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Karnali River Rafting
Trip Difficulty Easy
Trip Highlights
- Longest River in Nepal: Feel the rafting experience in the longest and the mightiest river in Nepal.
- Thrilling Rapids: Exciting from Class III to Class V rapids offer ideal adventure vacations.
- Remote wilderness: beauty of far western Nepal including beautiful landscapes, diverse wildlife, and lush greenery.
- Camping on the River: Enjoy tranquil camping along riverside under the stars with food prepared on a campfire.
- Cultural Immersion: Take a tour through rural villages, and intermingling with local people.
- Spotting Birds and Wildlife: Explore exotic birds and wild animals of Bardia National Park.
- Diverse Landscapes: From rafting through canyons, lush jungles, and open valleys, the scenery is stunning.
- Multi-Day Expedition: A 7–10-day journey that combines rafting, camping, and exploring remote areas.
- Perfect Season: Best done in spring and autumn, when water levels are ideal and the weather is pleasant.
- Unforgettable Memories: A once-in-a-lifetime experience filled with adventure, nature, and cultural immersion.
Introduction of Karnali River Rafting
Karnali River is the longest and largest river of Nepal originated from Mt. Kailash of Tibet. Karnali River Rafting has become a adventurous sport in Nepal for adventure seeker. Located at the remote far western region of Nepal, the rapid surging of river has accelerated the growth in tourism to this place.
Karnali also known for the “Wild West” with unique natural beauty and pristine natural environment has boosted the tourism to this place. With the rapids occurring due to the narrow gorges and torrent of rapidly flowing water will capture your heart and breath and make you full of adrenaline doing this sport. This 6 to 7 days long expedition of 180 kms will definitely become your one in a lifetime experience .Situated at the far west Nepal,this sport continues from Sauli and finally end at Chisapani.
Karnali River Rafting Expedition is long yet wonderful experience every travelers want to achieve. Encountering the pristine nature and its wonders and diversity in flora and fauna along with the great structural landmark of this place you will witness the majestic view of Nepal while you raft.
Graceful adventure is an authorized travel company in Nepal who organizes these long river expedition packages for a long time. Having the best staffs, members, guides and the drivers we will make your journey remarkable. We have a long experience and in depth knowledge in this field so we will go every possible way to address the need of our valued guests.
Outline Itinerary
| Day | Activity |
| 01 | Welcome to Nepal. |
| 02 | Rafting preparation and Kathmandu sightseeing. |
| 03 | Drive from Kathmandu to Surkhet. |
| 04 | Drive from Surkhet to Dhungeshwor. |
| 05 | Rafting from Dhungeshowor to God house. |
| 06 | Rating from God house to Seti Dovan. |
| 07 – 10 | Rafting pleasantly to reach Chisapani. |
| 11 | Drive from Chisapani to Kathmandu. |
| 12 | Rest day in Kathmandu . |
| 13 | Final Departure. |
Karnali River Rafting Detail Itinerary
1
Day 1: Arrival in Nepal
Welcome to Nepal. Our representative assist you from airport to Hotel.
Activity: Arrive Nepal & Rest day
Meal: Welcome Meal
Accomodation: 4*hotel
2
Day 2: Rafting preparation and kathmandu sightseeing.
On your second day, we’ll prepare you for your upcoming rafting adventure with a briefing and equipment check. Afterward, enjoy a sightseeing tour of Kathmandu’s historical landmarks like Swayambhunath Stupa (Monkey Temple) and Pashupatinath Temple. This day offers a mix of adventure preparation and cultural exploration.
Activity: SightSeeing Kathmandu
Meal: Breakfast
Accomodation: 4* hotel
3
Day 3: Drive from Kathmandu to Surkhet.
Today, you’ll drive from Kathmandu to Surkhet, a scenic journey through the hills of Nepal. After reaching Surkhet, check into your hotel for an overnight stay. This gives you a chance to rest and prepare for the rafting trip ahead.
Activity: Drive to Surkhet
Meal: Breakfast
Accomodation: hotel
4
Day 4: Drive from surkhet to Dhungeshwor
Drive from Surkhet to Dhungeshwor, a remote riverbank location where the rafting expedition begins. Spend the night camping in tents, with all meals provided. The night under the stars sets the stage for the adventure that awaits you.
Activity: Drive to Dhungeshwor & Camping
Meal: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Accomodation: Tent
5
Day 5: Rafting from Dhungeshowor to God house.
