Probably the best whitewater and superb rapid of class V, picturesque Karnali river valley, wonderful virgin beaches, excellent water fall, visit of some village, lots of wildlife.
- Duration:10 days
- Trip Grade:Strenuous
- Max Elevation:968 m.
- Max Group Size:4
- Best Time:March till May & October till November
Trip Overview
Karnali rafting river located in 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.
Karnali rafting river, 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 five 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.
Grade – Class: 5 V
- Day 1-2: Drive to great loop from Surkhet and about 2 hr
- Day 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. Rafting at Karnali possible to make also flying to Nepalgunj; flight one way it will cost USD 145 p.p. Drive to rafting putting point from nepalgunj it takes about 6 hours.
- Professional English speaking licensed guides highly trained and safety certified to international standards in Whitewater River Guiding, Swift Water Rescue and Wilderness First Aid
- Professional safety Kayakers
- Gear raft support
- International name brand rafting equipment including helmets, paddles, splash jackets and wet-suits
- Dry bags and pelican boxes to keep your personal items dry and safe on the river
- Variety of fresh, hygienically prepared meals while on the river, including tea, coffee, hot chocolate and treated drinking water
- Camping logistics and equipment including shelters, tents, simple mattresses and sleeping bags
- Round trip transportation
- Permits for river rafting
- Standard first aid kits
- Footwear
- Items of a personal nature including swimwear, towel and toiletries
- Insurance - we provide insurance for our crew but participants must be properly insured through an emergency medical travel plan
- Tips for guides only if crew did good job, tipping are not obligatory in Nepal but people have expectation !
- T-shirt
- Swim wear for on the river
- Warm clothing for the evenings including a fleece or a pullover
- Sunscreen and lip protector
- Sunglasses (with retaining device) and/or a cap
- Towel and Toiletries (environmentally friendly is best)
- Personal medication
- Flashlight
- Footwear
- Reading book
- Fishing hook (you can fishing in the Himalayan River)
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Client's Reviews
Nepal is a nation between India and Tibet known for its temples and Himalayan mountains, which include Mt. Everest. Kathmandu, the capital, has a mazelike old quarter filled with Hindu and Buddhist shrines.
From Kathmandu to Pokhara alone, trekking team was very organized and professional! advice to anyone who wants to move to contact the agency, Hari and his brothers will realize your dreams! The landscape was simply extraordinary and people are very hospitable!!
I have been from Kathmandu to Pokhara alone, trekking team was very organized and professional! advice to anyone who wants to move to contact the agency, Hari and his brothers will realize your dreams! The landscape was simply extraordinary and people are very hospitable!!
We did the 12-day itinerary trekking to Everest Base Camp. We booked it all from England and communicated with the owner Hari via email. Such a nice family that owns and runs this business. Very friendly and welcoming. We had loads of cups of tea with them in their shop in Thamel before and after our trek.
