Imagine yourself gripping a paddle as your raft glides into clear, fast-moving water. As you look forward, the warm sunlight hits your face, you can see lush green hills rising on both sides, hear the birds calling from the forest, and sunlight dancing on the river’s surface. Between bursts of whitewater, you float quietly past steep valleys, terraced fields, and remote villages where life moves at its own gentle pace. This is rafting on the Arun River - raw, scenic, and beautifully untouched.
Located in the eastern part of Nepal, the Arun River flows through one of the country’s most remote and least-traveled valleys, carving its way through deep gorges, lush hillsides,with jaw-dropping views of some of the world’s highest mountains including Everest, Makalu, and Kanchanjungha on clear days. Arun offers more than just rapids. It delivers dramatic gorges, jungle-covered slopes, wide sandy beaches, and endless mountain backdrops that change with every bend of the river, making it a favorite among rafters looking for something more adventurous and off the beaten path.
Arun is known for its big volume water and strong, fast-moving currents. Most of the rapids fall between Class III and IV, making the journey exciting and rewarding for intermediate rafters, while summer months can push the challenge even higher. Between the adrenaline-filled sections, the river offers calmer stretches where you drift past lush hillsides, quiet villages, and sandy riverbanks that feel perfect for camping under the stars. This trip is best suited for rafters who enjoy a bit of challenge, love remote landscapes, and are drawn to true wilderness experiences.
Days on the Arun follow a beautiful rhythm morning tea by the river, rafting through rapids, then calm floats, lunch on sandy beaches or grassy riverbanks, afternoons filled with paddling, swimming (when safe), or simply floating, evenings with campfires, warm meals, and stories that get funnier every night. There’s something deeply satisfying about living simply for a few days :sleeping to the sound of water, waking up with the sun, and letting the river decide the pace.
Most people fall in love with the river life itself.
You typically begin your adventure near Tumlingtar, either by flying in or trekking through the striking Arun Valley before you set foot in your raft, from where the journey unfolds over several days, and finish at Chatara, where the river meets the wider Koshi river system. Nights are spent camping on beautiful river beaches, sharing meals, stories, and the simple joy of life outdoors.
The best time to raft the Arun is during spring (March to May), when the river runs strong and lively, and autumn (October to December), when skies are clearer and conditions are stable.
What Kind of Rafting Is the Arun?
Real Expedition Feel
This is one of Nepal’s less-visited rivers, meaning you’ll often have entire stretches of river and camp beaches to yourself - no crowds, no noise, just river rhythm and wilderness vibes. This trip is a great fit if you have done rafting before and want something more remote, enjoy multi-day trips, camping, and being offline. Big Himalayan water, Class III–IV rapids, remote valleys, and zero tourist traffic - this is the kind of rafting trip that reminds you why you love adventure in the first place.
Rapidity Meets Variety
The Arun packs Class III–IV rapids - exciting enough to challenge you, but not so extreme that only experts can try it. You’ll ride playful currents, encounter punchy waves, and still have plenty of calm stretches to enjoy the scenery. It is perfect if you want a step up from beginner rivers. Some sections come fast and bouncy, others let you drift and relax. It’s a great river if you want variety, not just constant adrenaline.
Stunning Natural Backdrop
From bright green mountain slopes to thick forests and riverside beaches, the scenery around the Arun looks like it was painted just for your trip. You might even spot birds like eagles and kingfishers, and wildlife such as monkeys and deer along the banks.
Authentic Cultural Touches
Since the river flows through remote communities, you’ll meet warm local people, witness traditional hillside farming, and get to know the traditional village life.
Why Choose Shalom Treks for Arun Rafting
Because on a multi-day river trip, the “little things” become the big things: smooth logistics, experienced crew, proper briefings, and a team that looks after you like family are fundamental. Shalom Treks blends adventure and comfort, so your trip feels polished without losing the wilderness spirit. This means you can focus on the fun part - paddling, splashing, and soaking it all in without second-guessing anything.
Expert local guides
Shalom Treks keeps the journey comfortable and friendly, with patient guides, clear instructions, and a pace that suits everyone. We provide expert local guides and trained professionals who know the river well, read water conditions carefully, and make sure everyone understands what to do before and during the trip.
Well-organized logistics
Everything behind the scenes is taken care of smoothly, so you don’t have to worry about the details. From arranging domestic flights to reach the river region, to transporting you safely to the rafting put-in point, the entire journey is planned carefully and runs on time. All necessary rafting and camping equipment -rafts, paddles, safety gear, tents, sleeping setups, and cooking supplies is prepared in advance and set up by the crew each day that allows you to focus on paddling, relaxing by the river, and soaking in the experience without any stress.
Safety
With Shalom Treks, safety is never an afterthought. You’ll be provided with proper life jackets and helmets, clear safety briefings and paddle practice, and support kayakers on key sections so you feel confident and free to enjoy every rapid. We have well-planned camps and meals that fuel fun and do not feel like camp food.