The Sun Koshi river flows from the Himalaya to eastwards in Nepal through the great valley between the Mahabharat range Mountains. It forms the watershed for most of eastern Nepal and gathering strength from tributaries draining the highest mountains in the world it emerges onto the northern plains of India where it joins the Ganges.

Sunkoshi expedition starts right here from Dolalghat. Since the Banepa-Bardibas highway is now in operation, it is possible to arrange a trip from Dumjabesi. One of the nice things about the Sun Koshi is that, with the exception of a few big rapids like Harkapur the general standard of the river gets progressively harder as you descend it so there is time to loosen up and practice your skills on easy water before you reach the more interesting bigger and more challenging rapids lower down the river. You will be pleasantly surprised and flattered by how much your skills improve by the end of the trip!

For the vast majority of the river there are no roads or towns, just the occasional picturesque village and friendly shouts of “Namaste” from the bank this is un-spoilt, rural Nepal at its best. All along the river are beautiful large white sandy beaches for camping, and the lower section of the river is heavily forested with troops of monkeys and an abundance of birdlife.

Trip itinerary

Day 1: Drive to Dolalghat/ Put in Point 3 hrs; after short rafting camp in Tarang Gaon

Day 2: Tarang Gaon to Dumja village rafting approx. 4 hrs, soon we hit the very technical rapid called Khuei Bhai rapid, strewn with rooks and boulders, hence, considerable care is need. Camp near the Mahadev temple, reputed to be the first Shiva temple in Nepal.

Day 3: Dumja village to Khunkot rafting approx. 6 hrs; immediately we are hitting the rapids passing enroute the fishing village of Kodaris' and the Chamera Bhir where you see hundreds of bats screaming and clinging to the walls of the cliffs, some good fun filled rapids takes up to Khunkot where we camp for the night.

Day 4: Khurkot to Likhu Khola rafting approx. 5 hrs; habitations dwindle, few poor Rai villages' enroute, exciting rapids in the afternoon with good photo prospects

Day 5: Likhu Khola to Harkapur village rafting approx. 6 hrs; today, we pass through deep gorges punctuated with exciting rapids unfolding pleasant floats in the afternoon troops of Langur and Rhesus monkeys can be seen romping the riverbanks.

Day 6: Harkapur village to Rai Ghat rafting approx. 6 hours Today is one of the most exciting and challenging days of the expedition encountering some very demanding rapids where you witness the skills of our guides, we pass through 'Bridge rapids' and 'Krishna rapids' stopping to carefully plan our strategy through the next rapids. Mr. Mangal Gurung was the first rafter to successfully take rafts in 1979 and he has the distinction of being the 1st Nepali to raft the Sunkoshi, it was a no mean success, hence, the rapid is named after him 'MANGAL RAPID'. Floating past the confluence of the Dudh Koshi, we hit the last rapid for the day, 'Roller Coaster' a hair rising rapid.

Day 7: Rai Ghat to Bander Ghat rafting approx. 6 hours Hold tight, the ride is not over yet. as past the point of Sap Su Khola is a rapid with the greatest drop Huge 'holes', 'eddies' and churning 'stopper waves' demands team work and hard paddle.

Day 8: Bander Ghat to Bonjur Ghat rafting aprox. 6 hours We take to the rapids again, busy all morning earnestly thanking for the lunch break, emerging from the Mardheku gorge the river spreads wide, less agitated after its confinement between steep cliffs and gorges.

Day 9: Bonjur Ghat to Barahchhatra rafting aprox. 6 hours today the whole stretch is a mixture of fun filled rapids and calm undulating floats, you are somewhat relived, yet sad that the trip is coming to an end, all good things ultimately does.

Day 10: Short rafting reaches out points Chatara, after lunch takes night bus to Kathmandu or drive to Biratnagar to take a flight back to Kathmandu.

After Chatara we can drive to Koshi Tappu or Chitwan National Park for an excellent Safari or drive back to Kathmandu or drive to Biratnagar for your fly back to Kathmandu.