Our rafting adventure starts today with a thrilling journey down the river from Dhungeshwor to God House. The rapids here will provide an exciting challenge as you paddle through. After the rafting, enjoy a relaxing night camping at God House with all meals included.
Activity: Rafting
Meal: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Accomodation: Tent
6
Day 6: Rating from God house to Seti Dovan.
Rafting continues from God House to Seti Dovan, navigating through more rapids. This day’s journey offers beautiful river landscapes and thrilling moments. At Seti Dovan, camp by the river and enjoy a delicious dinner under the open sky.
Activity: Rafting & Camping in open sky with beautiful view
Meal: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Accomodation: Tent
7-10
Day 7-10: Rafting pleasantly to reach chisapani
For the next few days, you will raft through serene yet exciting sections of the river, gradually making your way to Chisapani. Enjoy the picturesque views of the surrounding mountains and forests as you travel. At the end of each day, camp at different riverside locations, experiencing the tranquility of nature.
Activity: Rafting & Camping with breathtaking views
Meal: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Accomodation: Tent
11
Day 11: Drive from chisapani to kathmandu
After the rafting adventure, you will drive back to Kathmandu from Chisapani. The return journey will give you a chance to reflect on your thrilling rafting experience. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, check into your hotel for a restful night.
Activity: Drive to Kathmandu
Meal: Breakfast & lunch
Accomodation: 4* Hotel
12
Day 12: Rest day in kathmandu
Take a day to relax and explore more of Kathmandu at your own pace. You can visit any sights you missed earlier or just rest after the rafting. Enjoy a peaceful night in the comfort of your hotel with breakfast included.
Activity: Explore Kathmandu & Rest day
Meal: Breakfast
Accomodation: 4* Hotel
13
Day 13: Final Departure.
On your final day in Nepal, our representative will assist you with the transfer to the airport for your departure flight. You will leave with unforgettable memories of your Karnali River rafting adventure and Nepal’s natural beauty.
Activity: Fly back
If our standard itinerary doesn't fully meet your needs, we are happy to tailor it to your specific preferences and requirements.
Includes and Excludes
What’s Included?
- Road Transportation
- Meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
- Necessary Permit.
- Necessary equipment as high quality self-bailing rafts, lifejackets, helmets, plastic paddles) and all safety and medical equipment.
- Professional Guides
- Tent / hotel accommodation
- Kayak guide.
- First aid kid box.
- Emergency evacuations.
What is not Included?
- beverages during the whole trip.
- Personal Costs.
- Insurance.
- Private Transportation.
- Gratuities for guides or staff.
Karnali River Rafting - Trip Information
Best Season for Karnali River Rafting
Spring season from March to May and autumn from September to November are the best seasons for rafting in the Karnali River. The water levels during these seasons are at the ideal level, making it a great experience in rafting. The weather during the day is warm, while the nights are cool. The river flows are challenging but manageable, making it perfect for both thrill-seekers and those who seek a scenic adventure.
Spring Season:
The warm temperature will provide full green cover with blooming vegetation everywhere on the Karnali River. The water level will be normal with exciting rapids that will not be too wild. It will be pictorial for the rafts and camps along the river as well because of greenery, wildlife, and a clear sky all around.
Summer Season:
The summer season brings monsoon rains in the Karnali region, and this means heavy waters with a high current. While rafting becomes utterly challenging in this situation, it is possible only for highly experienced rafters, but the heavy rains create uncertain conditions. So this season is generally not advisable for rafting because of safety aspects.
Autumn Season:
It is the peak rafting season of the Karnali River. All the rains of the monsoon are over and the river refreshed itself to flow perfectly with challenging rapids. The climate stabilises with warm sunny days and crisp nights offering great views of the surrounding hills and clear starry skies for camping.
Winter Season:
In winter, the cold temperature and lower water level subside the white-water rafting action. As nights are freezing cold, camping is not quite appealing, and flow in the river may not be adequate for perfect rafting action. This time of the year, therefore, cannot be recommended as a good period for Karnali rafting.
