Karnali River Rafting – 10 days

“The Wild West”

highlighttopBKG-01
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
  • The ultimate river expedition in Nepal
  • Epic whitewater rapids combined with relaxed float
  • Dramatic variety of intensely remote and pristine scenery
  • Bardia National Park
  • Crew favorite

Nepal’s longest and largest river, the Karnali springs forth from Mount Kailash, a sacred moutain in Tibet important to both Buddhist and Hindu. Flowing south into Nepal, it forms the major drainage system for the western districts before dropping off into dramatic canyons raging with big volume whitewater and eventually flowing into remote areas of pristine jungle rich with wildlife.

The first half of this river journey into the “wild west” offers incredible whitewater excitement, commonly described as “a thrill a minute roller coaster ride”. The second half of the trip settles down into some more moderate & gentle rapids and eventually a relaxed float rewarded by dramatic and hugely varied pristine and unspoiled wilderness.

The Karnali River finishes at the famous Bardia National Park – the most jungle in Nepal rich in wildlife. Many consider this spectacular journey one of the finest rafting rivers in the world and is our crew favorite expedition in Nepal.

If you are looking for a truly authentic, intensely remote river expedition with wile whitewater combined with a relaxed and peaceful float into pristine wilderness – then this is the ultimate adventure for you!

booknowclearholder-01

What's Included
  • 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 ISO/CE certified rafting equipment including helmets, PFDs, paddles, splash jackets and wetsuits
  • 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
  • River permits
  • Industry standard first aid kits
What's NOT Included
  • Unrelated transportation, accommodation, visas, travel documents, departure taxes etc…
  • 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 **if you feel that our crew did a great job, you are invited but not obligated to offer a personal tip**
What to Bring
  • Shorts / ½ pants
  • T-shirt
  • Sport sandals or comfortable shoes that can get wet and will stay on your feet
  • Polypropylene / quick dry long shirts
  • Swimwear
  • Track pants / comfortable long pants
  • Warm fleece
  • Jacket (waterproof shell)
  • Travel towel
  • Socks
  • Shoes (not essential – do not bring big trekking boots)
  • Pyjamas (something comfortable to sleep in)
  • Warm hat (in cold months)
  • Travel towel 
  • Personal toiletries
  • Sunscreen / sunscreen lip protection
  • Mosquito repellant 
  • Water bottle
  • Head lamp / flash light
  • Personal first aid kit
  • Sleeping bag (if you do not have one – we will provide a complimentary rental)
  • A little cash for treats, tips and the occasional chance for photographs
Map

karnali

Trip Departure Dates

Fall – Winter 2024

September October November December January
n/a 25 Oct – 3 Nov 5-14 Nov
16-25 Nov
n/a n/a

Winter – Spring 2025

February March April May June
n/a 1-10 Mar
15-24 Mar
1-10 Apr n/a n/a

 

booknowclearholder-01

Trip Details

DURATION:

10 days

CLASS:

IV / IV+

DEPART FROM:

Paddle Nepal Lakeside Center, Pokhara
6am (private bus)

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)

RETURNS TO:

Paddle Nepal Lakeside Center, Pokhara
(private bus)

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 camp or hotel inbound

SEASON:

Open: Sep. – May
Best: Oct. – Nov. and Mar. to April

PRICE:

$1200 USD 

 

HOTEL KARUNA @ LAKESIDE
Our favorite place to stay in Pokhara