Go back

Karnali River Rafting

Trip code
Package name Karnali River Rafting
Duration 8
Max. elevation 1400 m
Level Moderate
Transportation All ground transportation as per itinerary
Accomodation Tented Camp
Starts at Karaleghat
Ends at Chisapani
Trip route Birendranagar-Karaleghat-Karnali River rafting-Sisapani-Kathmandu/Pokhara
Cost USD 1,100 per person

Highlights

Overview

Information for long days Karnali river expedition cost, itinerary plan, grade, meals, camping overnight, season, gears, getting there by overland/flights
 
Karnali a classic Himalayan River rafting expedition trip in Nepal

Karnali River, Nepal's mightiest river, is arguably the finest multi-day river rafting 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

Trip Itinerary

Day 1 : Drive Kathmandu - Surkhet

A scenic but long drive stats from Kathmandu through the Mid-Western hills of Nepal.

Day 2 : Surkhet - Karaleghat

Drive through rough road to Kalyani about 3 hours then walk to Karaleghat about 2 hours. Over night stay at tented cap.

Day 3 : Start first day rafting

Safety briefing and begin first day rafting adventure for about 6 hours through amazing beauty of the riverside. Overnight stay in tented camp.

Day 4 : Continue rafting

Start rafting with continuous class 4-5 rapids of whitewater strong currents through the dense forest and wild-life sights along the river. Finish rafting and stay at tented cam on the sandy beach. 

Day 5 : Continue rafting

Continue rafting in a mix of class III-IV rapids and calmer waters passing through deep gorges with possible sightings of freshwater dolphins and Gharial crocodiles. Finish rafting and stay in tented camp at the peaceful riverbank.


Day 6 : Continue rafting

Start raft entering the wildest and remote section of the Karnali river with big volume and rapids. Finish rafting near junction of Karnali and Seti and stay at the riverside tended camp.


Day 7 : Continue rafting

Start rafting in the calmer section but high currents with class III-IV rapids through the lush jungle scenery along spotting wildlife. Finish rafting and stay at the riverside tended camp.


Day 8 : Continue rafting

Start rafting in calmer with small rapids and big volume but flat river section. Possible to visit a local Tharu village and enjoy community, people and culture. Overnight stay at the riverside tended camp.

Day 9 : Rest day for relax and explore

A full day to rest and explore the area enjoy fishing, swimming, or sunbathing on the sandy beaches. Overnight stay at the riverside tended camp.

Day 10 : Continue rafting

Start rafting  through Class III-IV rapids entering lower section of Karnali where Bheri River meets in the flatland. Overnight stay at the riverside tended camp.

Day 11 : Finish rafting

Final day of rafting through easier rapids of Bheri-Karnali confluence to Chisapani where the rafting journey ends. Finish rafting and transfer to Bardiya National Park or back to Kathmandu/Pokhara


Inclusions

What is included?

What isn't included?

Complimentary

Go back Go to top