Karnali River Rafting

Location: Nepal, Asia
Departure point: Kathmandu Put-in-Point: Sauli
Take-out-Point: Chisopni, Bardia
Outward travel: 1hour flight and 3 ½ hours drive 2 days trek
Best season: Nov/Dec, March/April
13 days: Kathmandu-Kathmandu

Karnali is Nepal’s longest and largest river. Springs from the base of Mt. Kailash (Ngari) the western part of Tibet, the centre of the universe for both Buddhist and Hindu believers. Flowing south into Nepal and it forms the major drainage system of the western districts of Nepal. It is one of the finest BIG volume rafting and Kayaking trip in the world. A classic expedition and definitely the best combination trip: short 2 days trekking, rafting, Kayaking, Fishing, wild-life safari, remoteness and unpopulated “Wild West”.

Sauli is the rafting put-in-point. The river drops into imposing canyons filled with powerful big volume white-water. These canyons flow into scarcely populated areas of a pristine jungle teeming with abundant bird and wildlife. Just enough easier water to regroup and prepare for the next big challenge separates rapids like “Captivity”, “Flip and Strip” and “Gods House”. Towards the end of the trip, the river gradient begins to ease as the Karnali leaves the mountains and flows out into the Gangetic plains of Terai. The Jungle is thickened and the river is broadened than pristine Beaches become bigger and more beautiful.

Day 01:

Fly Kathmandu>Nepalgunj and drive to Surkhet. Meet at meeting point as per our scheduled programs. Transfer to Kathmandu Airport, check in and 1hour fly to Nepalgunj. As soon as we reach to Nepalgunj Airport our private transport will be waiting for us, ready to leave for Surkhet. We travelling through the southwestern plain of the Terai till the Kolpur (one of the larger city of Bardia and road head from right to surkhet hill 3½ hours. Meet with logistics and other river staffs and it will be organized for following nights. Surkhet is the central principal town of Birendra Nagar, locating District Hospital, Post office and Bank (but you can’t use any credit Cards) accepts cash to cash. There is a small rural Airstrip but very rare to get direct flights.

Day 02:

Surkhet/Sauli. After breakfast, we will be riding gears loaded the truck as far as the dotted road goes, perhaps until the syauli village and lunch en route (it depends on availability…be flexible). The truck ride is quite interesting passing through forest, villages and spectacular sceneries. After lunch, we will be hiking down to rafting put-in point. It depends on how we timing, if we are still in time we will start the same day, otherwise, we pitch the camp here.

Day 03:

after this point, we have no names for the camping places. However, the river gives teams to build and there is enough challenging rapids and water flow to allow for learning errors. We still manage to get at least one great grade IV rapid in and camp. Get exciting for tomorrow.

Day 04:

Rises with a nice and hot cup of tea or coffee and pack up, have breakfast then get set. This is the type of day people imagine; when they think of Himalayan white-water it is BIG and continuous. The team building is put into full practice and when your raft captain shouts “all forward” he really means it! Enjoy the rowing all the time and camp in this sensational setting.

Day 05:

Daily routines are, as usual, rise with a cup of tea or coffee, pack up, have breakfast and get ready to move on. The day is more of 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 is not over yet! Keep paddling hard! You are really experiencing the best of the “wild west” and yet another great day with full action packed and breath taking sceneries

Day 07:

This is the day almost on holiday for you, as we have set on the program a rest day, so you can take time to enjoy your surroundings e.g. fishing if we have rotted, short hiking, playing, relaxing or seating and writing on a great sandy beach.

Day 08-09:

We have seen the rapids dying off as we came out of the gorge. We come across the west Seti confluence where the river is broadened. From here next, two and half days you have chances to enjoy your journey admiring the country and villages as you come across. You will have seen the safety kayakers in action and will no doubt be inspired, so here you can ask with your guide to for some supervised instructions, or stay on the raft and learn more about the river. Now here we are at Karnali Chisopani Bridge the final conclusion camping. You see there is more to a rafting expedition than just rafting.

Day 10:

as we have programmed, after last breakfast of rafting at Chisopani see up the rafting staffs, Rhino Lodge Bardia’s staff will pick up us and transfer to Lodge …Km and Lunch. In the afternoon 1 or 2 activities according to programmed by lodge and dinner at the lodge.

Day 11:

Full day Jungle activities, at evening, Tharu cultural dance with B/B Q dinner.

Day 12:

Dolphin Excursion, Packed lunch, dinner at the lodge.

Day 13:

Light Breakfast, short Tharu village walk, Lunch and transfer to Nepalgunj and fly back to KTM.

  • Hotel in Kathmandu bed & breakfast.
  • All guided sightseeing tour in Kathmandu and entry fees.
  • Rafting Guide & Supporter.
  • All rafting equipment such as self-bailing rafts, life jackets and safety equipment.
  • Paddle top, helmets and waterproof gear bags.
  • Accommodation on twin sharing basis tent camping.
  • All national park and rafting permits and fees.
  • All meals during the raft trip. (breakfast, lunch and dinner).
  • Round trip ground transportation.
  • All kitchen and camping equipment, cook and needed staff.
  • Safety kayaker.
  • Sleeping Bag and mattress (will be provided if needed)
  • Nepal visa.
  • International flight & all domestic departure tax.
  • Lunch & dinner during the hotel stay in Kathmandu.
  • During the lodge trek, hot shower cost extra.
  • Personal gears & clothing (available on hire).
  • Tips, any expenses incurred in an emergency evacuation/roadblock due to any reason, table drinks, snacks while walking.
  • Rescue & insurance such as travel, cancellation, accident, health, emergency evacuation and loss.

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