Sunkoshi River Rafting 9-day
5(33)
Trip Overview
Sunkoshi River Rafting Overview
One of the most enjoyable adventures to experience in Nepal is Sunkoshi River rafting. Given the nickname “River of Gold,” the Sunkoshi River is extraordinarily beautiful, hosting hills, small villages, forests, and even sandy beaches that travelers can enjoy along the way. This trip usually take 8 to 9 days and are recommended for both expert and beginner rafters.
The river starts off calm, so you can get used to the raft and paddling. As the days go on, the rapids become bigger and more exciting. The guides will help you to navigate through some of the most challenging parts like Big Dipper and Harkapur, which are really fun. Every night, travelers can enjoy camping along the river, along with delicious meals. During the rafting trip through Sunkoshi, the best times to officially set off are between September to December and March through May. Having travel insurance along with setting the bookings early is key.
Along the riverside villages, travelers will get the chance to see traditional homes, agricultural practices, and daily routines. You will be welcomed by the friendly villagers and get the opportunity to know the lifestyle of the people residing there. Along the riverbanks, travelers can enjoy photography and birdwatching in a peaceful environment. They can simply relax while observing and listening to the flow of water with rustling forests. Many wildlife like monkeys and kingfishers, is visible during the morning hikes along the river.
Individuals who like the mixture of both nature and culture with thrilling adventure will enjoy the Sunkoshi tour. As for the evenings and the mornings, you will truly have a memorable time of your life. During the night, campfires are set where you get a chance to interact with other travelers, share stories, and tell your experience about this journey as the sky is filled with stars far away from the city lights. For anyone who wants to experience Nepal’s natural beauty, lively culture and peaceful riversides, this tour will provide the chance to have unforgettable and calming moments and adventure discovery.
This trip does not revolve only around rafting. Travelers can enjoy the peaceful nature all around. Those with adventurous spirits are guaranteed to enjoy it, and for the more reserved, it will provide something new to experience.
Trip Highlights
- Raft one of the world’s top ten river trips and enjoy a range of exciting waves (Class III–IV+).
- You can travel through beautiful hills, dense woods, and faraway valleys.
- Every night, camp on the sand next to the river.
- Go through famous rapids like Big Dipper and Harkapur.
- Enjoy peaceful stretches of the river for paddling and relaxing.
- Spot rare birds and butterflies along the riverbanks.
- Witness sunrises and sunsets over the hills and valleys along the river.
- Capture beautiful scenery for photography of cliffs and river bends.
- Experience the local village life and traditional culture.
- See animals like monkeys, birds, and river otters.
- Go through small towns and see how people used to live in the country.
- The warm water is ideal for swimming and resting.
Itinerary
Your Journey, Step by Step
Raft from Khalte Chok to Likhu Khola
Breakfast will be by the river in the morning before we break down our camp and head back to the water. Today’s rafting trip will have both exciting waves and calm spots where we can relax and enjoy the view. We’ll paddle downstream past quiet neighborhoods, long sandy beaches, and beautiful hills.
The sounds of nature and the flow of the river will make the Sunkoshi river raft trip seem fun and relaxing. We will get to Likhu Khola in the late afternoon and set up camp there for the night. After a filling dinner, we’ll calm down by the river and enjoy the quiet night.
Spend the night at camp.
Raft from Likhu Khola to Harkapur
After breakfast, we’ll start one of the tougher parts of the trip. We’ll have to show how good we are at paddling on today’s waves, which are Harkapur I and II. It will be an exciting day with big waves and water moving quickly. We will arrive at Rai Ghat in the late afternoon, a serene area on an island in the river, where we can pitch our tents, take it easy, and obtain some much-needed rest.
Spend the night at camp.
Raft from Harkapur to Rai Ghat
Before breakfast we will face the more difficult part of the journey. At the time of our return, we informed Ramos that the rapids of Harkapur Part I, with their curiously changing scenery, were the most challenging part of the journey. We will spend the entire following day at camp. We are experiencing a powerful surge of water from the river, which is currently at full flood stage. On the river we arrive at school about mid-afternoon, after some enjoyable runs. Rai Ghat, which is a very quiet riverbank, is where we shall camp and be lazy at leisure before we prepare a hearty meal and spend the evening comfortably around the fire in the open air.
Stay overnight at camp.
Raft from Rai Ghat to Rasuwaghat
We will start the day by rafting through a mix of big and small rapids, which will make the ride exciting and fun. As the river leads us, it will take us through rough gorges, lush forests, and stunning nature scenes. Today is a wonderful day to enjoy the changing scenery and the flow of the water. By dusk, we’ll have arrived at Rasuwaghat, a beautiful spot by the river. We’ll set up camp, eat dinner, and relax by the fire.
