Overview
Float down Nepal’s longest and largest river – the Karnali River. The river’s origin is the sacred Mount Kailash in Tibet. It is easily Nepal’s most remote river to run. Passing through dense jungles of Nepal’s ‘wild west,’ you are sure to a chunk of the region’s rich biodiversity. The rapids range from Class III to Class IV and are sure to give you a rush of adrenaline. Experience the thrilling chutes and drops of the Karnali. Leave your worries behind you for a week and a half and immerse yourself in the experience of rafting.
From Kathmandu, take a short morning flight to Nepalgunj, during which you will have extraordinary mountain views from your window. Our car brings us to Surkhet and we stay a night there in a hotel. The next day, we drive further to Sauli. The amount of travel time that it takes to get to our departure point is a testimony to its remoteness.
Before we know it, it’s time to hop in the massive river. For the next week, we cruise the heavy rapids of the Karnali. The river has a perfect balance of smooth, relaxed floating and exciting drops that soak the whole crew. Have a blast with us, spending days hanging on for dear life and the nights sitting by a campfire and looking at the stars.
The allure of this rafting excursion is the area that surrounds it. The river leads into Bardiya National Park, arguably the best place in Nepal for wildlife viewing. Throughout the park, there are hundreds of bird and mammal species, including the Royal Bengal tiger and one-horned rhinoceros. In the Karnali River, you might see the rare, majestic Gangetic dolphin. A week of floating through the remote Terai region of Nepal brings us to Chisapani. Throughout the excursion, you are guaranteed to see animals that you have never seen before. It is a truly unforgettable experience. From Chisapani, we provide transportation back to Kathmandu.
While you are in the area, it is highly recommended to combine this trip with a Bardiya Safari Tour. Bardiya is an incredible place, often described as what Chitwan was 30 years ago. Three days in the jungle and you are nearly certain to see a tiger, or at least some rhinos, elephants and other wildlife. Bardiya is a must-see if you are in the area.
If exploring Bardiya does not interest you, combine the trip with paragliding, bungee jumping, and/or a trek. Let us know your interests and we will manage the perfect combination package for you!
Karnali River Rafting can be experienced by adventurers of all ages. River rafting requires no previous experience, just a desire to have some fun. Rafting can be done all throughout the year. Even during monsoon season, the rains bring even more thrilling rapids. Breeze Adventure arranges the rafting excursion with complete management. Please, feel free to contact us for more detailed information.
