Karnali River Rafting
Trip Duration:
16
Trip Code:
RKR
Trip Grade:
Moderate
No. of Pax:
From
$ /person
Overview
Karnali is Nepal’s longest river and a big volume river. For rafters it is one of the best in the world. It rises in Tibet (China) and flows along with its tributaries through far western remote hills and forests of Nepal. It covers the distance of 507 kilometers. It carves its way through the Tibetan plateau and through the Himalaya into Nepal’s lush western forests. After the snow melt, this river becomes a raging torrent with huge rapids which offers brilliant rafting and kayaking. A highlight is the 7km long gorge which is one long raging rapid that sucks you in one end and spits you out the other(in one piece). This is one of the Nepal’s must do Rivers Rafting on the river Karnali has been recently opened to tourism.
Karnali river provides lots more Grade 4 and above including well-known rapids such as Flip & Strip, Jailhouse Rock, Juicer and the notorious God’s House – a Grade 5 monster with a hole the size of a bus. Holes are areas of whitewater that rush over drops in the river. The water rolls back on itself creating a hydraulic tumbling motion that can swallow kayaks and slam a raft upside-down in a heartbeat.
Itinerary:
Arrive at the Tribhuwan International Airport where you will be welcomed by Trek Himalayan representative and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the afternoon is free until evening when you’ll be briefed about rafting followed by welcome drinks .Overnight in Kathmandu
Your guide will meet you at your hotel in the morning to begin your city tour of Kathmandu.You will visit the Boudhanath temple, the largest Buddhist stupa in Nepal, Pashupatinath, a Hindu pilgrimage site, and possibly view cremation ceremonies along the banks of the Bagmati River. Continue drive to Patan Durbar Square to see the ancient Nepalese architecture and end your tour after lunch.Then, you will visit the Patan museum. Overnight in Kathmandu
We drive to Surkhet, Mid-West of Nepal in the early morning and stay overnight in camp. Our first camp will be right next to a beautiful, refreshing spring where you can bathe and meet the local people who are busy with their daily chores.
After a hearty breakfast, we start driving further west on a dirt road for another 7 hours to Tallo Dhungeshwor. After lunch we walk to the put-in point at Sauli. A great walk highlights spectacular scenery, and then… you hear the roaring sound of the river! We set up our camp at the river bank.
After a comprehensive safety briefing we start our rafting on the Karnali River. The river starts on an easy but entertaining level, with rapids getting more exciting in the afternoon. Cotton Pony, Sweetness and Light will be the first few rapids you will tackle.
After breakfast we begin our second day rafting expedition experiencing Jail House Rock, Inversion and some other major rapids today. Along the way, we explore waterfalls and in the late afternoon pass through a deep gorge. Deer are commonly seen drinking water on the river banks. We will enjoy the ride all day and overnight camp in a sensational setting.
This is extreme white-water rafting at its best. The whole day is spent running many large and exciting rapids (God’s House) in a team work. You will enjoy looking around the bird life as abundant as the lush vegetation. Overnight in camp
It isn’t over yet! Keep paddling hard! You really are experiencing the best of the west on yet another day of great action and breathetaking scenery. If you like, you can also enjoy fishing. Some villages are seen along the river bank.
Take a rest day so you can take time to enjoy your surroundings and relax on a great sandy beach. You hear an orchestra of birds to sooth your feelings.
Today you will see the rapids dying off as you come out of the gorge. We pass out the confluence of other small river where the Karnali River broadens. Today and the next day we will have a chance to enjoy our river journey admiring the ancient villages you pass. You will also see the other kayakers in action and will no doubt be inspired. Overnight in camp
This is the final day of river. We end this trip in the early afternoon at Chisopani Bridge & lunch is served there. Then, we drive to Bardia National Park. Upon arrival at the Park, the resort representative will meet you and transfer to the resort. In the lobby you will be offered complimentary refreshment drinks and the operation manager will brief you about the package program and facilities. Overnight in resort
Enjoy dugout canoe trip or visit to the Elephant Breeding Farm. After breakfast an ox-cart ride or a jeep drive around the park. After breakfast visit to Crocodile Breeding Center, Elephant ride & visit Tharu village & Dinner
After tea/coffee, go for bird watching tour. Back to the hotel for breakfast and after breakfast make departure to Kathmandu.
On this pleasant day you may have a full day at leisure either relax at hotel or explore the around Thamel. Or, you may do your last minute shopping for souvenirs or gift to your family, friends or relatives.
Trip Map:
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Karnali River Rafting 2025/2026 Cost and Departure Dates
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Nitty Gritty
General Information
Trip Notes tell you about the itinerary details and supplementary information of the relevant trip of Trek Himalayan. We have prepared specific trip notes adhering to fixed travel dates. Please check which travel dates suit you. If you find any trip notes missing or only partially received while sending to you by email, please bear with us. They will be there anytime soon.
FAQ
- Nepal is a land of ancient history, colorful cultures and multi- religions found nowhere else on the planet! There are many festivals and cultural events celebrated throughout the year in the various regions by different Nepalese ethnic groups who follow their own way of religious practice, lifestyle, language, culture, and tradition keeping peace and harmony in society.
