We offer special group discounts, please contact us for the offers.
Trip Duration 11 days
Group Size 2-16 people
Difficulty Grade Moderate
Start & End Point Kathmandu/Kathmandu
Best Seasons Mar - Jun and Sep - Dec
Sun Koshi River Highlights
World-Class Whitewater Adventure – Experience continuous Class III–V rapids, making Sun Koshi one of the top long-distance rafting rivers in the world.
Multi-Day River Expedition – Enjoy a 7–9 day journey covering approximately 270 km through remote and untouched landscapes.
Big Volume Rapids – Paddle through powerful and technical rapids that provide both adrenaline and excitement for rafters and kayakers.
Scenic Himalayan Landscapes – Float past lush forests, waterfalls, terraced hillsides, and dramatic river gorges.
Riverside Beach Camping – Camp on pristine sandy beaches under the stars with freshly prepared meals by the river crew.
Kayaking Opportunities – Ideal for experienced kayakers seeking challenging whitewater sections along with calmer stretches for skill practice.
Cultural Encounters – Pass remote villages and observe traditional rural life along the riverbanks.
Wildlife & Nature – Opportunities to spot birds, river wildlife, and enjoy peaceful jungle surroundings between rapids.
Team Adventure Experience – A perfect combination of adventure, teamwork, and outdoor exploration in Nepal’s wilderness.
Overview of Sun Kosi Rafting & Kayaking Trip – 11 Days
The Sun Koshi Rafting & Kayaking Trip is one of Nepal’s most thrilling and scenic multi-day river adventures, offering an unforgettable journey through remote valleys, dense forests, and traditional villages. The Sun Koshi River—whose name means “River of Gold”—is considered one of the top ten rafting rivers in the world due to its long continuous rapids, big-volume whitewater, and spectacular landscapes. Originating in the Tibetan Himalayas and flowing south toward the plains of Nepal, the river provides an ideal combination of adrenaline-pumping rapids and peaceful stretches perfect for swimming, relaxing, and kayaking practice.
The trip typically lasts 7–9 days, covering approximately 270 kilometers, making it one of the longest rafting expeditions in Nepal. Participants encounter a variety of rapids ranging from Class III to Class V, offering both excitement and challenge for adventure seekers. Between rapids, the journey allows time to enjoy sandy river beaches, waterfalls, jungle corridors, and riverside camping under the stars. Each evening, camps are set up on pristine beaches where guests can relax, enjoy freshly prepared meals, and experience the peaceful sounds of nature.
This expedition is suitable for adventurous beginners with good fitness as well as experienced rafters and kayakers seeking a world-class river experience. Professional river guides provide safety briefings, paddling instructions, and full support throughout the journey. The best seasons for Sun Koshi rafting are spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November), when water levels are ideal and weather conditions are stable.
Overall, the Sun Koshi Rafting & Kayaking Trip offers a perfect blend of adventure, natural beauty, cultural encounters, and wilderness camping, making it one of Nepal’s premier whitewater experiences for thrill-seekers and nature lovers alike.
Itinerary of Sun Kosi Rafting & Kayaking Trip – 11 Days
01
Day 1: Welcome to Kathmandu
You’ll enjoy stunning views of the valley, the Himalaya, and the terraced fields below as you take off for Kathmandu. After clearing customs, a representative will be there to help you check into your hotel and navigate the initial cultural shock of Kathmandu’s twisting, winding streets. After you’ve settled in, go explore one of Kathmandu’s cultural attractions. The evening is a nice time to eat, and Thamel, a popular tourist destination, offers a wide selection of eateries serving both Western and regional Nepali cuisine.
02
Day 2: Explore Kathmandu
When the city is gently waking up in the morning hours and isn’t yet too chaotic, Kathmandu offers a unique aura. It’s a perfect time to stroll and explore the neighborhood, or to enjoy a chai while gazing out over one of the durbar squares or neighborhood courtyards. Given the numerous breathtaking vistas in and around the Kathmandu Valley, there are numerous ways you might spend the day. Later in the evening, go out to eat at one of the city’s top restaurants, or your specialist can set up a supper at a local family’s house.
03
Day 3: Rafting warm-up and Butterfly beach
Travel to the river, receive a thorough safety training before you begin, and complete a brief 3-hour warm-up rafting session before setting up camp at Butterfly Beach. Grade II/III rapids are present for the first few days, which are rather calm and give you a good warm-up.
04-09
Days 4-9: Rafting: rinse and repeat
Rafting days that last all day. Breakfast will be served at 7:30 am, packing will be finished by 9:00 am, and you’ll be on the river by 9.30 am. Then, after paddling until midday (12 o’clock), we’ll stop for about an hour on a beach to rest up before getting back in the rafts or kayaks. Prior to setting up camp for the night, we will raft until around 4 o’clock in the afternoon.
