Nepal’s longest and largest river, the Karnali springs forth from Mount Kailash, a sacred moutain in Tibet important to both Buddhist and Hindu. Flowing south into Nepal, it forms the major drainage system for the western districts before dropping off into dramatic canyons raging with big volume whitewater and eventually flowing into remote areas of pristine jungle rich with wildlife.
The first half of this river journey into the “wild west” offers incredible whitewater excitement, commonly described as “a thrill a minute roller coaster ride”. The second half of the trip settles down into some more moderate & gentle rapids and eventually a relaxed float rewarded by dramatic and hugely varied pristine and unspoiled wilderness.
The Karnali River finishes at the famous Bardia National Park – the most jungle in Nepal rich in wildlife. Many consider this spectacular journey one of the finest rafting rivers in the world and is our crew favorite expedition in Nepal.
Day 1
Drive to Surkhet:
The Karnali trip starts from Kathmandu or Pokhara, where we take a bus to the starting place. The busride will take about 16 hours, so make sure you take some water and snacks for on the way. You arrive in Surkhet late in the evening or early next morning.
Day 2
Drive to Sauli and start rafting:
Have some breakfast and a rest and then we continue to the put-in point in Sauli, where you arrive around lunchtime. After lunch you start a short rafting trip to the first night's camp at the Karnali river bank.
Day 3
Day 3-6 Rafting
The next 4 days we will be rafting down the river, through jungles and canyons, with many grade IV rapids. Combine great whitewater with beautiful sceneries, remote sandy beaches, small ethnic villages and lots of wildlife.
The first section of the river is extremely wild with continuous rapids for about 4 hours untill lunch. Then float another hour before setting up the camp on the beach. The following days are still big and continuous, with thrilling rapids like Jungle Corridor and God's House and camping in the middle of the jungle.
Day 7
Lay-over day
During the trip there will be one layover day to relax on the beach, dry your clothes and get some well deserved rest.
Day 8
Day 8-9 Rafting and take out at Chisopani:
As we come out of the gorge, the rafting will be more relaxed, with time to enjoy the sceneries and to spot some wildlife. We pass the confluence with the Seti River where the river broadens.
On the last day we take out from Chisopani, pack everything on a bus, have one last lunch at the river and drive (or fly) back to Kathmandu. Since you are close to Bardia National Park you might want to extend your trip with a nice jungle safari before heading back to the city.
Day 10
Arrive back in Kathmandu:
The night bus enters the main city of Kathmandu, where we say goodbye and you can enjoy the rest of your holiday.
Cost includes: All meals, transportation to the put-in point and back from the take-out point, all rafting equipments and accommodation on a twin sharing basis.
Cost does not include: Sleeping bags/ mattresses, alcoholic beverages, personal expenses and insurance.
For further detail contact us
All required equipment and clothing will be finalize at the time of tirp booking.
Some Frequently Asked Questions by our previous clients.
