The Sun Khosi, meaning ‘river of gold’, rises near Tibet and is joined by the Bhote Kosi just below Barabise. It is near this confluence, at Dolalghat, that rafting trips usually begin. The set-in point is about three hours road journey from Kathmandu, and from here the first few days are relatively easy and an excellent warm-up for what is to follow.

This most excellent and exhilarating of rivers, judged to be among the world’s top ten for white water rafting, offer beautiful natural scenery, cultivated terraced landscape, and the chance to see and hear about four hundred different kinds of birds. The ever-changing scenery helps to ensure that each day on the river is exciting and different. From the rafting put-in point at Dolalghat, to the take out point at Chatra, is a journey of 272 km. The trip provides a real taste of white water rafting and is also a photographer's paradise.

The river flow varies enormously, from huge post-monsoon run-off in early October down to low winter flows in January and February, rising again in May with snowmelt and pre-monsoon rains. To run the Sun Kosi just after the Monsoon must rate as one of life’s most exhilarating experiences. At this time of year the river is high and wild, and definitely not for the faint-hearted. There are dozens of adrenaline pumping rapids, up to Grade V-, and miles of calmer water to unwind and reflect on the beauty of this remote area.

Although this river trip is a complete holiday adventure in its own right, which we are offering with experienced rafters in mind, it might still be an idea to consider travelling on by road, to the Koshi Tappu wildlife reserve, to enjoy the very different wildlife of the Terai compared to that observed from the inside of an inflatable boat on the river!

Altitude Chart