Rafting in karnali river |
Nepal’s longest and largest
river, the Karnali, 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.
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.
Departure
Point……………..Kathmandu or Pokhara
River Start Point……………Sauli
River Finish
Point…………Chisopani
River Grade……………….III - IV+
Duration: 10 Nights / 11
Days
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 !!!
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