Destination
Nepal
Trip overview
Karnali River Rafting is located in far west of Nepal. It is one of the most isolated and least explored areas of the Himalays. Only recently opened to foreigners, this region offers some tremendous challenges and rewards.
Karnali River Rafting , Nepal’s mightiest river, descends through the Himalayas in a series of magnificent gorges and pristine forest. It rises high in Tibet near Mount Kailash, the four-sided mountain which is holy to Buddhists and Hindus. The source of four mighty rivers-the Sutlej, Brahmaputra, the Indus and the Karnali. The river flows through the Royal Bardia Wildlife Park and the Northern Plains of India to the Bay of Bangal.
We drive from Kathmandu about 10 AM and get Surkhet about five Am next day morning. Then we have a breakfast at Surkhet and take a three hours drive to Kalyandanda through dirt road. We will have lunch here and walk about 1 and half hour to Great Loop.
In traditional Nepalese fashion, dozens of porters trek along narrow trails to the “Great Loop”of the Karnali. Loading all food and gear into our raft, we venture onto the river. “A roller coaster ride” through a spectacular sun drenches land of steep wooded canyons, deserted beaches, and small villages.
Langur Monkeys study our progress from the verdant forest and Himalayan are still abundant. Gharial and Mugger crocodiles bask in the final canyon. The Karnali is also renowned as one of Nepal’s premier fishing river with Masheer, a form of fresh water perch, and giant catfish.
The Karnali combines small trekking in a seldom visited part of the Himalayas and exceptional rafting through tropical jungle, and the option of a wildlife safari in the best reserve in Asia. This is a classic big volume river at all flows. If you are looking for a long wilderness expedition this is the journey for you.
Karnali lies in the western part of Nepal. It bears the solitude and traditional lifestyles of many people. The landscape is what that take your breathe away. If you are planning to visit Nepal and explore this Beautiful country don’t forget to explore the western part.
