Karnali River Rafting

Key Information

Tour Duration: 10 day(s)
Group Size: 2 - 12 people
Season: March - November

This is far west of Nepal is one of the most isolated and least explored areas of the Himalays. Only recently opened to foreigners, this region offers some tremendous challenges and rewards.

The Karnali, Nepal's mightiest river, descends through the Himalayas in a series of magnificent gorges and pristine forest. It rise high in Tibet near Mount Kailash, the four-sided mountain which is holy to Buddhists and Hindus as the center of the universe and the source of four mighty rivers-the Sutlej, Brahmaputra, the Indus and the Karnali. Emerging onto the Terai the river flows through the Royal Bardia Wildlife Park and continues across the Northern Plains of India to the Bay of Bangal.

We drive from Kathmandu about 10 AM and get Surkhet about 5 Am next day morning. Then we have a breakfast at Surkhet and take a three hours drive to Kalyandanda through dirt road. We will have lunch here and walk about 1 and half hour to Great Loop.

In traditional Nepalese fashion, dozens of porters carry all our equipment as we trek along narrow trails to the "Great Loop"of the Karnali. Loading all food and gear into our raft, we venture onto the river to challenge some of the world's best whitewater. A "thrill a minute roller coaster ride" takes us through a spectacular sun drenches land of steep wooded canyons, deserted beaches, and small villages.

Langur Monkeys study our progress from the verdant forest and Himalayan Tahr, black bear, deer, jackals, and elusive leopards are still abundant. Gharial and Mugger crocodiles bask in the final canyon. The Karnali is also renowned as one of Nepal's premier fishing river with Masheer, a form of fresh water perch, and giant catfish.

The Karnali combines small trekking in a seldom visited part of the Himalayas and exceptional rafting through tropical jungle, and the option of a wildlife safari in the best reserve in Asia. This is a classic big volume river at all flows. If you are looking for a long wilderness expedition this is the journey for you.

Itinerary

Days 1-2: Drive to great loop via Surkhet and about 2 hr.
Days 3-8: Rafting and exploring the Karnali/Camping at River beaches.
Day 9: Raft to Chisopani (all together 180km rafting) Drive or fly to Katmandu.
Day 10: At leisure.

Note: The raft can be operated with combine trip of Royal Bardia National Park. Please let us know if you want to visit the park also. Season: March till May and October till November. River Class: V+

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