Sunkoshi means “River of gold “- perhaps named after the gold that is sometimes panned from the river gravels, or alternatively it refers to the orange colour of the water in the monsoon when it is thick with alluvial silt. The Sun Koshi flows from the Himalaya to eastwards in Nepal through the great valley between the mahabharat Lekh Mountains. It forms the watershed for most of eastern Nepal and gathering strength from tributaries draining the highest mountains in the world it emerges onto the northern plains of India where it joins the Ganges.
Rafting trips start right here from Dolalghat. Since the Banepa-Bardibas highway is now in operation, it is possible to arrange a trip from Dumjabesi. One of the nice things about the Sun Koshi is that, with the exception of a few big rapids like Harkapur the general standard of the river gets progressively harder as you descend it so there is time to loosen up and practice your skills on easy water before you reach the more interesting bigger and more challenging rapids lower down the river. You will be pleasantly surprised and flattered by how much your skills improve by the end of the trip!
For the vast majority of the river there are no roads or towns, just the occasional picturesque village and friendly shouts of “Namaste” from the bank this is un-spoilt , rural Nepal at its best. All along the river are beautiful large white sandy beaches for camping, and the lower section of the river is heavily forested with troops of monkeys and an abundance of birdlife.
