Karnali River Rafting Expedition - 12 Days
| Trip code | KRF-12 |
| Package name | Karnali River Rafting Expedition - 12 Days |
| Duration | 12 |
| Max. elevation | 1300 m |
| Level | moderate |
| Transportation | |
| Accomodation | |
| Starts at | Kathmandu |
| Ends at | Kathmandu |
| Trip route | |
| Cost | USD 1,750 per person |
Highlights
Overview
The Karnali River Expedition is an unforgettable adventure that takes you through one of Nepal’s most remote and pristine river corridors. This 11-day journey features world-class whitewater rapids, stunning landscapes, and cultural encounters with local communities.
Trip Preparation
Trip Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrival in Kathmandu
- Airport pickup and transfer to your hotel in Thamel.
- Rest and freshen up.
- Evening: Welcome meeting with your expedition leader covering rafting techniques, safety, and expedition overview.
- Overnight: Hotel in Thamel.
Day 2 : Kathmandu– Surkhet Drive Rakam (Put-in Poi
- Morning: 1 hr flight from Kathmandu to Surkhet.
- Full-day drive (6–7 hrs) through remote hills and valleys.
- Arrive at Rakam on the Karnali River.
- Safety briefing, paddling practice, and camp setup.
- Overnight: Riverside camp at Rakam.
Day 3 : Rafting Begins – Rakam to Tallo Dungeshor
- First day on the river: warm-up rapids (Class III–IV).
- Picnic lunch on the riverbank.
- Evening relaxation and campfire by the river.
- Overnight: Riverside camp.
Day 4 : Tallo Dungeshor – Masighat
- Exciting whitewater mixed with calm floats.
- Stunning landscapes and village encounters.
- Overnight: Riverside beach camp near Masighat.
Day 5 : Masighat – Chhuli Ghat
- Big rapids and canyon scenery.
- Birdwatching and photography in quiet sections.
- Overnight: Riverside camp at Chhuli Ghat.
Day 6 : Chhuli Ghat – Jungle Stretch
- Enter the wildest section of the Karnali River.
- Short hikes to hidden waterfalls.
- Chance to spot river dolphins, gharials, and otters.
- Overnight: Jungle riverside camp.
Day 7 : Jungle Stretch – Thulighat
- Continuous big-water rapids, adrenaline-packed rafting.
- Relaxation in the afternoon float.
- Overnight: Camp at Thulighat.
Day 8 : Thulighat – Rato Bhale Gaun
- Long rafting day through mixed rapids and calm stretches.
- Scenic lunch stop on a sandy beach.
- Cultural interaction with local villagers.
- Overnight: Camp near Rato Bhale Gaun.
Day 9 : Rest in Rato Bhale Gaun
- Long rafting day through mixed rapids and calm stretches.
- Scenic lunch stop on a sandy beach.
- Cultural interaction with local villagers.
- Overnight: Camp near Rato Bhale Gaun.
Day 10 : Rato Bhale Gaun To Bheri-Karnali Confluence
Rafting Adventure:
Embark on the final stretch of your Karnali rafting expedition, navigating thrilling rapids and scenic river valleys. The rafting crew ensures safety while guiding you through exciting white-water sections and calm stretches, perfect for soaking in the wilderness.
Scenic Journey:
The river journey offers dramatic views of gorges, lush forests, and remote villages, with opportunities to spot local wildlife and birdlife along the way.
Riverside Celebration:
Upon reaching the majestic Bheri–Karnali Confluence, celebrate the successful completion of this unforgettable adventure with your rafting crew. Share stories, music, and moments around a riverside gathering to mark the end of your expedition.
Evening & Overnight Stay:
Transfer to a comfortable Lodge/Hotel near the confluence area. Enjoy a hearty farewell dinner with your team, reliving the highlights of the journey. Rest well as you conclude your ultimate Karnali rafting experience.
Day 11 : Confluence to Chisapani
Morning: Relax at camp, enjoy leisure time and a hearty lunch by the riverside.
Afternoon: Begin a 3-hour rafting session from the Confluence towards Chisapani, with mild rapids and scenic river landscapes.
Evening: Arrive at Chisapani, the official take-out point of the Karnali expedition.
Overnight: Stay at a comfortable Hotel in Chisapani, with dinner and celebration marking the successful end of the rafting journey.
Day 12 : Final Depature Chisapani- Tikapur – Nepalgunj – Kathmandu
Morning: Breakfast at Chisapani, then start your final rafting session (≈4 hours) down to Tikapur, enjoying the last stretch of the Karnali with gentle rapids and wide river scenery.
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Midday: Riverside lunch at Tikapur after completing the rafting adventure.
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Afternoon: Drive about 2 hours to Nepalgunj.
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Evening: Take a domestic flight from Nepalgunj → Kathmandu, concluding your Karnali rafting expedition.