10 Days Rafting in Karnali River

10 Days Rafting in Karnali River

Why you will love this trip?

  • One of the epic whitewater rapids combined with a relaxed float
  • Dramatic variety of intensely remote and pristine scenery
  • Epic whitewater rapids combined with a relaxed float
  • Floating one of the largest rivers of Nepal
  • Visiting Bardia National Park

Is this rafting suitable for you?

  • This is a 10 days white water rapid rafting trip, please make sure your health condition and fitness
  • 7 nights riverside beach camping and 1-night hotel outbound
  • 1-night hotel inbound
Category:

Description

Keep Calm And Paddle On, Go With The Flow

The Karnali River, spanning 507 kilometers in length, holds the distinction of being the longest river in Nepal. It carves several gorges with swift currents, offering a thrilling experience for adventurers. Fed by the 202-kilometer-long Seti River from the west and the 264-kilometer-long Bheri River from the east, the Karnali River showcases its grandeur. These feeder streams join the Karnali River in Doti and Kuineghat, respectively.

The river forms a breathtaking gorge near Chisapani, housing diverse trans-Himalayan and sub-Himalayan fish species. The Karnali River’s upper reaches feature a boulder-strewn bottom, while its lower reaches exhibit sandy terrain. The river water remains clean, except during the rainy season. The depth of the Karnali River ranges from 3 to 10 meters, deepening to 50 to 100 meters in the gorges. The river fans into two main channels, Geruwa on the left and Kauralia on the right downstream of Chisapani.

Embarking on a Karnali River expedition involves a bus journey into the remote and pristine region of western Nepal, passing through part of the Bardia National Park. Alternatively, travelers can opt for a flight to Nepalgunj and a 5-hour bus ride to join the group in Surkhet. The journey continues with a 4-hour drive to Kalyani Danda, the starting point for the river section, lasting seven days, including a layover day. At the expedition’s conclusion, adventurers have the option to visit Bardia National Park for an authentic Nepalese experience.

The Karnali River, characterized by its perennial, torrential, and undisturbed flow, stands as one of Nepal’s three major rivers. Originating from Mansarovar and Rakes lakes and receiving contributions from snow-fed rivers like Mugu Karnali and Humla Karnali, it traverses the Himalayan belt between the Dhaulagiri and Nanda Devi mountain ranges. The Karnali basin lies in the rain shadow of the Himalayas, showcasing the river’s unique and captivating journey through the diverse landscapes of western Nepal.

Rafting Itinerary Detail

Day 1: Kathmandu To Surkhet (874m | 2868ft)

We travel to the far west and arrive in Surkhet by bus or Car very late/early hours of the day or next morning, You are able to have a sleep here. If you have spare time, it is a great place to explore a mix of culture and the temple Deuti Bajai, small hillock Kakre Bihar and Manglagadhi (the pond and religious site) and the special Bul Bule Taal. 

Accommodation: 

  • Lodge/Camping (1 night)

Meals Included:

  • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 2: Drive To Sauli.

After breakfast, we will take a truck as far as the road goes until about lunch time [this all depends on availability be flexible]. After lunch, we walk all afternoon to the put-in point at Sauli. A great walk which highlights just how “out there” you really are. You pass local villages and spectacular scenery, and then you hit the river.

Accommodation: 

  • Camping (1 night)

Meals Included: 

  • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 3: Raft Hours And Camping On The Beach.

After having a heavy breakfast at 8:00 a.m. we get ready for the wild ride. This section of the River is terribly wild. Continues Rapid makes rafter forget to breathe. Lunch will be served en-route and camping at 03:00 p.m. in First Inquiry.

Accommodation: 

  • Camping (1 night)

Meals Included: 

  • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 4: Raft 5 Hours And Camp At The Beach In Between Of Jungle.

This is the type of day that people imagine when they think of Himalayan water. It is big and 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 at God-house.

Accommodation: 

  • Camping (1 night)

Meals Included: 

  • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 5: Camp At The Seti Dovan And Relax.

