Also known as “The River of Gold,” the Sun Koshi is the longest river trip offered in Nepal, traversing 270km through the beautiful Mahabharat Range, on its meandering way from the put-in point at Dolalghat to the take-out point at Chatara, far down on the Gangetic Plain. It is quite an experience to begin a river trip just 3 hours out of Kathmandu, barely 60km from the Tibet border, and end the trip looking down the hot, dusty gun barrel of the North Indian Plain just a week later.

The Sun Koshi starts off fairly relaxed with smaller rapids to warm up during the first couple of days. Savvy guides will take this opportunity to get the teams to work with exquisite precision, as on the third day the rapids become more powerful and frequent with high-water trips. One can be astonished at just how big a wave on the river can get. While the lower sections of large volume rivers are usually rather flat, the Sun Koshi reserves some of its biggest and best rapids for the last days. At the right flow, it is an incredible combination of powerful whitewater, stunning scenery and villages, and truly quiet and introspective evenings along what many people consider to be one of the world’s ten classic river journeys.

ITINERARY

Day 1 | 4 Oct

Kathmandu – Dolalghat – River Entry

Early morning departure by private bus. 3-hour drive to Dolalghat put-in near the Tibetan border. Raft setup, safety briefing, and gear distribution after lunch. First paddle on calm Class II waters through scenic forested hills.

Overnight: Riverside Camp (Butterfly Beach)

Day 2 | 5 Oct

Dolalghat to Likhu Khola Confluence

The river picks up pace with easy to moderate rapids as the Sun Koshi gains volume. Brief stop to visit a local Hindu temple en route. Wildlife watching — monkeys commonly spotted along this stretch. Evening kayaking lessons available for beginners.

Overnight: Beach Camp.

Day 3 | 6 Oct

Likhu Khola – The ‘Anxiety’ Series

River builds significantly after the Likhu Khola confluence. Navigate the famous ‘Anxiety’ series — Pre-Anxiety, High Anxiety, and Post-Anxiety. Plenty of play time in the warm water between rapids. Optional village walk in the evening.

Overnight: Beach Camp.

Day 4 | 7 Oct

Harkapur – Class IV Action Day

One of the most exciting days of the expedition. Technical Class IV rapids including ‘Bridge Rapids,’ ‘Krishna Rapids,’ and the powerful ‘Mangal Rapid.’ Scenery becomes increasingly dramatic with deep gorges and towering cliffs.

Overnight: Remote Beach Camp.

Day 5 | 8 Oct

Rasuwa Ghat – Jungle Corridor

Rafting through a stunning jungle corridor. After the Dudh Koshi confluence (draining from the Mt. Everest region), the river widens considerably and the rapids intensify. Dramatic gorge walls and lush greenery on all sides.

Overnight: Jungle Beach Camp.

Day 6 | 9 Oct

Jungle Corridor to Big Dipper

A mix of thrilling rapids and calm stretches perfect for soaking up the scenery. Watch for kingfishers, otters, and rare river wildlife. Explore riverside bat caves. Campfire evening on a pristine white sandy beach.

Overnight: Beach Camp.

Day 7 | 10 Oct

Big Dipper to Tribeni Dovan

Approaching the confluence of the three great rivers of eastern Nepal — the Arun, Tamur, and Sun Koshi. The current is powerful and steady. A spectacular and remote section of the journey.

Overnight: Tribeni Dovan Camp.

Day 8 | 11 Oct

Tribeni – Chatara – Final Day on the River

Last full day on the water. Visit the sacred Hindu temple at Barahchhetra at the meeting of the rivers. Final rapids bring the expedition to a triumphant close at Chatara. Take-out, gear pack-up, and celebratory team dinner.

Overnight: Hotel, Chatara/Dharan.

Day 9 | 12 Oct

Return to Kathmandu / Departure

Drive or fly back to Kathmandu (flight from Biratnagar recommended — 45 min vs. 15-hour road journey). Farewell and departure.