SUNKOSHI
The River Of Gold
SUNKOSHI
The River Of Gold
THE RIVER OF GOLD
Sunkoshi is Nepal’s biggest-volume whitewater river and one of the great expedition classics of the Himalaya.
Starting from Harkapur, the journey covers approximately 155 km of powerful flow, long wave trains, and open valleys. Life unfolds along the banks, villages, temples, farmland, and wide sandy beaches that become our camps each night. This is a river defined not just by whitewater, but by culture, space, and rhythm. Big days on the water, quiet evenings on golden beaches, and a deep sense of traveling through the heart of Nepal.
Itinerary
DAY-1
PUT IN
We kick off early, taking the same legendary highway that leads toward the Everest Base Camp route. It’s a solid 5–6 hours’ drive, a good warm-up for the days ahead. Once we reach the put-in, we set camp, run through essential safety briefings, gear checks, and on-land training.You settle in, relax, breathe the fresh air and get ready to dive into the River of Gold.
DAY-2
The Harkapur II Wake-Up Call
The day starts with a bang: Harkapur II. Before the 2023 flood it used to be a friendly wave train, now it’s a sharp, technical rapid shaped by a disaster that wiped out 45 suspension bridges along the river. After that big hit, the rest of the day is fun, friendly whitewater. Perfect to fall into the rhythm of the Sunkoshi.
DAY-3
Big Water, Big Waves
Today shows you why Sunkoshi sits among the world’s classic rivers.
Long wave trains, big volume and that unmistakable feeling of being far away from everything. Tonight’s campsite will make you feel like you’ve dropped off the map and that’s exactly the charm.
DAY-4
FLOW DAY
We ease into the natural rhythm of the river. The day offers relaxed floating mixed with pockets of playful whitewater. No rush, no noise. Just the river doing what it does best.
DAY-5
Temple Visit & Riverside Resort Night
We rise early, paddle for an hour and visit one of the most important temples in Hinduism. We go through few big wave trains, a late lunch follows and we settle into a cosy riverside safari tent resort. The crew fires up a BBQ and we enjoy our last night together by the water.
DAY-6
FLY BACK TO KATHMANDU
A slow morning with options:
• Paragliding
• Bird-watching island visit
• Simply relaxing before the flight.
We catch a scenic flight back to Kathmandu. If the skies are kind, you’ll see the whole Eastern Himalayan wall including Everest right outside your window.
Brief Information
Cost includes:
All ground transportation during the expedition
(Kathmandu pick-up, drive to Harkapur, and all logistics along the route)Domestic scenic flight back to Kathmandu at the end of the trip
(Early return option available on Day 5 if required)Professional expedition leadership
Led by highly experienced river guides with international safety standardsSafety kayakers and full support crew
Dedicated team focused on prevention, judgment, and river awarenessAll meals during the river expedition
Freshly prepared, nutritious meals from Day 1 dinner through Day 5 dinnerExpedition camping setup
Tents, sleeping arrangements, kitchen setup, and group equipmentRiverside safari tent resort stay
Comfortable accommodation on the final night with hot showersHigh-quality rafting and safety equipment
Rafts, PFDs, helmets, paddles, throw bags, and first-aid & rescue equipmentCultural experiences along the river
Temple visit and interaction with riverside villages and local communitiesBBQ farewell dinner with the crew
A proper closing night by the riverAll required local permits and river fees
Cost excludes:
Meals during road journeys
Meals while driving to the river put-in and during overland travel back toward Kathmandu are not included.Personal travel insurance
(Strongly recommended and expected for adventure travel)Alcoholic beverages and personal snacks
Personal gear
(Clothing, footwear, sunscreen, personal medications, etc.)Optional activities
Such as paragliding or additional sightseeing not specified as includedTips and gratuities for guides and crew
(Optional, but always appreciated)
This expedition is designed as a full-service, high-standard river journey. What’s not included is intentionally minimal so you can focus fully on the river, the culture, and the experience.
Things to consider while in Nepal and before coming to Nepal:
- Roads can be unpredictable and bumpy in Nepal—be patient and trust the journey.
- Forgetting personal medications is risky—pack enough for the entire trip as pharmacies are non-existent in these remote areas.
- There’s little to no internet here—disconnect and enjoy the timeless beauty of the wilderness.
- Drinking untreated water can ruin your adventure. Always use purification methods.
- Never overpack.
- Leave footprints not traces.
- Have healthy mind set to respect local culture.
- Remote areas mean minimal facilities—embrace the adventure over comfort.
- Switch off everything and soak in the moments.
- Carry enough cash because sometimes ATMs and other form payments could not work.
- Dont forget your river permits and all the other required documents.
- Stay calm in unexpected situations; panicking never helps, and solutions are always around the corner.
- Don’t rush to the finish line; the magic is in enjoying every step of the journey.
- Stick with the group; wandering off isn’t just unsafe, it’s unnecessary in such vast landscapes.
WHAT TO BRING:
- Personal river gear (helmet, PFD, paddle, etc.)/ Also provided by the company
- Quick-drying clothes
- Swimwear
- River sandals or water shoes
- Warm layers (fleece, thermals, sleeping bag)
- Waterproof jacket
- Sunglasses with a strap
- Sunscreen
- Wide-brimmed hat or cap
- Personal medications
- Toiletries (biodegradable soap, toothpaste, small towel)
- Reusable water bottle
- Dry bags
- Comfortable hiking clothes
- Lightweight hiking boots or sneakers
- Headlamp or flashlight with extra batteries
- Snacks and energy bars
- Travel insurance details
- Camera or GoPro with waterproof casing
- Power bank
- Cash in small denominations
- Positive vibes
|
What Year ?
|
Month
|
Date
|
Max Pax
|
Price Per Person
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2026
|
October
|
16th - 21st
|
14
|
$1290
|
|
2026
|
October
|
22nd - 27th
|
14
|
$1290
|
|
2026
|
November
|
22nd - 27th
|
14
|
$1290
|
|
2026
|
Nov/December
|
29th - 3rd
|
14
|
$1290
|
FAQs
Our rafting trips are perfect for all experience levels, from beginners to seasoned adventurers, with expert guides providing all the necessary instruction. However, for kayaking, you should be a confident Grade 4 paddler, as the rapids can be challenging. If you’re unsure about your skills, our team can help assess your readiness!
Currently, we do not offer specific options for solo travelers. Our trips are designed for groups, so it’s best to join with friends or family to fully enjoy the adventure!
People 14 years or older can join the trip. This ensures everyone is physically capable and can follow safety guidelines.
In Kathmandu and other major cities, you can enjoy luxury, comfortable hotels. While on the river, we’ll be camping in tents with sleeping bags and sleeping mattresses for a cozy and adventurous experience under the stars!
We prioritize your safety with IRF-certified guides and top-notch equipment. Our team is trained to handle various situations, ensuring you have a safe and enjoyable adventure. Plus, we always carry a first aid kit to address any needs that may arise!
Of course! Just let us know, and we can help with arrangements.
