Nepal's
longest and largest river, the Karnali River, springs forth from the base of Mt.
Kailash in Tibet, the center of the universe for both the Buddhist and
Hindu religions. Flowing south into Nepal it forms the major
drainage system of the western districts.The Karnali is one of the finest
BIG volume river trips in the world, a classic expedition into Nepal's
remote, unpopulated "wild west".
From our
starting point at Sauli the river drops into imposing canyons filled with
powerful, big volume white water. These canyons flow into scarcely
populated areas of pristine jungle teeming with abundant bird and
wildlife. Rapids like "Captivity", "Flip and Strip" and "Gods House" are
separated by just enough easier water to regroup and prepare for the next
big challenge.
Towards
the end of the trip the river gradient begins to ease as the Karnali
leaves the mountains and flows out into the Gangetic plains of the Terai.
The jungle thickens as the river broadens, and the
pristine Beaches
become bigger and more beautiful.
OPTION
A
This is
an ideal opportunity to go to Bardia National Park and the resort from
Chisopani will collect you. This would include two nights in the park and
full safari activities including elephant rides and other safari activities
DEPARTURE POINT
Kathmandu or Pokhara
RIVER START POINT
Sauli
RIVER FINISH POINT
Chisopani
OUTWARD TRAVEL TIME
14 Hours
RIVER GRADE
III
- IV+
RETURN TRAVEL TIME
12 Hours
Itinerary
Day
01
We meet at the office at 7am (Pokhara or
Kathmandu) with your bags ready to go. This is a long bus journey,
so be prepared with water etc. We travel to the far west and arrive
in Surkhet very late/early hours of the morning. You are able to
have a sleep here.
Day
02
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 highlights just how "out there" you really
are. You pass local villages and spectacular scenery, then.......you
hear the river!
Day
03
The river gives the team time to build and there
is enough challenging rapids and water flow to allow for learning
errors. We still manage to get at least one great class iv rapid in.
We camp and get excited about tomorrow.
Day 04
This is the type of day that people imagine when they think
of Himalayan water. It is BIG and it is 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.
Day 05
More of the same including the notorious GOD�S
HOUSE rapid. Don't forget to take in the bird life which is equally
as abundant as the lush vegetation. Camp and
relax.
Day 06
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.
Day 07
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 08-09
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 and
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
We come to the end of our journey at about lunch
time where our bus will be waiting to collect us. Those who have
booked to go to Bardia National Park (highly recommended!), will be
collected from here as well.
Day 11
We
arrive back at Kathmandu/Pokhara, in the early morning of the
eleventh day. What a journey !!!
KAYAKING: This is
a great river for intermediate to advanced Kayakers. Most rapids are
pool-drop and there are surfing waves almost all the way down the
river. We have the best kayakers
and instructors, they are always willing to
share their enthusiasm and expertise. We encourage kayakers to join
any of the trips. You needn�t worry as the safety kayaker is
always with the expedition
Featured
Journeys
Jungle Safari
The Himalayan kingdom of Nepal is endowed with
rich & varied biodiversity.
