Sun Koshi River Rafting

After an early breakfast at your hotel, we will leave Kathmandu and drive east along the Araniko Highway to Sukute, passing through small towns and scenic valleys. Sukute is a popular starting point for rafting trips in Nepal. At Sukute, you will meet your rafting guides and support crew and prepare for the journey ahead. Before getting on the river, our guides will provide a safety briefing and introduce you to the basics of rafting. You will learn about the route, river conditions, paddling techniques, and safety procedures. The team will also help you get fitted with the necessary rafting equipment. After that, you get ready for rafting.

Then we will begin rafting from Sukute and paddle about 10 KM down to the massive Indrawati confluence at Dolalghat. Dolalghat is where the Indrawati River joins the lower Bhotekoshi, which then continues as the Sunkoshi River. The Sunkoshi officially begins upstream near Bahrabise, where the glacier-fed Bhote Koshi meets the upper Sunkoshi before flowing past Sukute.

From Dolalghat, we will continue rafting for another 13 KM through a wide and scenic valley toward Pachuwarghat. This section of the river is mostly gentle, with a few fun Class II and III rapids depending on the season and water level. It is a great opportunity to get comfortable with the raft and work together as a team before arriving at our first wilderness beach camp. Today’s section also gives you a chance to practice and warm up for the bigger rapids that are yet to come.

On day 2 of the Sunkoshi River rafting expedition, after breakfast at the riverside camp, you will raft from Pachuwarghat to Chainpur, covering a 35 KM stretch. The day includes exciting Class II and light Class III wave rapids. As you paddle along the Sunkoshi, take time to enjoy the surrounding countryside, green hills, terraced fields, and small settlements. When we reach the Hindu holy temple, Kusheswor, the BP Highway runs parallel to our rafting route.

As we continue rafting down the river, we will pass Majhee Gau (Fisher’s Village), a traditional fishing village whose residents have depended on the river for generations. Since this is one of the longer rafting days, covering around 35 KM, the group will need to paddle steadily through several calm sections between the rapids.

By evening, you will arrive at Chainpur. Here, our crew will set up camp beside the Sunkoshi River. After a day on the water, unwind at the campsite while the team prepares a freshly cooked meal. After dinner, you will have some free time to relax, share stories, or enjoy group activities before spending the night at the riverside camp.

After having breakfast and packing lunch to enjoy along the route, we will continue rafting downstream toward Jhagare. Since this is a long day on the river, covering around 45 KM, the group will need to paddle steadily throughout the journey. Shortly after setting off, the glacier-fed Tama Koshi River joins the Sunkoshi, significantly increasing the river’s volume and making the current faster. As the day progresses, we will encounter several famous rapids, including Meat Grinder, Punch, and Judy, making this one of the more exciting sections of the expedition.

Further downstream, we will pass the confluence of the Likhu Koshi River before continuing toward Jhagare. Our campsite for the night is located on a quiet sandy beach just below the meeting point of the Likhu Koshi and Sunkoshi rivers. After arriving at camp, the crew will set up the tents and prepare a freshly cooked dinner. Spend the evening relaxing by the riverside, sharing stories from the day’s adventure, or simply enjoying the peaceful surroundings before another day on the Sunkoshi.

Following the 10-day Sunkoshi River rafting itinerary, on day 4, we will continue rafting toward Raighat. Today’s journey covers approximately 37 KM, making it a day that will test our collective spirit and technical coordination. The primary challenge comes early as we navigate Harkapur II (Class IV-), a powerful rapid that requires precise teamwork from every paddler. As we move downstream, the scenery changes between forested hills, terraced fields, and small riverside villages, while the river alternates between wide sections and narrower channels.

Later in the day, we will reach the confluence of the Dudh Koshi River, which significantly increases the volume of the Sunkoshi once again. Depending on the season and water levels, our guides will carefully assess the conditions and choose the safest route through this section of the river.

The final stretch takes us to the beautiful sandbars of Raighat, where the crew will set up camp and prepare dinner. Spend the rest of the evening relaxing by the riverside, enjoying the peaceful atmosphere, and taking in the clear night sky before another exciting day on the expedition.

After breakfast, we will continue rafting on the Sunkoshi River toward Rasuwaghat. This is another action-packed day, featuring several exciting rapids and ever-changing river scenery. The adventure begins with Jaws Rapid (Class IV), followed by the well-known Dead Man Eddy.

