
There are eight major rivers in three River system of Nepal Koshi (east), Gandaki (central), and Karnali (west) are open for White water rafting for tourists (see map). Modern rafts, experienced staff and well maintained equipment make the river rafting safe adventure. A beginner can also enjoy grade 2 - 3 Rivers of Nepal. The categories of rivers of Nepal are from grade 1 to 5+ category. Please feel free to mail us if you wish to do river rafting.
The far west of Nepal is one of the most remote and least explored areas of the Himalayas and has only recently been opened to foreigners. Based on this unique wilderness setting, our rafting trip on the Karnali River is an expedition rafting trip from the trek to the put-in to the take out!
The Class IV Karnali River is the longest and largest river in Nepal. The Karnali is also one of Nepal's premier fishing rivers with Mahseer, a form of freshwater perch, and giant cat fish. The river source lies high in Tibet near holy Mount Kailash and then descends from high Himalayan snowfields through a series of spectacular gorges and emerges onto the Terai flowing through Royal Bardia Wildlife Park. Continuing across the northern plains of India, it joins the Ganges and the Bay of Bengal.
Our Karnali River rafting trip begins with (and includes) a chartered plane journey across Nepal followed by a two day trek along old trade routes to the put-in at the "Great Loop" of the Karnali. The next 8 days, we raft through steep canyon country and spectacular jungle scenery. This is one of the finest stretches of whitewater in the world. We raft expedition-style carrying all food and equipment with us in the rafts. We float through very sparsely populated remote areas and it is not until the final days that we encounter villages of any significant size.
We will meet at 6 PM in our Kathmandu-office, the day before for a pre-departure meeting to give a briefing and clear any questions. This will give you time for any last minute preparations.
Day 01: We meet at the office or we pick you up at your hotel in Kathmandu at 7 am with your bags ready to go. This is a long bus journey, so be prepared with water etc. We travel to the far west and arrive in Surkhet very late/early hours of the morning; you are able to have a sleep here.
Day 02: After breakfast, we will take a truck as far as the road goes until about lunch time [this all depends on availability be flexible]. After lunch we walk all afternoon to the put-in point at Syauli. A great walk which high lights just how "out there" you really are. You pass local villages and spectacular scenery, and then you hit the river.
Day 03: The river gives the team time to build and there is enough challenging rapids and water flow for learning errors. We still manage to get at least one great class 4 rapid in. We camp and get excited about tomorrow.
Day 04: This is the type of day that people imagine when they think of Himalayan water. It is BIG and it is continuous. We enter into the Jungle Corridor. This is a narrowing jungle clad gorge and it is all ours. The team building is put into full practice and when your guide shouts "all forward " he really means it. Enjoy the ride all day and camp in this sensational setting.
Day 05: More of the same including the notorious GOD'S house rapid.
Day 06: 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 breath taking scenery.
Day 07: This is a holiday after all so we have programmed a rest day so you can take time to enjoy your surroundings and relax on a great sandy beach.
Day 08-09: We see the rapids dying off as we come out of the gorge. We pass the confluence with the Seti River where the river broadens. Today, the next day and a half are a chance to enjoy your journey admiring the country and villages you pass. You will have seen the safety kayakers in action and will no doubt be inspired, so ask the guides for some supervised instruction, or take over the raft and learn about the river. You see there is more to a rafting expedition than just rafting.
Day 10: We come to the end of our journey at about lunchtime where our bus will be waiting to collect us. Those who have booked to go to Bardia National Park [highly recommended] will be collected from here as well. Or one can proceed to their own onward journey.
Day 11: We arrive back at Kathmandu in the early morning of the eleventh day and rest at hotel. After that you may use your rest of time to buy souvenir in Kathmandu.
Every booking you make creates a donation. Ghale Treks is a proud supporter of Creative Hands (CA) a social welfare organization. We send part of your service charge to Creative Hands who support worthy causes in poorer communities. Your money will go to education, disabled or physically challenged people, street children, victims, and those living in rural and remote areas of Nepal. Read more about the great work that Creative Hands do and where your donation goes here: http://www.creativehands.org.np
Ghale Treks consultants are expert travel industry professionals. Send us your question/comment and Mr. Balakrishna will follow up with you shortly.


Call us at: 977-1-4411001