Karnali River Rafting

Rafting or Kayaking in Karnali is one of the best trips available in the World. This mightiest river originates from Mt. Kailash in Tibet and hence Karnali literally means ‘Holy water from the sacred mountain’. 
As Karnali River wedge through the Himalaya in a series of magnificent gorges and forests to tropical riverine forests, we come across Nepal’s Wildlife. The river is also rich in Himalayan aquatic life such as Golden Masheer and giant Catfish. This is Nepal's largest and longest river, flowing uninhibited through the least populated region of the country. For the eight days and 180 kilometers we won't see a single sign of the modern world making it Nepal’s finest multi day river rafting.

River Information

• Departure Point:  Kathmandu or Pokhara
• River Start Point: Dhungeshower
• River Finish Point: Chisopani
• Outward Travel Time: 14 Hours
• River Grade: III to IV+ 
• Return Travel Time: 12 Hours
• Rafting Duration: 7 night 8 Days 
• River Distance: 180 Km. (Approximately)

Rafting or Kayaking in Karnali is one of the best trips available in the World. This mightiest river originates from Mt. Kailash in Tibet and hence Karnali literally means ‘Holy water from the sacred mountain’. 

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 unspoiled scenery of charming villages and farms. We will do short rafting trip after lunch to set up first night's camp by the bank of Karnali.

Day 03:

The river gives the team, time to build. There are good rapids and water flow those allow learning errors. 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 breath taking 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 !!!