026
Pricing
$5,000 per person, based on double occupancy
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It’s sat in Katmandú airport after completing this trip and wondering if it could have been better? The start of the trip is a cultural shock. The hotel is modern, clean and friendly, but the city is a bustling hive of activity and disorienting disorganization. Once I settled, I felt safe and enjoyed wondering the streets looking at the shops and Nepalí culture. Then comes the hike. It shouldn’t be underestimated. We were generally an older group, but used to hiking. I found it strenuous but not excessive. We camped each night near a village, our tents food etc came with the porters on a tractor. Food was great cooked by the Nepali team. We are not talking gourmet, but usually an appetizer, main and dessert. Although I came for the river I actually enjoyed the hike just as much, a glimpse of Everest and multiple encounters with goats and Nepalíes. The river exceeded expectations. I was kayaking and the remainder of the group was in rafts. The guides were very profesional lead by Stan and steered us down the river. I thought they made a good decision walking around one particular rapid. All the camps were on sandy beaches and the same type of breakfast linch and dinner happened every day. Every night had a fire drinks and conversation.
In summary, would I do it again?
Absolutely!
Hello-
I just finished a Tamur River trek/ rafting trip in Nepal that was a collaboration between Bio Bio & Whitewater Asia.
I’ve been rafting for over 30 years (10 as a guide) & have rafted all over the world.
The Tamur trek/ raft was perhaps the most extraordinary ten days I’ve ever experienced, & the intense whitewater was incredible.
Much of this had to do with our paddle guide, Derik Pritchett, & his “assistant”, the legendary Pat O’keefe, who was making his 29th trip down the Tamur.
Derik & Pat did a fantastic job collaborating together, & Derik’s skills as an oarsman & paddle captain were truly a privilege to watch. He worked w/ us as a team, encouraged us, paced us on the hard sections, described each rapid he scouted w/ amazing clarity, & brought a personal, funny, and always safety conscious voice to our journey. He respected Pat’s vast experience on the Tamur, & the two were brilliant together.
I just wanted Bio Bio to know how impressed I was w/ Derik & Pat. This was the trip of a lifetime, & these two gentlemen were responsible for keeping us safe on one of the great river adventures in the world.
Thank you.
Respectfully,
Tim Hillmer
Louisville, Colorado
Former river guide for Whitewater Voyages & Boulder Outdoor Center
Tamur 2022
Such an amazing trip and great way to experience so much of Nepal. The trekking was breathtaking as you walked through villages, interacting with the local people and the views of the Himalayas were stunning. After four days of trekking you reach the Tamur river which feels like you are about to begin a brand new adventure. Our lead guide Ant was well prepared and made us feel safe in a technically challenging river that had not been undertaken since the earthquake two years prior. The team did a lot of scouting on the first day and told us exactly what to do to get us through safely. After becoming more comfortable the rafting was quite trilling and I began to appreciate Ant’s skill in reading the water and navigating us through a roller coaster of rapids. The team did an excellent job preparing meals and truly making this a memorable and special trip. I would highly recommend this trip to anyone who wants to challenge themselves and see the real Nepal and hospitality of the Nepalese people.