KARNALI - Rapidrunner Expeditions - The Best Rafting in Nepal, based in Pokhara

KARNALI – THE WILD WEST $1200

The Karnali is Nepal’s longest and largest river which drains most of the far west of Nepal. The Karnali is the perfect expedition for those people who really want to escape civilisation. The area of Nepal that the river flows through is Wild and uninhabited. During the trip you will raft through some of the most pristine and un-spoilt jungle scenery in Nepal.

Trip Details

Our expedition starts from either Kathmandu or Pokhara, where we take a bus to Nepalgunj, and then on to our put in on river at Dungeswar. We will be confined to the river for the next six and a half days, our journey downstream will lead us through jungle clad canyons full of class 4 rapids.

We will take out at Chisapani where will will have the option of adding on a trip to Bardia Park, one of the best kept nature reserves in Nepal, an opportunity to combine our rafting experience with a true safari experience.

The Karnali is one of the finest big volume rafting runs in Nepal, in all honesty it can only be considered as World class!

River Grade: IV/IV+

Departs from: Kathmandu or Pokhara

Put In: Dungeswar (16hrs by private bus from Kathmandu or Pokhara – optional flights)

Take Out: Chisopani (16hrs by private bus to Kathmandu or Pokhara – optional flights)

Returns to: Kathmandu or Pokhara

Accommodation: River beach camps

Meals: 10 X lunch, 9 X dinner, 9 X breakfast

Baggage: Take only what you need, we can securely store the rest for you in our office.

Included: Raft Guides, Safety Kayakers, Support Staff, Rafting equipment, inc. CE rated helmet and buoyancy aid, Spray Jacket, Wetsuits if required, Meals, Transportation to and from the river, Waterproof ‘Pelican’ boxes, Dry Bags, Camping Equipment

Excluded: Insurance, Sleeping Bag, Additional snacks, Alcoholic drinks, Optional tips for guides

Day 1

We can start this trip from Kathmandu or Pokhara and fly to Nepalgunj where a private bus will be waiting to take us to the put in point on the river. (If your budget does not allow a flight or you would prefer to start from Pokhara then you are welcome to join our staff on the 16 hour bus journey

Day 2-9

For the next 8 days we are on the river the whole time and will pack in some awesome wild whitewater, incredible scenery, beautiful beaches, idillic villages and quiet wildlife spotting opportunities not to mention the entertainment from our team of world class rafting and kayak guides…. you will not be disappointed. We will have one rest day along the river which gives a good chance to rest and relax before enjoying an evening BBQ and beach party! Our camps are built each night on the river beaches and always take advantage of the beautiful environment of the river. At night you can camp inside our 2 man dome tents or sleep out under a raft shelter and enjoy Nepal’s only million star hotel!! After 6 days of adrenaline pumping whitewater, during the last couple of days the river flattens out, allowing us to relax and enjoy the scenery and reflect on our adventure.

Day 10

On our final day as we get ready to rejoin the rest of the world as we come to the town of Chisopani, and our take out point. We have a last lunch on the banks of the river before waving goodbye to the mighty Karnali. From the end point we can either bus or fly back to Kathmandu or if you fancy a bit more adventure (and a chance to see a Bengal Tiger) you can go on safari in the Stunningly beautiful Bhardia National Park.

All members of the Rapidrunner Guide Team are trained to international standards in Safety and First Aid and hold current Wilderness First Aid, CPR and WRT qualifications!

Wendy Rockett

My boyfriend & I had a fantastic time doing the 3-day 2-night beginner kayak trip down the lower Seti River with Riverrunner Expeditions in April 2022. Dip was our main guide and he really took the time to help me learn the techniques. I was determined to be able to roll in my kayak and he hung with me as I attempted over and over and over. The rest of the crew was also so friendly and helpful. Meals were generous and thoughtfully prepared. Don't hesitate to go with Rapidrunner Expeditions.

Nuala Malone

Did the 4 days beginner kayak course after the Anapurna circuit. İt was so good. The experience was relaxed because of the camping and nice beach spots we had lunch etc in. and then the rapids were really good. Learnt a lot, felt safe and comfortable. And it was a way nicer journey to chitwan than the bus 🤟 do iiitttt

Ganga Gurung

The whole experience was super thrilling as the team was super professional as well as friendly. Loved my experience with them with a cliff jump and swimming break on top of it. Didn't feel like it was my first rafting adventure at all. They ensured safety of each one of us and can assure you they're amazing at their job(had a first hand experience when one of our mate actually fell off from the raft). Definitely choosing them for my future rafting expeditions in pokhara.

Gautron Grégoire

Amazing trip with Dip and his Crew. We learned a lot during these 4 days, shared stories and experience. We felt safe at any time and had lot of fun. Furthermore, the food was amazing and we were full after every meals! If you want to learn kayaking, don't hesitate ang go with rapid runner expedite 🤘

Winter Heath

Had a great 3 day rafting trip on the holy river with sauraj and team, would highly recommend! The team was friendly, always made sure we were comfortable, and made tasty meals for us 🙂

KARNALI – THE WILD WEST $1200

Recommended by Lonely Planet & Tripadvisor!

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