The Karnali is known world wide for its combination of beautiful scenery, wilderness settings, wildlife and some of the best big water rapids found anywhere on the planet. Located in remote western Nepal the Karnali is the longest and largest river draining from the Tibetan Plateau and is on the must-do list of anyone that considers him or herself a rafter. The rapids of this river are similar to that of the Grand Canyon of the Colorado and have the same pool-drop characteristics. Descending from Mt. Kailash we meet the Karnali at Dungeshwar and prepare for the next 7 days of rafting. Because the Karnali is located in the isolated region of western Nepal we offer a flight to and from the put-in and take out that would eliminate the two day bus travel to get there. Once we launch the trip will work its way down through beautiful jungle gorges filled with continuous rapids. At the end of each day there is time to relax, catch your breath and fully appreciate the beauty of your surroundings while our guides ease your hunger and replenish your energy stores for the next day of adrenaline with delicious meals and spirits. On our 7th or 8th day (depending on possible rest days) we pass the confluence with the Seti and the river begins to mellow. At our take-out, Chisopani, we can arrange for a flight back to Kathmandu or for those that have more time a jungle safari through Royal Bardia National Park. As with the Sun Kosi we have established fixed departure dates on this trip.
Departs from Kathmandu:
Difficulty: 4 / (5)
From: Sauli
To: Chisapani
Distance: 180 km
Trip Days: 7-8
Travel Days from KTM: 2 by bus (can arrange flights)
Av. Gradient: 20 ft per mile
Best Season: October – December or February – May
Since this trip is located in remote western Nepal we offer a flight to and from the river for those travelers pressed for time. However if time is of no concern western Nepal is a great place to begin your next adventure; perhaps a jungle safari through Bardia National Park or depart for a trek exploring more of the “Wild West” of Nepal. Contact us for more information and we can discuss your specific travel needs.
Departure Dates:
March 26 to 4 April
April 5 to 14
April 15 to 24
April 24 to 3 May
May 4 to 13
May 14 to 23
May 24 to June 2.
Rafting
Rafters need no previous experience.
Kayaking
This is the perfect river for kayakers of an upper intermediate level looking to push their big water skills however is also entertaining for the expert kayaker as there are abundant big wave surfing opportunities. The majority of the rapids are pool-drop making them forgiving to run and allowing us to set safety at the bottom of the rapid. Our experienced safety kayakers accompany every trip and can offer you advice on rapids and tips on improving your technique along the way. A good roll is a minimum prerequisite.
Itinerary:
A Pre-departure meeting is held on the evening prior to your departure at our office in Hotel 7 Corner’s Restaurant at 6pm.
- DAY 01: Meet at 7am at our office in Hotel 7 Corner’s Restaurant KTM- Here you can store any extra luggage. Eat breakfast, (not included). Drive to Surkhet. Spend the night in a hotel.
- DAY 2: Wake in the morning and drive until the road ends. Here we will stop and eat lunch before we start our beautiful remote trek to the put in. After lunch we will prepare our rafts for take off and then spend the night on the first pristine beach the powerful Karnali River.
- DAY 3, 4, 5: These three days are filled with negotiating the big water rapids in the jungle corridors of the Karnali. We will work our way down through continuous white water rapids with just enough time between the excitement to catch our breath and take in our amazing surroundings. Along the way there are ample opportunities to capture the photographs of a lifetime. Each night there is time to unwind and relax along the side of the river on a beautiful pure white sand beach while we prepare your delicious meal.
- DAY 6: Finally a much deserved day of rest. Now we have time to observe and fully appreciate our surroundings. Today you can relax on a beautiful sandy beach and catch up on your journal or trek into a remote village and experience true rural Nepal.
- DAY 7-8: The river now begins to mellow as we drift by the confluence of the Seti River and travel toward the Indian planes. Now is the chance to spend a more relaxed day on the raft and capture those great action rafting photos that you were too busy paddling to get before. Of course we will once again make camp on gorgeous sand beaches along the side of the river.
- DAY 9: Today we board the rafts for the final day and float down to our take out; Chisopani. Along the way there is time to reflex on your journey and appreciate the different surroundings of the new ecosystem we have just entered, the Terri (Indian Plains). Here you can board the night bus or a plane for a trip back to Kathmandu, or head off on your next adventure.
