Sun Koshi River Rafting
White water rafting in globally known "River of Gold" - Sun Koshi River Rafting
Exciting white water rafting in beautiful Sun Koshi, the River of Gold
Sun Koshi River is an ideal destination for pursuing a classic white water rafting trip in Nepal. Also popularly/literally known as “Golden River”, Sun Koshi is the longest river cascading 270 km from the Himalayas through Mahabharat Lekh. Journeying through this torrential river on an inflatable rubber boat with life-jackets on, we have nature accompanying us all along the river trip bestowing ample opportunity to witness exotic wildlife in its natural habitat.
Besides this sheer awe-inspiring whitewater rafting against roaring rapids from put-in point below the Village of Lamosangu to the put-out point at Chatara, we can have cultural encounters as we approach pristine hamlets on terraced hillsides. En route, we may sight see exotic animals like languor monkeys, spotted deer, otter anteater etc and many unique bird species. Several Hindu temples come on the way which very well worth a visit. We conclude the trip with a flight from Biratnagar to Kathmandu.
Outline Itinerary
- Day 1 Early morning drive to Balephi (65 Km), Start rafting from Balephi, Raft up to Dolalghat
- Day 2 Raft up to Pucharghat
- Day 3 Raft up to Dhani Ghat
- Day 4 Raft up to Harkapur
- Day 5 Raft up to Raighat
- Day 6 Rest day to Explore around (nice spot for viewing Mt. Everest)
- Day 7 Raft up to Raswaghat
- Day 8 Raft up to Riverghat
- Day 9 Raft up to Ranitar
- Day 10 Raft up to Chatara; Pick up and Drive to Biratnagar
Detailed Itinerary
- Day 1
Early morning drive to Balephi (65 Km), Start rafting from Balephi & Raft up to Dolalghat
Early in the morning we drive through 65 km route for 3 hours to get to Balephi, our raft put in point. After arriving at Balephi, lunch is served. Prior to rafting all the concerned details are thoroughly briefed out and then equipped with appropriate gear we venture into rafting journey piloted by expert river guide. Paddling along the rhythm of Roaring River amid the picturesque landscape, exquisite wilderness and panorama of majestic hills, we head towards Dolalghat. On reaching Dolalghat, we witness terraced fields and traditional Nepali houses perched on the hillsides and slopes. This glorious adventure concludes for the day with camping at a superb site in Dolalghat. .
- Day 2
Raft up to Pucharghat
We continue rafting against thrashing rapids. By the time this exhilarating river ride meanders against class IV ‘No exit’ and ‘Meatgrinder’ rapids towards Pucharghat, it becomes much easier to control the fast-paced whitewater run. Pristine Tamang villages zoom out into picture. Eventually, after hours of succumbing to unparallel rafting challenges we camp at Pucharghat. .
- Day 3
Raft up to Dhani Ghat
As the rafting trip advances further, we get more familiarized with the topology of Sun Koshi river. Besides rendezvous with exhilarating scenic rapids, breathtaking scenery and ethno-cultural heritages are the other attractive prospects that make our journey so very enriching, memorable and satisfying. We also enter the confluence of the Likhu Khola. Finally, we camp at Dhani Ghat. .
- Day 4
Raft up to Harkapur
The river trip meets a series of whitewater rapids with various intensities at regular intervals. We encounter amazing boulder-strewn whitewater bonanza! On rafting towards Harkapur, we struggle against class III rapids. The trip gets more challenging and threatening as torrential rapids transforms into V class rapids. Expertise of river guide coupled with extreme precaution and safety measures play key roles at this point. After fun-filled adventurous rafting trip, we camp at Harkapur. .
- Day 5
Raft up to Raighat
Rafting past Harkapur has us encounter with IV class rapids as we enter the confluence of the Dudhkoshi River. Amidst the exotic eco-system and natural vistas, the river widens below the Dudhkoshi and flow through a broad valley after mellowing down. In comparison to Sun Kosi, Dudhkoshi is much colder. After having maneuvered through awesome rapids like Rapid Punch, Juddy, High anxiety, Motorcycle, Harkapur 1, Harkapur 2 and Harkapur 3, we eventually reach Raighat where we set a camp. .