Equipments for Karnali River Rafting:
Temperature of Karnali River Rafting
| Season | Day Time Temperature | Night Time Temperature |
| Spring | 25°C to 30°C | 15°C to 20°C |
| Summer | 30°C to 35°C | 20°C to 30°C |
| Autumn | 25°C to 30°C | 15°C to 20°C |
| Winter | 10°C to 15°C | 5°C to 10°C |
Food Service
Embarking on a Karnali River Rafting tour promises a delightful culinary journey with a wide range of dining options to suit every taste. You’ll have the chance to enjoy a variety of international cuisines, including Thai, Korean, Chinese, Italian, and Indian, ensuring that every member of your group finds something they love. This diverse selection enhances your travel experience, turning each meal into a memorable highlight of the trip.
For those eager to immerse themselves in authentic Nepali flavor’s, the tour offers a wonderful opportunity to enjoy traditional dishes. From the savory momo dumplings and fragrant curries to the hearty dal bhat, Nepali cuisine is celebrated for its use of aromatic herbs and spices, which not only enhance the taste but also provide health benefits. Sampling these dishes allows you to connect with Nepal’s rich cultural heritage through its distinctive culinary traditions.
Accommodation Service
Accommodation plays a crucial role in making your trip both comfortable and enjoyable. For the Karnali River Rafting circuit, we offer a diverse selection of high-quality lodging options tailored to meet your needs. Our accommodations come with essential amenities like air conditioning, heaters, hot and cold showers, cozy beds, and electrical outlets to ensure your stay is as convenient and relaxing as possible.
We provide a range of options, from deluxe to luxury, with star ratings between one and five, catering to various budgets and preferences. For traveler’s mindful of costs, we also have budget-friendly yet comfortable accommodations, so you can enjoy a seamless experience that enhances the overall joy of your journey.
Graceful Adventure Travel
Graceful Adventure is one of the reputed and authentic tour operators in Nepal, specialised in preparing the best tour packages to explore the top most places of Nepal: Kathmandu, Pokhara, Chitwan, and Lumbini. Deep knowledge and long years of experience in the tourism business have equipped us to provide you with the best consulting services for creating an unforgettable trip to these exceptional places.
We will prepare the itinerary to discover Nepal’s diverse culture, awesome scenery, and historical monuments. From the Kathmandu Valley with its bustling streets, cultural amazement, serene and peaceful Pokhara, jungle adventure in Chitwan, and the holy birthplace of Lord Buddha at Lumbini, every second of your trip will be focused on providing the ultimate travel experience.
We assure that at Graceful Adventure, the service is more personalised to the client for your comfort and satisfaction during the trip. We work with tireless determination to make your travel a grand success, not forgetting every detail concerning transportation, accommodation, activities, among others. Allow us to guide you through the best of Nepal’s natural beauty and cultural heritage.
Contact Details for Karnali River Rafting Booking
| Particular | Details |
| Booking office | Graceful Adventure Travel |
| Phone Number | +977-9851219412, 014700180/81 |
| Office Location | Sorhakhutte, Kathmandu Nepal |
| [email protected]/ [email protected] |
Frequently Asked Questions
Karnali River rafting is a thrilling adventure that takes you through Nepal’s longest river, offering challenging rapids, stunning landscapes, and the opportunity to explore remote wilderness areas.
The rafting trip typically lasts between 7 to 10 days, depending on the section of the river you are rafting. It includes multiple days of rafting with camping along the way.
Karnali offers Class III to Class V rapids, making it suitable for experienced rafters and adventure seekers. Some sections are more challenging, requiring prior experience, while others are manageable with proper guidance.
The best time is during the dry season, from September to April. During these months, water levels are ideal for rafting, and the weather is pleasant.
Yes, Karnali River rafting is safe when done with certified rafting companies that provide safety gear, trained guides, and proper instructions. Safety measures are always prioritized during the trip.
While prior rafting experience is recommended, it’s not required for beginners, as experienced guides will be with you throughout the journey. However, a basic level of fitness is necessary.
Essential items include a swimsuit or quick-dry clothes, sunscreen, a waterproof bag, personal medication, comfortable footwear, and a camera (in a waterproof case). The rafting company provides life jackets, helmets, and rafting gear.
The trip includes camping along the riverbank at scenic spots, where you will sleep in tents. Meals are prepared by the rafting crew, offering a traditional Nepalese experience. In some cases, basic lodges may be available.
A basic level of fitness is required as you will be paddling and maneuvering through rapids. Being able to swim is beneficial, though not mandatory, as you will wear a life jacket at all times.
Yes, meals are included in the rafting package, and the rafting company provides delicious, nutritious food, typically cooked by the crew during overnight camping.
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