The longest and largest river of Nepal, “Karnali” with its tributaries drains most of the Far west of Nepal. Karnali Rafting/Kayaking starts from Kathmandu to Kalyandada via Birendranagar, and involves a 22 hour bus journey, or a one hour flight to Birandranagar, on additional cost, then a 2 hour bus journey. Then it is just a 2 to 3 hour trek to Kareleghat, the put-in point for rafting on Karnali River. Porters transport all the rafting equipment and other necessities for your trip. The 180km Karnali river action takes between 6 to 7 days to complete. The bus takes you from the take-out point of Karnali river rafting at Chisapani to either Pokhara (10 hours), or Kathmandu (16 hours).
There is an orientation meeting early in the evening before the trip starts, providing you with an opportunity to ask any questions you may have, to meet your fellow rafters, and your raft guide and team. The Karnali Rafting trip flows through the wild and relatively unpopulated areas with some of the most pristine scenery in Nepal’s abundant wildlife variety of fauna and flora, including dense forests, jungle, and also remote villages. Then the valley narrows into a series of canyons, the river speeds up, and there are big rapids, one leading into another, almost continuously down to the Seti River. Karnali River winds through some magnificent un-spoilt scenery, eventually emerging onto the plains flowing through the Royal Baridia National Park to join the Ganges. The rapids are also pretty wild, with the river building to its climax in these lower canyons. The Karnali is more forced by its canyon walls giving bigger, more continuous, and seriously pretty wild rapids. This unevenness of the river means that any enlargement in water volume has a more pronounced effect on the difficulty of the rapid, and this makes it a river that is best run at low and medium flows. In higher water the Karnali is a serious commitment.
After monsoon rains the rapids of Karnali River are demanding and huge, though relatively straightforward. As the river flows through some quite narrow canyons the flow of the water increases, as does the frequency of the rapids. In low water the demands on the rafter are more technical, though equally thrilling.
Karnali Rafting and Kayaking is an ideal trip for those who want more unique experience of Nepal, stunning scenery, great river action and all the benefits of a long river trip in Nepal. In addition, the take out point is ideally situated for those wishing to visit Bardia National Park. We “Nepal Mother House Treks” organize this rafting / Kayaking trip considering our client's safety.
Day 01:We meet at the office at 7am (Pokhara or Kathmandu) with your bags ready to go. This is a long bus journey, so be prepared with water etc. We travel to the far west and arrive in Surkhet very late in the evening. You are able to have a sleep here.
Day 02:After breakfast we continue our drive to Karnali put in point at Dungeshwar (5 hrs). This section of the drive offers yet more unspoiled scenery of charming villages and farms. We will do a short rafting trip after lunch to set up first night's camp by the bank of the Karnali.
Day 03:The river gives the team spirit time to build. There are good rapids and water flow for those newly learning. We still manage to get at least one great class IV rapid in. We camp and get excited about tomorrow.
Day 04: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: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: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 breathtaking scenery.
Day 07: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: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 rafting.
Day 10:We come to the end of our journey at about lunch time where our bus will be waiting to collect us. Those who have booked to go to Bardia National Park (highly recommended!), will be collected from here as well.
Day 11:We arrive back at Kathmandu/Pokhara, in the early morning of the eleventh day. What a journey!!!
TRIP START DATES | Statas | TRIP COST | |
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14 September 2020 | Available | Contact Us | Book Now |
01 October 2020 | Available | Contact Us | Book Now |
07 October 2020 | Available | Contact Us | Book Now |
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01 January 2020 | Available | Contact Us | Book Now |
Tom Beavers, Seattle, WA (USA)
Karna, thank you so much for another wonderful trek. This is my 3rd trek with you - the first being the Annapurna Circuit and then a tour of the Everest region, starting at Jiri and then trekking up to Gokyo, going over Cho La, up to Kala Pattar and then up the Chukhung valley. I continue to learn so much about Nepal from you, Continue
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