Sunkoshi
meaning river of gold in Nepali language. The
legend depicts that, once up on a time this
river was full of gold floating from Bhot (Tibet).
Like Karnali of the west, Sunkoshi stretches
the long distance among the high hills, gorges,
valleys and flat lands. It's the river with
largest volume of water in Nepal. Unlike Karnali,
Sunkoshi flows closer to the villages of eastern
Nepal that offers more to see the ever friendly
villagers, their culture and life of remote
eastern Nepal.
Rafting starting point (Dolalghat)
of Sunkoshi is close to the country capital
Kathmandu can be approached after 2 hours drive
by bus. Sunkoshi has more powerful tributaries
like Dudhkoshi, Bhotekoshi, Tamur and Arun.
Some of the narrow channels, big holes, and
powerful wider rapids make the river trip a
real challenge for any rafters. In the distance
of miles, there are enough flat section too
and the combination of wild side and changing
landscape as further down you go.
At the ending section the
rafting trips of Tamor and Arun also comes to
join the Sunkoshi. Sunkoshi trip ends at the
flat land of Chatara which is very close to
Koshi Tappu Wild Life reserve. It's one of the
best wet-lands in south Asia housing more than
400 spices of birds and it's also famous for
wild bedfellows known as Arna in local language.
Few days' bird watching tour can be another
charm of the adventure in Sunkoshi. Chatara
is connected to Kathmandu by direct bus which
is 16 hours drive.