The Karnali lies in the western part of the nation in what is called the “Wild West” of Nepal, an area only recently opened for tourism. It is Nepal’s mightiest river and most experienced river travelers, who have rafted or kayaked down the Karnali, agree that it is one of the best trips offered anywhere.
Rising in the vicinity of Tibet’s holy Mount Kailash, the Karnali carves the Himalayan landscape into a series of magnificent gorges and canyons as it descends slowly into the forests of western Nepal. On this river you can expect exceptionally big-volume rafting through jungles inhabited by nomads, deserted beaches and small villages. Seasonal snow melts and storms can cause the river level to swell drastically and create the extremes of whitewater rafting.
In high water, the Karnali is a serious undertaking, with fairly straightforward yet huge rapids. Even at lower levels, it is still not a walk in the park as the rapids become more constricted and the gradient steeper. One highlight of this classic river journey is a 7km long gorge, “thrill-a-minute roller-coaster ride,” with rapids at every bend. Although we must admit, any season suits the Karnali.
ITINERARY
Day 1 | 9 Nov
Arrival in Kathmandu
Arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport. Transfer to hotel in Thamel. Trip briefing, gear check, and team introduction. Welcome dinner.
Overnight: Hotel, Kathmandu.
Day 2 | 10 Nov
Fly to Nepalgunj / Drive to Surkhet
Morning domestic flight to Nepalgunj (approx. 1 hour) with stunning Himalayan views. Drive to Surkhet, regional headquarters of Karnali Province. Rest and acclimatisation.
Overnight: Hotel, Surkhet.
Day 3 | 11 Nov
Drive to Put-in Point (Sauli/Dungeswar)
5–6 hour drive through remote western hill villages and scenic valleys to the river put-in. Camp set up beside the turquoise waters of the Karnali. Safety briefing, paddle commands, and equipment orientation.
Overnight: Riverside Camp.
Day 4 | 12 Nov
Day 1 on River – Class II–III Warm-up
Rafting begins through lush forested hills and traditional Magar villages. Class II–III rapids provide a perfect warm-up for the big water ahead. Evening bonfire on the sandy beach.
Overnight: Beach Camp.
Day 5 | 13 Nov
Day 2 – First Major Rapids
The Karnali begins to flex its power. First major Class IV rapids including the infamous “God’s House” — big drops, tight turns, and powerful hydraulics. Wildlife sightings likely: monkeys, deer, and colourful birds.
Overnight: Riverside Beach Camp.
Day 6 | 14 Nov
Day 3 – The Gorge Section (Class IV–V)
Most intense day on the river. The valley narrows into steep canyon walls. Back-to-back Class IV–V rapids: “Jailhouse Rock,” “Human for Lunch,” and “Flip and Strip.” 5–6 hours on the water.
Overnight: Remote Beach Camp, Seti Dovan.
Day 7 | 15 Nov
Day 4 – Canyon & Cultural Encounters
Continued big whitewater through deep gorges and hidden waterfalls. Hike to a riverside village and engage with local communities.
Overnight: Riverside Camp.
Day 8 | 16 Nov
Layover Day – Rest, Explore & Play
Full rest day on an expansive sandy beach. Optional hike to a local village, beginner kayak practice, or simply relax in the wilderness. Campfire evening with music and storytelling.
Overnight: Beach Camp.
Day 9 | 17 Nov
Day 5 – Bheri Confluence & Wildlife Zone
After the Bheri River confluence, the Karnali broadens into a wide, fast-flowing river. Scenery shifts to pristine Terai jungle. Increased wildlife sightings — dolphins, crocodiles (Gharial), and exotic birdlife. 4–5 hours rafting.
Overnight: Jungle Beach Camp.
Day 10 | 18 Nov
Day 6 – Approach Bardiya / Gentle Float
A relaxed day of floating and paddling through the lower Karnali corridor. Dugout canoes and local fishermen add to the remote river atmosphere. The lush Bardiya National Park fringe comes into view.
Overnight: Last Beach Camp.
Day 11 | 19 Nov
Final Morning on River – Take-out at Chisapani
Floating breakfast watching sunrise over the western hills. A short, leisurely paddle to Chisapani where the suspension bridge marks the journey’s end. Pack up gear and drive to Nepalgunj (3–4 hours).
Overnight: Hotel, Nepalgunj.
Day 12 | 20–21 Nov
Return to Kathmandu / Departure
Morning flight to Kathmandu. Transfer to hotel, shower, and farewell dinner. Guests depart on 21 November.
