The Sun Kosi is considered one of the top ten whitewater trips in the world and is a must do for the veteran rafter looking for the experience of a lifetime. However it is also perfect for first timers looking for an exciting thrill ride. Sun Kosi literally means River of Gold and this mighty trip holds its true riches for anyone willing to give it the time. We begin this trip at Dolalghat, a short three hour bus ride from Kathmandu. Here you can wave goodbye to any roads or towns because it is just big rapids, warm water, beautiful scenery and sandy beaches for the next 8 to 10 days. The rapids on this river increase in difficulty as the days go on so there is plenty of time to warm up and get acquainted with your rafting team. The character of these rapids are pool-drop; with a big rapid followed by a large slow moving section of water at the bottom. Because of this running even the biggest rapids is safe because any swimmers or gear can be easily collected at the bottom. After a long day of rafting let our guides pamper you with a cup of tea and biscuit while you lounge on the pristine white sand beaches and take in the surroundings. You deserve it. We will prepare your appetizing evening meal while you sit by the fire and read or go for a stroll; and best of all we are on clean-up duty as well. At the end of the trip you will be amazed at how much your rafting skill has increased and begging to continue.
Departing from Kathmandu:
Difficulty: 4 / (4 +)
From: Sukute Beach or Dolalghat
To: Chatra
Distance: 270 kms
Trip Days: 7 - 9
Average Gradient: 10 ft per mile
Best Season: September - October or May
Since this trip ends in Chatra, a 16-18 hour bus ride from Kathmandu we offer a flight back for those travelers pressed for time. However if time is no restriction than consider breaking up the long bus ride back with a jungle safari in Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve. Because of the amount of time required to plan this trip we have established fixed departure dates.
Departure Dates:
May 28 to June 6
June 4 to 13 June
Rafting
Rafters need no previous experience.
Kayaking
This is the perfect river for kayakers of an upper intermediate level looking to push their big water skills however is also entertaining for the expert kayaker as there are abundant big wave surfing opportunities. The majority of the rapids are pool-drop making them forgiving to run and allowing us to set safety at the bottom of the rapid. Our experienced safety kayakers accompany every trip and can offer you advice on rapids and tips on improving your technique along the way. A good roll is a minimum prerequisite.
Itinerary:
A Pre-departure meeting is held on the evening prior to your departure at our office in Hotel 7 Corner’s Restaurant at 6pm.
- DAY 01: Meet at 7am at our office in Hotel 7 Corner’s Restaurant KTM- Here you can store any extra luggage. Eat breakfast, (not included). Drive put-in-point at Sukute Beach and have lunch. After lunch we will have a safety briefing and start rafting the Upper Sun Kosi / Bhote Kosi. There is little time for warm up as we begin with continuous class 4 rapids. We will camp in Sukute, the put-in-point of the Sun Kosi.
- DAY 02: Star the morning with breakfast. After that we load the rafts and begin rafting on the Sun Kosi. We will stop for lunch along the way and then continue rafting to our 1st pristine river beach camp.
- DAY 03: We will encounter big class 4+rapids including "No exit" and " Meatgrinder". We will eventually reach the confluence of the Tamba Kosi and the Sun Kosi doubling the volume of the river. After rafting all day we will camp near a beautiful Shiva temple overlooking the confluence.
- DAY 04: Several kilometers below the confluence of the Likhu Khola we negotiate "Anxiety" and the series of rapids that follows, including, pre, post and "High Anxiety". Here we will stop to scout and there are possibilities to take photographs of the rafts going through the rapids (an excellent escape plan for the more timid). We will camp again on a pristine sand beach.
- DAY 05: Arrive at the Hakapur bazaar. Here we will prepare to run one of the largest and most difficult rapids on the river Hakapur II. After that exhilarating ride we will make camp beyond the confluence of the Sun Kosi and Dudh Kosi, the famous river that drains the snow of Mt Everest.
- DAY 06: A much deserved rest day and a chance to relax or go for a hike through the beautiful mountain jungles.
- DAY 07: Today we will run "Jaws I, II & III” and “Rhino Rock” and prepare for the adventure of tomorrow. We will make camp just above the Jungle Corridor.
- DAY 08: We will start with a big breakfast to build energy for the day to follow. The "Jungle Corridor" contains several kilometers of continuous white water. Waterfalls cascade down both sides of the canyon. It is a remote and wild place demanding concentration and teamwork. Celebrate making it through and camp on another beautiful white sand beach.
