Sun Kosi River Expedition

This trip offers an experience of the most exciting of outdoor adventure activities - a 9 day expedition of White Water rafting and Kayaking through the heart of Nepal. Known by the Nepalese as the ‘River Of Gold’, the Sun Kosi starts near the Tibetan border and travels right through the heart of Nepal to the confluence with the Ganges. Described as one of the best rafting trips in the world, with big rapids, warm water, beautiful scenery, a fine ‘jungle corridor’, and great camping.

The river starts at about 100 cumecs flow and by the ‘jungle corridor’ reaches 400 cumecs (equivalent to the Grand Canyon-Colorado), and reaches a flow of 800 cumecs by the end of the trip. The river takes the form of flat sections in between the rapids, which allows time to relax and take in the local villages and scenery and pick and choose which sections you wish to run.

The trip caters for all abilities from those purely wishing to experience the thrills of white water rafting, or those looking to experience kayaking in Nepal, to the experienced kayaker wanting to paddle with full raft support allowing empty kayaks and loads of great river features to play on.

Unique to this trip we also offer kayak instruction where required. This is designed to cater for a range of participants, from those with limited experience right through to advanced level.  You will have the ability to pick and choose the sections of river to paddle, based on how confident you are, and the option to raft any sections you choose not to paddle by loading the kayaks, and jumping into a raft.

With our highly experienced, qualified coaches alongside you on the river we will build your kayak and rafting ability and confidence along the journey.

Trip Dates: 17th -25th October 2012

ITINERARY

Day 1 -17th Oct
Depart Kathmandu early morning to Sukute Beach Camp - Start on the Sunkosi. After lunch we depart camp, having packed all of the rafts and equipment for our trip. A fairly easy grade 2 run and relaxing first day takes us away from the roads and into the heart of the villages, to our first sandy beach to camp out under the stars. With freshly prepared food supplied each day and Rum Punches around the fire each night, you soon get into the routine of camp life where all are encouraged to assist and join in.

Day 2 - 18th Oct
A more exciting day with two big class rapids "No exit" (an easy grade 3) and "Meatgrinder" (grade -4). The Tamba Kosi joins the Sun Kosi doubling the volume of the river before reaching camp located near a beautiful Shiva temple overlooking the confluence.

Day 3 - 19th Oct
After some easier sections for the first hour or two we come to two rapids “Punch and Judy” with straight forward routes and good play spots for the kayakers. Several kilometres below the confluence of the Likhu Khola we negotiate the, "Anxiety" series of rapids, including, pre, post and "High Anxiety". There is plenty of time to look at the rapids and watch each other for possible good photo’s!! Again this section is interspersed with flatter scenic sections of grade 1-2 water.

Day 4 - 20th Oct
Today we arrive at Hakapur bazaar with a village stop to restock on snacks and beverages! It also gives us chance to view one of the largest and most difficult rapids on the river Hakapur II. (grade 4/5). There is plenty of scope for walking around, white water rafting or kayaking if you fancy it! We camp beyond the confluence of the Sun Kosi and Dudh Kosi, which drains Mt Everest.

Day 5 - 8 -21st-24th Oct
"Jaws" I, II & III' are the main rapids for this day again with plenty of sections in between for those wishing to work on techniques and improve personal skill levels. "Rhino Rock" is the last fun rapid on this day marking our camp above the Jungle Corridor.
Thicker vegetation promotes the name “jungle corridor” for this next section of river with nearly six major rapids in 10 km, roller coaster big waves and stunning plant and wildlife. We end the day near a great cascading waterfall, great for showering off and having a break after the adventure of the day.

We spend a relaxing morning floating through stunning landscapes, soaking up the sun and watching the world go by as the river widens and the foothills get smaller. The "Big Dipper" is the last big rapid on the river and a fitting finale to the Sun Kosi. Huge standing waves and a giant hole separate you between the Himalaya and the northern plains of India.

Day 9 - 25th Oct
After the confluence of the Arun Rivers the foothills dramatically give way to flat lands of the Terai and the take out point, Chatra. Here you have two options as to how you get back to Kathmandu:
Option 1 - Take a long bus journey through the night, arriving in Kathmandu in the early hours of the following day (day 10).
Option 2 - Catch an internal flight back to Kathmandu and spend the evening of Day 9 in a hotel on a B&B basis (additional charge for this option)

Optional Additional Days
We can offer you the option of adding two more days to the start of the Sun Kosi. This is great if you want some time to chill before the start of your expedition, and use our facilities at camp to get over your jet lag. Alternatively our camp is based on the banks of the Bhote Kosi River which is a perfect warm up before your 9 day river trip. If you would like more information about this please get in touch with us

Trip Cost: £700.00

This cost includes:
All staff including porters and guides
All camping equipment (when applicable)
All meals and accomodation
Internal transportation as described on your itinerary.

We can assist in arranging additional accommodation to suit your trip dates, travel insurance and international flights.
Please contact us for further assistance for any of these.