Sun Koshi River Expedition - 8 Days

Duration

8 Days

Group Size

6-16 people

Best Season

October-November, April-May

Difficulty

Moderate

Country

Nepal

Overview

Embark on one of the world's top ten river journeys - the legendary Sun Koshi expedition. This 8-day rafting adventure takes you 270 kilometers through remote eastern Nepal, offering an unmatched combination of thrilling rapids, pristine wilderness, and authentic cultural encounters.

The Sun Koshi, meaning "River of Gold," is fed by seven major tributaries and offers diverse rafting conditions - from calm floating sections perfect for wildlife watching to challenging Class IV rapids that will test your skills. The river passes through untouched landscapes, remote villages, and incredible biodiversity.

This expedition is more than just rafting - it's a journey through Nepal's hidden heartland. Camp on pristine sandy beaches, visit riverside villages rarely seen by tourists, and witness daily life along the river. The trip ends at Chatara, near Biratnagar in eastern Nepal.

Each day brings new adventures: navigating rapids like Harkapur, High Anxiety, and Jungle Corridor, swimming in crystal-clear tributaries, and exploring riverside trails. Evenings are spent around campfires, enjoying freshly prepared meals, and stargazing in one of the world's most pristine environments.

Highlights

  • One of the world's top 10 river journeys
  • 270 kilometers of diverse rafting
  • Class III-IV rapids with calm sections
  • Remote wilderness camping
  • Visit untouched riverside villages
  • Rich wildlife and bird watching
  • Freshly prepared meals daily
  • Cultural immersion in rural Nepal

Your Journey

8 Days

Early morning drive from Kathmandu to Dolalghat (3 hours) through scenic mountain roads. Meet your rafting team, receive comprehensive briefing on the 8-day expedition. After lunch, begin rafting through introductory Class II-III rapids, getting familiar with commands and paddling techniques. Camp on a beautiful sandy beach for your first night on the river.

Duration

-

Elevation

-

Meals

Lunch, Dinner

Stay

Beach Camping

Wake to riverside breakfast. Today's rafting builds on yesterday's skills with progressively challenging Class III rapids. Pass through scenic gorges and spot wildlife along the banks. Lunch on a riverside beach with time for swimming. Afternoon section includes more rapids before reaching today's pristine campsite.

Duration

-

Elevation

-

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Stay

Beach Camping

Today features some of the expedition's most exciting rapids, including the famous Harkapur section. Navigate through continuous Class III-IV rapids in a stunning gorge setting. The team works together through challenging sections. Evening camp at a beautiful beach with time to explore nearby trails.

Duration

-

Elevation

-

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Stay

Beach Camping

Enter the most remote section of the river. Today offers a mix of exciting rapids and calm floating sections perfect for spotting wildlife - look for river dolphins, otters, and diverse birdlife. Visit a riverside village to experience authentic rural Nepali life. Camp in pristine wilderness.

Duration

-

Elevation

-

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Stay

Beach Camping

Today includes the legendary High Anxiety rapid - a long Class IV section that requires perfect teamwork. Several more significant rapids follow through spectacular canyon scenery. This is often considered the most thrilling day of the expedition. Celebrate with a special dinner at camp.

Duration

-

Elevation

-

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Stay

Beach Camping

Raft through the beautiful Jungle Corridor section where the river passes through forested hillsides. Morning rapids are followed by calmer sections perfect for swimming and enjoying the scenery. Visit another riverside village and interact with friendly locals. Evening bonfire at a scenic campsite.

Duration

-

Elevation

-

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Stay

Beach Camping

Navigate the final significant rapids of the expedition, including several exciting Class III drops. As the river widens, enjoy peaceful floating with mountain views. Reach our final campsite at Chatara in the afternoon. Celebration dinner with the crew, sharing expedition memories and receiving completion certificates.

Duration

-

Elevation

-

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Stay

Beach Camping

Farewell breakfast with the river crew. Drive to Biratnagar (1 hour) for your flight back to Kathmandu. Arrive in Kathmandu by early afternoon with incredible memories of your Sun Koshi expedition. Optional: extend your trip with a visit to Chitwan or continue to Pokhara.

Duration

-

Elevation

-

Meals

Breakfast

Stay

-

What's Included

  • Transportation Kathmandu-Dolalghat and Chatara-Biratnagar-Kathmandu
  • Domestic flight Biratnagar to Kathmandu
  • Expert rafting guides and safety kayaker
  • All rafting and camping equipment
  • All meals during expedition
  • Tents, sleeping bags, and mats
  • First aid and rescue equipment
  • Dry bags for personal belongings

What's Not Included

  • Travel and rescue insurance (mandatory)
  • Personal expenses
  • Tips for guides and crew
  • Sleeping bag liner
  • Personal snacks and beverages
  • Camera/GoPro and accessories

Trusted By

Government of NepalNepal Tourism BoardNepal Mountaineering AssociationTrekking Agencies Association of NepalKEEP NepalTrustpilot