Rafting In Nepal – part 1.

White Water Rafting: Sun Koshi River

One of the top ten best rivers in the world-10 days

Sun Kosi River is an ideal destination for pursuing a classic white water rafting trip in Nepal. Also popularly known as “Golden River”, Sun Kosi is the longest river cascading 270 km through Mahabharat Lekh Mountains to the Himalaya. Journeying through this torrential river on an inflatable rubber boat with life-jackets on, we have nature accompany us all along the river trip bestowing ample opportunity to witness exotic wildlife in its natural habitat. Besides this sheer awe-inspiring whitewater rafting against roaring rapids from put-in point below the Village of Lamosangu to the put-out point at Chatara, we can have cultural encounters as we approach pristine hamlets on terraced hillsides. En route, we may sightsee exotic animals like Languor monkeys, spotted deer, otter anteater etc and many unique bird species. Several Hindu temples come on the way which very well worth a visit. We conclude the trip with a flight from Biratnagar to Kathmandu.

Trip Facts :

Trip length:10 Days
Grade: Class III – IV+
Starts in: Kathmandu
Ends in: Biratnagar

Outline Itinerary :

Day 01 – Early morning drive to Balephi (65 Km), Start rafting from Balephi, Raft up to Dolalghat
Day 02 – Pucharghat
Day 03 – Dhani Ghat
Day 04 – Harkapur
Day 05 – Raighat
Day 06 – Rest day to Explore around (nice spot for viewing Mt. Everest)
Day 07 – Raswaghat
Day 08 – Riverghat
Day 09 – Ranitar
Day 10 – Chatara & Pick up and Drive to Biratnagar

Nepal – map rafting rivers :

Detailed Itinerary :

Day 1 Early morning drive to Balephi (65 Km), Start rafting from Balephi & Raft up to Dolalghat
Early in the morning we drive through 65 km route for 3 hours to get to Balephi, our raft put in point. After arriving at Balephi, lunch is served. Prior to rafting all the concerned details are thoroughly briefed out and then equipped with appropriate gear we venture into rafting journey piloted by expert river guide. Paddling along the rhythm of roaring river amid the picturesque landscape, exquisite wilderness and panorama of majestic hills, we head towards Dolalghat. On reaching Dolalghat, we witness terraced fields and traditional Nepali houses perched on the hillsides and slopes. This glorious adventure concludes for the day with camping at a superb site in Dolalghat.

Day 2 Pucharghat
We continue rafting against thrashing rapids. By the time this exhilarating river ride meanders against class IV ‘No exit’ and ‘Meatgrinder’ rapids towards Pucharghat, it becomes much easier to control the fast-paced whitewater run. Pristine Tamang villages zoom out into picture. Eventually, after hours of succumbing to unparalled rafting challenges we camp at Pucharghat.

Day 3 Dhani Ghat
As the rafting trip advances further, we get more familiarized with the topology of Sun Kosi river. Besides rendezvous with exhilarating scenic rapids, breathtaking scenery and ethno-cultural heritages are the other attractive prospects that make our journey so very enriching, memorable and satisfying. We also enter the confluence of the Likhu Khola. Finally, we camp at Dhani Ghat.

Day 4 Harkapur
The river trip meets a series of whitewater rapids with various intensities at regular intervals. We encounter amazing boulder-strewn whitewater bonanza! On rafting towards Harkapur, we struggle against class III rapids. The trip gets more challenging and threatening as torrential rapids transforms into V class rapids. Expertise of river guide coupled with extreme precaution and safety measures play key roles at this point. After fun-filled adventurous rafting trip, we camp at Harkapur.

Day 5 Raighat
Rafting past Harkapur has us encounter with IV class rapids as we enter the confluence of the Dudhkoshi River. Amidst the exotic eco-system and natural vistas, the river widens below the Dudhkoshi and flow through a broad valley after mellowing down. In comparison to Sun Kosi, Dudhkoshi is much colder. After having maneuvered through awesome rapids like Rapid Punch, Juddy, High anxiety, Motorcycle, Harkapur 1, Harkapur 2 and Harkapur 3, we eventually reach Raighat where we set a camp.

Day 6 Rest day
We set aside this day for complete mental and physical rest. After proper rest, we can explore the areas around the campsite. We can even have beauty of nature evidenced in our picturesque snapshots. Viewing the most blissful sight of mesmerizing Mt. Everest is another visual treat sprawled before us.

Day 7 Raswaghat
Fighting against rapids like Jaws and Dead Man’s Eddy, we raft past a suspension bridge and a huge eddy. Our heart palpitates with adventure spirit as we paddle ahead for more challenging whitewater rafting. Exotic wilderness and nature remain our witnesses all through this thrilling river trip. Our river guide provides us informative tidbits from time and again. We conclude the trip of the day by lastly camping at Raswaghat.

Day 8 Riverghat
Making our way through wild verdant vegetation, rock-strewn cliff and house-sized boulders, we bounce and splash against the untamed river. Further ahead, we encounter continuous white water with rapids like Rhino Rocks and Jungle Corridor. We will be treated with awesome view of exotic wilderness, pristine hamlets and picturesque landscape. As we near Riverghat, we look out for a suitable campsite.

Day 9 Ranitar
As the untamed river cuts against the rocky banks, crash into rocks and crevices breaking into foaming white water rapids, we position the raft securely abiding the instructions of our river guide. Enjoying the stunning scenery, we white water raft through narrow canyons and furious rapids like Chamereghat and Darsandhungat. After arriving at Ranitar, we put a halt to the trip for the day and camp at a fantastic location.

Day 10: Chatara, Pick up and Drive to Biratnagar
Departing from Ranitar, we paddle along imperial rapid, Big dipper. Soon after discovering enchanting waterfalls and paradisiacal side canyons, we enter Tribeni Ghat, the confluence of river Arun, Tamur and beginning of the Sapta Kosi river. Holding onto the cherishing memories of the trip, we bid farewell to our rafting journey after arriving at Chatara. There is a Barahi temple lying in the vicinity of Chatara. We can visit this temple to pay our homage to lord Vishnu. Thereafter, we drive to Biratnagar.

** zapraszam na relacje z wypraw polskich himalaistów.