10-Day Karnali River Rafting Expedition in Nepal with Riverside Camping

10 Days Duration

Experiences

About This Tour

Set off on a 10-day Karnali River rafting expedition in far-west Nepal, combining a scenic journey from Kathmandu to the remote river put-in with days of adrena...

Duration: 10 Days · Tour type: Private · Activity level: Moderate · Accommodation: Included · Budget · Transport: Included · Wheelchair access: Not applicable · Cities: Nepalganj, Kathmandu, Birendranagar, Chisapani · Languages: English

Know before you go: Before heading on the outdoor trip, we request our guests to gather at our office for a pre-departure meeting. This is an important opportunity to meet our team - including the trip leader, guides, trip staff, and other guests - complete official formalities, and discuss the trip system, timetable, and other important matters to help make your journey successful.

About Nepalganj

Nepal

Nepalganj

One of Nepal’s few lowland cities, Nepalganj is a lively town of Indian undercurrents that’s home to the Bengal tiger populations of Bardia National Park. Discover it all with help from a local guide.

Explore Nepalganj Nepal All destinations

What's Included

All ground transportation based on the program itinerary for the Karnali 10-day expedition
3 meals a day (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) during the rafting period
River permit as per plan
Expedition raft and gear raft
Safety kayaker
Lifejacket, helmet, paddle, and dry bag
All necessary camping equipment
Necessary staff (guide, helpers, cook, etc.)
Tented accommodation on a beautiful river beach with a campfire
Food, tented accommodation, insurance for all staff, and their transportation
Expedition elements include professional guides and leadership

Not Included

Nepal visas, travel documents, and departure taxes are not covered.
Personal footwear: please bring suitable footwear, as it is not provided.
Personal essentials: items like swimwear, towels, and toiletries are not included, so pack what you need.
Insurance: while our crew is fully insured, each participant must have a personal emergency medical travel plan.
Gratuities: tipping is not required but is appreciated if you feel our crew provided excellent service.

Itinerary

1

Day 01

Arrival and Journey from Kathmandu to Surkhet via Nepalganj

Your Karnali rafting expedition begins with travel from Kathmandu toward Surkhet via Nepalganj. You will depart in the early afternoon and continue on a long journey toward the starting region of the expedition. Depending on your vehicle choice, whether a private car, bus, or jeep, you will be picked up from your hotel or a pre-decided pick-up point in Kathmandu for a scenic overland journey. Overnight stay will be in Surkhet at a hotel.
2

Day 02

Drive to the Put-in Point at Sauli/Dhungeshwor

Drive to the put-in point at Sauli/Dhungeshwor. Before setting out, you will enjoy a good meal and then continue on a scenic drive to the Karnali River, where your rafting expedition officially begins. The ride winds through charming remote hamlets, lush forests, and riversides, offering a remarkable experience of the stunning Nepali countryside. Upon reaching the Karnali River, you will spend the night on its peaceful shore, enjoying the calm of nature and the splendid sight of the moon and stars on your first riverside night.
3

Day 03

Begin Rafting on the Karnali River

Day 3 marks the beginning of your rafting experience on the Karnali River, with its raging and foamy rapids. This serene and isolated river presents powerful and challenging rapids, making it an ideal setting for a thrilling rafting excursion. Your 507-kilometer Karnali River rafting expedition officially begins today, filled with both excitement and natural beauty. After a safety briefing and a quick gear check, you will set off down the river through some medium rapids that serve as an introduction to the more formidable challenges ahead. As you paddle past stunning scenery, you will enjoy enthralling views of tropical green forests along the riverbanks, steep cliffs, and charming villages. Tonight, you will camp on the river's scenic pristine beaches beneath a canopy of stars, preparing for the exciting rafting days to come.
4

Day 04

Raft into the Gorge at God's House

Today, the river enters a mysterious and narrow gorge known as God's House. This section brings continuous, high-adrenaline rapids and a more dramatic river setting. The highlight of the day is navigating the notorious God's House rapid, one of the most memorable challenges of the expedition.
5

Day 05

Raft to Seti Dovan

Continue rafting through intense rapids and lush vegetation as the expedition moves deeper along the Karnali. The day concludes with camping near Seti Dovan, close to the confluence where the Seti River joins the Karnali River.
6

Day 06

Raft to Jamuna Village

Today is a day of hard paddling through spectacular landscapes. The team navigates several more rapids while continuing downstream through the wild scenery of the Karnali. By the end of the day, you will arrive at a campsite near Jamuna Village.
7

Day 07

Rest Day and Riverbank Exploration

Take time to rest and explore along the riverbank.
8

Day 08

Gentle Rapids and Breathtaking Wilderness

You will come face to face with gigantic waves, vertical slopes, and sharp turns as you navigate the turbulent waters of the river amid breathtaking wilderness. The thrill is most pronounced as you take on these dominant rapids. At the same time, the unspoiled and virgin natural beauty of the riverland offers a lovely contrast to the intensity of the journey, leaving you in awe of both nature's power and serenity.
9

Day 09

Bheri Confluence Overnight Camping

Once out of the gorge, the rapids slowly ease off, and farther down at the confluence of the Bheri and Karnali, the river broadens and the gradient decreases as it meanders through astounding scenery.
10

Day 10

Take Out at Chisapani and Return Toward Kathmandu

Paddle off at the take-out point at Chisapani Bridge in the early afternoon. Afterward, begin the journey back toward Kathmandu.