The Sun Koshi River Rafting is Nepal’s longest and most legendary rafting expedition, often ranked among the top ten classic river journeys in the world. Flowing from the mid-hills to the lowland plains, the Sun Koshi River—literally meaning “River of Gold”—offers an unforgettable blend of thrilling white water, remote countryside, and authentic Nepali village life.
Beginning just a 3-hour drive from Kathmandu, the river winds through the Mahabharata Range and gradually increases in intensity, making it perfect for adventurous beginners and experienced rafters alike. Over 270 kilometers, the journey transitions from gentle rapids to powerful Class IV–V white water, giving rafters time to build confidence and fully enjoy the river’s challenge.
This fully supported expedition includes professional guides, safety kayakers, riverside camping, freshly prepared meals, and nights spent under star-filled skies—making it one of Nepal’s ultimate adventure experiences.
Sun Koshi River Rafting – 8 Days Highlights
One of the world’s top 10 classic river journeys
Nepal’s longest rafting expedition (270 km)
Gradual increase from beginner to advanced rapids
Stunning Mahabharata hills and rural landscapes
Authentic riverside camping experience
Professional English-speaking rafting guides & safety kayakers
Remote villages and untouched countryside
Flexible exit options at Chatara
Outline Itinerary
- Drive from Kathmandu to Dolalghat – Rafting to Riverside Camp | 3 hrs rafting
- Rafting from Dolalghat Area to Tama Koshi Confluence (Class II–III | 5–6 hrs)
- Rafting through Tama Koshi to Kerabari Village (Class III–IV | 5–6 hrs)
- Rafting from Kerabari to Rai Ghat (Class III–IV | 5 hrs)
- Rafting from Rai Ghat to Rhino Rock (Full Day | Class IV)
- Rafting from Rhino Rock to Waterfall (Jungle Corridor | Class IV)
- Rafting from Waterfall to Tribeni (Extreme Rapids | Class IV–V)
- Rafting from Tribeni to Chatara – Drive to Kathmandu / Chitwan / Biratnagar | 2–3 hrs
Itinerary
Day 01: Drive from Kathmandu to Dolalghat – Rafting to Riverside Camp | 3 hrs rafting
Early in the morning, Rainbow Adventure & Travel will pick you up from your hotel in Kathmandu and drive approximately three hours to Dolalghat, the starting point of the Sun Koshi rafting expedition.
After arrival, you meet your rafting crew and receive a comprehensive safety briefing covering paddling techniques, rescue procedures, and river commands. The first day’s rafting is gentle and scenic, lasting around three hours—perfect for getting comfortable with the raft and river flow.
In the afternoon, you set up camp on a sandy riverside beach and enjoy your first night under the open sky.
Day 02: Rafting from Dolalghat Area to Tama Koshi Confluence (Class II–III | 5–6 hrs)
After breakfast at the campsite, the rafting adventure continues. Today’s stretch offers a mix of fun rapids and calm sections, with beautiful scenery of hills, forests, and small villages along the riverbanks.
As the Sun Koshi gathers strength, you experience increasingly exciting white water. By afternoon, you reach the confluence of the Tama Koshi River, where camp is set for the night beside the river.
Day 03: Rafting through Tama Koshi to Kerabari Village (Class III–IV | 5–6 hrs)
Today’s rafting introduces stronger rapids and faster flows as the river widens. You raft past remote villages and terraced hillsides, offering glimpses of authentic rural Nepal rarely seen by travelers.
By late afternoon, you reach Kerabari village, where you camp near the riverbank, enjoying a peaceful evening surrounded by nature.
Day 04: Rafting from Kerabari to Rai Ghat (Class III–IV | 5 hrs)
This section features continuous rapids combined with beautiful natural scenery. The river flows smoothly between stretches of white water, making the day both thrilling and enjoyable.
After about five hours of rafting, you reach Rai Ghat, where camp is established for the night on a sandy beach.
Day 05: Rafting from Rai Ghat to Rhino Rock (Full Day | Class IV)
A full day on the river, today’s rafting takes you through exciting rapids and scenic river corridors. The highlight is Rhino Rock, a famous landmark near Rusuwa village.
This stretch offers powerful waves and technical sections, making it one of the most exciting days of the expedition.
Day 06: Rafting from Rhino Rock to Waterfall (Jungle Corridor | Class IV)
Today’s section is known as the “Jungle Corridor Roller Coaster”, with continuous rapids and fast-flowing water through lush jungle surroundings. This stretch is exhilarating and visually stunning, with dense greenery lining the riverbanks.
After an action-packed day, you camp near the waterfall area, enjoying a relaxed evening by the river.
Day 07: Rafting from Waterfall to Tribeni (Extreme Rapids | Class IV–V)
One of the most intense days of the expedition, today features powerful Class IV–V rapids and breathtaking scenery. The river demands teamwork, focus, and skilled maneuvering, making this day unforgettable for adventure seekers.
You arrive at Tribeni, where camp is set for the final night on the river.
Day 08: Rafting from Tribeni to Chatara – Drive to Kathmandu / Chitwan / Biratnagar | 2–3 hrs
A short final rafting stretch brings you to Chatara, the official take-out point of the Sun Koshi River. After getting off the river, you have multiple travel options arranged by Rainbow Adventure & Travel.
What's Included
- Transportation from Kathmandu to Dolalghat and from Chatara to Kathmandu by tourist bus
- Professional licensed rafting guides and safety kayakers (English-speaking)
- All international-standard rafting equipment:
- Full camping and cooking equipment (tents, mattresses, kitchen utensils)
- Twin-sharing tents during the rafting expedition
- All meals during rafting (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
- Trained cook and kitchen staff
- Comprehensive first-aid medical kit
- All necessary paperwork and river permits
- Gear raft support (if required)
- All government and local taxes
What's Not Included
- Personal items (toiletries, medication, clothing, camera)
- Personal travel / adventure insurance
- Drinks (water, soft drinks, alcohol)
- Optional tours or activities during free time
- Personal rafting equipment
- Tips and gratuities for rafting staff and drivers
General Trek Information
Accommodation
Accommodation is provided in tea houses during the trek and 3-star hotels in River Rafting.
Meals
Three freshly prepared meals daily during the trek including Dal Bhat, pasta, rice, soups, and vegetables.
Drinking Water
Safe drinking water is provided using filters or purification tablets. Reusable bottles are recommended.
Guide & Porter
Licensed English-speaking guides and local porters ensure safety, navigation, and cultural insights.
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