Equipment List:
Kayaking Gear: Kayakers will need all of your own boating gear (including floatation bags). Upon arrival ask us for an updated list of available kayaks to choose from. The weather should be good and the water is relatively warm, but always be prepared for the worst. We recommend either a dry top or a least a shorty for your top; wet suit shorts should be enough for the bottom. Booties/Tevas are necessary for footwear and it is nice to have a small dry bag to carry your small personal items in your kayak.
Rafting Gear: We will supply you with all the necessary specialist river equipment including helmets, lifejackets and paddles. If you get cold easy and have a personal paddle jacket (rain jackets also work well) or shortie wet suit, please bring them along you.
Sample Pack List:
- Sleeping Bag
- Sleeping pad / Thermorest (we can provide if you do not have)
- Rain shell
- Warm jacket (down jacket-vest for Tamur Expedition)
- Warm Hat
- Hiking shoes
- River shoes/Tevas
- Sunglasses (an extra pair never hurts)
- Sun block
- Sun hat or visor
- Headlight
- Extra batteries
- A good book
- Personal Toiletries
- Small First Aid Kit*
- Water bottle (we carry water on the rafts but it is nice to have your own bottle to drink from)
- Shammy or small towel (optional but nice for after a day on the river, there will be opportunities to purchase these along the way if desired)
- Rafting clothes: Cotton is NOT a good idea. It does not dry and will keep you cold. A bathing suit works well and a polypro or other synthetic top for cool mornings. For women a swimming suit is good but quick dry shorts will also probably be wanted.
- Camp clothes: Here is your opportunity for that cotton sweatshirt and jeans; however bring polypro and synthetic clothing as well. For women it is a good idea to have skirts or wraps rather than shorts, especially when we are trekking. Everyone will want to have at least a t-shirt to wear in public places.
*Personal First Aid Kit: If you have something you are particularly prone to: ear infections, foot rot, or sinus problems, bring what you need with you. You will definitely want to be carrying medicines for common illnesses like diarrhea, infections and upset stomachs. Also you will want a complete set of inoculations for Asia, ask your doctor for these current suggestions.
Additional Food: Please bring any river snacks that you desire as these are not provided: power bars, granola bars, dried fruit, chocolate, etc. are always nice to have as a pick me up before we get to camp. Additionally Gatorade Powders (or other powdered mix-ins) are a great way to drown out the taste of iodine in your drinking water.
Pre Departure Info
Raft 'N Rivers will be more than happy to organize all your internal travel arrangements in the Kingdom of Nepal. We have a wide variety of services and budget options to suit your needs including, airport pick-ups, sightseeing day hiking/excursions around Kathmandu, airline reconfirmation, hotel room reservations and much more. Contact our friendly and experienced staff or check out our hotel’s web site at www.hotel7corner.com for more information.
Your Trip Costs Includes: All accommodation (once trip begins), river/trekking meals, instruction, trekking / river permits, all required rafting gear (mentioned above), raft support and local transportation. It does NOT include personal expenses such as alcohol, candy, soft drinks or meals in Kathmandu or Pokhara. This will give you the flexibility to do as you wish. Restaurants in Pokhara and Kathmandu are inexpensive and their cuisine varies depending on what you are in the mood for. It also does not include any flights that you may choose to add to your itinerary.
Age and Fitness: Age is an attitude and not a problem; however we do reserve the right to not allow children on the trip if we feel it is too dangerous. River running is a physical pursuit and expedition members should have a reasonable level of fitness. Expedition members should be good swimmers and comfortable in the water.
Insurance: Each Expedition member is responsible for having their own travel insurance including helicopter evacuation.
Vaccinations: Nepal has no official vaccination requirements for entry. However we recommend that you visit a doctor for the latest recommendations and protect yourself accordingly.
Visa: Visa can be obtained at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu upon arrival. You will need 2 passport size photographs.
Currency: The best currency to have is Euros/US Dollars in travelers cheques, cash and/or credit cards. American Express, MasterCard and Visa are all accepted in Nepal.
Recommended Reading: "White Water Nepal," by Peter Knowles; any of the many adventure travel guide books on Nepal, we recommend Lonely Planet publications.
A deposit of 50% of the trip total is required upon booking. The balance is required upon arrival.
