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Join Group: 3rd April – 15th April 2026 (Golden Mahseer Angling Expedition (Challenge)
18Years of Experience
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Karnali Rafting and AdventureKarnali Rafting
& Adventure
"The only authorised rafting and angling company of Nepal"
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Karnali River Rafting Expedition - 13 Days

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  • Including Domestic Round Air Fare
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karnali rafting , karnali rafting best package
Days
13
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US$ 620
Limited offer
From US$ 2,640
US$ 2,020
  • Best price guaranteed
  • Including Domestic Round Air Fare
  • Book Now, Pay Later
No of peoplePrice per person
1 - 1$2,350
2 - 4$2,250
5 - 8$2,150
9 - 12$2,100
12 - Above$2,050
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Max. Elevation
1300 m / 4265 ft
Group size
Min 4+
Grading
Difficult
Best Season
Febuary - June & September- January
Starts at / Ends at
Kathmandu / Kathmandu

Highlights

  • Conquer Nepal’s Largest and Most Remote River: Paddle the legendary Karnali, revered for its powerful flow and spectacular scenery.

  • Thrilling Class III–V Rapids: Face world-famous rapids like God’s House, Juicer, Flip and Strip, Sweetness and Light, and more.

  • Immersion in Untouched Nature: Encounter exotic wildlife, dense jungles, dramatic cliffs, and hidden waterfalls.

  • Riverside Camping under Starry Skies: Sleep by crackling campfires under breathtaking Himalayan nights.

  • Cultural Encounters: Visit remote Karnali villages, meet warm-hearted locals, and glimpse a way of life unchanged for centuries.

  • Fishing Opportunities: Try your hand at catching the mighty Golden Mahseer and Giant Catfish (optional).

    • Overview

    Embark on an epic 13-day odyssey into Nepal’s wild and unspoiled west, rafting the country's longest and mightiest river — the Karnali!


    This once-in-a-lifetime expedition begins in bustling Kathmandu, where you’ll journey westward to the remote village of Rakam in Dailekh district. From there, you'll launch into an exhilarating adventure — battling surging white-water rapids, floating through majestic gorges, camping on pristine river beaches, and experiencing pure wilderness few ever see.


    Whether you’re a seasoned rafting enthusiast or an intrepid traveler craving true Himalayan adventure, the Karnali promises thrills, serenity, and unforgettable memories.

    Important Note

    🚣‍♂️ Physical Fitness Required
    This is a challenging expedition involving Class III–V rapids. Participants should be reasonably fit, comfortable in water, and prepared for outdoor camping.
    🛂 Travel Insurance is Mandatory
    All participants must have travel insurance covering rafting, medical emergencies, and helicopter evacuation if necessary.
    🌧️ Weather and River Conditions
    The itinerary may change depending on river levels, weather, or other local conditions to ensure the safety of participants.
    ✈️ Flight Delays Possible
    Domestic flights to and from Surkhet are sometimes delayed due to weather. Please keep 1–2 flexible days if possible at the end of your trip.
    🏞️ Remote and Wild Region
    Karnali is Nepal’s remotest river. Facilities are basic once we leave Surkhet. Be prepared for true adventure — it’s part of the magic!
    🧳 Limited Luggage
    Pack lightly for the river journey. You can store extra luggage safely at the Kathmandu hotel.
    💧 No Internet/Network
    Expect no mobile network or internet for most parts of the rafting expedition. Enjoy being truly off-grid!
    🍽️ Dietary Restrictions
    Please inform us in advance if you have specific dietary needs (vegetarian, gluten-free, etc.).
    💰 Tipping Culture
    Tipping guides, kitchen crew, and drivers is customary in Nepal, though entirely at your discretion.
    🐟 Fishing Rules
    Catch and release is strongly encouraged to preserve the river’s biodiversity.

    Trip Itinerary

      • Airport pickup and transfer to your hotel in Thamel.
      • Short rest and freshen up.
      • Evening welcome meeting with your expedition leader covering: rafting techniques, safety briefing, equipment, and river ecosystem introduction.
      • Explore Kathmandu’s vibrant streets and markets if time permits.
      • Overnight: Hotel in Kathmandu.

        • Morning (Half-day sightseeing in Kathmandu Valley):
          • Visit Pashupatinath Temple – UNESCO World Heritage Site and the holiest Hindu temple of Lord Shiva.
          • Explore Boudhanath Stupa – one of the largest stupas in the world, center of Tibetan Buddhism.
          • Drive to Patan Durbar Square (Lalitpur / Patan Dhoka area) – renowned for its Newar architecture, temples, and cultural heritage.

        • Afternoon:
          • Return to hotel for a short refresh.
          • Take a 1-hour domestic flight to Nepalgunj, followed by a 2-hour scenic drive to Surkhet.

        • Evening:
          • Arrive in Surkhet – the gateway to western Nepal and your last major town before entering the wilderness.
          • Dinner and overnight stay at Lodge/Hotel in Surkhet.

          • Drive through lush green hills, terraced fields, and remote villages (~6–7 hrs).
          • Arrive at Rakam (Dailekh) – the expedition’s put-in point.
          • Unpack, gear check, and detailed rafting safety briefing.
          • Introduction to paddling techniques and river commands.
          • Overnight: Riverside camping at Rakam.

