Karnali River, Nepal's mightiest river, is arguably the finest multi-day river trip in Nepal, and the classic Himalayan River expedition. The Karnali's headwaters come off Mount Kailas in Tibet and slice through the Himalayas in a series of magnificent gorges and pristine forest.
On our 180 kilometers River journey we won't see a single sign of the modern world but natural beauty and cultures. 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 like Monkeys, Langur, Rhesus, leopards, bear, martins, deer, crocodiles and garials; even tigers. The river also supports some of the finest fish habitat in Nepal, with giant catfish and Golden Masher prowling the depths. Midway through the trip we select a choice piece of beach and for two nights we stay at the same camp and people have an opportunity to explore this beautiful country, wallow in a mud bank, play in the region's plentiful waterfalls, or just hang out and learn something about their fellow rafters.
Whitewater ranges from easygoing class three, to bone crushing class five, depending on the time of year. Regardless of the month, the Karnali always offers good, hard rapids with miles of beautiful scenery and deep river gorges
River Name: Karnali River
River Days: 10
Difficulty: 4
Rafting put in point: Kareleghat
Rafting ending point: Chisapani
Water Volume: 300 C.
Best Season: Spring & Autumn
River Distance: 180 Km. or 113 miles approx
Trip cost: USD 55 p/day and group join base
Trip cost includes: Both way transfers, best quality self-bailing inflatable raft, safety helmet, plastic paddle, lifejacket, waterproof container/barrel for camera and valuables things, first-aid kits, camping and kitchen utensils, hygienically prepared food and drinks.
Trip cost excludes: River wears/gears, sun protection, personal water bottle, personal sleeping bag, towel, light shoe, flash light, personal toiletries, camera, reading and writing materials, medication recommended by your doctor.
Day 01: Night bus to Birendanagar (Surkhet).
Day 02: Minibus to Kalyani (Rough Road) about 4 hours and trek to Karaleghat about 2 hours and camp.
Day 03: Rafting 4 to 6 hours white water section camp by river beach.
Day 04: Raft about 5 hours of class 4/5 grade rapids through Junglaghat and camp.
Day 05: Full of continuos whitewater rafting and camp.
Day 06: Canyon Exploration fully, whitewater rafting and camp.
Day 07: Flowdown the jungle area and camp by jungle.
Day 08: Wildlife views while rafting and finish at Chisapani. Drive back to Kathmandu after lunch or travel Royal Bardia National Park.
Day 09: Arrive Kathmandu.
Rafting was excellent but be prepared to get very wet! The guide was very professional and we felt safe all the way. We enjoyed a lot of our rafting adventure.
Adam penny
Australia