- DAY 09: After breakfast we will have a relaxing morning floating through stunning landscapes, soaking up the sun and watching the world go by. The Big Dipper provides a fitting end to the Sun Kosi. Huge standing waves and a giant hole stand between the Himalayas (behind us) and the northern plains of India. After the confluence of the Arun Rivers the foothills dramatically give way to flat lands of the Terai and the take out point, Chatra. Here our raft trip ends and we load the night bus back to KTM. Drive- KTM
- Day 10 : Arrive KTM
Equipment List:
Kayaking gear: Kayakers will need all of your own boating gear (including floatation bags). Upon arrival ask us for an updated list of available kayaks to choose from. The weather should be good and the water is relatively warm, but always be prepared for the worst. We recommend either a dry top or a least a shorty for your top; wet suit shorts should be enough for the bottom. Booties/Tevas are necessary for footwear and it is nice to have a small dry bag to carry your small personal items in your kayak.
Rafting Gear: We will supply you with all the necessary specialist river equipment including helmets, lifejackets and paddles. If you get cold easy and have a personal paddle jacket (rain jackets also work well) or shortie wet suit, please bring them along you.
Sample Pack List:
- Sleeping Bag
- Sleeping pad / Thermorest (we can provide if you do not have)
- Rain shell
- Warm jacket (down jacket-vest for Tamur Expedition)
- Warm Hat
- Hiking shoes
- River shoes/Tevas
- Sunglasses (an extra pair never hurts)
- Sun block
- Sun hat or visor
- Headlight
- Extra batteries
- A good book
- Personal Toiletries
- Small First Aid Kit*
- Water bottle (we carry water on the rafts but it is nice to have your own bottle to drink from)
- Shammy or small towel (optional but nice for after a day on the river, there will be opportunities to purchase these along the way if desired)
- Rafting clothes: Cotton is NOT a good idea. It does not dry and will keep you cold. A bathing suit works well and a polypro or other synthetic top for cool mornings. For women a swimming suit is good but quick dry shorts will also probably be wanted.
- Camp clothes: Here is your opportunity for that cotton sweatshirt and jeans; however bring polypro and synthetic clothing as well. For women it is a good idea to have skirts or wraps rather than shorts, especially when we are trekking. Everyone will want to have at least a t-shirt to wear in public places.
*Personal First Aid Kit: If you have something you are particularly prone to: ear infections, foot rot, or sinus problems, bring what you need with you. You will definitely want to be carrying medicines for common illnesses like diarrhea, infections and upset stomachs. Also you will want a complete set of inoculations for Asia, ask your doctor for these current suggestions.
Additional Food: Please bring any river snacks that you desire as these are not provided: power bars, granola bars, dried fruit, chocolate, etc. are always nice to have as a pick me up before we get to camp. Additionally Gatorade Powders (or other powdered mix-ins) are a great way to drown out the taste of iodine in your drinking water.
Pre Departure Info
Raft 'N Rivers will be more than happy to organize all your internal travel arrangements in the Kingdom of Nepal. We have a wide variety of services and budget options to suit your needs including, airport pick-ups, sightseeing day hiking/excursions around Kathmandu, airline reconfirmation, hotel room reservations and much more. Contact our friendly and experienced staff or check out our hotel’s web site at www.hotel7corner.com for more information.
Your Trip Costs Includes: All accommodation (once trip begins), river/trekking meals, instruction, trekking / river permits, all required rafting gear (mentioned above), raft support and local transportation. It does NOT include personal expenses such as alcohol, candy, soft drinks or meals in Kathmandu or Pokhara. This will give you the flexibility to do as you wish. Restaurants in Pokhara and Kathmandu are inexpensive and their cuisine varies depending on what you are in the mood for. It also does not include any flights that you may choose to add to your itinerary.
Age and Fitness: Age is an attitude and not a problem; however we do reserve the right to not allow children on the trip if we feel it is too dangerous. River running is a physical pursuit and expedition members should have a reasonable level of fitness. Expedition members should be good swimmers and comfortable in the water.
Insurance: Each Expedition member is responsible for having their own travel insurance including helicopter evacuation.
Vaccinations: Nepal has no official vaccination requirements for entry. However we recommend that you visit a doctor for the latest recommendations and protect yourself accordingly.
Visa: Visa can be obtained at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu upon arrival. You will need 2 passport size photographs.
Currency: The best currency to have is Euros/US Dollars in travelers cheques, cash and/or credit cards. American Express, MasterCard and Visa are all accepted in Nepal.
Recommended Reading: "White Water Nepal," by Peter Knowles; any of the many adventure travel guide books on Nepal, we recommend Lonely Planet publications.
A deposit of 50% of the trip total is required upon booking. The balance is required upon arrival.
