Karnali River Rafting Expedition – 9 Days
| Trip code | KRA-09 |
| Package name | Karnali River Rafting Expedition – 9 Days |
| Duration | 9 |
| Max. elevation | 1200 m |
| Level | moderate |
| Transportation | <p class="MsoNormal">Private jeep and domestic round air transfer<o:p></o:p></p><div><br></div> |
| Accomodation | |
| Starts at | Kathmandu |
| Ends at | Kathmandu |
| Trip route | Kathmandu → Surkhet → Tallo Dungeshwor → Karnali River → Chisapani → Nepalgunj → Kathmandu |
| Cost | USD 1,450 per person |
Highlights
- 9 full days of rafting on Nepal’s longest river.
- Paddle through world-famous rapids: Scorpion Beach, Cotton Pani, God House.
- Remote wilderness camping on pristine sandy beaches.
- Unique confluences with Seti Karnali & Bheri Rivers.
- End journey near Bardiya National Park, an ideal wildlife extension.
- Expert rafting guides with years of experience.
- Support crew with safety kayaks and full expedition setup.
Overview
Embark on an epic 9-day white-water adventure with Karnali Rafting and Adventure Pvt. Ltd, exploring Nepal’s longest and mightiest river—the Karnali River. This journey takes you through one of the last remaining stretches of pristine wilderness in Nepal, offering world-class rapids, untouched landscapes, remote camping spots, and cultural immersion.
The Karnali River is renowned for its powerful rapids, sandy beaches, and unique confluences with the Seti and Bheri rivers. Over 9 days, you will navigate through scenic gorges, dense subtropical jungles, and deep river valleys while tackling thrilling rapids like Scorpion Beach, God House, and Cotton Pani.
This adventure doesn’t just end with rafting—it concludes at Chisapani, the gateway to Bardiya National Park, home to Bengal tigers, wild elephants, and rare Gangetic dolphins. A blend of adrenaline, tranquility, and cultural richness makes this trip an unforgettable lifetime experience.
Trip Preparation
Trip Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrival in Kathmandu
- Pickup at Tribhuvan International Airport.
- Transfer to hotel in Thamel.
- If time allows, half-day sightseeing of Kathmandu Valley.
- Overnight at tourist-standard hotel.
Day 2 : Kathmandu → Surkhet → Tallo Dungeshwor
- Early morning flight to Surkhet (1 hr).
- Drive to Tallo Dungeshwor, rafting put-in point.
- Overnight camping by the river.
Day 3 : Rafting – Tallo Dungeshwor → Scorpion Beach
- Paddle through rapids and scenic river valleys.
- Camp at Scorpion Beach.
Day 4 : Scorpion Beach → Sweet Nation Light (Cotton Pani)
- Continuous rapids and wilderness scenery.
- Riverside camp at Sweet Nation Light (Cotton Pani).
Day 5 : Sweet Nation Light → God House
- Thrilling rapids and jungle surroundings.
- Camp at God House.
Day 6 : God House → Seti Karnali Confluence (Benighat)
- Raft to Benighat, where Seti Karnali & Karnali Rivers join.
- Camp at riverside.
Day 7 : Benighat → Tamcha (Red Rock Mountain)
- Paddle through canyon stretches and scenic rapids.
- Camp at Tamcha.
Day 8 : Tamcha → Jamune → Bheri & Karnali Confluence (Ghatgaun)
- Morning rafting to Jamune (short section).
- Continue rafting to Ghatgaun, where the Bheri River joins Karnali.
- Camp at the confluence.
Day 9 : Ghatgaun → Chisapani – Drive Nepalgunj – Fly to Kathmandu
- Morning rafting (approx. 3 hrs) to Chisapani.
- Lunch at Chisapani.
- Drive 2 hrs 15 min via Bardiya National Park to Nepalgunj Airport.
- Evening flight Nepalgunj → Kathmandu (1 hr).
- Transfer to hotel in Thamel.
- Farewell dinner and overnight at tourist-standard hotel.
Inclusions
What is included?
- Airport pick-up & drop-off.
- 2 nights hotel in Kathmandu (BB basis).
- 1 night hotel in Nepalgunj.
- Domestic flights: Kathmandu–Surkhet, Nepalgunj–Kathmandu.
- All ground transportation as per itinerary.
- Professional English-speaking rafting guides.
- Full rafting equipment (rafts, paddles, helmets, life jackets, dry bags).
- Safety kayaks and support staff.
- All camping equipment (tents, mattresses, kitchen setup).
- Meals during rafting (B/L/D).
- Drinking water, tea, and coffee during the trip.
- First aid kit.
- Government taxes and permits.
What isn't included?
- International airfare.
- Nepal entry visa fees.
- Personal insurance (mandatory for rafting).
- Alcoholic beverages, soft drinks, bottled water in Kathmandu.
- Tips for guides and staff.
- Extra expenses due to unforeseen events (flight delays, natural disasters).
Complimentary
- Company t-shirt.
- Group photo album (digital).
- Traditional farewell dinner in Kathmandu.