HERITAGE CELEBRATION
“1976 Dudh Koshi Expedition”
13-28 November, 2026, Nepal
About the 1976 Dudh Koshi Expedition
50 years ago in 1976, a small daring team of British kayakers led by the late Mike Jones travelled overland all the way from the UK to Nepal, trekked up to the Everest Base camp to then kayak at an altitude of 17,500 feet! They then set off to paddle down from here and so accomplished a historic descent of the Dudh Koshi River (the River of Everest). Essential for this challenging expedition were the specially designed boats made by Pyranha Kayaks.
This bold journey was captured by renowned filmmaker Leo Dickinson - the documentary, “Relentless River of Everest” achieved worldwide fame and won numerous awards. This film introduced Nepal’s rivers to the world and the 1976 Dudh Koski Expedition is recognised as a defining moment in Himalayan River exploration.
Join Us
Nepal is home to some of the world’s most challenging white water. The Dudh Koshi river is one of them. In 1976, a pioneering British Canoe team dared to paddle into the unknown and achieved a historic descent of the Dudh Koshi River. This groundbreaking moment helped establish the Himalayan rivers as a world-class destination for River Expedition.
To Celebrate this remarkable chapter , The Royal Beach Camp is organizing the special Event a 50th Year Heritage Celebration of the 1976 Dudh Koshi Expedition.
This special gathering will bring together members of the original 1976 expedition team alongside well renowned whitewater pioneers, explorers, kayakers, and expedition leaders from around the world.
We warmly invite paddlers of all ages and skill levels to experience the breathtaking mountains and exhilarating whitewater of Nepal that inspired Mike Jones and his team on 1976 expedition. Join us in Nepal in 2026 for an unforgettable river expedition and experience.
We welcome you all to this historic celebration.
Key Note Events
Days 1–3 at Royal Beach Camp
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Welcome Ceremony
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River Exhibition
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Mike Jones Memorial Paddle
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Documentary films Screening
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Meet with the 1976 Team member
Days 4–13 River Expeditions.
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Heritage DudhKoshi & SunKoshi
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Wild West Karnali
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River of Gold Sunkoshi
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Himalayan Rush Kayak Tours
Day 14-16 at Kathmandu
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Closing Ceremony & Reception
Event Schedule
1
Opening Ceremony
at The Royal Beach Camp
13- Nov
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Event Bus Leave from Kathmandu
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Arrive at Royal Beach Camp, Registration & Settle In
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Camp Fire & Informal Gathering
14- Nov
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Second Bus departure from Kathmandu
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Welcome Ceremony
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Kayaker Muscle health Research sharing By Professor. Dr Alister Hart
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River Expedition Exhibition
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Welcome Party
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Documentary Film Screening By Gerry Moffatt,
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Camp fire & Music
15- Nov
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Mick Jones Memorial Paddle
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50 years of 1976 expedition: Panel Session with Original 1976 expedition team Member
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Himalayan River Past, Present & future
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1976 Special Documentary Film Screening by Dave Manby
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Camp fire & Music
2
Choice of River Expeditions
16- Nov
River Expedition Briefing, Loading the expedition Vehicle, Expedition Departure
17-24 Nov
River Expeditions
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Heritage Expedition
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Wild West Karnali
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River of Gold Sunkoshi
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Himalayan Rush Kayak Tours
25- Nov
Short Paddle and flight to Kathmandu
3
Closing Ceremony &
Reception
26- Nov
At Kathmandu leisure day (Rest/ sightseen /Shopping)
27- Nov
Closing Ceremony & Reception at Kathmandu.
28- Nov
Departure – Flight to home
EVENT SPECIAL EXPEDITIONS
Expeditions are a major part of the Heritage Celebration.
These 10-day river journeys are designed for experienced paddlers and offer a choice of rivers. Our guests can select an expedition that matches their skill level. All expeditions are raft supported so non kayaker are warmly welcome!
1
HERITAGE EXPEDITION
The Dudh Koshi River stands as one of Nepal’s rarely paddled rivers.
Its remote access and powerful Class III+–IV whitewater have kept it wild, challenging, and largely untouched. This expedition offers experienced paddlers a rare opportunity to explore the lower section of the Dudh Koshi, continuing downstream into the Sun Koshi River. This raft- and kayak-supported journey delivers an exceptional multi-day paddling experience.
2
WILD WEST KARNALI RIVER
The Karnali River offers one of the most significant river expeditions in the Himalayas, featuring big volume water and long sections of continuous, powerful Class III+–IV rapids.
The journey is complemented by hidden waterfalls, stunning landscapes, and rich wildlife. This expedition offers adventurous travelers a rare opportunity to experience world-class Himalayan whitewater.
3
RIVER OF GOLD SUN KOSHI
The Sun Koshi, known locally as the “River of Gold,” offers an expedition ideal for beginner rafters and intermediate kayakers.
It features some of Nepal’s largest and most exciting Class III+ rapids. These powerful sections are balanced by calmer stretches, beautiful landscapes, cascading waterfalls, and wide sandy beaches that provide ideal campsites.
4
HIMALAYAN RUSH KAYAK TOUR
Himalayan Rush is a multi-river kayaking expedition that offers paddlers the rare opportunity to kayak six of central Nepal’s iconic rivers.
The journey begins with warm-up runs on the Trisuli before progressing to more committing Class III+–IV rapids on remote and powerful rivers. Designed for paddlers seeking variety and adventure, it combines thrilling whitewater with authentic experiences, including stays in scenic riverside camps and traditional local tea houses along the way.
Event Registration
Event & Expedition Gallery
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a domestic flight cost ?
The cost of domestic flights within Nepal varies depending on the route. The following are approximate fares based on the current exchange rate:
Kathmandu – Surkhet, Nepalgunj – Kathmandu: 350 USD
Biratnagar – Kathmandu: 150 USD
How much does kayak rental cost?
The kayak rent for the entire duration of the event is 200USD.
Can I stay additional days in Kathmandu before or after the event?
Yes, off Course, you can stay more days in Kathmandu either before or after the event. Accommodation can be arranged through online booking platforms. This provides an excellent opportunity to explore Kathmandu’s rich cultural and historical heritage.
Can I attend only the opening ceremony?
Yes, you can attend only the opening ceremony. The cost for this option is 400 USD .
How can I get a visa for Nepal?
Please apply for a 30-day tourist visa.The visa application form can be completed online in advance, and the visa fee can be paid upon arrival at the airport in Nepal.
Official Nepal Government online visa application form: https://nepalimmigration.gov.np/online-visa-application