Sunkoshi River Rafting

The journey begins early in the morning with a scenic drive from Kathmandu to Dolalghat, the official starting point of the Sunkoshi River rafting expedition. The drive takes around 3 to 4 hours, winding through lush hills, terraced fields, and traditional villages, offering a glimpse into rural Nepali life. Upon arrival, the rafting team sets up the gear and provides a comprehensive safety briefing, including paddling techniques and river rescue instructions. After lunch by the riverside, the adventure officially begins with a short rafting session to get familiar with the water. Paddlers navigate through the first few rapids, which are relatively mild but thrilling enough to set the tone for the days ahead. The first campsite is set up along the riverbank, where you'll relax, enjoy a freshly prepared dinner, and soak in the peaceful ambiance of nature.

Day 2 starts off with a hearty breakfast by the river before setting out on a longer and more challenging stretch of the Sunkoshi. As the team leaves Khalte Chok, the river gradually introduces stronger and more technical rapids. One of the early highlights is navigating the “Meat Grinder”, a powerful and complex rapid that requires teamwork, coordination, and a steady paddle. The landscape becomes more dramatic, with steep hillsides, rocky outcrops, and terraced farmlands lining the riverbanks. Along the way, you'll pass through remote settlements where curious locals may wave from the cliffs above. In between rapids, there are calm stretches perfect for swimming, floating, and soaking in the sun. By late afternoon, the group reaches Likhu Khola, a quiet confluence where the day’s adventure winds down.

On Day 3, the journey dives deeper into the remote wilderness of eastern Nepal. After breakfast at the riverside camp, the rafting team launches into another thrilling day on the Sunkoshi. The rapids intensify in both frequency and technicality, with "High Anxiety" being the standout challenge of the day: a fast, bouncy section that demands quick reflexes and coordinated paddling. The river twists through narrow gorges and forested hills, offering breathtaking views and the occasional sighting of monkeys, kingfishers, and other wildlife. As the raft slices through the currents, the surrounding terrain shifts to rugged cliffs and isolated ridgelines. Along the way, small, untouched villages appear on the banks, giving a glimpse into the traditional lifestyle of Nepal’s hill communities. The group stops for a riverbank lunch, typically featuring fresh vegetables, dal bhat, or sandwiches, depending on the outfitter.

By late afternoon, the team arrives at Harkapur, a remote village perched above the river where the Dudh Koshi River joins the Sunkoshi. Known for its natural beauty and cultural charm, Harkapur offers a serene camping spot. After setting up camp, you can explore the village or simply relax by the fire, with the sounds of the river lulling you to sleep. 

Today is one of the most intense and exhilarating sections of the Sunkoshi River rafting journey. After an early breakfast in the quiet village of Harkapur, the team sets off into a long stretch of powerful white-water action. This part of the river is known for some of the most difficult and technical rapids on the entire route. The most notable among them is “Jaws”, a notorious rapid that keeps paddlers on high alert with its twisting current and crashing waves, followed by “Dead Man’s Eddy”, which demands precise navigation and complete focus.

The scenery grows wilder as the river carves through steep gorges lined with dense vegetation. The sense of isolation deepens: no roads, no crowds, just the sounds of the river and the occasional birdsong. Between the adrenaline-pumping rapids, there are moments of calm where you can drift and take in the towering hills and untouched jungle.

After a long day of challenging rafting, the group reaches Rasuwa Ghat, a peaceful stretch of riverbank surrounded by forests and dramatic cliffs. 

Day 5 marks a transition from intense rapids to a deeply immersive wilderness experience. After packing up camp at Rasuwa Ghat, the rafting crew sets off into a more remote and densely forested stretch of the Sunkoshi known as the “Jungle Corridor.” This part of the river is surrounded by thick vegetation, tall canopies, and rich biodiversity, making it one of the most scenic and tranquil sections of the journey.

Though the rapids are generally less intense today compared to the previous stretch, they come frequently and unpredictably: short bursts of white water like “Snapdragon” and “Dazed and Confused” keep the excitement alive. The combination of technical paddling and lush surroundings makes it a favorite among nature lovers and adventurers alike.

The group often stops for a riverside lunch in a quiet clearing, with time for a quick dip or some jungle exploration. By late afternoon, camp is set up deep within the Jungle Corridor, far from any roads or settlements. With no artificial lights or city noise, the atmosphere is raw and peaceful.

After an early breakfast surrounded by dense forest, the team resumes their journey downstream, where a series of intense rapids return to challenge the group’s coordination and stamina. Today’s stretch features some of the Sunkoshi’s most thrilling rapids, including “Rhino Rock”, “Black Hole”, and “Roller Coaster”: all known for their size, speed, and unpredictability. These rapids demand strong teamwork and precise paddling, making this one of the most adrenaline-fueled days of the expedition. As the group conquers each wave, the landscape begins to open up slightly, transitioning from dense jungle to wider valleys. By late afternoon, the raft pulls into the camp near the legendary “Big Dipper”, a massive, continuous rapid that will be tackled the next day.

After breakfast, the team prepares to tackle the Big Dipper rapid, one of the longest and most challenging rapids on the river. As you power through this iconic rapid, the river continues with a series of exciting white-water sections, each offering a fresh challenge and stunning views of the surrounding hills and forests.

Beyond the rapids, the riverbanks begin to widen, and the landscape slowly transitions toward the fertile plains of the Terai. The journey ends at Tribeni, the sacred confluence where the Sunkoshi meets the Arun and Tamur rivers. Here, the atmosphere is more tranquil, allowing paddlers to relax after days of intense rafting.

On the last day of rafting, the journey from Tribeni to Chatara offers a more relaxed and scenic experience compared to the earlier adrenaline-packed days. The river here mellows into gentler currents and smaller rapids, allowing for peaceful paddling and plenty of opportunities to take in the lush Terai landscape. As you drift closer to the end of the expedition, the riverbanks open into flat, fertile plains dotted with farmland and small villages, giving a glimpse of rural life in eastern Nepal.

The final stretch is perfect for reflecting on the incredible adventure and bonding with your fellow rafters. Upon reaching Chatara, the official endpoint of the Sunkoshi rafting trip comes.

On the final day of your Sunkoshi River rafting adventure, depending on your travel plans, you can either take a domestic flight from Biratnagar back to Kathmandu, which is a quick and scenic way to return, or embark on a long but rewarding drive through eastern Nepal’s countryside back to the capital city.