- Trek Himalayan is the outdoor adventure specialist. It is one of Nepal-based leading adventure travel companies operating trekking, climbing and other adventure activities in the Himalayan countries of Nepal, Tibet, Bhutan, and India. The company has been operating small group trips, adventure vacations and white water rafting since 2008. We offer trekking, rafting and adventure travel vacation trips to suit every age or fitness level. From awe-inspiring trekking holidays in the Himalaya to cycling adventures, climbing expedition or a cultural touring odyssey or family adventures, wildlife safaris, and many other adventures. We offer over 400 high quality, well- crafted trekking & adventure travel itineraries. Compare our inclusions - you will not find a better value trekking or adventure travel holiday elsewhere!
- Yes, we are a fully licensed and registered company in Nepal and recognized by the tourism authority of the government of Nepal to operate white water rafting, tours, travel, trekking, mountaineering expeditions, and other travel- related activities throughout the Himalayas.
- We help our clients enjoy the best outdoor experience of their lives during rafting trip in Nepal. Every day on the river brings a new experience, whether they spend a ½ day to 5 days trip experiencing their first rapids, spotting wildlife, hiking or staying up late to watch shooting stars. However, there are certain things one can count on. A Day with us on Whitewater Vacation trips from breakfast to camping and all logistical support.
- When choosing any of our whitewater rafting trips in Nepal, it is most important to consider the age of the rafters, level of enthusiasm, location and season. It is necessary to view our interactive rafting rivers to learn more about the adventures. We have categorized 2 river rafting adventures keeping in mind Rapids range, location and duration. (1) Short and Family-Friendly Rafting Adventures Accessible to almost anyone, these trips are a great choice for first-timers and families with younger children. Rapids range from fast moving water with riffles (Class I-) to rapids with large waves and fast current (Class III). We offer Family-Friendly Rafting Adventures on the Trishuli river 1-2 days trips ( Class III) , 2 day trips on the Seti River (Class III-IV ) and the Bhote Kosi River +IV (1-2 day trip) . There are also Family-Friendly Adventures on fast water with Class IV rapids. (2) Action Packed Rafting Adventures These exciting rivers offer whitewater thrills and spectacular scenery. Try out the Karnali River rafting and Fishing in Nepal (10 days) ,Sun Kosi River rafting & Kayaking (8 -10 days) , Kali Gandaki river rafting and Kayaking (3 days ) class-V, Tamur river rafting & Kayaking (12 days)class -IV , many more river rafting for plenty of Class III-IV+ excitement. Expect turbulent water, tight maneuvers, steep drops and lots of fun!
- The group size is minimum 4 people + for each trip, each raft must be at least 6 pax and a guide, however we can add up to 8 pax depending on rivers.
- Since White Water Rafting is considered an extreme sport, there are many safety issues related to this sport. We understand this and make sure that our clients safety is our prime concern. Besides, our guides have participated in various Rescue and First Aid training allowing us to take care of adventure seekers who choose to participate in this extreme sport. All our rafting trips are guided by well experienced and certified instructors who make sure you are safe on the water.
- We recommend that our clients should have proper medical insurance before choosing to raft with us. This allows us to make necessary arrangements in case of emergencies.
- Cost includes: Ground transportation, Permits, wages and insurance of guides, porters and kitchen staff, food and accommodation during the rafting period, boats and accessories (helmets, paddles etc). Cost excludes: Mineral water or beverages, hotel accommodation or meals if you choose to stay in a hotel during the trip, personal items, emergency evacuation and airfare when applicable.
- What we provide: Rafts, life-jackets, Helmets, Plastic Paddle, Safety Equipment and other accessories, First Aid Kit (tapes, bandages, general medicines etc). What you need to bring: Clothing and footwear, toiletries, cameras, batteries and other personal items.
- On many of our rafting trips paddle boats are used. It means that you will have a paddle in your hands, and will be paddling. You should be reasonably healthy, and must be able to fit into the buoyancy vests supplied by Trek Himalayan. Paddling can be tiring, but guides will instruct you on paddling technique. Oar boats, where you ride along as a passenger, are also available on many rivers. If you are in doubt about your ability to go rafting, or your fitness, check with your doctor before you go.
- September to early December and March to early June are commercial rafting months in Nepal. The more adventurous and experienced, however, choose to run the rivers from early September to early October and May to June when there is high flow in the river stream.
- Many people bring disposable waterproof cameras, which work just fine. The quality of the pictures is reasonably good, and if you lose your disposable camera, it is not the end of the world or if you do choose to bring a more expensive camera, you can protect it as waterproof cases are available in our trip. Waterproof cases fit many shapes and sizes of camera. We also provide a professional photographer on each rafting trip on request.
- Most of our trips are in very remote areas, all our guides are qualified in First Aid and CPR as well as Swift Water Rescue Techniques. In the unlikely event you become sick or hurt, we are able to deal with a variety of situations and organize evacuations where necessary. If you have any pre-existing medical issues, please make us aware of these before starting the trip.
- You can book any of our listed rating trips with us using the booking form in our website.
