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 and transfer to hotel in Thamel. Trip briefing, gear check, and introduction to your guide team and fellow expedition members. Welcome dinner featuring a first look at the Karnali Water Keeper Expedition’s conservation-focused itinerary.

Overnight: Hotel, Kathmandu.

DAY 2 | 10 Nov

Fly to Surkhet / Drive to Rakam Put-In

Early morning domestic flight from Kathmandu to Surkhet, offering sweeping views of the mid-western Himalaya. From Surkhet, a scenic 114 km / approximately 5-hour drive west through terraced hillsides and river valleys to the Rakam put-in point. Lunch break en route between 12:00 pm and 1:00 pm. On arrival at Rakam, set up riverside camp, receive the safety briefing, and complete raft and equipment orientation.

Overnight: Riverside Camp, Rakam.

DAY 3 | 11 Nov

Rakam to Dhap

First full day on the Karnali. Approximately 5–6 hours of rafting through remote western hill country, with warm-up rapids that ease the team into big-water paddling. Keep an eye out for early wildlife sightings along the forested banks as the river begins to reveal its character.

Overnight: Riverside Camp, Dhap.

DAY 4 | 12 Nov

Dhap to Dhungeshwor

Continue downstream through classic Karnali scenery — sheer hillsides, remote Magar and Chhetri villages, and a steadily building river. A full day of paddling brings the group to camp at Dhungeshwor, one of the expedition’s key staging points along the river.

Overnight: Riverside Camp, Dhungeshwor.

DAY 5 | 13 Nov

Dhungeshwor to Sweetness & Light

The river gathers pace as the valley narrows. Paddle through a mix of playful rapids and calm pools en route to the aptly named ‘Sweetness & Light’ camp — a tranquil sandy beach framed by forested hills, ideal for an evening of rest and stargazing.

Overnight: Beach Camp, Sweetness & Light.

DAY 6 | 14 Nov

Sweetness & Light to Scorpion Beach

A full day of rafting through increasingly dramatic river scenery, with rapids building in both frequency and intensity. Arrive at Scorpion Beach, a spacious riverside camp that will serve as base for a dedicated layover day of angling and river study.

Overnight: Beach Camp, Scorpion Beach.

DAY 7 | 15 Nov

Layover at Scorpion Beach – Angling & River Study

A full rest day at Scorpion Beach dedicated to catch-and-release angling for Golden Mahseer and other native Karnali species, alongside guided river study covering water quality, fish habitat, and the ecological health of this stretch of the Karnali. A relaxed camp evening with the guide team to review the day’s findings.

Overnight: Beach Camp, Scorpion Beach.

DAY 8 | 16 Nov

Scorpion Beach to Seti Confluence

Depart Scorpion Beach and continue downriver toward the confluence of the Seti and Karnali rivers. A rewarding day of paddling through changing river geology and wider valley views, arriving at camp near the confluence by late afternoon.

Overnight: Riverside Camp, Seti Confluence.

DAY 9 | 17 Nov

Layover at Seti Confluence – Angling & Community Visit

A second layover day, combining further catch-and-release angling at the Seti–Karnali confluence with a guided visit to a nearby riverside community. An opportunity to learn about local livelihoods, river-dependent culture, and community perspectives on river conservation.

Overnight: Riverside Camp, Seti Confluence.

DAY 10 | 18 Nov

Seti Confluence to Red Rock Canyon

Rafting resumes through a striking section of the Karnali as the river cuts through dramatic red-rock formations. A visually spectacular day on the water, with strong Class III–IV rapids interspersed with calm, scenic stretches beneath towering canyon walls.

Overnight: Riverside Camp, Red Rock Canyon.

DAY 11 | 19 Nov

Red Rock Canyon to Kuine

The Karnali continues to broaden as the expedition approaches the lower river corridor. A full day of paddling through remote countryside, with the landscape gradually softening from canyon to open valley as camp is made at Kuine.

Overnight: Riverside Camp, Kuine.

DAY 12 | 20 Nov

Kuine to Chisapani – Take-Out & Departure

Final morning on the river, paddling to the take-out point at Chisapani where the Karnali passes beneath its landmark suspension bridge. Pack up rafting and camping gear, then transfer by road (approximately 1.5 hours) to Nepalgunj. Lunch in Nepalgunj, followed by an evening flight back to Kathmandu.

Overnight: Guests depart Kathmandu or continue onward travel.

NOTE:Please bring your own angling equipment and fishing gears for designated layover days.