Karnali, literally holy water from the sacred mountain, is a trans-boundary perennial river which originates on the Tibetan plateau near Lake Manasarovar, cuts through the Himalayas in Nepal on its way to the confluence with the Sarda River at Brahmaghat in India where it forms the Ghaghra River, a major left bank tributary of the Ganges. It is the longest (507 km in length) and largest river in Nepal and one of the largest affluent of the Ganges.
Karnali The largest river in Nepal is class IV River, where rating is one of the most memorable river trips available in this country. Not only for new explorers Karnali River rafting is favorite of frequent rafters and guide too. For those who are looking for unique experience of Nepal, stunning scenery, great river action, flora & fauna including impenetrable forests, jungle & remote villages, Karnali River rafting is an ideal trip. Flowing through few narrow canyons the flow of the water rises, as does the frequency of the rapid.
Flowing through the Himalaya in a series of magnificent gorges and to tropical riverside forests, we come across Nepal’s Wildlife. Passing through the least populated region of the country until the eighth day we won’t see a single sign of the modern world which makes this a finest multi day river rafting trip.
Karnali River is the ideal river for those who are interested to raft in a harsh wilderness style of expedition rafting.
Additional Facts:
River Grade: III to IV+
River Distance: 180 Km. (Approximately)
Water Volume: 300 cms
River Start Point: Dhungeshower
River Finish Point: Chisopani
Day 1: Kathmandu to Surkhet- We travel to the far west and arrive in Surkhet early hours of the next morning. We will take a short nap.
Day 2:After breakfast, we will take a truck as far as the road goes until about lunch time [this all depends on availability be flexible]. After lunch we walk all afternoon to the put-in point at Sauli. A great walk which high lights just how "out there" you really are. You pass local villages and spectacular scenery, and then you hit the river.
Day 3:After having heavy breakfast at 8:00 a.m. we get ready for wild ride. This section of the River is terribly wild. Continues rapid makes rafter forget to breathe. Lunch will be served en-route and camping at 03:00 p.m.
Day 4:This is the type of day that people imagine when they think of Himalayan water. It is big and continuous. We enter into the Jungle Corridor. This is a narrowing jungle clad gorge and it is all ours. The team building is put into full practice and when your guide shouts "all forward " he really means it. Enjoy the ride all day and camp in this sensational setting at God-house.
Day 5:More of the same including the notorious GOD'S house rapid. Camp at the Seti Dovan and relax.
Day 6:It isn't over yet! Keep paddling hard! You really are experiencing the best of the west on yet another day of great action and breath taking scenery and camping at Jamuna village
Day 7:This is a holiday after all so we have programmed a rest day so you can take time to enjoy your surroundings and relax on a great sandy beach.
Day 8-9:We see the rapids dying off as we come out of the gorge. We pass the confluence with the Seti River where the river broadens. Today, the next day and a half are a chance to enjoy your journey admiring the country and villages you pass. You will have seen the safety kayakers in action and will no doubt be inspired, so ask the guides for some supervised instruction, or take over the raft and learn about the river. You see there is more to a rafting expedition than just rafting.
Day 10:This is the final day of river. We end this trip in the early afternoon at Chisopani Bridge & lunch is served there. You will catch night bus at about 15:30hrs to get back to Kathmandu or you can enjoy in Bardia National Park, which is famous for bird watching.
Departure dates and the itinerary arrangements can be tailored to your requirement, so please contact us for your queries regarding your Karnali River Rafting departure date. Please let us know you have specif traveling date, so that we can add it in our fix departure dates.
01. Transportation from Kathmandu to put in point and back to Kathmandu.
02. Experienced local river guide, porter
03. All rafting and river surfing equipment
04. High-flotation lifejacket, helmet, paddle, fin
05. Professionally trained guides and safety kayakers
06. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner (Starting from Lunch on the first day through lunch on last day
07. Sundowners (drinks before dinner)
08. Tent and Camping equipment
09. Tented accommodation (2/3 person sharing twin/triple tent)
10. Tea/coffee/Juice throughout the trip
11. All necessary fee, government/local tax, national park and conservation area fee
01. Bottle/alcoholic beverages
02. Any kind of insurance
03. Other expenses incurred due to unforeseeable circumstances that is beyond Mosaic Adventure Control
04. Expenses of a personal nature and trips.
Is it safe with you?
We take the safety of its clients very seriously. All our guides are licensed, with many years of experience on the rivers of Nepal and other European countries. All are trained in CPR, First Aid and advanced river rescue techniques. Prior to going on the water, our guides will give you a complete safety talk and demonstration of how to deal with any situation that might occur whilst on the river, please listen carefully and act accordingly.
Do I need previous experience?