Spring 2026 Departure Dates
Not Available
Fall 2026 Departure Dates
09 Nov- 21 Nov
Shorts / half pants
T-shirts
Sport sandals or comfortable shoes that can get wet and will stay on your feet
Quick dry long shirts
Swimwear
Track pants / comfortable long pants
Warm fleece
Jacket (waterproof shell)
Socks
Comfortable Shoes for trekking and rafting (Tamur River)
Warm hat (in cold months) and sunglass
Travel towel
Toiletries/Sunscreen / sunscreen lip protection
Mosquito repellant
Water bottle
Head lamp / flash light
Personal first aid kit
Sleeping bag (if you do not have one – we will provide a complimentary rental)
A little cash for treats,
Tipping is certainly appreciated by the guides and other river crew, who work hard to make sure you have fun and a safe trip. If you feel your guide has done a good job keeping you entertained, safely looked after and has shared the wonderful river environment with you, then feel free to show your appreciation.
The total number of people on the team varies with the duration of the trip and how many guests there will be. The team will always include the expedition leader and the main river guide, under whose supervision there is a team of additional river guides and a minimum of two safety kayakers. All of our team members are river professionals who have the required certification for commercial river descents. The river crew prepares the camp logistics, including meals, but the clients are encouraged to join in.
A minimum of 4 people are required to make the trip operational. Each raft must be at least 6 people and 1 guide, however we can add up to 8 people depending on the river.
If you are just learning to raft, start off with a Class II or III (or an easy Class IV) rafting trip. If you are really nervous about being part of a paddle boat, an alternative is to ride along on an oar boat, which we can offer on different rivers. Many rafters who are confident in the water, healthy, and feel adventurous, drop right into a Class IV river without any prior experience. Our guides will make sure you are trained in safety and proper paddle techniques. For Class V rivers, you must have prior class IV experience.
Yes! We provide private transportation to and from the river for each rafting trip and this is included in the cost of the trip. However, if you would prefer a flight, this can be arranged for an additional cost.
Typically you will have approximately 4-5 hours of actual river journey each day. The rest of the time is spent on setting up the campsite, preparing logistics, etc. This can be a good time for personal exploration and interaction with the natural surroundings or fellow travellers.
We don’t recommend bringing video cameras, or even expensive still cameras, on trips. If you do choose to bring a more expensive camera, or any camera really, we suggest that you protect it with a waterproof case; many are available which fit different shapes and sizes of cameras. Oftentimes, our river trips also have a professional photographer, whose photos you can view and order after the trip.
The meals will include both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options which are hygienically prepared by our team members everyday. Sometimes, local delicacies are served as well. You are also welcome to bring your own nonperishable foods/snacks and any alcoholic beverages you would like to enjoy at the campsite in the evening.
What's Included
Airport transfers (arrival & departure)
Hotel accommodation in Kathmandu & Nepalgunj
Domestic flights: Kathmandu – Nepalgunj (both ways)
• All ground transportation to/from river
7 nights riverside beach camping (tents, mattresses, sleeping bags)
Full board meals throughout (breakfast, lunch & dinner on river; select meals in transit)
Professional English-speaking licensed river guides
Safety kayakers and gear raft support
ISO/CE certified rafting equipment (helmet, PFD, paddle, splash jacket, wetsuit)
Dry bags and Pelican boxes for personal gear
River permits and national park fees
International standard first aid kits
Crew insurance
What's Not Included
International flights
Nepal entry visa fees
Personal travel insurance (mandatory – must cover whitewater activities)
Personal clothing, footwear and toiletries
Meals in Kathmandu (Day 1 welcome dinner & Day 12 farewell dinner excluded from personal spend)
Alcoholic beverages and personal snacks
Optional Bardiya National Park safari extension
Gratuities / tips for guides and crew
Camera or electronic equipment
Any costs arising from itinerary changes due to weather, safety, or force majeure
The Western Bend
Meeting time/Place:
06:00 am/ Sales office, Kathmandu
Departure time:
06:30 am from Sales office, Kathmandu
Put in Point:
Sauli/Dungeswor
Take out point:
Chisapani
Rafting distance:
180 km
River Grade:
IV – V
Time on Water:
5-6 Hours each Day with 1 Layover
Bus ride to the Put-in:
2 days
Return Journey:
Overnight ride
Meals:
Full Board
Flight Option:
Available both ways
Age restrictions:
15 – 70 years old
Seasons:
Spring – Mar-May
Fall – Oct – Dec
