Karnali River Rafting - 10 Days
Trip Facts
Overview
Karnali River Rafting - Overview
The Karnali is Nepal’s longest river and its most remote rafting expedition. Rising near Mount Kailash in Tibet, it cuts through the wild far west of Nepal in deep canyons and steep jungle gorges, with powerful class IV–V rapids and almost no road access. Many river runners rank it among the best big-water trips in the world.
Highlights
- Seven days on one of Asia’s wildest rivers.
- Remote canyons, waterfalls and pristine beach camps.
- Rich wildlife and birdlife; finish close to Bardiya National Park.
- Optional Bardiya tiger safari extension.
Itinerary
One-hour flight to the far-western hub of Nepalgunj. Team briefing in the evening.
- Altitude: 150
- Accommodation: Hotel
- Meals: Dinner
Scenic 6–7 hour drive into the hills to the put-in. First camp by the river.
- Altitude: 500
- Accommodation: Riverside Camp
- Meals: B/L/D
Warm-up class III rapids and safety drills.
- Altitude: 450
- Accommodation: Riverside Camp
- Meals: B/L/D
Entering the gorge; first big rapids of the trip.
- Altitude: 420
- Accommodation: Riverside Camp
- Meals: B/L/D
The crux section with powerful class IV–V rapids, scouted from the bank.
- Altitude: 400
- Accommodation: Riverside Camp
- Meals: B/L/D
Deep canyon with side waterfalls; afternoon at camp.
- Altitude: 350
- Accommodation: Riverside Camp
- Meals: B/L/D
Confluence with the Seti Karnali; the valley widens.
- Altitude: 300
- Accommodation: Riverside Camp
- Meals: B/L/D
Final rapids and gentle floating to Chisapani, at the edge of Bardiya National Park.
- Altitude: 200
- Accommodation: Lodge
- Meals: B/L/D
Morning drive back to Nepalgunj (optional Bardiya safari extension instead).
- Altitude: 150
- Accommodation: Hotel
- Meals: Breakfast
Return flight to Kathmandu.
- Altitude: 1400
- Accommodation: -
- Meals: Breakfast
Our Costs
Cost Includes
- Professional licensed river guides and safety kayaker (on multi-day trips).
- Self-bailing rafts, paddles, life jackets, helmets and dry bags.
- All meals on the river prepared by the rafting crew.
- Riverside camping with tents, sleeping mats and toilet tent.
- Rafting permit and government taxes.
- First-aid kit and river rescue equipment.
- Kathmandu–Nepalgunj–Kathmandu flights and road transfers.
- Hotels in Nepalgunj and lodge at Chisapani.
Cost Excludes
- Sleeping bag (available for rent).
- Drinks and personal expenses.
- Travel insurance covering water sports.
- Tips for river guides and crew.
FAQ's
Swimming is recommended but not required. Everyone wears a life jacket and helmet and receives a full safety briefing.
Swimwear, quick-dry clothes, sandals with straps, sunscreen, sunglasses with a strap, a warm layer for evenings and a sleeping bag.
October–December and March–May. Rivers run high and are closed for multi-day trips during monsoon (June–September).
Fit beginners with good water confidence can join with experienced guides, but some whitewater experience is preferred.
Yes, a 2–3 day Bardiya National Park jungle safari is a perfect finish.