The main highlight of the day is Rhino Rock (Class IV Legacy Rapid). Rhino Rock was historically named after a distinctive rock formation resembling a rhinoceros horn. However, the original rock feature was swept away following major flood events and changing river conditions in 2025. Although its appearance is different today, it remains one of the most exciting sections of the river, with strong currents and technical passages that vary depending on the seasonal water levels. The route through this rapid is determined by the water level and your guide’s assessment.

As we paddle downstream, the scenery gradually changes from forested hills and riverbanks to remote riverside settlements. Today’s route involves a long, steady paddle with several challenging rapids along the way. As we get closer to Rasuwaghat, the river becomes calmer, allowing for a more relaxed finish to the day. We will set up camp beside the Sunkoshi River at Rasuwaghat, where you can enjoy a warm meal and spend a peaceful evening in one of the quieter parts of the Sunkoshi Valley before the next day’s adventure.

On day 6, we will continue rafting through one of the most scenic sections of the Sunkoshi. Today’s journey covers approximately 25 KM and enters an area known as the “Jungle Corridor.” Here, the Sunkoshi narrows and flows through a deep canyon surrounded by lush tropical vegetation. The day includes a series of continuous rapids mixed with short, calm sections, requiring steady paddling and teamwork throughout the journey.

Along the way, we will pass several beautiful waterfalls cascading down the valley walls, adding to the wilderness experience. As the river gradually becomes calmer, we will make our way to a sandy beach beside a cascading waterfall, where we will set up camp for the night. While the crew prepares dinner, you can relax by the river, listen to the sound of the waterfall, and enjoy a peaceful evening in the heart of the jungle.

After leaving Waterfall Camp, you will continue rafting toward Tribeni, where three major rivers of eastern Nepal, the Sunkoshi, Arun, and Tamor, meet. The name “Tribeni” means “confluence of three rivers” in Nepali. Compared to previous days, the river is calmer, allowing everyone to relax and enjoy the changing landscape of sandy riverbanks and open valleys. Even so, the day still includes two major whitewater features: the surging waves of Big Dipper (Class IV) immediately followed by the turbulent currents of Black Hole (Class III).

Soon after these rapids, the landscape transforms as the massive Arun and Tamur rivers charge in from opposite banks to mix with the Sunkoshi at Tribeni. By this point, the Sunkoshi has been joined by seven major tributaries and is known as the Sapta Koshi (meaning ‘seven rivers’ in Nepali).

The increased water volume creates a broad and fast-flowing river as we make our way to the final riverside camp. Upon arrival, the crew will set up camp and prepare a special dinner. Spend your last evening by the river reflecting on the journey and enjoying the peaceful atmosphere of this historic confluence.

After breakfast, we will begin the final stretch of rafting from Tribeni to Chatara. We will first visit the famous Baraha temple, a religious site in eastern Nepal. We will spend some time sightseeing, then paddle to Chatara. It is our final put-in point. We will have our lunch at a local restaurant.

From Chatara, we will take a private bus to Kathmandu, which will be a 9 to 10-hour drive. The drive takes you past rural valleys, towns, and terraced farms. As you approach the capital, the scenery gradually changes from remote river landscapes to the busy streets of Kathmandu. We will have dinner at a Nepali restaurant.

Alternative option: You can drive from Chatara to Biratnagar and then fly to Kathmandu. It is more convenient, faster, and comfortable. However, you will have to pay an additional cost for the flight ticket and on-road transfer to the airport. If you prefer this option, please let us know at the time of booking so that transportation and flight arrangements can be made in advance.

After days spent on the river, today is yours to spend leisure time in Kathmandu. After breakfast at your hotel, you can freely explore around the city and shop for souvenirs to take back home. In the evening, we will host a farewell dinner at a traditional Nepali restaurant. You will feast on traditional Nepalese cuisine.

During the dinner, you can reflect on the adventure and the memorable time you had during the expedition. You can also provide us with your feedback. After the dinner, you can head back to your hotel or enjoy Kathmandu’s nightlife.

Our Sunkoshi adventure comes to an end today. A representative from our team will transfer you to Tribhuvan International Airport 2 to 3 hours before your scheduled flight. We hope you enjoyed your time with us.

If you would like to spend more time in Nepal, we would be happy to help arrange additional activities, including other rafting trips, multi-day expeditions, trekking adventures, and family holiday packages.