SUN KOSI “THE RIVER OF GOLD” | KAYAK EXPEDITION – 12 DAYS
The Sun Kosi (“River of Gold” in Nepali) is rated one of the top ten river expeditions in the world.
The river originates in Tibet, flows through high mountains and valleys in Nepal and continues down to the mighty Ganges River in India. This expedition is perfect for those looking to paddle till their hearts content. The most challenging and popular rapids are: Harkapur I and II (Class V-), Meat Grinder (Class IV-), Punch (Class IV-), Judy (Class III), Pre-anxiety (Class III) and High-anxiety (Class IV-).
Throughout the entire expedition, you will be surrounded by nature and stunning vistas. You will also explore remote villages and enjoy white-sand beaches. Camping on the river bank will give you plenty of time to relax and bond with your fellow kayakers.
Day 01. WELCOME TO NEPAL
Upon arrival in Kathmandu, our friendly representative will be waiting for you at the airport with a sign displaying your name. He will then drive you to your hotel. At the hotel, you will receive a short pre-departure briefing.
Depending on your time of arrival, you are free to relax or explore the city.
Day 02. KATHMANDU SIGHTSEEING TOUR
Day 03. KATHMANDU - DOLALGHAT - PACHUWARGHAT
After breakfast, we will drive to Dolalghat, our put-in point. At Dolalghat, the Indrawati River meets the Sun Kosi River. We will start kayaking down the Sun Kosi from there. We will paddle relatively calm water with occasional Class I and II rapids. Then, we will hit our first Class III rapid. We will set up our camp at Pachuwarghat and enjoy a delicious feast around the campfire.
Day 04. PACHUWARGHAT TO CHAINPUR
As we continue kayaking down the river, we will face exciting Class II and Class III rapids. We will pass the Hindu Holy temple Kusheswor and Majhee Gaun (fishermen’s village). We will continue kayaking down the river, while enjoying the beautiful Nepalese countryside. We will set up our camp at Chainpur.
Day 05. CHAINPUR TO JHAGARE
After breakfast, we will paddle down the Sun Kosi. You will witness that Tama Koshi is joining the Sun Kosi. At first, you might find that the waters are quite calm and paddling is easy but slowly the water rapids of Sun Koshi increase, and you’ll have to pay attention while paddling. The highlights of the day are the exciting and challenging rapids – Meat Grinder (Class IV-), Punch (Class IV-), Judy (Class III), Pre-anxiety (Class III) and High-anxiety (Class IV-). We will set up our camp at Jhagare.
Day 06. JHAGARE TO RAIGHAT
Today, we will test our team spirit, as we come across the legendary Harkapur I and II (Class V-) rapids. After some paddling, you will see Dudh Koshi joining Sun Koshi. Depending on the season and Sun Koshi water levels, the rapids may or may not be runnable. We'll assess the situation carefully and take a decision, making sure that all of us are safe. After crossing many rapids, we will reach Raighat, where we will set up our camp and spend the night.
Day 07. RAIGHAT TO RASUWAGHAT
After breakfast, we will start kayaking, and we will meet exciting rapids such as Jaws Rapid (Class IV-) followed by the notorious “Dead Man Eddy”. The main highlight of this day is the rapid “Rhino Rock” (Class IV rapid); this rapid really looks like the horn of a rhinoceros. The way you pass this rapid depends on the level of water and guides’ decision. We will set up our camp for the night at Rasuwaghat.
Day 08. RASUWAGHAT TO WATERFALL
Today, we will continue kayaking down the river; we will enter the tropical vegetation and Sun Koshi will become narrower. We will pass through a region referred as “Jungle Corridor” which is full of continuous rapids. As we move ahead, we will come across a series of waterfalls. We will set up our camp near a beautiful Waterfall, on the Sun Koshi river bank.
Day 09. WATERFALL TO TRIBENI
After breakfast, we will start kayaking on Sun Koshi from Waterfall to Tribeni. The waters of Sun Koshi are calmer now. You can relax as you pass through smaller waves. However, you will come across two exciting rapids – Big Dipper (Class IV) followed by Blackhole (Class III). Soon, Arun and Tamur join Sun Koshi in Tribeni (which means confluence of three rivers in Nepali). A total of seven rivers has now joined Sun Koshi, which is called Sapta Koshi (which in Nepali means seven rivers). We will set up our camp at Tribeni.
