There is plenty of fun to be had on this beautiful & scenic river, easy access and just a few hours of drive from Kathmandu.
This is the upper part of the famous Sun Kosi river. Just upstream of Khadichour is a dam and hydro power station with a scattering of tea houses while, further downstream at Dolalghat is a popular starting point for multi-day self-support trips. About half way down this section, the river becomes considerably easier at Sukute, the local town and so we have split this description into two. Ultimate Descents Nepal has own base call Sunkosi Beach Camp which is a convenient and pleasant access point. All of this valley is surprisingly scenic with well-wooded sides and a wide blue river winding between white beaches. The valley is followed by the Arniko highway from Kathmandu to Khasa. The road traffic at this point is not too overbearing or intrusive. Note that the beaches near to the road, on the river right, are used for gravel extraction over the winter months so a trip in the spring can be less pleasant.
This section is often commercially rafted as a warm up day before a Bhote Kosi trip and many outfitters will call this section the Lower Bhote Kosi. It’s at its best in medium water flow and it’s a blast of a trip in post-monsoon run-off. A low water level is too rocky so most companies ignore it.
Best put-in is on the left bank below the road bridge at Khadichour. A small gorge shortly after Kadichour adds scenic variety and whitewater interest, as the bank, close in you may wish to scout from river left to avoid an upset on the big rapids. There are then several class 3 rapids down to Balephi, where it is worth a stop to look at the temple and Stupa on the left bank. A particular hazard that we notice were a few ‘shark tooth’ type rocks in the middle of wave trains at the bottom of rapids- so don’t just gaily bounce down the centre line.
The Balephi River adds a useful amount of water to the river and makes for some slightly bigger, friendly and bouncy class 3 rapids down to Sukute Beach. At the end 0f the rafting, we will sat O/N at Sunkoshi beach resort or the team will drive back to the borderlands eco-adventure resort takes 45mins drive from the take out point.
Spring: March – June
Fall: Mid Sept – Nov
Tipping is certainly appreciated by the guides and other river crew, who work hard to make sure you have fun and a safe trip. If you feel your guide has done a good job keeping you entertained, safely looked after and has shared the wonderful river environment with you, then feel free to show your appreciation.
The total number of people on the team varies with the duration of the trip and how many guests there will be. The team will always include the expedition leader and the main river guide, under whose supervision there is a team of additional river guides and a minimum of two safety kayakers. All of our team members are river professionals who have the required certification for commercial river descents. The river crew prepares the camp logistics, including meals, but the clients are encouraged to join in.
A minimum of 4 people are required to make the trip operational. Each raft must be at least 6 people and 1 guide, however we can add up to 8 people depending on the river.
If you are just learning to raft, start off with a Class II or III (or an easy Class IV) rafting trip. If you are really nervous about being part of a paddle boat, an alternative is to ride along on an oar boat, which we can offer on different rivers. Many rafters who are confident in the water, healthy, and feel adventurous, drop right into a Class IV river without any prior experience. Our guides will make sure you are trained in safety and proper paddle techniques. For Class V rivers, you must have prior class IV experience.
Yes! We provide private transportation to and from the river for each rafting trip and this is included in the cost of the trip. However, if you would prefer a flight, this can be arranged for an additional cost.
Typically you will have approximately 4-5 hours of actual river journey each day. The rest of the time is spent on setting up the campsite, preparing logistics, etc. This can be a good time for personal exploration and interaction with the natural surroundings or fellow travellers.
We don’t recommend bringing video cameras, or even expensive still cameras, on trips. If you do choose to bring a more expensive camera, or any camera really, we suggest that you protect it with a waterproof case; many are available which fit different shapes and sizes of cameras. Oftentimes, our river trips also have a professional photographer, whose photos you can view and order after the trip.
The meals will include both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options which are hygienically prepared by our team members everyday. Sometimes, local delicacies are served as well. You are also welcome to bring your own nonperishable foods/snacks and any alcoholic beverages you would like to enjoy at the campsite in the evening.
What's Included
Transportation to the put-in point and back from the put-out point
Accommodation on a twin-sharing basis
Meals (from lunch on Day 1 to lunch on Day 2)
Internationally certified rafting guides and safety kayakers
State-of-the-art rafting equipment and safety gear (including dry bags, helmets, life vests, etc.)
River permits
What's Not Included
Personal insurance
Emergency evacuation
Sleeping bag
Clothing and footwear
Alcoholic beverages
Any expenses/items of a personal nature
Trip Details
Meet time/place:
6:30 Am UD sales office, Thamel
Dep time:
7Am
Starting point (1St Day):
Khadichaur
Starting Point (2nd Day):
Jalkbiri Bazar
Take out point:
Sunkoshi Beach Camp, Sukute
Rafting distance:
15/16Km
River grade:
III- (-IV)
Time on water:
3Hrs
Bus ride to the put in point:
2.5/3Hrs
Bus return Journey:
2.52Hrs (depends upon the traffic)
Age restriction:
15 – 70 years old
Meals:
Full Board
Seasons:
Spring: Mar – June
Fall: Mid Sept – Nov
