Sun Koshi River Rafting – 9 Days

Our journey starts with 03 hours drive from Kathmandu to Dolalghat, and reaches in the out in point on the Sunkoshi River. After the usual briefing and preparations, the trip is on. The river looks deceitfully peaceful and lazy and soon local villages encountered. Lunch stop is at lovely sandy beach. One of the rapids encountered along the way on the first day is Khebhir rapids. There are villages and temples on the way until composite is reached a few kilo meters above rapids meatgrinder. While some of staffs help the crew to pitch up tents, the others spend time exploring the surrounding at Dovan tar campsite.

The second day begins more encouragingly. The path to choose is straight through the middle avoiding whirs on either side. A few kilometers down and the confluence of the Tama Koshi (river of copper) and Sunkoshi is encountered. After a lunch stop, there is ample time to explore the landscape and see different ethnic groups along the river. The second camp is set up above the rapid punch and Judy. Camping at trebeni.

The valley here is always changing in terms of its width. At bat cave, the crew takes the rapid seriously. The size of the rapids on this river can surprise you. It is time to stop and scout and eventually decide on the most exciting route through. Here people of ethic group called Newars always wait to see the adventure pass by. Floating down after the lunch, the water splashes across the boat the waves are no threat. Later, a nice stretch of sandy beach is chosen for the campsite. The white sand which seems ideally made for camping.

On day four, the surrounding change noticeably as the canyon gets narrower and the vegetation gets thicker. A number of small to medium sized rapids are encountered. A few kilometer below the confluence of the Likhu Khola a long class IV rapids named Likhu Rapid is encountered. Soon after lunch the ride takes one across interesting rock formation on the walls. The white water gets more exciting and the day ends at a campsite near a small village called Harkapur. For a change it is possible to visit a local tea shop.

On day five there is mounting excitement as the biggest rapid is to be encountered. Everyone is looking forward to it. There are early signs as the river picks up speed. The rapid Harkapur deserves some respect. After careful scouting, the team faces the challenge and the boat goes through. An hour and a half float downstream, the confluence of the Sunkoshi and Dudhkoshi River is encountered. Going further down steam, the river valley broadens to almost 2 kilometers across. In the afternoon run, a number of small rapids are crossed on the way. The next stop is near Rasuwa Khola.

This day is full of thrills as there are many rapids to face. Beginning with small rapids, they get progressively bigger and longer. One of these is Jaws, a challenge with a huge hole at certain levels, even the smaller ones are fun and the afternoon is full of them until Rhino rock rapid is encountered. This lies above the next bridge and heralds the beginning of the jungle Corridor. It is then to halt for the night and set up camp.

The gorge forces the water to flow through a narrow opening which is thickly forested. Along the way are successions of rapids such as copper chin and Black hole etc. Today there is an opportunity to shower under some waterfalls, an invigorating experience. As the gorge is maneuvered, rapidly changing scenery unfolds. Camp for the night is set up near a waterfall that drops down from a height of four hundred feet. This site is a few kilometers from the last major rapid, big dipper. In the evening set up camp for the night rest.

Rafting expedition team is looking forward to Big Dipper. This rapid is a series of standing waves with holes that can create quite bit of trouble. This must be inspected carefully and the right strategy adopted to tackle it. Soon the water ease out and the afternoon float is enjoyable. The confluence of the three main rives of eastern Nepal: Arun, Tamur and Sunkoshi is a good camping spot. The river then become parts of the SaptaKoshi (The Seven River) flow down to Terai.

The last day on the river start with a visit to the popular Hindu Temple at Barah Chetra below Tribeni, which is the meetig place or the three rivers Sunkoshi, Arun and Tamur. The pilgrimage arrives to celebrate lord Bishnu’s victory over a legendary demon. After lunch on the beach, the fabulous Sunkoshi river trip ends at Chatara and the drive back being with fond memories of the nine day through gorges and challenges rapid. Your destination can be arranged flight back from Biratnagar or can arranged drive back to Kathmandu approximately 14 hours or to avoid the long journey you can have a visit Chitwan National Park.