SUN KOSI RIVER RAFTING
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
GRG FAVOURITE
We are THE Sun Kosi river rafting company. The Sun Kosi translates as River of Gold and we run more Sun Kosi Rafting and Kayaking trips than anyone else. Why? Because we LOVE this river. It is rated one of the top 10 rivers journeys in the world by National Geographic and offers an 8 day expedition experience through the heart of Nepal starting near the Tibetan border and running all the way to the confluence with the Ganges. In river miles, it is the longest river trip on offer in Nepal. You can expect warm water, big bouncy rapids, white sandy beaches, great wildlife, beautiful scenery and a whole heap of fun! What’s not to love?!
The trip caters for all abilities from beginner rafters to experienced kayakers. Its even possible for novice kayakers to try out kayaking on the quieter sections and learn more about white water with the option of rafting the sections you are not yet confident to run. With our qualified and experienced guides to see you through, your confidence and ability will grow and grow.
We also offer sun kosi river rafting with yoga. If you love rafting, and you love yoga, this might be the trip for you.
Come and join us for our favourite whitewater rafting expedition in Nepal. Please see the full itinerary below.
TRIP DATES
SPRING 2025
10th - 18th March 2025
7th - 15th April 2025
28th April - 6th May 2025
16th - 24th May
5th - 13th June 2025
Private groups and other dates also available on request
AUTUMN/FALL 2025
22nd - 30th September 2025
6th - 14th October 2025
27th Oct - 4th November 2025
10th - 18th November 2025
24th Nov - 2nd Dec 2025
Private groups and other dates also available on request.
FAST FACTS
CLASS: III+ / V
DURATION: 8 days (9 if traveling by bus)
DEPARTURE: GRG Office, Thamel, Kathmandu at 9am on fixed departures
FROM/TO: From: Dolalghat
To: Chumligtar (4 hour drive to Kathmandu or Pokhara)
VOLUME: Volume in November : 400cms (1400 cfs)
BEST SEASON: Sept-Nov or end of April – June
PRICE: USD $990 / GBP £800 Per Person
ITINERARY
You will leave from Kathmandu early in the morning after our guides have loaded up our private bus. A short three hour drive takes us to our put in point at Dolaghat. After lunch we will set up the rafts, give you a safety briefing, load the gear raft and set off down the river.
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, doing yoga or simply relaxing on the beach. There’s plenty to do to keep you occupied!
After packing up the camp we have a slightly more exciting day with two big class rapids “No exit” (Grade 3) and “Meatgrinder” (Grade -4) as well as many smaller wave trains to keep us moving. Whilst the rapids change each year due to the severity of the monsoon, the old favourites always remain in tact.
The Tamba Kosi joins the river increasing the volume just before we reach our camp. You will also have the opportunity to try a few cliff jumps, explore some bat caves and track for tiger footprints.
In the evenings for those who have never tried kayaking we can give you some lessons in rolling, crossing the river and other necessary skills so that you can paddle down in the days that follow if you wish.
Evenings will be spent enjoying drift wood camps fires and river chilled beers telling stories of the adventures we had that day.
The river starts to build up in volume today with more rivers spilling into it. Just below the confluence of the Likhu Khola we negotiate the “Anxiety” series of rapids, including, pre, post and “High Anxiety”.
Again plenty of time to play in the warm waters, keep an eye out for those cheeky monkeys, enjoy the scenery and perhaps have a little go at kayaking. Once we set up camp you will have the chance to play football with the locals, walk through the jungles and explore. Local villagers who will no doubt join us for a sing song around the camp fire once the sun goes down.
Todays the day you have all heard about…”Hakapur” the biggest rapid we will encounter on this journey. We will stop at the village before we hit the rapid to stock up on supplies. We’ll then head down to scout the rapid.
Depending on the season and water levels, this rapid may or may not be runnable. If it is, be prepared to get wet! Then just as you get your breath back its time for Hakapur II, which can sometimes be more exciting that the original! We will camp at the confluence of the Sun Kosi and Dudh Kodi tonight which is the river running from Everest. Here you will meet our long time Baba friend, a Holy man who has lived in a cave here for the passed five years and boy does he have some stories to tell!
The Dudh Kosi is much colder than the Sun Kosi, and you will notice a change in the river colour after here with it turning more emerald in colour.
In the coming few days you can expect “Jaws” I, II & III’ , “Rhino Rock” and “Jungle Corridor” which is basically 10km of non-stop rapid with big bouncy waves finished off with “Rollacoaster” which if you are in the mood is a safe place for us to flip the raft! A highlight of these days is the big impressive waterfall we will stop at for a well deserved shower.
The “Big Dipper” and “Black Hole” are the last big rapids on the river and a fitting finale to the Sun Kosi. You will notice the difference in scenery as the jungle dissapears along with the mountains making way for the flat Indian Plains. For those that dare, you will also have to opportunity to jump for a 30ft bridge into the river below and depending on the water levels.
Just after the confluence of the Arun and Tamur rivers we will stop at a Holy Hindu temple,Baraha Chhetra to view the sights and get a blessing.
After this we will relax and enjoy the last hours float to the take out, Chatra. Here we will unload the gear one final time and load up the bus ready to return to Kathmandu.
We will go to a local hotel for dal bhat before the long journey home. A time for a cold beer and celebration for the expedition we have just completed.
If you are getting the plane you will arrive back in Kathmandu around 7pm that evening, if however you are on the bus….
After 15 hours overnight on the bus, we should arrive back in Kathmandu early on the 9th morning.
TRIP INCLUDES
NOT INCLUDED
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
CUSTOMER REVIEW
GRG'S ADVENTURE KAYAKING
-
PO Box 26414 Annapurna Market,
Satghumpti, Thamel,
Kathmandu, Nepal - +977 1 4700928
- +977 9841447561
- info@grgadventurekayaking.com
- UK Office +447957640275