Trip Duration : 10 Days
Activity : Adventure
Accommodation : Lodge/ Camping
Start - End : Kathmandu - Kathmandu
Group Size : 6
Trip Season : Spring & Autumn
Karnali River is one of the finest big volume rafting and kayaking trips in Nepal-spectacular, remote, jungle-clad canyons, Big white and abundant wildlife. The Karnali is Nepal's longest and largest river and with its tributaries it drains most of the far west of Nepal-the 'wild west' as many people call it, rising in the vicinity of Tibet's holy Mount Kailash and glacier of Kanziroba Himal, other small peaks, as well as Rara lake rapid encountered on this river is 1 to 5 class. This bottom section of the river definitely lives up to that name-the area that it flows through is wild and relatively unpopulated with some of the most pristine jungle scenery in Nepal abundant wildlife.
From the frontier town of Surkhet there is an unique and lovely two-day trek through lowland Sal forest to the village of Saul in the seldom seen area of far West Nepal. From Sauli it's 180 km to the nest road access at Chisopani, on the northern border of the Royal Bardia National Park. The river section takes about seven days, giving plenty of time to explore some of the side canyons and waterfalls, which comes in to the river valley. For 180 kilometers we won't see a single sign of the modern world. It's one of the last places in Nepal that you can see old growth forest and have a real chance of seeing Nepal's wildlife.
The rapids are also pretty wild, with the river building to its climax in these lower canyons shortly after the sharp bend in the river 'the elbow' by the Lohore Khola, 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 from the 'Elbow' down to the Seti the gradient is 3m/km (15ft a mile), but after here, the gradient eases, as the river winds through some magnificent un-spoilt scenery, eventually emerging onto the plains and flowing through the Royal Bardia National Park to join the Ganges. Finally leaving you close to Bardia National Park, where you can combine your rafting adventure with a safari trip and maybe spot some of the parks one-horned rhinos and elusive tigers or you can either drive back or fly back to Kathmandu.
Go on this trip if you want a true expedition style adventure and a totally classic river journey.
Facts:
Grade for Autumn Sep - Dec III to V
Grade for Spring Feb to May III to IV
Possible operation Round the year
Departure Fix and on request
Rafting days 10 days (Kathmandu to Kathmandu)
Entrance by 19 hours bus ride from Kathmandu led you to Surkhet
Put-in point Sauli
Put-out point Chisapani
River distance 180 km. Optional trips to Bardia National Park for an excellent safari trip
or drive back to Kathmandu.
Numbers of pax Minimum 6 persons
Package Pricing:
2 Person US$680 Per person for 10 Days
3 - 5 Person US$650 Per person for 10 Days
6 - 9 Person US$620 Per person for 10 Days
10 - 14 Person US$590 Per person for 10 Days
15 & above Person US$550 Per person for 10 Days
A unique river passing through the two greenery hills usually explored by beginner and intermediate kayak learners and rafters. It has impressive gorges exciting rapids on its small volume white water.
Day 1 : We travel to the far west and arrive in Surkhet very late/early hours of the next morning, You are able to have a sleep here.
Day 2 : 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 high lights just how "out there" you really are. You pass local villages and spectacular scenery, and then you hit the river.
Day 3 : After having heavy breakfast at 8:00 a.m. we get ready for wild ride. This section of the River is terribly wild. Continues rapid makes rafter forget to breathe. Lunch will be served en-route and camping at 03:00 p.m. in First Inquiry.
Day 4 : This is the type of day that people imagine when they think of Himalayan water. It is big and 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 at God-house.
Day 5 : More of the same including the notorious GOD'S house rapid. Camp at the Seti Dovan and relax.
Day 6 : 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 breath taking scenery and camping at Jamuna village
Day 7 : 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 8 - 9 : 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, 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 : This is the final day of river. We end this trip in the early afternoon at Chisopani Bridge & lunch is served there. You will catch night bus at about 1530hrs to get back to Kathmandu or you can enjoy in Bardia National Park, which is famous for bird watching.
Note: Rafting itinerary can be changed as per different situation.
What You Should Bring...
