Karnali River Rafting

Highlights

The Karnali River offers a remote and pristine rafting experience, flowing through untouched wilderness in the far-western region of Nepal.
As the longest river in Nepal, the Karnali provides an extensive and varied rafting journey, with trips ranging from several days to over a week.
Rafters can encounter a range of rapids, from challenging Class III to exhilarating Class V, providing a thrilling adventure for all skill levels.
The river passes through dramatic landscapes, including deep gorges, dense forests, and traditional villages, offering breathtaking views at every turn.
The Karnali River basin is home to diverse flora and fauna, including rare species such as the elusive snow leopard, providing opportunities for wildlife sightings during the journey.
Along the way, rafters can interact with indigenous communities, experiencing their unique cultures, traditions, and hospitality.
Multi-day rafting trips often include camping on remote sandy beaches along the riverbanks, allowing for a true wilderness experience under the stars.
The Karnali is renowned for its challenging expeditions, attracting experienced rafters seeking an adventurous and unforgettable journey.

Overview

Rafting on the Karnali River is an epic adventure through the remote and wild landscapes of western Nepal. It offers an unparalleled rafting experience with its challenging rapids, stunning scenery, and opportunities for cultural immersion. The Karnali River is Nepal's longest river, originating from the Tibetan plateau and flowing through the pristine wilderness of western Nepal before joining the Ganges in India. Rafting on the Karnali is a multi-day expedition that takes you through deep gorges, dense forests, and traditional villages, providing an unforgettable journey through one of the last remaining wilderness areas in the Himalayas.

Location and Route

The rafting journey typically begins near the village of Sauli, in the remote district of Humla, and ends near the town of Chisapani, close to the Bardia National Park. The route covers approximately 180 kilometers, offering a thrilling mix of challenging rapids, calm stretches, and scenic landscapes along the way.

Rapids and Difficulty

The Karnali River is known for its diverse rapids, ranging from gentle Class II sections to exhilarating Class V rapids. The river's rapids are challenging and technical, making it suitable for experienced rafters seeking an adrenaline-pumping adventure. Some of the notable rapids include "God's House," "Juicer," and "Flip and Strip."

Scenery and Wildlife

Rafting on the Karnali River takes you through some of Nepal's most remote and pristine wilderness areas. The river flows through deep gorges, dense forests, and remote villages, offering breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks and diverse flora and fauna. Wildlife sightings may include deer, monkeys, birds of prey, and even rare species like the elusive snow leopard.

Camping and Facilities

Karnali River rafting expeditions are typically conducted as multi-day trips, with nights spent camping on sandy beaches along the riverbanks. These remote camping spots provide a peaceful and scenic setting to relax after a day of rafting. Rafting companies usually provide all necessary camping equipment and meals, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable experience in the wilderness.

Best Time to Go

The best time for rafting on the Karnali River is during the post-monsoon season, from October to December, when the water levels are high, and the weather is pleasant. This period offers optimal conditions for rafting and allows you to fully appreciate the stunning scenery and wildlife along the river.

Practical Considerations

Guides and Safety: Choose a reputable rafting company with experienced guides who prioritize safety. Safety briefings, proper equipment, and rescue procedures are essential for a safe rafting expedition.

Fitness Level: Participants should be in good physical condition and able to swim. Rafting on the Karnali River requires endurance, strength, and the ability to handle challenging rapids.

Gear: Most rafting companies provide all necessary rafting gear, including helmets, life jackets, paddles, and rafts. Participants should bring personal items like sunscreen, a hat, and a change of clothes.

Rafting on the Karnali River offers an unparalleled adventure through some of Nepal's most remote and pristine wilderness areas. With its challenging rapids, stunning scenery, and cultural experiences, it provides an unforgettable journey for adventurous travelers seeking a true wilderness expedition in the heart of the Himalayas.