            • Early morning tea/coffee, then load gear into rafts.
            • Begin rafting downstream through Class III–IV rapids.
            • Picnic-style lunch on a sandy riverbank.
            • Evening camp setup and relaxation by the riverside.
            • Overnight: Riverside tented camp.
            • Morning rafting through exciting technical rapids.
            • Float sections mixed with adrenaline-pumping whitewater.
            • Scenic stopovers at remote villages for cultural interaction.
            • Overnight: Camp on a sandy beach near Masighat.
            • Navigate gorges and continuous rapids.
            • Leisurely rafting in calmer sections with opportunities for swimming and birdwatching.
            • Bonfire night with local storytelling and riverside barbecue.
            • Overnight: Riverside camp.
            • Enter the wildest part of Karnali.
            • Big-volume rapids followed by calm pools.
            • Short jungle hike to hidden waterfalls.
            • Wildlife spotting: river dolphins, gharials, otters possible.
            • Overnight: Camp deep inside jungle stretch.
            • Continuous whitewater action with big waves and powerful rapids.
            • Afternoon float section with relaxation.
            • Evening stargazing and riverside camping.
            • Overnight: Camp at Thulighat.
            • Long rafting day through varied river sections.
            • Pass traditional villages with opportunities to interact with locals.
            • Lunch stop at a scenic sandy beach.
            • Overnight: Camp near Rato Bhale Gaun.
            • Final leg of Karnali rafting expedition.
            • Big-water rapids gradually give way to wider, calmer sections.
            • Evening celebration with crew, campfire, and farewell feast.
            • Overnight: Riverside camping before Chisapani.
            • Conclude expedition at Chisapani Bridge where Karnali meets the Terai plains.
            • Relaxation, photography, and goodbyes to the river.
            • Evening farewell celebration dinner with crew.
            • Overnight: Lodge/Hotel in Chisapani or nearby.
            • Short drive to Nepalgunj, then 1 hr flight to Kathmandu.
            • Free evening for last-minute shopping or optional farewell dinner.
            • Overnight: Hotel in Kathmandu.
            • Breakfast at hotel.
            • Airport transfer for your international flight.
            • Namaste & safe travels with memories of the Karnali rafting adventure!
            Not satisfied with this itinerary? Make your own.
            Plan My Trip

            Includes

                    🚐 All Private Transportation

                    • Airport pickup and drop-off
                    • Ground transfers between Kathmandu, Surkhet, Rakam, and Chisapani
                    • Domestic flight (Kathmandu–Surkhet–Kathmandu) if chosen

                    🧑‍✈️ Professional Rafting Team

                    • Highly experienced rafting guides and river captains
                    • Safety kayakers for rescue support
                    • Full support crew (cook, helpers, and logistics staff)

                    🚣 Complete Rafting Equipment

                    • Rafts, paddles, helmets, life jackets, dry bags, waterproof barrels

                    ⛺ Camping Equipment

                    • High-quality tents, sleeping bags, foam mattresses, kitchen equipment

                    🍴 Meals During Rafting

                    • Breakfast, lunch, and dinner freshly prepared by the river crew
                    • Drinking water during the expedition

                    🏨 Hotel Accommodation

                    • Hotel nights in Kathmandu, Surkhet, and Chisapani (standard twin-sharing basis)
                    • Riverside camping during rafting days

                    🏞️ Permits and Entry Fees

                    • National Park and conservation area permits
                    • All local and government taxes

                    🩹 Safety and Medical

                    • Well-equipped first aid kit available at all times

                    📚 Pre-Departure Trip Briefing

                    • Safety training and rafting instruction session before river launch

                    Doesn't Include

                  • ✈️ International Flights to and from Nepal

                  • 🛂 Nepal Visa Fees (available on arrival at Kathmandu airport)

                  • 🍽️ Meals in Kathmandu and Surkhet (except breakfast)

                  • 🥤 Personal Drinks and Snacks (soft drinks, alcoholic beverages, extra snacks)

                  • 🩺 Travel Insurance (mandatory; must cover emergency evacuation, rafting activities, and medical expenses)

                  • 🧥 Personal Clothing and Gear (e.g., river shoes, quick-dry clothes, personal dry bags, sunscreen, hat, sunglasses)

                  • 🛏️ Extra Nights in Kathmandu or other cities (if you arrive early, stay later, or extend your trip)

                  • 🎣 Fishing Equipment Rental (if you opt for fishing)

                  • 🚶‍♂️ Optional Tours (like Bardia National Park safari, Kathmandu sightseeing, etc.)

                  • 🎁 Personal Expenses (laundry, souvenirs, tipping)

                  • 💰 Tips for Guides and Support Staff (highly appreciated but not mandatory)

                    • Trip Info

                    🌸 Airport Welcome Garland

                    • Warm Nepali-style welcome upon arrival at Kathmandu airport.
                    🧣 Traditional Nepali Scarf (Khada)

                    • Special farewell gift as a symbol of good luck and blessings.
                    🍽️ Welcome Dinner in Kathmandu

                    • Authentic Nepali dinner with cultural program (optional based on timing).
                    📸 Trip Photos and Videos

                    • Free access to expedition photos and short video clips taken by guides.
                    🛍️ Karnali Adventure T-shirt or Cap

                    • Special expedition souvenir to remember your Karnali journey.
                    ☕ Tea/Coffee at Campsites

                    • Fresh tea or coffee every morning and evening at the riverside camps.
                    🏅 Certificate of Achievement

                    • Official certificate recognizing your successful Karnali River Expedition!

                    Why Book with Us?
                    • Excellent customer service. Our travel experts are ready to help you 24/7.
                    • Best price guaranteed.
                    • No credit card or booking fees.
                    • 100% financial protection.
                    • Environmentally-friendly tours.

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                    Art representing various natural and cultutal heritages of Nepal