The Western Bend Tour - Karnali

Most experienced river travelers, who have rafted or kayaked down the Karnali- Nepal's mightiest river, agree that it is one of the best trips offered anywhere. 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.

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. Seasonal snow melts and storms can cause the river level to swell drastically and create the extremes of white water 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 7 km long gorge 'Thrill-a-minute roller-coaster ride' with rapids at every bend. Truly though, any season suits the Karnali.

The expedition begins with a bus journey into the remote and almost untouched region of western Nepal and crossing through part of the Bardia National Park. If the idea of a 2 days bus ride doesn’t appeal to you, there is the option of flying to Nepalgunj and catching a 5 hour bus to meet the rest of the group in the frontier town of Surkhet. From here, we drive further, for about 4 hours, to get to Kalyani Danda, the last stop. The river section lasts 7 days, including one layover day. At the end of the trip, you can choose to take a detour to Bardia National Park for an unforgettable and true

TRIP FACTS:

Departure: Kathmandu/ Pokhara

Duration: 10 Night/11 Days

Rafting Distance: 180 Kms

Rafting start point: Dhungeshower

Rafting finish point: Chisopani

Outward travel time: 14 Hours

River grade: III - IV +

Return travel time: 12 Hours

Best Season: Oct-Nov/ May- Mar

DETAIL ITINERARY

Day 01: DRIVE TO SURKHET 14 HOURS

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 in the evening. You are able to have a sleep here.

Day 02: AFTER BREAKFAST DRIVE FOR RAFTING STARTING POINT:

After breakfast we continue our drive to Karnali put in point at Dungeshwar (5 hrs). This section of the drive offers yet unspoiled scenery of charming villages and farms. We will do short rafting trip after lunch to set up first night's camp by the bank of Karnali.

Day 03: 4-5 HRS RAFTING IN RIVER

The river gives the team, time to build. There are good rapids and water flow those allow learning errors. We still manage to get at least one great class IV rapid in. We camp and get excited about tomorrow.

Day 04: 4-5 HRS RAFTING IN RIVER

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: 4-5 HRS RAFTING IN RIVER

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: 4-5 HRS RAFTING IN RIVER

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 breathtaking scenery.

Day 07: 4-5 HRS RAFTING IN RIVER

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: 4-5 HRS RAFTING IN RIVER

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: 4-5 HRS RAFTING IN RIVER & DRIVE BACK TO NEPALGUNJ OR BARDIA

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: DRIVE BACK TO KATHMANDU OR JOIN TRIP TO POKHARA

We arrive back at Kathmandu/Pokhara, in the early morning of the eleventh day. What a journey!!!