- Day 6
Rest day
We set aside this day for complete mental and physical rest. After proper rest, we can explore the areas around the campsite. We can even have beauty of nature evidenced in our picturesque snapshots. Viewing the most blissful sight of mesmerizing Mt. Everest is another visual treat for us .
- Day 7
Raft up to Raswaghat
Fighting against rapids like Jaws and Dead Man’s Eddy, we raft past a suspension bridge and a huge eddy. Our heart palpitates with adventure spirit as we paddle ahead for more challenging whitewater rafting. Exotic wilderness and nature remain our witnesses all through this thrilling river trip. Our river guide provides us informative tidbits from time and again. We conclude the trip of the day by lastly camping at Raswaghat. .
- Day 8
Raft up to Riverghat
Making our way through wild verdant vegetation, rock-strewn cliff and house-sized boulders, we bounce and splash against the untamed river. Further ahead, we encounter continuous white water with rapids like Rhino Rocks and Jungle Corridor. We will be treated with awesome view of exotic wilderness, pristine hamlets and picturesque landscape. As we near Riverghat, we look out for a suitable campsite. .
- Day 9
Raft up to Ranitar
As the untamed river cuts against the rocky banks, crash into rocks and crevices breaking into foaming white water rapids, we position the raft securely abiding the instructions of our river guide. Enjoying the stunning scenery, we white water raft through narrow canyons and furious rapids like Chamereghat and Darsandhungat. After arriving at Ranitar, we put a halt to the trip for the day and camp at a fantastic location. .
- Day 10
Chatara; Pick up and Drive to Biratnagar
Departing from Ranitar, we paddle along imperial rapid, big dipper. Soon after discovering enchanting waterfalls and paradisiacal side canyons, we enter Tribenighat, the confluence of river Arun, Tamur and beginning of Sapta Koshi river. Holding onto the cherishing memories of the trip, we bid farewell to our rafting journey after arriving at Chatara. There is a Barahi temple lying in the vicinity of Chatara. We can visit this temple to pay our homage to lord Vishnu. Thereafter, we drive to Biratnagar .
General Information
Rafting guide
We have a team of highly experienced English speaking rafting guides professionally trained and thoroughly versed in topography and nature of river. They have absolute expertise on white water rafting, swift water rescue and emergency wilderness first aid.
Team composition
We operate Nepal rafting trips for private team of your friends and family so you can enjoy your private trip without having to deal and confront with others people with different interests and attitude. Normally, we put 6-8 people including rafting guide in a raft.
Cost of the trip:
The cost of each trip depends on duration of trip and group size, the higher the group size lower is the cost. Cost usually includes: All full board camping service and transportation to the put in point and back from the take out point by private coach, all safety equipment etc. Cost does not include: alcoholic beverages, personal clothing, expenses of personal nature and insurance.
Transportation to/from put-in/put-out point
We have a fleet of mostly Japanese made Toyota vehicles of all types and sizes, from small two-seater luxury cars to large capacity luxury tourist coaches. 4WD Land cruisers are used in difficult and muddy road trips. Size and type of vehicle depend on size of your group. We use two-seater car for 1-2 persons, micro luxury 6-seater van for 3-5 persons, 10-seater van for 6-9 persons and tourist coach or coaster for group size above 10 persons. Our drivers are specially trained to serve in the hospitability industry. The vehicles are checked carefully before assigning to your service.
Best month for rafting and kayaking
Best time for rafting is from March to May and from September to November. Temperature can get colder in January and February ranging from 7° to 20° C. For rest of the month, temperature remains minimum 18° to maximum 30° C. Monsoon rafting can be arranged on Trishuli river.
Classification of rivers
Maintaining the highest standard of safety and service, river trips have been classified in accordance to status of water flow, rapids & remoteness.
CLASS I: Easy. Small rapids, fast moving water with riffles and small waves, few obstructions, minimal risk to swimmers and possibility of self-rescue.
CLASS II: Novice. Gentle straightforward rapids with wide and clear channels and slight manoeuvring required.
CLASS III: Moderate. Exciting rapids with irregular waves and hazards, strong eddies and current and skilled manoeuvring required.
CLASS IV: Very difficult. Raging rapids, powerful manoeuvring required and turbulent water flow.
