Gathering strength from tributaries draining the highest mountains in the world the white water on the Sun Koshi is Biblical, even expedition-size rafts disappear into the vastness of crashing waves and rolling, boiling water.
After the monsoon the river is high and wild, and definitely not for the faint-hearted. Whipped foamy white where narrow gorges constrict the river's flow the cataracts are long and powerful. The warm waters of the Sun Koshi surge, snake and wind for 270 km to the east of Nepal.
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's an incredible combination of white water, scenery, villages, and truly quiet and introspective evenings on huge sandy beaches along what many people consider to be one of the world's 10 classic river journeys.
River Name: Sun Koshi
River Days: 8-10
Difficulty: 4-5
Rafting put in point: Dolalghat
Rafting ending point: Chatara
Water Volume: 400 C.
Best Season: Spring & Autumn
River Distance: 260 Km. or 170 miles approx
Trip cost: USD 50 p/day and group join base
Trip cost includes: Both way transfers, best quality self-bailing inflatable raft, safety helmet, plastic paddle, lifejacket, waterproof container/barrel for camera and valuables things, first-aid kits, camping and kitchen utensils, hygienically prepared food and drinks.
Trip cost excludes: River wears/gears, sun protection, personal water bottle, personal sleeping bag, towel, light shoe, flash light, personal toiletries, camera, reading and writing materials, medication recommended by your doctor.
Day 01: Three hour's bus drives to Dolalghat and prepares for rafting. Camp at sandy beach.
Day 02: Run class 3 rapids and camp nearby Ratemate.
Day 03: Rafting about 4 hours with class 3 rapids and camp nearby Harkapur.
Day 04: Rafting about 4 ½ hours with class 4/5 rapids and camp nearby Harkapur.
Day 05: Rafting around 4 hours with class 4 rapids and camp near Rasuaghat.
Day 06: Rafting on whitewater class 4 rapids and camp on sandy beach.
Day 07: Raft about 4 hours through "Bigdipper" and camp below rapid.
Day 08: Rafting about 2 hours till Chatara. After lunch drive back to Kathmandu.
Day 09: Arrive Kathmandu.
Rafting was excellent but be prepared to get very wet! The guide was very professional and we felt safe all the way. We enjoyed a lot of our rafting adventure.
Adam penny
Australia