Karnali
Nepal's longest and largest river, the Karnali, begins its life near to Tibet’s holy Mount Kailash. It carves its way through the Tibetan plateau and through the Himalaya into Nepal’s lush western forests. After the snow melt this river becomes a raging torrent with huge rapids which offers brilliant rafting and kayaking. A highlight is the 7km long gorge which is one long raging rapid that sucks you in one end and spits you out the other (in one piece!). This is one of the Nepal’s must do rivers.
Not only is the river a gem for its white water, but it’s course travels through a relatively unpopulated area, filled with pristine jungle allowing the paddler good chances of viewing the abundant wildlife like deer, leopards, tiger, jackals, mongoose, monkeys and small brown bears. Although the river is remote, the bus ride and short trek to the start point is pleasant and extremely scenic making it a worth while all round trip.
Rafting
Rafters need no previous experience.
Kayaking
This is a great river for the advanced kayaker. You need to be a confident Class IV paddler to kayak this river. Plenty of big rapids and surfing waves to keep you entertained. If you are a beginner kayaker coming on a rafting trip, we will give you the opportunity to try out kayaking on some of the easier sections of the river.
Trip Dates:
March - 19th and 26th
April - 2nd, 16th and 30th
Trip Includes:
All staff including qualified Guides and professional Safety Kayakers
All camping equipment (inc toilet tents, tarps, personal tents etc0
All meals and water whilst on the river (tea, coffee and juice also avaliable)
Transportation to and from the river (optional flights avaliable)
All equipment (including PFD's, helmets, dry tops, throw bags, dry bags, paddles, etc)
Extensive first aid kit.
Porters
Gear Raft support
Extensive medical kit
Not included:
Items of a personal nature (toiletries, personal medication, clothing, camers...)
Personal insurance
Alcohol and additional snacks.
Optional tips for guides.
Itinerary
Day 1
We will leave early in the morning from Kathmandu after loading the bus up and drive to Surkhet and spend the night in a hotel.
Day 2
After a hearty breakfast we will drive as far as the road allows and trek just a few hours to the put in point where we will camp for the night.
Day 3-8
The rafting begins. The days that follow are going to be one wild ride from rapid to rapid and from one pristine white sandy beach to the next. We will have one rest day along the river which gives a good chance to have a beach party, rest and relax on the sandy beaches and play a few games. For the most part our camps will be isolated and remote. The river is banked densely with jungle and has some truly breath taking scenery. The last couple of days the river flattens out, allowing us to relax and enjoy wildlife spotting. We will start to notice the differance in scenery (and temperature) as we drift closer to the Indian Plains.
Day 9
Our last day on the water. We will paddle to our take out point at Chisopani, unload the gear for one last time and jump on the waiting bus/plane.
Day 10
After a long 18 hour drive (or a quicker half hour flight) we wil finally arrive in Kathmandu, ready for a good shower and a nap!
At the end of this trip you also have the option to add on a trip to Bardia National Park. Email us for more details.