CLASS V: Extremely difficult. Long and very violent rapids with several hazards, unavoidable waves and holes or steep, congested chutes with complex demanding routes, high degree of danger to swimmers, expertise and reliable high quality equipments required for safe passage.
CLASS VI: Unrunnable. Extremely difficult rapids, high chances of death and destruction of equipments and very slim chances of rescue.
NAME OF RIVERS CLASS
Trishuli: II+ to IV
Karnali: III to V
Seti: III
Bheri: III+
Arun: IV
Sunkoshi: IV+
Tamor: IV to IV+
Kali Gandaki: IV to V
Marshyangdi: IV+ to V
Bhotekoshi: V
Tamakoshi: V TO V+
Duration of rafting
Generally, rafting hours is 4-5 hours a day. In case, rafting trip is extended for more than a day, the rafting hours will automatically be more. Durations and rafting highlights are mentioned in all our detailed itineraries. Relevant tips/information will be briefed to you before you embark on any of our trips.
A typical day on the river
We usually start our day after thorough briefings on the safety measures by river guide. Generally, we raft for 4-5 hours a day. Around mid day after we have our share of glorious rafting experience with the challenging rapids, we stop for lunch at sandy beach. In a multiday trip, we set up a camp by riverside. Once we arrive at camping site, we can wander around nearby locality or simply relax basking in the splendor of nature. Camping overnight by riverside gives us time and opportunity to share our views, feeling and experiences under an open sky of sparking stars.
Meals & drinking water during rafting
For a river trip exceeding more than a day, breakfast, dinner and lunch will be served at a campsite including tea, coffee and snacks. A team of cook and kitchen staff prepare healthy and nutritious meals under strict hygienic procedure. Boiled and treated water shall be supplied to you before you board the raft.
Meals & accommodation in Kathmandu
We have specially negotiated rates of a range of hotels. We can offer the best deal to suit your budget and preference. If you book your hotel with us in Kathmandu, breakfast is usually included in our package cost. In Kathmandu plenty of best and quality restaurants serve Nepali, oriental and continental dishes. We are able to recommend good one depending on your taste preference. A good continental lunch or dinner at a good restaurant approximately costs USD 10-15.
Clothing & equipment:
You are required to bring some shirts, T-shirts, socks, hat, suntan lotion, sunglasses with string, river shoes or flip-flop, flashlight, personal medication, couple of shorts and pants for the evening and morning, a sweeter or a jacket. Company provides raft (number of raft depends on size of group), safety devices, sleeping bags, mattress tents & kitchenettes.
Safety
Explore Himalaya always regard safety of rafters as utmost priority. Prior to venturing into a rafting trip, rafters are thoroughly briefed about the safety measures and rafting guidelines.
A rafting trip is piloted by a river guide professionally trained in emergency wilderness first aid and swift-water rescue. Rafters venture into a river trip with safety jackets, flotation devices, helmets and river-friendly clothes. We use high quality inflatable rubber raft capable of giving extraordinary performance, agility, stability and manoeuvrability. Our rafts can swift through the wildest and strongest of waves and guarantee hundred percent safety.
Meeting/airport transfers:
In all our packaged trips featured in this site, airport pick up and drop are included. You have to mention your flight detail (Airlines name and arrival time in Kathmandu) while booking any trip with us. One of our tour officers and driver meet and greet you at airport; escort you to your hotel and brief you about your further activities in detail, collect your flight tickets for reconfirmation and deliver back them later. After your trip is over you will be transferred back to the airport in time to catch your flight back home.
Tipping:
Though optional, a small amount of tipping is appreciated by your guide and driver after their good services. Tipping is usually of 5-10% of your total cost.
Extension or side trips
In addition to your trek, we can organize extensions both within Nepal and other neighboring countries. You may want to combine any rafting trip with a jungle safari in Nepal or Nepal Cultural Tours. Maybe a trip to Tibet, India or Bhutan appeals you. Whatever it is or wherever it is, we can make all the arrangements for you.
Happy Explorers
The services of the guides and supporting staff was excellent. They were always helpful, friendly, flexible and punctual.
Community Service
We work with the motto "Tourism for Development". Explore Himalaya Community Service Project was conceived to empower underprivileged segments of Nepal.