Spend the night at the campsite.
Raft from Rasuwaghat to Jungle Corridor
At 7 o’clock breakfast will be ready. We will now prepare for one of the best parts of the river. The ride will be traversing through the well-known Jungle Corridor. The result is a narrow part of the river with running rapids and sharp pitches. This ride is one that should suit all those people who like being frightened. The whole aspect of the day is more savage and wild, being as it is surrounded with dense trees and jungle. In the late afternoon, we will arrive at a lonely and silent bay that is either within or adjacent to the jungle, which will be suitable for our camp where we can enjoy a hearty meal followed by a peaceful night in the jungle. We will camp out in the Jungle.
Spend the night at camp.
Raft from Jungle Corridor to Big Dipper Section
We are going to start our day ready to tackle the hardest rapids of the whole river like Rhino Rock, Big Dipper, Black Hole He will be exhilarating and quite interesting. The waves to challenge us will be plentiful. Everywhere you look, you’ll be able to enjoy stunning views of steep rocks and moving water. It’s going to be a fun and wet day before we get to our campsite for the night and can relax and dry off.
Plan to spend the night at the campsite.
Raft to Chatara – End of Rafting
The trip of Sunkoshi rafting will end this evening with an easy run down the river with a few minor rapids between here and the end of the river at Chatara. When we reach Chatara, our rafting is finished. We will gather our equipment together and make it ready for packing. If time permits, we will go to see and relax at nearby temples or hot springs. In the evening we are going to either camp at Chatara or go to a nearby guesthouse where we will discuss the wonderful experience of our journey.
Stay overnight at the camp near Chatara.
Drive or Fly Back to Kathmandu
We’ll arrive back to Kathmandu early in the morning by car or short flight from Biratnagar, which is the closest airport. During the ride, you can relax and reflect on the amazing trip. When we get to Kathmandu, we’ll drop you off at your hotel or anywhere else you tell us. It’s time for us to end our journey together, so take a break, enjoy the memories, and maybe even start planning your next trip.
Customize this trip with help from our local travel specialist that matches your Interests.
Customize This TripInclusions
What’s Covered in Your Adventure
- A qualified safety crew and rafting guide.
- Every piece of rafting gear, including the paddle, helmet, life jacket, and raft.
- All meals (breakfast, lunch, supper, and snacks) along the journey.
- Equipment for camping (tent, sleeping pad, kitchenware).
- Water for drinking (boiled or purified).
- Transportation from Kathmandu or the surrounding area to and from the river.
- First aid supplies and a safety aid (such as a rescue kayak).
- Government taxes and permits
- In Kathmandu, welcome or farewell dinner.
- Crews or porters to transport equipment.
- During the journey, tea, coffee, and small refreshments.
- Simple vacation video or photographs (if available).
- Staff members set up the group camping equipment.
- Personal belongings (snacks, sunscreen, toiletries, etc.).
- Sleeping bag (rent one or see if one is given).
- Travel, health, or personal insurance.
- Staff and guide tips are optional but greatly appreciated.
- Prior to or following the trip, hotel stays.
- Drinks in bottles or with alcohol.
- Personal costs or additional activities not included in the itinerary
Maps
Navigate Your Journey
Good to Know
Your Journey, Step by Step
Important Tips
Every foreign citizen except the citizen of India will require a visa to enter Nepal. If you are
interested to trek on Nepal then you will have to go through the following process to get the tourist
visa of Nepal.
Food and Drinking Water during Sunkoshi Rafting
Food and drinking water are provided during the Sunkoshi River rafting to keep you hydrated and refreshed during the journey. The common trip in rafting is fully catered, being that every day there will be various dishes coming out of the kitchen, to the extent that the crew cooks a great selection of Nepali, Western, and Asian meals in good, healthy food that is clean and fresh. While Lunch and dinner will generally mean rice with pasta, lentils, vegetables, etc., according to their availability and the taste of the group, Breakfast will consist of eggs, bread, fruits, tea or coffee.
Boiled and purified drinking water is always provided to keep you healthy and protect you from waterborne diseases. It is probably a wise precaution to have a waterbottle easily accessible so you can refill it as required.
Accommodation for Rafting Sunkoshi
Sunkoshi River rafting accommodations are simple, daring, and intended to help you get in touch with nature. Camping along the river is the most popular and convenient choice because it’s a multi-day journey through isolated regions.
The crew sets tents in picturesque locations along the riverbank every evening, frequently offering stunning views of the hills, trees, and night sky. The prime necessities of sleeping, i.e., mattresses and sleeping bags, are provided but you may, if preferred, use your own for greater comfort.