Day 10. TRIBENI TO CHATARA | CHATARA TO KATHMANDU
After breakfast, we’ll start paddling down the river until we reach the famous Baraha temple. We will spend some time sightseeing; then we will paddle to Chatara – our final take-out point. We will have lunch at a local restaurant. From Chatara, we will take a bus and drive for approx. 14 to 15 hours to reach Kathmandu*. We will stop on the way for dinner at a typical Nepali restaurant.
*You can choose to go to Chitwan National Park to enjoy the wildlife (extra trip) or come back with us in Kathmandu. There is one more option; you can choose to go to Biratnagar from Chatara and then fly back to Kathmandu (extra cost).
Day 11. KATHMANDU
In the morning, we will reach Kathmandu. You will have time to rest and get fresh. You can go for a last minute souvenir shopping; if you require, our guides will recommend the places where you can buy those souvenirs. In the evening, we will have a farewell dinner with our office representatives (along with guides).
Day 12. DEPARTURE
After a fun-filled trip, our journey ends. We hope you thoroughly enjoyed your trip. We will take you to the Tribhuvan International Airport. If you have time and would like to extend your stay in Nepal, we would be happy to offer our recommendations.
- Swim suits.
- Rucksack.
- Outdoor clothing: Outdoor clothing should be tough and comfortable. Wearing several thin layers is better than a few thick layers. Jeans should not be worn, as they are slow to dry, clinging and cold. Walking boots and sport sandals are ideal.
- Sunglasses.
- Sunscreen.
- Water Bottle or Hydration Bladder.
- Daypack (25-30 liters).
- Trekking pants and shorts.
- Wash kit and towel.
- Flashlight.
- Medicine (in particular, diarrhoea medication): Water Purification Tablets/ Isotonic Powder/ Basic First Aid Kit/ Diamox/ Oximeter / Ibuprofen for general aches and pains/ Imodium or Pepto bismol capsules for upset stomach or diarrhea.
- Copies of important documents (passport, vaccination certificates, travel insurance) & extra passport photos.
- Insect repellent.
*This list is not exhaustive.
What’s included
- Pre-departure support.
- Airport Pick-up/ Drop-off.
- Professional English speaking licensed guides highly trained and safety certified to international standards in White-water River Guiding, Swift Water Rescue, and Wilderness First Aid.
- Professionally trained and certified safety kayakers.
- All gear raft support.
- Quality rafting and kayaking equipment, including boats, kayaks, helmets, paddles, life jackets, dry bags and pelican boxes.
- Treated drinking water.
- Accommodation: Hotel BB on twin sharing basis in Kathmandu and camping (all necessary facilities including tents, shelters, mats and sleeping bags, shower and toilet tent, etc.).
- Meals (refer to itinerary for meal plan). Types of food provided: Throughout our expedition, we provide treated stream water for drinking. We employ crews with great culinary abilities. We will provide breakfasts, lunches, and dinners during the expedition in a buffet style. So, yes you will have the freedom to choose what you like. If you have special dietary needs, please let us know about it. Sample menu for the expedition: 'Breakfast: Tea, Coffee, White Chocolate, Muesli and Cornflakes, Yogurts, Eggs, Toasts, Hashed Potatoes, Pancakes, Porridge, etc. Lunch: Bread, Cheese, Salami, Tuna, Sardines, Baked Beans, Salads, Fresh fruits, and Biscuits. Dinner: Pasta, French Fries, Curries, Steamed or Fried vegetables. We also provide Nepali Dal, Bhat in rotation'.
- All necessary permits.
- Entrance fees (for day 2).
- Transportation.
- First Aid support.
- Team photos.
- All government taxes, VAT and service charges.
What’s NOT included
- International flights.
- Domestic flights.
- Extra trips.
- Tips for porters, guides & others.
- Personal expenditures, all bar bills, laundry, telephone calls.
- EMERGENCY EVACUATION EXPENSES, insurance of any kind. It is strongly recommended that you subscribe a proper travel insurance policy that covers illness, medical emergencies, trip cancellation, etc.
- Visa fees.
- Anything else not specified in the ‘what’s included’ section above.
• Good health and passion for adventure.
• Kayaking experience is required for this trip.
You are required as a condition of booking to have an adequate travel insurance.
