Three-hour drive east from Kathmandu to Dolalghat. Set up the first camp on the riverbank, safety briefing, and a few practice runs on Class II rapids in the afternoon.
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Stay: Riverside camp
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Eastern big journey
Sun Koshi River Expedition
Nepal's longest river journey — 270 km from the Tibetan border down toward the Ganges, rated one of the world's top 10 river expeditions by National Geographic.
7 Nights / 8 DaysEast NepalModerate
OverviewBest season October – November (best) and February – May Group size Minimum 4, maximum 16 per departure Start point Kathmandu (3-hour drive to Dolalghat) End point Chatra (drive to Biratnagar, flight to Kathmandu) Difficulty Moderate Best for Experienced travelers wanting a long whitewater + fishing expedition Target species Golden Mahseer • Goonch Catfish • Asala (Snow Trout) • Catfish • Freshwater Eel
About the Sun Koshi trip
The Sun Koshi — "River of Gold" in Nepali — is the long-distance specialist's river. Eight days, 270 kilometers, draining off the eastern Himalayas all the way toward the Indian plains. National Geographic ranks it as one of the top ten river expeditions in the world, and it's the longest river trip on offer in Nepal.
The trip starts a short three-hour drive east of Kathmandu at Dolalghat, where the Bhote Koshi and Indrawati meet to form the Sun Koshi. The first days are gentle warm-up rapids; from day three onwards the river enters the Jungle Corridor — 10 km of continuous rapids — and then the named drops: Meat Grinder, Punch, Jaws I/II/III, Rhino Rock, Roller Coaster, Big Dipper, Black Hole. Between the rapids are long calm stretches where the fishing rods come out.
Compared to the western rivers, the Sun Koshi is more about the river journey than pure trophy fishing. The Mahseer are smaller here and the focus is mixed — rafting in the morning, fishing in the afternoon, big sandy beach camps in the evening. For anglers who want a deep eastern Nepal experience and don't mind the trade-off in fish size, this is one of the great river trips of the world.
Day by day
Your 7 Nights / 8 Days itinerary
A detailed breakdown of every day on the trip — from Kathmandu pickup to final return. The schedule can shift based on river conditions and group preference.
Itineraries are a guide, not a contract. River conditions, weather, and group needs can shift the schedule — your guide will brief you on any changes the day before they happen.
What's covered
Inclusions, exclusions, and what to bring
Included
- All ground transport (Kathmandu ↔ Dolalghat / Chatra ↔ Biratnagar)
- Domestic flight Biratnagar → Kathmandu
- All meals on the river plus hotel night in Biratnagar
- Riverside camping (two-person tents, dining shelter, kitchen tent)
- Rafting equipment (rafts, helmets, PFDs, paddles, dry bags)
- Professional IRF-certified guides and safety kayakers
- Fishing permits and conservation fees
- Treated drinking water
Not included
- International flights and Nepal visa
- Travel/medical insurance (mandatory)
- Personal fishing tackle (rentals available)
- Alcoholic and soft beverages
- Tips for guides and crew
- Personal expenses
- Anything not explicitly listed under 'included'
What to bring
- Quick-dry shirts (3) and shorts/pants
- Warm fleece and rain jacket — eastern Nepal can be wet
- Sun protection (hat, polarized glasses, SPF 50+)
- Secure river sandals + camp shoes
- Personal first aid + meds
- Headlamp + batteries
- Reusable water bottle
- Camera in dry bag
- Buff/scarf for dust
- Sleeping bag rated to 5°C (we provide if needed)
Common questions
Questions about the Sun Koshi
The Karnali has bigger Mahseer and more dedicated fishing time; the Sun Koshi is more of a long-distance rafting expedition with fishing as a secondary focus. Sun Koshi Mahseer tend to be smaller (1–3 kg range typical), and the river has more catfish and Snow Trout. Choose the Sun Koshi for the journey itself and eastern Nepal access; choose the Karnali for trophy Mahseer.
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