Trip Itinerary

Day 1 : Fly from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj and Drive to Surkhet

Your Karnali River rafting adventure begins with a scenic flight from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj, offering breathtaking views of the Himalayas. Upon arrival in Nepalgunj, you'll embark on a drive to Surkhet, a journey that takes you through the diverse terrain of the Terai region into the foothills of the Himalayas. The drive, filled with picturesque landscapes and glimpses of rural life, concludes in Surkhet, where you'll spend the night in a comfortable hotel. Here, you can relax and prepare for the exciting days ahead.

Day 2 : Drive from Surkhet to Sauli

After an early breakfast, you'll leave Surkhet and drive towards Sauli, a journey of about 5 hours. The route winds through stunning valleys and lush greenery, gradually ascending towards the starting point of your rafting expedition. Upon reaching Sauli, you'll set up camp by the river and spend your first night in a tented camp. The evening is free for you to explore the surroundings, enjoy a hearty meal, and rest up for the rafting adventure that awaits.

Day 3 : Raft from Sauli to River Bank

Your first day on the river starts with a thorough safety briefing and paddling instructions from your experienced guides. Once geared up, you'll launch onto the Karnali River, known for its thrilling rapids and stunning scenery. The day's rafting takes you through a mix of challenging rapids and calmer sections, allowing you to get accustomed to the river's flow. After several hours of exciting rafting, you'll reach a suitable campsite along the riverbank. Here, you'll set up camp, enjoy a freshly prepared meal, and spend the night under the stars.

Day 4 : Raft from River Bank to God House

Today’s rafting journey takes you further into the heart of the Karnali River. You'll navigate through a series of exhilarating rapids, surrounded by lush forests and towering cliffs. The river's pristine waters and the untouched beauty of the region create a truly immersive experience. After a full day on the river, you'll arrive at God House, a scenic spot where you'll set up camp for the night. Enjoy a delicious dinner and share stories of the day's adventures around the campfire.

Day 5 : Raft from God House to Seti Dovan

Continuing your rafting expedition, you'll depart from God House and make your way towards Seti Dovan. The river offers a mix of challenging rapids and serene stretches, providing both excitement and opportunities to soak in the natural beauty. You'll paddle through narrow gorges, past cascading waterfalls, and along pristine beaches. By late afternoon, you'll reach Seti Dovan, where you'll establish your campsite. After setting up, you can relax, enjoy a meal, and rest in your tented camp.

Day 6 : Raft from Seti Dovan to Jamuna Village

Today's journey takes you from Seti Dovan to the charming Jamuna Village. As you navigate the river, you'll encounter some of the most thrilling rapids of the expedition, offering an adrenaline rush and a test of your rafting skills. The surrounding landscapes continue to amaze with their beauty and diversity. Upon reaching Jamuna Village, you'll set up camp near the village, providing a unique opportunity to interact with the local community and learn about their way of life. Enjoy another night in your tented camp, with a delicious dinner and time to unwind.

Day 7 : Raft from Jamuna Village to Chisapani

The next few days are dedicated to an extended rafting journey from Jamuna Village to Chisapani. This section of the Karnali River is known for its continuous rapids, breathtaking scenery, and remote wilderness. You'll spend your days navigating the river, tackling challenging rapids, and enjoying the untouched natural environment. Evenings are spent setting up camp at picturesque spots along the river, sharing meals, and relaxing under the stars. This multi-day rafting experience offers a deep immersion into the beauty and adventure of the Karnali River.

Day 11 : Drive from Chisapani to Kathmandu

Your rafting adventure concludes as you reach Chisapani. After packing up your gear and enjoying a final meal by the river, you'll embark on the drive back to Kathmandu. The journey offers a chance to reflect on the incredible experiences and memories made over the past ten days. Arriving in Kathmandu by evening, you can relax and unwind, celebrating the successful completion of your Karnali River rafting expedition.

Trip code
Package name	Karnali River Rafting
Duration	11
Max. elevation	1300 m
Level	Moderate
Transportation	All ground transportations as per itinerary
Accomodation	Hotel
Starts at	Kathmandu
Ends at	Kathmandu
Trip route
Cost	USD 0 per person