Trip Overview

Fits within a 2 week period, Begins its life near to Tibet’s holy Mount Kailash

The far west of Nepal is one of the most remote and least explored areas of the Himalayas and has only recently been opened to foreigners. Based on this unique wilderness setting, our rafting trip on the Karnali River is an expedition rafting trip from the trek to the put-in to the take out!

The Class IV Karnali River is the longest and largest river in Nepal. Karnali River is also one of Nepal’s premier fishing rivers with Mahseer, a form of freshwater perch and giant cat fish. The river source lies high in Tibet near holy Mount Kailash and then descends from high Himalayan snowfields through a series of spectacular gorges and emerges onto the Terai flowing through Royal Bardia Wildlife Park. Continuing across the northern plains of India, it joins the Ganges and the Bay of Bengal.

Our Karnali River rafting trip begins with (and includes) a chartered plane journey across Nepal followed by a two day trek along old trade routes to the put-in at the “Great Loop” of the Karnali. The next 8 days, we raft through steep canyon country and spectacular jungle scenery. This is one of the finest stretches of whitewater in the world. We raft “expedition-style” carrying all food and equipment with us in the rafts. We float through very sparsely populated remote areas and it is not until the final days that we encounter villages of any significant size. If you are interested in a rugged wilderness style of expedition rafting, you will love the Karnali!

Trip Facts

Location: Mid Western Nepal
Specialty: Largest and longest river
Distance: 180 km
Rafting Duration: 5 days
Point in: Sauli (Syauli)
Point Out: Chisopani
Best Season to Visit: March to May (Spring) & October to December (Autumn)
Attractions: Royal Bardia National Park
River Distance: Approx. 185 kms.
Average Gradient: 4 m/km (20 ft a mile)
Volume in Nov: 300 cms (10500 cfs)

 

Note: The trip price will vary depending on the group size, duration and services required. Please contact us via our website with your details to obtain a quote.

Day 01: Kathmandu to Birendra Nagar (Surkhet).by Night bus then transfer to Hotel.

This is a long bus journey, so be prepared with water etc. We travel to the far west and arrive in Surkhet very early hours of the morning. You are able have a sleep here.

Day 02: Minibus to Kalyani (Rough Road) about 4 hours and trek to Karaleghat about 2 hours and camp.

After breakfast, we will take a truck as far as the road goes until about lunch time (this all depends on availability…be flexible). After lunch we walk all afternoon to the put-in point at Sauli. A great walk which highlights just how “out there” you really are. You pass local villages and spectacular scenery, and then… you hear the river!

Day 03: Rafting 4 to 6 hours white water section camp by River beach.

The River gives the team time to build and there is enough challenging rapids and water flow to allow for learning errors. We still manage to get at least one great class IV rapid in. We camp and get excited about tomorrow.

Day 05: Raft about 5 hours of class 4/5 grade rapids through Junglaghat and camp.

This is the type of day that people imagine when they think of Himalayan water. It is BIG and it is continuous. We enter into the jungle corridor. This is a narrowing jungle clad gorge and it is all ours. The team building is put into full practice and when your guide shouts “all forward” he really means it! Enjoy the ride all day and camp in this sensational setting.

Day 05: Full of continues whitewater rafting and camp.

More of the same including the notorious GOD`S HOUSE rapid. Don’t forget to take in the bird life, which is equally as abundant as the lush vegetation. Camp and relax.

Day 06: Canyon Exploration fully, whitewater rafting and camp.

It isn’t over yet! Keep paddling hard! You really are experiencing the best of the west on yet another day of great action and breathe taking scenery.

Day 07: Flow down the jungle area and camp by jungle.

This is a holiday after all, so we have programmed a rest day so you can take time to enjoy your surroundings and relax on a great sandy beach.

Day 08/09: Wildlife views while rafting and finish at Chisapani. Drive back to Kathmandu after lunch or travel Royal Bardia National Park.

We see the rapids dying off as we come out of the gorge. We pass the confluence with the Seti River where the river broadens. Today and the next day and a half are a chance to enjoy your journey admiring the country and villages you pass. You will have seen the safety kayakers in action and will no doubt be inspired, so ask the guides for some supervised instruction, or take over the raft and learn about the river. You see there is more to a rafting expedition than just rafters. Take out and transfer back to Kathmandu

Cost Includes

  • Transportation to and from Kathmandu by local Night Bus as per itinerary.
  • All International standard rafting equipment as necessary (Such as self bailing rafts, helmets, life jackets, kayaks, plastic paddles and spray jackets etc.)
  • Well-trained and highly experienced English speaking rafting guides, cooks, and other helper staff.
  • 3 times’ a day continental and Nepalese meals during the rafting period (breakfast, lunch and dinner)
  • Camping and Cooking equipment (tents, mattress and kitchen utensil).
  • Accommodation at twin sharing tent during the rafting en-route.
  • All staffs daily wages, insurance and meals etc.
  • All necessary fees for rafting permit, Government local taxes, all national park and conservation area fees.

Cost Excludes

  • Land transportation except above and Airport/Hotel/Airport pick up and drop.
  • Hotel Accommodation in Kathmandu with all 3 meals.
  • Drinks except tea & Coffee: Any type of personal expenditure such Alcoholic beverages and drinks, phone, and laundry.
  • Cost for incase of any natural accident caused by weather.
  • Helicopter rescue and insurance such as travel, cancellation, accident, health, emergency evacuation and loss, theft of or damage to baggage and personal effects.
  • Tips, Gratuities and expenditure.

Gallery

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