Tents are often shared, with two people per tent. Expect natural settings and portable toilets or dedicated restroom sites because there are no hotels or lodges along the rafting route, meaning there aren’t many amenities.
Because there are no hotels or lodges along the rafting route, there aren’t many amenities, so be prepared for natural settings and either dedicated restrooms or portable toilets. A genuine nature trip with the support of a qualified crew is provided, and although it is not luxurious, the experience is clean, safe, and unforgettable.
Safety and Security in Sunkoshi River Rafting
Rafting on the Sunkoshi River is safe and secure because of the knowledgeable and experienced guides. The crew provides a thorough safety briefing prior to the trip to ensure everyone is aware of what to do and how to stay safe. You will receive high-quality safety equipment, such as a paddle, helmet, and life jacket.
In addition to having first aid and rescue training, the guides always have safety gear on hand in case of an emergency. Every day, the team also assesses the weather and the river to ensure that it is safe to proceed. Rafting on the Sunkoshi is safe for both novices and experts when done with the proper crew, despite the thrilling and powerful rapids. Knowing that you’re taken care of allows you to enjoy the adventure.
Group size for Sunkoshi River Rafting
Rafting the Sunkoshi River typically involves a group of six to eight people on each raft, accompanied by a qualified guide. Larger trips might have several rafts, so there could be 15–25 people in the party overall. This size is ideal since it maintains the trip’s enjoyment, security, and organization.
Rafting in smaller groups gives an opportunity to cooperate despite the natural instinct of man to keep to himself. Everybody is obliged to pay the utmost attention to directions given. Besides these, there is a supporting crew consisting of helpers, safety kayakers, and culinary help. As soon as we get the deposit, the booking is assured. The balance is usually paid for before the departure or upon arrival.
Things to Bring During Sunkoshi River Rafting (9-day)
Clothing
- Quick-dry clothes (for rafting)
- Warm clothes (jacket or fleece for evenings)
- Swimsuit
- Sandals or shoes that can get wet
Sleeping & Personal Care
- Sleeping bag (or check if provided)
- Towel and basic toiletries
- Sunscreen and lip balm (high SPF)
- Personal medication
Essentials
- Reusable water bottle
- Sunglasses with a strap
- Headlamp or flashlight (with extra batteries)
- Dry bag or plastic bag (to keep things dry)
Booking Policy for the Sunkoshi River Rafting
Booking and Confirmation
To book your Sunkoshi River rafting trip, you’ll need to provide your personal details and pay a deposit, usually around 20–30% of the total cost. Your booking is confirmed once we receive this deposit. The remaining balance is typically paid before the trip starts or upon arrival.
Payment Methods
We allow the deposits for the trips by bank, credit card, or cash. Please consult your tour operator as to which of the different facilities that are there are available and if there is any extra cost.
Changes and Transfers
If you desire to change dates for your rafting or to transfer your booking to someoneelse, you should notify us of that fact as soon as possible. Changes to the schedule are always subject to availability and, in some cases, have to have extra consideration.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is strongly recommended for your Sunkoshi River rafting. In this way you are protected against sickness, accident, and possible emergency during the time of your trip and can thus take proper pleasure in your adventure, knowing that you are safeguarded against the worst things that could happen.
Last-Minute Booking
Last-minute bookings are sometimes possible, but they are always very difficult, especially at peak season. The permits and accommodations fill rapidly. Also prices are higher. We recommend bookings several weeks in advance in this connection, so that all unpleasant occurrences may be obviated.
FAQs
Your Questions, Answered
What is the best time to go rafting on the Sunkoshi River?
The best time is from September to December and from March to May. During these months, the water levels are just right, neither too high nor too low, and the weather is nice.
Do I need any previous rafting experience?
No, you don’t need any experience. The guides will provide you a safety briefing and teach you everything you need to know before you start.
What should I bring with me for the rafting trip?
You should bring quick-drying clothes, a hat, sunscreen, a water bottle, swimwear, and a towel. Please keep in mind comfortable shoes that can become wet, like water shoes or old sneakers.
Is rafting safe?
Yes, rafting on the Sunkoshi River is safe as long as you follow the guides’ instructions. They are trained professionals and will keep you secure throughout the trip.
Will I become wet during the rafting?
Yes, Rafting is fun and often wet, especially on the rapids. Wearing quick-dry clothes helps, and you can bring a dry bag for your valuables.
What kind of accommodation will be provided?
You’ll mostly stay in riverside camps with tents during the rafting trip. The accommodations will be basic yet comfortable and offer opportunities to experience nature up close.
Can I cancel or change my booking?
You can change or cancel your booking, but it depends on how close you are to the trip. It is best to inform the operator as early as possible. Some changes or cancellations might have a small fee.
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