More of the same including the notorious GOD’S house rapid. Camp at the Seti Dovan and relax.

Accommodation: 

  • Camping (1 night)

Meals Included: 

  • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 6: Camping At Jamuna Village

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 breathtaking scenery and camping at Jamuna village

Accommodation: 

  • Camping (1 night)

Meals Included: 

  • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 7: Rest Day To Dry The Clothes And Explore.

This is a holiday after all so we have programmed a rest day so you can take the time to enjoy your surroundings and relax on a great sandy beach.

Accommodation: 

  • Camping (1 night)

Meals Included: 

  • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 8-9: Rafting Continue:

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, 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.

Accommodation: 

  • Camping (1 night)

Meals Included: 

  • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 10: End This Trip In The Early Afternoon At Chisapani.

This is the final day of a river. We end this trip in the early afternoon at Chisopani Bridge & lunch is served there. You will catch the night bus at about 1530hrs to get back to Kathmandu or you can enjoy in Bardia National Park, which is famous for bird watching.

Accommodation: 

  • Camping (1 night)

Meals Included: 

  • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Note: If you would want to have a jungle safari tour then this endpoint is the best option to choose for Bardia National Park for your amazing wildlife experience.

Cost Including:

  • Private Transportation.
  • Meals, Western and continental food (breakfast, lunch, dinner) during your rafting trip.
  • River Permit.
  • Necessary equipment as high-quality self-bailing rafts, lifejackets, helmets, plastic paddles, wetsuits (only during the winter) on certain rivers, dry bag for gear, camera barrels and all safety and medical equipment.
  • Safety Kayak.
  • Necessary Staffs (Guide, Helpers, Cook etc).
  • Tented accommodation in beautiful river beaches with the campfire.
  • Food, accommodation, insurance for all staff and their transportation.
  • Expedition elements include professional guides and leadership.
  • First aid kit box.
  • Emergency evacuation assistance.

Cost not including:

  • Mineral water, cold drinks, and alcoholic beverages during the whole trip.
  • Hotel accommodations & meals if you stay anywhere at the hotel for the whole trip.
  • Things of personal use.
  • Member insurance.
  • Airfare 
  • Sleeping bag.
  • Duration: 10 Days
  • Class: IV / IV+
  • Depart from: Anu Treks office, Thamel, Kathmandu
  • Returns to: Anu Treks office, Thamel, Kathmandu
  • Start Point: Dungeswar / 17 hours from Pokhara (option to fly Kathmandu to Nepalgunj)
  • Finish Point: Chisapani / 13 hours to Pokhara (option to fly Nepalgunj to Kathmandu) or visit Bardia National Park 45 minutes drive
  • Meals: Day 1 = lunch & dinner Days 2 – 9 = breakfast, lunch & dinner Day 10 = breakfast
  • Accommodation: 7 nights riverside beach camping 1-night hotel outbound 1-night hotel inbound
  • Season: Open: Sep. – May Best: Oct. – Nov. and Mar. to April

Season Grading Water Volume

September – December 5 Approx.550 cumecs

January – May 5- Approx. 300 cumecs

June – August Not runnable Approx. 1350 cumecs

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Kathmandu To Surkhet (874m | 2868ft)

We travel to the far west and arrive in Surkhet by bus or Car very late/early hours of the day or next morning, You are able to have a sleep here. If you have spare time, it is a great place to explore a mix of culture and the temple Deuti Bajai, small hillock Kakre Bihar and Manglagadhi (the pond and religious site) and the special Bul Bule Taal. 

Accommodation: 

  • Lodge/Camping (1 night)

Meals Included:

  • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 2: Drive To Sauli.

After breakfast, we will take a truck as far as the road goes until about lunch time [this all depends on availability be flexible]. After lunch, we walk all afternoon to the put-in point at Sauli. A great walk which highlights just how “out there” you really are. You pass local villages and spectacular scenery, and then you hit the river.

