Rafting in the River Karnali
The Karnali River has the distinction of rising from the base of the holy Mt. kailash in Tibet which is visited by hundreds of thousands of pilgrims each year. The karnali is also the mightiest and longest river in Nepal. With its milder Class III to spectacular Class IV rapids, this is one incredible ride. Rafting here can be combined with fishing and jungle safari which is the ultimate river experience for any adventurer.
Along the Karnali one encounters a number of fabulous gorges, deserted beaches amd steep canyons as it cuts through te rugged Himalayan landscape, rushing down towards the forests of low-lying western Nepal. The river's level can rise dramatically after a storm as snow melts faster in the mountains giving rise to a more turbulent whitewater. This is undoubtedly one of the best river trips. Some of the rapids encountered are: captivity, Flip and Strip, God's House, Elbow and Sweet Well.
The Karnali River has the distinction of rising from the base of the holy Mt. kailash in Tibet which is visited by hundreds of thousands of pilgrims each year. The karnali is also the mightiest and longest river in Nepal. With its milder Class III to spectacular Class IV rapids, this is one incredible ride. Rafting here can be combined with fishing and jungle safari which is the ultimate river experience for any adventurer.
Along the Karnali one encounters a number of fabulous gorges, deserted beaches amd steep canyons as it cuts through te rugged Himalayan landscape, rushing down towards the forests of low-lying western Nepal. The river's level can rise dramatically after a storm as snow melts faster in the mountains giving rise to a more turbulent whitewater. This is undoubtedly one of the best river trips. Some of the rapids encountered are: captivity, Flip and Strip, God's House, Elbow and Sweet Well.
The Karnali trip takes one through wild territory where no civilization is encountered along the river for days on end. The remoteness of the river adds to the sobering experience in the wild. Langur and Rhesus monkeys are a common sight and other wildlife that may be seen are: leopards, bear, martins, deer, crocodiles and gharials. Besides rafting, the Karnali is also famous for its beautiful Golden Mahseer, a most sought after fish. This being one of the best fish habitats in Nepal, giant catfish are also found within its waters besides the many other species of gaming fish.
Karnali has huge rapids and demands to be taken seriously. As the river reaches the lower regions, it flows at a greater gradient allowing for a11. excit• ing ride as the rapids become more constricted. The river rewards thrill seekers with a series of rapids along a 7 km roller-coaster ride through the gorge. What's more, the Kamali can be taken on in any season which is unusual for a country with monsoon floods.
The 10 day Karnali Thiller
Day 1 - Surkhet
An hour long flight from Kathmandu brings guests to Nepalgunj and a drive straight away to Surkhet for a night halt.
Day 2 - Tallo Dhungeshwor
Karnali has huge rapids and demands to be taken seriously. As the river reaches the lower regions, it flows at a greater gradient allowing for a11. excit• ing ride as the rapids become more constricted. The river rewards thrill seekers with a series of rapids along a 7 km roller-coaster ride through the gorge. What's more, the Kamali can be taken on in any season which is unusual for a country with monsoon floods.
The 10 day Karnali Thiller
Day 1 - Surkhet
An hour long flight from Kathmandu brings guests to Nepalgunj and a drive straight away to Surkhet for a night halt.
Day 2 - Tallo Dhungeshwor
The put-in point on the Karnali is Tallo Dhungeshwor which is reached after a six-hour drive through beautiful sal forests. The village of Sauli is reached after passing through many small villages and the scenery on the way is spectacular.
Day 3 - First Enquiry
Soon after breakfast, it is time for adventure on the river. From the first day on there are exciting wild rapids to face. A lunch stop follows, after which the descent on the Karnali continues until First Inquiry is reached. This is the location chosen for a campsite for the night. Another lovely night is spent by the river.
