SUN KOSHI RIVER
(“RIVER OF GOLD”)
GRADE 4-5
7-10 DAYS
Sun Koshi is one of the top ten white-water rafting rivers in the world.
It has its source near Mount Sisapangma and flows 270 km. eastwards through
the great Mahabharatlekh range. The further we raft down, the bigger the river
becomes as it passes its confluence with its numerous tributaries – Dudhkoshi
from Mount Everest, Arun, Tamur etc. The area is so remote that we have to rely on
our own supplies. Because of the huge volume of water in the river, the rapids
(grade 3-5) are so big that the raft will disappear from the sight of those standing
on the shore!
Starting Point:- Balephi
Ending Point:- Chatara (Near Suptakoshi Barrage)
River Duration:- 9-10 Days (Depending on the season)
River Grade:- 4-5
Day 1:
We meet in the morning in Kathmandu and drive to Balephi, the raft put-in point (3 hours
driving). Lunch is served and the equipment packed before you listen to the important
safety and paddling briefing given by our guides. Immediately, the action starts. The
grade 3 rapids will be good practice for learner rafters. The area is very scenic. Camp
is set at Dolalghat, where you will enjoy dinner around the campfire.
Day 2:
After having breakfast we paddle down to encounter the challenge of “Meatgrinder”, a
grade 4+ rapid. A few metres below here the Tamakoshi joins the Sunkoshi on the left with a beach
at the confluence. There is a beautiful temple to Shiva, where pilgrims come to worship every
morning. We camp here.
Day 3:
Until the confluence with the Likhu Khola, we have easy rafting and the rapids are only grade 3.
Thereafter, very soon we face the grade 4+ rapid “High Anxiety” with a large hole on the
left route down and a series of holes at the bottom. Here we make camp and have a swim.
Day 4:
After facing several grade 3+ rapids, we stop for a while to buy some necessary provisions and beers.
Be ready to paddle faster because we now encounter the challenge of the grade 5 rapids “Harkapur
2” and “Harkapur 3”, the hardest and biggest of this trip.
Day 5:
After the confluence with the Dudhkoshi River from Mt. Everest, the river widens, but very soon we meet
the grade 4 rapid “Jaws”.
Day 6:
Today is the hardest day, as you will encounter the grade 5 rapids “Rhino Rocks” and
“Jungle Corridor” and stretches of continuous white water. Waterfalls cascade on both sides
of the river. One waterfall in particular makes a great spot for a team shower. We pitch camp and enjoy
the tranquillity of the night.
Day 7:
Relax because you've been paddling too much!
Day 8:
Great waves but no big rapids so you can ask our kayakers to instruct you about how to roll.
Day 9:
Today we are going to face the last rapid of the trip – “Big Dipper” is a series of huge
standing waves. A few kilometres further on we meet the Arun and Tamur rivers to form the river As
Saptakoshi (seven rivers) and we will have numerous waves and whirlpools. For a short time we go to visit
the Barahi temple. We finish our trip at Chatara and then drive back to Kathmandu or you can take the plane
to fly back to Kathmandu from Biratnagar.
What a great day we had!
Note: In September this is a 7 day trip. From October to December it is a 9 day trip. From March to May it is a 10 day trip.
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