No, but you should be ready to spend a few hours to a full day participating in an outdoor activity. You can start with a day rafting in Trishuli River prior to Karnali river rafting.
What should I pack, and what should I wear on the river?
You can wear - quick-drying shorts or long trousers, cotton t-shirt, old athletic shoes (more foot protection than sandals or flip-flops), hat with a brim, sunglasses and warm clothes for the evening.
Toiletries, mosquito repellent and sun-cream, torch or flashlight (for incidentals when in transit to and from the river), towel etc; and wet suit for winter season.
What type of boat will I be in? Will I be expected to paddle?
We offer an entire fleet of choices for your whitewater rafting experience. (Not all boat options are available on all rivers). You are the engine on a paddle raft: everybody paddles while the guide shouts instructions. In an oar raft, your guide pilots the raft with long oars as you relax and enjoy the ride. You help your guide in an oar raft-paddle assist combination, which is used mainly on maximum intensity Class IV-V whitewater. It's just you and the water in an inflatable kayak, which is a fun option in low- to mid-intensity rapids on many of the rivers we run (1 or 2 paddlers).
Do I have to know how to swim?
On most trips, you do not need to know how to swim, Swimming is not necessary, you will be wearing a life jacket. All rafters must wear our Coast Guard approved Personal Flotation Devices (aka PFDs or life jackets). Should you fall out of your boat, the PFD is designed to float you face up in the water. Before you get into your boat, however, our guides will give a detailed safety talk and show you how to properly “swim” a rapid. Please be advised our U.S. Coast Guard approved PFDs are rated to accommodate persons no heavier than 260 pounds and with a chest size no larger than 52 inches. We are experienced at accommodating people of all ages and abilities.
Can I bring my camera or video camera?
Of course! On all of our multi-day rafting trips, we provide each guest with a small waterproof bag to hold your camera and other items you might want during the day. It is secured in a readily accessible spot on the raft. While our bags are waterproof to further protect your camera you may wish to place it in a zip-loc plastic bag, or special waterproof camera case. We also recommend padding it with a small towel or clothing. Sand can be a problem-so cleans your camera every night with tissue, a brush and lens paper. We also strongly recommend you take out a rider on your homeowner's policy to cover your camera-especially if it's fine equipment. If you are planning to bring a digital camera make sure to carry additional memory cards, batteries, and any other extras you will need. Disposable waterproof cameras are also a fun option.
Should I tip my guide?
Guests often ask whether gratuities are appropriate, and in what amount. If you feel your guides have provided a very special trip for you, a gratuity may be left with the trip leader and will be shared among the crew. Entirely discretionary, anything between "Thank you" and 10% of trip cost is a general tipping guideline. If you plan to tip, remember to bring a personal check or cash - ATMs are not available except in cities like Kathmandu/Pokhara!
What about the privy?
While the idea of a river trip is appealing to most people, many are inhibited or reluctant because of modesty or uncertainty. Perhaps a few facts will relieve (pardon the pun) your concerns. For multi-day rafting trips like Karnali river rafting, we use what is called a "porta-potty" system that is set up each afternoon at camp in a secluded location that assures privacy. It is essentially a toilet without plumbing and is available from the time you pull into camp each afternoon until you leave the morning.
How's the food?
The meals we serve on our rafting trips are hearty and sumptuous, complete with fresh fruits and vegetables throughout your entire journey. Our menus feature great camp cooking in a wilderness atmosphere. Wake up to pancakes, omelets, or eggs cooked to order, complemented by tuna Fish, Meat, juice, and plenty of fresh-brewed coffee, tea . Satiate your appetite at lunch with a delicious spread of cold cuts and cheese on assorted breads, hummus and veggies in soft pitas, or tasty taco salad wraps. At the dinner table, our guides' cooking skills truly shine. You may snack on hors d'oeuvres while waiting for vegetable or non Vegetable food. Expect to eat as well - or better - than you do at home, without having to do any of the work.
Can you accommodate my special dietary needs?
We are happy to accommodate vegetarian or vegan preferences, food allergies and other special dietary considerations if you tell us of your needs ahead of time.
Do I need travel insurance?
Although every effort is made to provide a safe trip for all, we strongly recommend that you protect yourself, your belongings, and your vacation through the purchase of a short-term traveler’s policy. A trip cancellation policy covers your non-refundable payments in most cases, should you have to cancel your trip due to illness or injury even at the last minute. Trip participants should realize that in the event of illness or injury on a river trip, evacuation can be prolonged, difficult and expensive. Personal belongings and cameras are carried entirely at the owner’s risk, and we accept no responsibility for lost, damaged, delayed or stolen property.
These are the questions we are often asked and we hope that you will find the answers useful. Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any further queries.