Play football with the neighborhood kids, go fishing, tour the nearby villages and temples, or just unwind on the beach with a book before starting the bonfire for the evening. The rapids get bigger as the days go by, with Hakapur, Rhino Rock, and Jungle Corridor being the highlights that you won’t soon forget!
We’ll be passing through extensive forests, isolated communities, and breathtaking scenery.
The river gradually flattens out as we approach the Indian Plains at the end of the journey.
10
Day 10: Drive or fly back to Kathmandu
It’s our last day in the raft today. To the last Hindu temple, where we will halt for a brief tour, we will raft. At 1 pm, we will then exit the river. It is a short drive to Biratnagar airport and a 45-minute flight back to Kathmandu for those who chose to take the flight (currently costing about $170 USD per person). Those with smaller budgets can board the bus and travel 15 hours overnight to return to Kathmandu, where they will arrive at about 9 a.m. the following day.
11
Day 11: Depart Kathmandu
It’s time to leave Nepal. Enjoy one more breakfast in a café, a stroll through the city, and/or some souvenir shopping to cap off your time in Kathmandu. When you arrive at your hotel, a representative will pick you up and take you to the airport in time for your flight home. It is advisable to arrive at the airport two hours before departure.
Cost Includes And Excludes
What's Included?
All ground transportation from and to Kathmandu (Kathmandu–Dolalghat–Chatara–Kathmandu)
Professional licensed river guides and safety kayakers
All rafting and kayaking equipment (rafts, paddles, helmets, life jackets, dry bags)
Safety equipment and comprehensive first aid kit
All meals during the river expedition (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
Riverside beach camping accommodation
Camping equipment (tents, mattresses, kitchen and dining setup)
River permits and government taxes
Support crew (cook, helpers, and logistics team)
What's Excluded?
Personal travel insurance (mandatory and must cover adventure activities)
Personal expenses (snacks, soft drinks, alcoholic beverages)
Personal clothing and equipment
Tips for guides and support staff
Hotel accommodation and meals in Kathmandu (unless specified in package)
Any additional services not mentioned in the “Cost Includes” section
Sun Koshi Kayaking Essential Information
The Sun Koshi Rafting & Kayaking Trip is a multi-day whitewater expedition and one of Nepal’s longest river journeys, offering a combination of adventure, wilderness camping, and cultural experiences.
Trip Duration: 7–9 days River Distance: Approximately 270 km Rapid Grade: Class III–V (depending on season and water level) Best Season: Spring (March–May) and Autumn (September–November) Starting Point: Dolalghat Ending Point: Chatara Activity Type: Rafting and Kayaking Expedition Accommodation: Riverside beach camping
Difficulty Level
Moderate to Challenging. Suitable for adventurous beginners with good physical fitness and experienced rafters or kayakers seeking a longer expedition.
Transportation
Ground transportation from Kathmandu to the rafting starting point (Dolalghat) and return transfer from Chatara to Kathmandu is typically included in organized packages.
Meals
All meals are usually provided during the expedition, freshly prepared by the river crew at campsite locations.
Safety
Professional licensed river guides conduct safety briefings and provide paddling instructions. Safety equipment such as helmets, life jackets, and throw bags are provided.
What to Bring
Quick-dry clothing, swimwear, sunscreen, sunglasses with strap, personal toiletries, towel, lightweight sleeping bag (if required), sandals, and a warm layer for evenings.
Permits
No special trekking permits are required; rafting permits and river fees are generally arranged by the operating company.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The expedition typically lasts 7–9 days, covering approximately 270 kilometers from Dolalghat to Chatara.
The river features Class III to Class V rapids, depending on the season and water levels. It is suitable for adventurous beginners with good fitness and experienced rafters.
Previous experience is helpful but not mandatory for rafting. However, kayakers should have prior whitewater experience, especially for higher-grade rapids.
Spring (March–May) and Autumn (September–November) are the best seasons, offering ideal water levels and stable weather conditions.
Yes. Professional licensed river guides conduct safety briefings and provide all necessary safety equipment, including helmets and life jackets. A safety kayaker and first aid kit are always part of the expedition.
Accommodation is in riverside beach camps. Tents, mattresses, and dining arrangements are provided by the river crew.
All meals during the river expedition are included and freshly prepared by the support team at campsite locations.
Quick-dry clothes, swimwear, sandals, sunscreen, sunglasses with strap, personal toiletries, a towel, and warm layers for evenings are recommended.
Most packages include transportation from Kathmandu to the starting point at Dolalghat and return transfer from Chatara.
Yes, travel insurance that covers adventure and whitewater rafting activities is highly recommended and often mandatory.
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We offer special group discounts, please contact us for the offers.
