MEDICAL RAFTING EXPEDITION
EXPEDITION HIGHLIGHTS
- Traveling 270 km from the lush hills near the Tibetan border, down through jungle, all the way to the flat plains near the Indian border
- Cultural immersion into Nepali life
- Enjoy nature’s showers with epic waterfalls
- Camp on white sandy beaches
- Visit remote Hindu temples along the way
GRG FOUNDATION TRIP
It’s no secret that we LOVE the Sun Kosi river, out of all the expeditions we run this is our favourite and as such we find ourselves there time and time again. Whilst traveling to this area, we are greeted everyday by friendly locals, some of whom we have come to know very well. Without except, on every trip we travel here, the locals always ask for our advice on their medical ailments from simple things like washing and treating wounds to much more serious problems.
As raft guides, we obviously go through basic medical training and always carry an extensive first aid kit, and people there have come to reply on our experience and the equipment we carry. But we felt that there was something more we could be doing, which is why we have put this itinerary together
Our idea is to take a raft full of Doctors, Nurses, Dentist’s, Opticians down the river with us to treat the locals from the area as we travel down. And we need YOU to help us. If you are a qualified medical professional and are looking to do something a little bit different with your holiday time, we want to hear from you!
We will set up temporary medical camps in remote locations as we travel down and offer free healthcare to those in need in the area. For many people in this area, healthcare is out of reach in terms of location and finance
This is an incredible unique adventure volunteer experience and although we are here to do a very important job, it is also a lot of fun! This river has been rated one of the top 10 river journeys in the world, and you are going to find out exactly why!
FAST FACTS
CLASS
DURATION
DEPARTURE
FROM/TO
VOLUME
BEST SEASON
PRICE
III+ / V
14 days
GRG Office, Thamel, Kathmandu at 9am on fixed departures
To: Chumligtar (4 hour drive to Kathmandu or Pokhara)
Volume in November : 400cms (1400 cfs)
Sept-Nov or end of April – June
US$1700
ITINERARY
Arrival
Today you will arrive into Kathmandu. We will collect you from the airport and transfer you to your hotel in Thamel, the main tourist area in Kathmandu.
Depending on your arrival time, there will be time to explore the town or simply relax in the hotel garden.
Accommodation; International Guest House
Meals; No meals
Free Day In Kathmandu
You will have a free day to day to explore the city and get ready for the expedition start tomorrow. We can help you change your money into rupees, show you the best places to buy any last minute equipment you may need and help you with anything you may need.
For those interested, we can organise a half day excursion visiting some of the Holy Temples in the surrounding area.
We will meet in the GRG office for a pre-departure meeting at 6pm where we will go over any last minute details, hand out dry bags and then head out for a group dinner.
Accommodation; International Guest House
Meals; Breakfast and Dinner
First Rafting Day
We will meet outside the GRG office at 9am where you will meet your raft guides and walk to our private vehicle. A three hour drive takes us to our put in at Dolalghat.
Whilst the guides are preparing all the equipment and loading the rafts, you will be given a full safety briefing. And from here.. our adventure begins!
This is the start of our 270km journey. It is a fairly easy start to the trip, with just a few Grade 2 rapids. We will take a break after an hour or so to visit a local Hindu temple which your guide will show you around before we reach our camp on Butterfly Beach. A relaxing first day takes us away from the busy roads and into the heart of the villages.
We will set up our camp, have some yummy food and enjoy watching the stars overhead on a beautiful white sandy beach. You can help us to prepare the vegetables if you wish, or spend the afternoons fishing, reading, playing football, or simply relaxing on the beach. There’s plenty to do to keep you occupied! There will be no medical outreach today.
Accommodation; Tented on a riverside beach
Meals; Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Rafting Day
Accommodation; Tented on a riverside beach
Meals; Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
First Outreach Day
Rafting Day
After 15 hours overnight on the bus, we should arrive back in Kathmandu early on the 9th morning.
Out reach day
Outreach Day
Finish Rafting and Fly to Kathmandu
Today will be our last day rafting and it is a relatively flat section for the last 10km. We will pack up one final time and head on down the river. Soon after we start the day, we will stop at a famous Hindu temple for a blessing before we start the journey home.
We will take out at a small village called Chatara. Where we will load up the bus and you will head off to Biratnagar airpot for a 45 minute flight back to Kathmandu. A member of the GRG team will meet you at the airport and take you back to International Guest House for a well earnt beer and shower!!
There are loads of lovely restaurants and bars for you to sample tonight before your departure tomorrow.
Accommodation; International Guest House
Meals; Breakfast & Lunch
Departure
And just like that it’s time to say goodbye. We will transfer you to the airport and say a final farewell. What an adventure and great achievement.
Meals; Breakfast only
TRIP INCLUDES
- 3 nights accommodation in Thamel, Kathmandu
- Airport pick up and drops offs
- Internal Flight from Biratnagar to Kathmandu
- Welcome group meal
- All staff, including highly qualified & licensed Guides and professional Safety Kayakers all fluent in English and holding up to date First Aid Qualifications.
- All camping equipment including toilet tents, shelters, matresses, sleeping bags, tarps, personal tents etc. No additional charge for sleeping bag hire.
- All meals and water whilst on the river. Tea, coffee, hot chocolate and juice will also be provided. Read our FAQ to see what tasty treats we will serve you.
- Transportation to the river by bus.
- All equipment, including PFD’s, helmets, dry tops, throw bags, dry bags, pelican boxes, wetsuits, paddles, etc all at international standards and regularly checked.
- Porters.
- River permits.
- Gear Raft support.
NOT INCLUDED
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
This is a question we get asked a lot. And the honest region is because we travel through here a lot during our rafting trips and have fallen in love with the area and the people and wanted to give a little bit more back.
CUSTOMER REVIEW
PACKING LIST
- Swimsuit
- Sun cream
- Shorts or cropped trousers and T-shirt you don’t mind getting wet
- Clothes for traveling in before and after the trip
- Sun glasses with sports strap
- Capped hat if you wish
- Teva style sandals or trainers
- Warm fleece for after the trip
- Camera (can be stored in our dry bags/box whilst rafting)
- Small amount of money for snacks and treats if you wish
- Water bottle
- Towel
- Personal medication
- Sleeping bag and mattress (if you do not have, please ask and we can provide for you free of charge)
- Dry clothes for the evening(s). Make sure you bring warm clothes with you as the night times can get cold, especially in the winter months.
- Warm hat, gloves and scarf for the winter months
- Pajamas (Thermal Pajamas are recommended in the winter months)
- Small wash kit – biodegradable products are preferred if you have them
- Torch
- Book, deck of cards or small travel games
- Personal medication (please let us know of any pre-existing medical conditions before participating in any whitewater trip)
- A small amount of money for treats here and there
- Photocopy of your passport & visa
GRG'S ADVENTURE KAYAKING
-
PO Box 26414 Annapurna Market,
Satghumpti, Thamel,
Kathmandu, Nepal - +977 1 4700928
- +977 9841447561
- info@grgadventurekayaking.com
- UK Office +447957640275