Rafting · Besisahar
Marsyangdi River Rafting
One of Nepal's best whitewater runs — a steep, continuous rafting river through the hills of Lamjung.
The Marsyangdi, the river that drains the Annapurna Circuit and flows past Besisahar, is one of Nepal's finest whitewater runs — a steep, fast, continuous river of big-volume rapids set in a deep green gorge below the high Himalaya. For adventurous rafters and kayakers it is a step up from the gentle Trishuli, and Besisahar is the natural base for organising a trip.
What to expect
Where the Trishuli is forgiving, the Marsyangdi is demanding: tight, technical, near-continuous whitewater generally rated around class 4, dropping fast through a steep-walled valley. Trips usually put in in the upper valley around Ngadi or Bhulbhule, above Besisahar, and run down over one to two days. It is a river for fit, confident paddlers who want serious action and dramatic mountain scenery rather than a relaxed float.
Good to know
- Difficulty: Around class 4 and continuous — best for experienced rafters and kayakers, not first-timers.
- Season: Autumn and spring give the best water and weather; monsoon flows run very high and powerful.
- Put-in: Trips typically start near Bhulbhule and Khudi in the upper valley, with Besisahar as the staging town.
- Combine it: Many travellers pair a raft with the start of the Annapurna Circuit. For the wider picture, see the national guides to rafting in Nepal and adventure activities in Nepal, and find more to do in our top things to do in Besisahar.
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Frequently asked questions
Is the Marsyangdi good for rafting?+
Yes — the Marsyangdi is widely rated one of Nepal's best whitewater rivers. It is steeper and more continuous than the Trishuli, with technical, big-volume rapids set in a beautiful green-hill gorge below the Annapurna massif, making it a favourite of experienced rafters and kayakers.
How hard is the Marsyangdi rafting run?+
The Marsyangdi is a challenging, fast river, generally graded around class 4 with some bigger sections, so it suits fit, adventurous paddlers rather than first-timers. Beginners are better off on the gentler Trishuli; the Marsyangdi rewards those wanting serious continuous whitewater.
When is the best time to raft the Marsyangdi?+
Autumn (October to November) and spring (March to April) offer the best mix of water levels, weather and clear views. During and just after the monsoon the river runs very high and powerful, while winter is colder with lower flows; outfitters run trips mainly in the dry seasons.
Where does the Marsyangdi rafting trip start?+
Trips on the Marsyangdi typically put in in the upper valley around Ngadi or Bhulbhule, above Besisahar, and run down through the gorge over a day or two. Besisahar is the natural base for organising the trip and the road access to the river.
