The Karnali Rafting of Nepal is a destination par excellence for adventure-filled white water rafting. Like the other numerous Himalayan River systems of the nation, the Karnali river is the one. On the way, for an entire 180 kilometers witness long stretches of virgin wilderness, lush forests, serpentine gorges, thundering waterfalls, and steep canyons. The nights spent on the river bank under the blue, starry sky all add up to a life-lasting experience. The force of the currents may finish off your bravado, but you will come out in the end. You feel fully refreshed, and re-energized, with vibrant, well-exercised muscles like never before.

Trip Facts

Accommodation: Hotel/Lodge/Teahouse

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Trip Overview

The longest river in Nepal Karnali (507 km) pours down through the mysterious gorges of the Himalayas. It originates from the Mansarovar region of Tibet. The vast bulk of the river’s course, along with all its tributaries that drain the entirety of far-western Nepal. It consists of raging rapids and winding rushes through curved paths and narrow gorges until it emerges into the Terai plains.

We start the Karnali adventure by catching the river in an ideal place at the hilly district Surkhet. Then, follow its swift downward course until it slows down. After that it arrives in the lowlands of Terai in the Bardia National Park. During the entire period, we will be pushed up and pulled down, get thrown over and hurled toe sideways. We tossed around like a piece of log floating on the surface. As we ride over the fancies of the wind currents in a classic waterway of the world. Be especially watchful after you encounter an abrupt bend in the river near its confluence with “Lohore Khola”.

Your excitements and your efforts reach the extremes as the river rapids move forward in feverish force. Along the way, we also enjoy the scenes of irresistible waterfalls, roaring canyons, and mighty tributaries coming to join the mainstream. The following 10-day itinerary we have designed is a tailor-made package that allows you to make the most in terms of adventure, reinvigorating sceneries, and rests and breaks as well.

Trip Outline

Day 01: Drive from Kathmandu to Surkhet
Day 02: Drive from Surkhet to the road-head and plunge into the river at Sauli
Day 03: Arrive at First Inquiry
Day 04: Arrive at God-house
Day 05: Arrive at the Seti Dovan (near the confluence of the Seti River)
Day 06: Arrive at Jamuna Village
Day 07: Rest and exploration
Day 08-09: Continuation of the Trip
Day 10: End the rafting tour near Chisopani Bridge

Detail Itinerary

Day 01 Drive from Kathmandu to Surkhet

It takes an entire day and a full night to arrive at Surkhet, a far-western district from Kathmandu. We will take the rest for the rest of the day and night once we reach here.

Day 02 Drive from Surkhet to the road-head and plunge into the river at Sauli

On the second day, we drive as far as the road goes, then take a short trek past some villages and some idyllic scenes to reach Sauli. Then we plunge into the water.

Day 03 Arrive at First Inquiry

We get up in the morning, have a calories-rich breakfast and throw ourselves into the currents again. They get wild and furious today, and so does your excitement. The thrashing rapids may leave you panting and twisting and turning, but this is worth a little adventure that you have desired. We reach the place called First Inquiry and rest in the camp overnight.

Day 04 Arrive at God-house

Another adventurous day through virgin wilderness and mysterious gorge. The day will quench all your fancies and all your imaginings about having a lifetime rafting experience in a Himalayan river. The stopover at God-house is equally breathtaking.

Day 05 Arrive at the Seti Dovan (near the confluence of the Seti River)

After crossing the wild rapids near the Seti Dovan, we arrive at our campsite and retire for the night.

Day 06

Elevation: Arrive at Jamuna Village

This is again an action-packed, effortful day. You will see a lot of the wild, spectacular west of Nepal. We reach Jamuna village and pitch our tent for the night.

Day 07 Rest and exploration

For the full day today, we relax on the sandy bank of the river and explore the surrounding. Rejuvenate your spirit and energies in this well-planned break.

Day 08-09 Continuation of the Trip

The River broadens and its currents become gentle as it emerges out of the last gorges of the hilly region. Have an eye for the villages and the picturesque countryside around. You can also try out being in the driving seat yourself these days as the river calms down. Ask for instructions from your guide and learn about the river and rafting itself.

Day 10 End the rafting tour near Chisopani Bridge

We end the rafting expedition near the Chisapani bridge in the afternoon. You can catch a night bus there and return to Kathmandu. But a day of jungle safari in Bardia National Park brings you different joys and contrasting experiences. In that case, put aside a day for the purpose and return to Kathmandu the following evening.

Karnali Rafting 10 Days