KARNALI RIVER
(“JEWEL OF THE MID-WEST”)
GRADE 4-5
11 DAYS' TRIP, 7½ DAYS' RAFTING
Starting Point:- Sauli
End Point:- Chisapani
Karnali is the longest and biggest river of Nepal. It rises at Mount
Kailash, the holy mountain. There is an easy one-day trek from the nearest
road access to the put-in point. On the journey, to encounter the challenge
of grade 3-5 rapids is one pleasure but equally to experience the remoteness
of life in the dense forest is another. There is just enough easier water
to regroup between rapids like “Captivity”, “Flip and
Stripe” and “God's House”. Towards the end of the trip
the river gradient begins to ease as the Karnali leaves the mountains and
flows out into the Gangetic plains of the Terai. The forest thickens as the
river broadens, and the pristine beaches become bigger and more beautiful.
The Karnali river is suitable for intermediate and advanced kayakers. Most
rapids are pool-drop and there are surfing waves almost all the way down the river.
Day 1:
We meet at 7AM with your personal gear. This is a long road journey so be prepared
with water, snacks, etc. We travel to the far west of Nepal and arrive in Surkhet
very late or in the early hours of the morning. We sleep here.
Day 2:
After breakfast, we will take a truck as far the road goes until about lunchtime.
After lunch, we walk all afternoon to Sauli, the put-in point. A great walk which
highlights just how “out there” you really are. You pass the local villages
and spectacular scenery, then you hear the river!
Day 3:
The river gives the team time to develop its teamwork and there is enough rough water to
provide a learning experience. We still manage to get in at least one great grade 4 rapid.
We camp and get ready for a great day tomorrow.
Day 4:
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 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 5:
More of the same including the notorious “God's House” rapids. Don't forget to take in
the bird life, which is equally as abundant as the lush vegetation. Camp and relax.
Day 6:
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 7:
This is a holiday after all, so we have programmed a rest day. You can take time to enjoy your
surroundings and relax on a sandy beach.
Day 8:
While paddling through the marvellous river gorge, we have the chance to face the challenge
of heart-stopping rapids before the river's confluence with the Seti (Western Seti).
Day 9:
A day of tranquillity to enjoy the scenery and the cultural life of real Nepalese people.
You will also be instructed how to roll and run kayaks by our expert kayakers, so that
you will have enjoyed not only the rafting but also these other diverse activities.
Day 10:
Having spent so many days paddling in this river of paradise, we will be sorry to give up
paddling after lunch. Our bus will be waiting for us. From here, you can go on to Bardia
National Park for a Jungle Safari (highly recommended).
Day 11:
Arrive early in the morning in Kathmandu or Pokhara. What a tremendous journey!!!
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TREKKING IN NEPAL