Bhote Koshi River Rafting Overview
The Bhote Koshi River could be the best choice for those who are looking for a short, but fast-paced, rafting adventure in Nepal. It is the steepest raftable river with technical class III and IV rapids. The trip begins near the Nepal/Tibet (China) Kodari border taking you through the natural beauty of the area. During the adventure, you can take part in other activities such as mountain biking, bungee jumping, and short treks. On this trip, you will get an opportunity to see terraced green fields high above the river on precipitous slopes, as well as curious villagers lining suspension bridges, as you plunge through cascading waves and chutes of foam.
Bhote Koshi River Rafting offers a thrilling whitewater experience. It is an exciting river to raft and kayak on. Kathmandu and Pokhara are both easy access points for the main branch of the Sun Koshi River, which originates in Tibet. Bhote Koshi Rafting has many exciting gorges between mountain valleys, hills, and springs. The rapids and canyons of this river are very challenging, with their big bounces. Adventure Club Trek selects Bhote Koshi River for its difficult and fun adventure sports.
Bhotekoshi River is easily accessible by Private Car/Jeep from Kathmandu. Lamosangu is 3 hours away via Araniko Highway. You will be amazed by this highway's numerous bends and natural scenes every time you look outside. Bhote Koshi is a challenging river, as the road view shows while traveling to the access point for rafting. Upper Bhote Koshi finishes at Barabise, while Lower Bhote Koshi begins at Lamosangu Dam. Lamosangu is the place to start rafting. The current of water in this river makes rafting in it a challenging experience. Some rapids are breath-stopping and can make your hair stand on end.
A gorgeous three-hour drive gets you to the rafting site from Kathmandu. Technically, the Upper Bhote Koshi ends just after Barbisae where the Sun Koshi joins as a stream from the left. The Lower Bhote Koshi rafting starts from the Lamasangu.
Best Time for Bhote Koshi River Rafting
The best time to go rafting on the Bhote Koshi River is from April to October. During these months, rafting enthusiasts can enjoy an unforgettable experience. From April to August, the weather in Nepal is warm, making it refreshing to cool off in the icy, glacier-fed waters. Between April and May, the rapids are slightly slower compared to the monsoon season, but the adventure is still thrilling. The monsoon season begins in May and lasts until mid-September. During this time, the river becomes more intense and exciting due to the high water levels. In September and October, the water level is ideal for rafting, and the weather is neither too hot nor too cold. For the best experience, April, May, September, and October are the top months for Bhote Koshi River Rafting.
Bhote Koshi River Rafting Difficulty
The difficulty of rafting on the Bhote Koshi River varies depending on the time of year. In October and November, the rapids are classified as grade 4, offering a challenging but manageable adventure. During the monsoon season, the grade increases, making it more suitable for experienced rafters. If you’re a beginner or prefer a calmer experience, it’s best to avoid the monsoon season. If it rains on your scheduled rafting day, it’s recommended to wait until the rain stops for safety. For those in Nepal during monsoon season who still want a gentler trip, we can help you choose a river with less intense rapids. Our team will guide you to the right time and place for your desired rafting experience.
Where is the Bhote Koshi River?
The Bhote Koshi River begins at Lumi Chimi Lake in Tibet, high in the Himalayas, and flows into the Sun Koshi River near Bahrabise village in Nepal. It is fed by glacial meltwaters from the Himalayas. For our rafting trips, the starting point is in Lamosangu, about a 3-hour drive (78 kilometers or 48 miles) northeast of Kathmandu. The river’s thrilling rapids are perfect for whitewater rafting enthusiasts. While the entire river is 95 kilometers (60 miles) long, our one-day rafting excursion covers a section of the river ending at Dolalghat.
Things to Tell Us Before Rafting
Before you go rafting, it’s important to let us know if you can swim or not. This helps our guides provide you with the necessary attention. Sometimes the raft may flip due to strong rapids, and knowing your swimming ability allows us to prioritize safety, especially for beginners.
Bhote Koshi River Rafting Cost
The standard cost for a one-day Bhote Koshi River Rafting trip is USD 74. If you prefer a multi-day trip with tent camping, the price will be slightly higher. Additionally, opting for private transportation will increase the overall cost.
Rafting starts/Ends info
River Name: Bhote Koshi
Rafting put in point: Baseri or Lamasanghu
Rafting ending point: Dolalghat
Best Season, Raft grade with Water Volume
| Season | Grading | Water Volume |
| September - December | 5- | Approx.100 - 50 cumecs |
| January - May | 4+ | Approx. 40 cumecs |
| June - August | Lower section only 4+ | Approx 180 cumecs |