Accommodation: 

  • Camping (1 night)

Meals Included: 

  • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 3: Raft Hours And Camping On The Beach.

After having a heavy breakfast at 8:00 a.m. we get ready for the wild ride. This section of the River is terribly wild. Continues Rapid makes rafter forget to breathe. Lunch will be served en-route and camping at 03:00 p.m. in First Inquiry.

Accommodation: 

  • Camping (1 night)

Meals Included: 

  • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 4: Raft 5 Hours And Camp At The Beach In Between Of Jungle.

This is the type of day that people imagine when they think of Himalayan water. It is big and 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 at God-house.

Accommodation: 

  • Camping (1 night)

Meals Included: 

  • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 5: Camp At The Seti Dovan And Relax.

More of the same including the notorious GOD’S house rapid. Camp at the Seti Dovan and relax.

Accommodation: 

  • Camping (1 night)

Meals Included: 

  • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 6: Camping At Jamuna Village

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 breathtaking scenery and camping at Jamuna village

Accommodation: 

  • Camping (1 night)

Meals Included: 

  • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 7: Rest Day To Dry The Clothes And Explore.

This is a holiday after all so we have programmed a rest day so you can take the time to enjoy your surroundings and relax on a great sandy beach.

Accommodation: 

  • Camping (1 night)

Meals Included: 

  • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 8-9: Rafting Continue:

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, 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.

Accommodation: 

  • Camping (1 night)

Meals Included: 

  • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 10: End This Trip In The Early Afternoon At Chisapani.

This is the final day of a river. We end this trip in the early afternoon at Chisopani Bridge & lunch is served there. You will catch the night bus at about 1530hrs to get back to Kathmandu or you can enjoy in Bardia National Park, which is famous for bird watching.

Accommodation: 

  • Camping (1 night)

Meals Included: 

  • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Note: If you would want to have a jungle safari tour then this endpoint is the best option to choose for Bardia National Park for your amazing wildlife experience.

Cost Detail

Cost Including:

  • Private Transportation.
  • Meals, Western and continental food (breakfast, lunch, dinner) during your rafting trip.
  • River Permit.
  • Necessary equipment as high-quality self-bailing rafts, lifejackets, helmets, plastic paddles, wetsuits (only during the winter) on certain rivers, dry bag for gear, camera barrels and all safety and medical equipment.
  • Safety Kayak.
  • Necessary Staffs (Guide, Helpers, Cook etc).
  • Tented accommodation in beautiful river beaches with the campfire.
  • Food, accommodation, insurance for all staff and their transportation.
  • Expedition elements include professional guides and leadership.
  • First aid kit box.
  • Emergency evacuation assistance.

Cost not including:

  • Mineral water, cold drinks, and alcoholic beverages during the whole trip.
  • Hotel accommodations & meals if you stay anywhere at the hotel for the whole trip.
  • Things of personal use.
  • Member insurance.
  • Airfare 
  • Sleeping bag.
Key Detail
  • Duration: 10 Days
  • Class: IV / IV+
  • Depart from: Anu Treks office, Thamel, Kathmandu
  • Returns to: Anu Treks office, Thamel, Kathmandu
  • Start Point: Dungeswar / 17 hours from Pokhara (option to fly Kathmandu to Nepalgunj)
  • Finish Point: Chisapani / 13 hours to Pokhara (option to fly Nepalgunj to Kathmandu) or visit Bardia National Park 45 minutes drive
  • Meals: Day 1 = lunch & dinner Days 2 – 9 = breakfast, lunch & dinner Day 10 = breakfast
  • Accommodation: 7 nights riverside beach camping 1-night hotel outbound 1-night hotel inbound
  • Season: Open: Sep. – May Best: Oct. – Nov. and Mar. to April
Season

Season Grading Water Volume

September – December 5 Approx.550 cumecs

January – May 5- Approx. 300 cumecs

June – August Not runnable Approx. 1350 cumecs

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