WILD KARNALI RIVER | RAFTING EXPEDITION - 12 DAYS
The Karnali River (“Holy Water” in Nepali) is one of the favourite white-water destinations in Nepal for both rafters and kayakers.
Our 12-day expedition is ideal for those who are looking for an authentic travel experience off-the-beaten-path in Nepal. Karnali offers a thrilling white-water roller coaster ride, and provides an opportunity to experience the tropical jungle and its abundant wildlife, which includes tigers, elephants, rhinoceros and hundreds of bird species.
Our extraordinary kayaking and rafting team holds internationally recognized rafting certifications from the International Rafting Federation (IRF) and are White-Water Rescue Technicians (WRT). Our expert guides are highly trained, uphold the highest safety standards, have an excellent knowledge of the Himalayan rivers and are among the most talented and experienced guides in the Nepalese rafting and kayaking industry. You can rest assured that you will be in safe hands.
Day 01
Upon arrival in Kathmandu, our friendly representative will be waiting for you at the airport with a sign displaying your name. He will then drive you to your hotel. At the hotel, you will receive a short pre-departure briefing.
Depending on your time of arrival, you are free to relax or explore the city.
Day 02
After breakfast, we will drive to Birendranagar, in the Surkhet district (approx. 16 hours’ drive).
Day 03
Today, we will drive to Dhungeshwor (approx. 6 to 7 hours’ drive from Birendranagar).
Day 04
Today, we will face exciting rapids (among them, the rapid “1st Inquiry”). We will paddle down the river and enjoy the beautiful Nepalese countryside. We will set up our camp on the river bank.
Day 05
After breakfast, we will paddle down the Karnali. We will come across big rapids; among them, “Jail House” (Class IV+ rapid).
Day 06
Today, we will hit some great Class IV rapids: “God House”, “Juicer”, and “Flip and Strip”. After rafting further down the river, we will reach Seti Beni where we will set up our camp.
Day 07
Rest day. We will stay at Seti Beni.
Day 08
As we continue rafting down the river, we will hit a few small rapids. As we move ahead, we will reach Jamuna village. We will set up our camp on the river bank.
Day 09
After breakfast, we will start rafting down the Karnali. We will set up our camp on an unspoiled beach.
Accommodation: Camping.
Day 10
After breakfast, we’ll start paddling down the river. This section is one of the most scenic parts of the river. We will set up our camp on the river bank.
Day 11
*You can choose to go to Bardiya National Park to extend your stay for 2 days and enjoy the wildlife (extra trip) or come back with us in Kathmandu.
Day 12
After a fun-filled trip, our journey ends. We hope you thoroughly enjoyed your trip. We will take you to the Tribhuvan International Airport. If you have time and would like to extend your stay in Nepal, we would be happy to offer our recommendations.
- Swim suits.
- Rucksack.
- Outdoor clothing: Outdoor clothing should be tough and comfortable. Wearing several thin layers is better than a few thick layers. Jeans should not be worn, as they are slow to dry, clinging and cold. Walking boots and sport sandals are ideal.
- Sunglasses.
- Sunscreen.
- Water Bottle or Hydration Bladder.
- Daypack (25-30 liters).
- Trekking pants and shorts.
- Wash kit and towel.
- Flashlight.
- Medicine (in particular, diarrhoea medication): Water Purification Tablets/ Isotonic Powder/ Basic First Aid Kit/ Diamox/ Oximeter / Ibuprofen for general aches and pains/ Imodium or Pepto bismol capsules for upset stomach or diarrhea.
- Copies of important documents (passport, vaccination certificates, travel insurance) & extra passport photos.
- Insect repellent.
*This list is not exhaustive.
What’s included
- Pre-departure support.
- Airport Pick-up/ Drop-off.
- Professional English speaking licensed guides highly trained and safety certified to international standards in White-water River Guiding, Swift Water Rescue, and Wilderness First Aid.
- Professionally trained and certified safety kayakers.
- All gear raft support.
- Quality rafting and kayaking equipment, including boats, kayaks, helmets, paddles, life jackets, dry bags and pelican boxes.
- Treated drinking water.
- Accommodation: Hotel BB on twin sharing basis in Kathmandu and camping (all necessary facilities including tents, shelters, mats and sleeping bags, shower and toilet tent, etc.).
- Meals (refer to itinerary for meal plan). Types of food provided: Throughout our expedition, we provide treated stream water for drinking. We employ crews with great culinary abilities. We will provide breakfasts, lunches, and dinners during the expedition in a buffet style. So, yes you will have the freedom to choose what you like. If you have special dietary needs, please let us know about it. Sample menu for the expedition: Breakfast: Tea, Coffee, White Chocolate, Muesli and Cornflakes, Yogurts, Eggs, Toasts, Hashed Potatoes, Pancakes, Porridge, etc./ Lunch: Bread, Cheese, Salami, Tuna, Sardines, Baked Beans, Salads, Fresh fruits, and Biscuits./ Dinner: Pasta, French Fries, Curries, Steamed or Fried vegetables. We also provide Nepali Dal, Bhat in rotation.
- All necessary permits.
- Transportation.
- First Aid support.
- Team photos.
- All government taxes, VAT and service charges.
What’s NOT included
- International flights.
- Domestic flights.
- Extra trips.
- Tips for Porters, guides & others.
- Personal expenditures, all bar bills, laundry, telephone calls.
- EMERGENCY EVACUATION EXPENSES, insurance of any kind. It is strongly recommended that you subscribe a proper travel insurance policy that covers illness, medical emergencies, trip cancellation, etc.
- Visa fees.
- Anything else not specified in the ‘what’s included’ section above.
You are required as a condition of booking to have an adequate travel insurance.
