Reg. No: 113279/69/070
License No: 64/72
18 Years of Experience
Karnali Rafting
"Government authorized rafting, angling & adventure Agency."
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Karnali River Rafting Expedition - 13 Days

13
Days
12
Nights
From US$ 2,750
US$ 1,850
Save
US$ 900
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Activities
Rafting
Group size
Min 4+
Max. elevation
1,300 m / 4,265 ft
Difficulty
difficult
Best season
Febuary - June & September- January
Starts and ends
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!

                    Upcoming Departure Dates

                    Your Start Date is the day you land in Nepal, and your End Date is when you fly home.

                    If the set Karnali River Rafting Expedition - 13 Days group dates don’t suit your schedule, we can offer alternative dates upon request.

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