Sun Koshi which means the "River of Gold" originates near Mt. Shisha Pangma in Tibet, and runs eastwards in Nepal through the great Mahabharat Lekh range. It forms the watershed for the most of eastern Nepal. Gathering strength from tributaries draining the highest mountains in the world, it emerges onto the northern plains of India where it joins the Ganges. It is one of the longest river journeys Nepal has to offer. Starting from Dolalghat, on the Arniko highway, the river makes its way to the Gangetic plains.
The 8 -10 day trip has many rapids that test your skill and at the end it is a rewarding experience. From the put-in at Dolalghat to the take-out at Chatara, the warm waters of the Sun Kosi surge 270 km through some of Nepal's most remote countryside. Leaving behind the trappings of civilization we must rely totally on our own supplies and experience. As we flow along soaking up the sunshine farmers still use centuries-old techniques to cultivate their land.
Day 01: In the morning 7:30 drive to the put-in point at Dholalghat. Through out the drive wonderful view of the ancient city of Bhaktapur and magnificent views of the Himalayan ranges. Upon arrival at Dholalghat, unload the gear-lunch will be served and expedition leader will give a full safety briefing. The first and second days are easy padding. The big one you will encounter that day is a class 4+ rapid Rotten Cave and chooses our beach campsite.
Day 02: Encounter a big class 4+ rapid Meatgrinder it is fairly straight run down the center avoiding holes left and right. A few meters below there the Tama Koshi joins the Sunkoshi on the left with a beach on the confluence we camp there.
Day 03: After breakfast a few kms below the confluence of the Linku Khola is a short , class 3+ rapid pre-Anxiety soon followed by along class4 rapid high Anxiety with a large hole on the left halfway down and series of holes at the bottom. Float a while and then camp.
Day 04: Start with several classes 4+ and 5 rapid , so we should prepare the hardest and most interesting one, Harkapur 2 and 3, which should be carefully scouted, which is top ten rapid of the world camp at Harkapur.
Day 05: Some km below Harkapur, Dudhkoshi River joins in the Sunkoshi from the left. Below there, the river widens into an arid area of the gravel and rocks. You meet exciting rapid followed by Jaws-quite a long rapid with a large on the bottom right that forms a huge hole at certain levels camp at Jaws.
Day 06: Encountered with most of grade 4+ rapids and then go straight into good exciting rapid Rhino Rock which is a grade 4+ followed by jungle Corrior a kilometer of continuous white water on the both sides of the river, at the end of rapids a series of water fall cascades from both banks and this is great place for a wash, massage and recuperation.
Day 07 & 08: Last few days are mainly wave terrains. If you are interested try to upset the raft and rescue with the help of the rope. You can try Kayaking, Swimming. Expedition leader will teach you basic skills, which are needs to maneuver the boat or learn Eskimo roll. The last day of expedition, which brings, the major rapid class 4+ Big Dipper is a series of huge standing waves, an exciting climax. A few km. later a mighty Arun river enters from a gorge on the left, almost immediately after wards, the Tamor River also adds its water and combined river becomes the Sapta Koshi (seven rivers). Then you float along on the powerful current and then, rounding a corner, a new suspension bridge swoops high over the river and the hill dramatically gives way to totally flat and memorable river journey. We will finish our trip at chatara; pack the gear and then drive back to Kathmandu or Chitwan National park or Pokhara.