Day 4 - God's House
The fourth day promises more adventures. The river in this section is made up of wild torrents as the boat enters the 'Jungle Corridor' flowing through a narrow gorge that is surrounded by forest. Here, collective effort is needed to maneuver the boat and the instruction of the guide has to be strictly followed. The whitewater is delightful and a wonderful time is had by all. The long day on the river comes to an end at the superb camping site near God's House, the 'day's major rapid.
Day 5 - Seti Dovan
This day also proves to be full of action and more fun is guaranteed. The rapids around this area are tricky and calls for more technical handling. After rapid God's House, there are many challenging rapids until finally the campsite at Seti Dovan is reached.
Day 6 - Jamuna Village
There's a lot of hard paddling to do on this day. There's also much to admire as the landscape seen today is simply marvelous. After a full day of action and fun, the boat arrives at Jamuna village where tents are set up for the night. Campsite is always a great place for conversation which generally hovers around the day's adventures.
Day 7- Campsite
This day is for relaxing and taking in the surrounding lush green vegetation, a visit to a local village and the serene jungle to see wildlife roam free. The camp is on the beach where a good meal ends the day.
Day 8- 9- Bheri Confluence
Day 3 - First Enquiry
Soon after breakfast, it is time for adventure on the river. From the first day on there are exciting wild rapids to face. A lunch stop follows, after which the descent on the Karnali continues until First Inquiry is reached. This is the location chosen for a campsite for the night. Another lovely night is spent by the river.
Day 4 - God's House
The fourth day promises more adventures. The river in this section is made up of wild torrents as the boat enters the 'Jungle Corridor' flowing through a narrow gorge that is surrounded by forest. Here, collective effort is needed to maneuver the boat and the instruction of the guide has to be strictly followed. The whitewater is delightful and a wonderful time is had by all. The long day on the river comes to an end at the superb camping site near God's House, the 'day's major rapid.
Day 5 - Seti Dovan
This day also proves to be full of action and more fun is guaranteed. The rapids around this area are tricky and calls for more technical handling. After rapid God's House, there are many challenging rapids until finally the campsite at Seti Dovan is reached.
Day 6 - Jamuna Village
There's a lot of hard paddling to do on this day. There's also much to admire as the landscape seen today is simply marvelous. After a full day of action and fun, the boat arrives at Jamuna village where tents are set up for the night. Campsite is always a great place for conversation which generally hovers around the day's adventures.
Day 7- Campsite
This day is for relaxing and taking in the surrounding lush green vegetation, a visit to a local village and the serene jungle to see wildlife roam free. The camp is on the beach where a good meal ends the day.
Day 8- 9- Bheri Confluence
Once out of the gorge, the rapids slowly ease off and further down at the confluence of the Bheri and karnali, the river broadens and the gradient decreases as it meanders through astounding scenery. Finally it comes out onto the plains and flows through the Bardia National Park. Today and the next two days is a good time to admire the countryside and another half day of superb view.
Day 10 - Chisopani
The tenth day is also the last day on the Karnali. It comes to an end in the early afternoon at Chisopani Bridge, the largest suspension bridge in Nepal. The last lunch is enjoyed together by the river, as the Karnali winds its way through the valleys, canyons and deep gorges.
Those seeking more adventure go on to spend a few days in the splendor of nature at the Bardia National Park where safaris take visitors on a grand tour of the forest to catch wildlife in their natural habitat. Others head for Nepalgunj airport and a flight back to Kathmandu. The grandest trip of them all comes to an end.
Day 10 - Chisopani
The tenth day is also the last day on the Karnali. It comes to an end in the early afternoon at Chisopani Bridge, the largest suspension bridge in Nepal. The last lunch is enjoyed together by the river, as the Karnali winds its way through the valleys, canyons and deep gorges.
Those seeking more adventure go on to spend a few days in the splendor of nature at the Bardia National Park where safaris take visitors on a grand tour of the forest to catch wildlife in their natural habitat. Others head for Nepalgunj airport and a flight back to Kathmandu. The grandest trip of them all comes to an end.