# Sun Koshi Rafting Expedition > The Sun Koshi rafting expedition, on the "River of Gold", is one of the classic multi-day river journeys in the world. Over about 8 days on the water, you raft roughly 270 km from Dolalghat in the hills east of Kathmandu, through remote gorges and villages, to Chatara on the edge of the Terai, running big Grade III+ to V rapids and camping every night on white sandy beaches.Suitable for adventurous, fit participants; previous rafting experience is helpful but not essential. Experienced river guides, safety kayakers, all equipment, riverside camps and meals, transport and the flight back from Biratnagar are included. ## Trip facts - **Destination:** Nepal - **Duration:** 10 days - **Difficulty:** Challenging (Grade III+ to V) - **Activity:** White-water rafting - **Max altitude:** About 600 m / 1,970 ft (Dolalghat) - **Best season:** Sep–Nov, Apr–Jun - **Group size:** 4–16 people - **Accommodation:** Riverside camping; hotel in Kathmandu - **Meals:** All meals on the river - **Price:** from US$1,290 per person - **Web page:** https://himalayanhiking.com/sun-koshi-rafting-expedition - **Book:** https://himalayanhiking.com/booking?trip=sun-koshi-rafting-expedition ## Overview **Quick answer:** this expedition takes 10 days from Kathmandu, with about 8 days on the Sun Koshi from Dolalghat to Chatara (about 270 km). Rapids range from Grade III+ to V. It costs from US$1,290 per person. Best seasons are September–November and April–June. The Sun Koshi is a pool-drop river: big, bouncy rapids followed by calm stretches where you can swim, relax and take in the scenery of hills, forests and villages that see very few outsiders. The biggest rapids can be scouted, and some can be portaged. Read our [rafting guide](/blog/white-water-rafting-in-nepal). ### At a glance FactDetailsDuration10 days (about 8 on the river)DistanceAbout 270 kmPut-in / take-outDolalghat / ChataraRapidsGrade III+ to VBest timeSeptember–November, April–JuneCostFrom US$1,290 per person ## Highlights - About 270 km of river from the hills to the plains - Big Grade III+ to V rapids - Camping on sandy beaches - Remote gorges and villages - Experienced river guides and safety kayakers ## Day-by-day itinerary ### Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu Airport pick-up and briefing. _Altitude: 1,400 m · Overnight: Hotel_ ### Day 2: Drive to Dolalghat, start rafting Drive about 3 hours to Dolalghat, safety briefing and first rapids. Riverside camp. _Altitude: 600 m · Meals: Lunch, dinner · Overnight: Riverside camp_ ### Day 3: Rafting day 2 Warm-up rapids and long scenic stretches. _Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: Riverside camp_ ### Day 4: Rafting day 3 Rapids build as the river grows. _Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: Riverside camp_ ### Day 5: Rafting day 4 Remote gorges; bigger rapids, scouted by the guides. _Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: Riverside camp_ ### Day 6: Rafting day 5 Some of the biggest rapids; portage options where needed. _Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: Riverside camp_ ### Day 7: Rafting day 6 Big-volume rapids and calmer stretches. _Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: Riverside camp_ ### Day 8: Rafting day 7 The river widens towards the plains. _Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: Riverside camp_ ### Day 9: Raft to Chatara, drive to Biratnagar, fly to Kathmandu Final rapids to the take-out at Chatara, drive to Biratnagar and fly to Kathmandu (or overnight and fly next morning). _Altitude: 1,400 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch · Overnight: Hotel_ ### Day 10: Departure from Kathmandu Transfer to the airport. _Altitude: 1,400 m · Meals: Breakfast_ ## What is included - Airport transfers and 2 nights in a Kathmandu hotel with breakfast - Transport to Dolalghat and from Chatara to Biratnagar - Flight Biratnagar – Kathmandu - Experienced river guides and safety kayakers - Rafts, paddles, helmets, life jackets and dry bags - Riverside camping equipment - All meals on the river - River permits and local fees - All government and local taxes ## Not included - International flights and visa - Travel insurance covering white-water rafting (compulsory) - Sleeping bag (can be rented) - Drinks and personal expenses - Tips for river crew ## Useful information ### Who can join? Fit, adventurous participants who can swim and are comfortable in big water. Previous rafting experience is helpful. ### Safety Experienced guides scout the biggest rapids, safety kayakers accompany the rafts, and some rapids can be portaged. Water levels vary by season; we only run when conditions are safe. ### Travel insurance Your insurance must cover multi-day white-water rafting. ## Packing list - Quick-dry clothes and swimwear - River sandals with heel straps - Warm layer and fleece for evenings - Sun hat, sunglasses with strap and high-factor sunscreen - Head torch - Waterproof camera ## Frequently asked questions ### How long is the Sun Koshi trip? **10 days** from Kathmandu, with about 8 days on the river. ### How far do you raft? About **270 km**, from Dolalghat to Chatara. ### How hard are the rapids? **Grade III+ to V**; the biggest can be scouted or portaged. ### Do I need experience? Helpful but not essential; you must be fit and able to swim. ### When is the best time? **September–November** and **April–June**. ### How much does it cost? From **US$1,290 per person**. ### Where do we sleep? In tents on riverside beaches. ### How do we get back? Drive to Biratnagar and fly to Kathmandu.