Nepal is home to one of the mightiest whitewater rivers in the world. The big-volume Karnali originates in the Middle Himalayas and cuts a deep emerald swath through the gorges of the Mahabharat Range. After a two-hour hike to the put-in, you’ll begin floating downstream through Class III and IV conditions. In the first few days of the trip, you’ll encounter some of the river’s most difficult and famous rapids, including Human for Lunch, Captivity, and the ominous class V God’s House, a gigantic hole piled up behind a house-size boulder. Most Karnali trips spend at least six days on the river, camping on sandy beaches along the way.
Ads
Nepal is roughly the same size as the US state of Michigan. The Terai Plains bordering India are part of the northern rim of the Indo-Gangetic plains. They were formed and are fed by three major rivers: the Kosi, the Narayani (India's Gandak River), and the Karnali. The Karnali is Nepal's longest and largest river and with its tributaries, it drains most of the Far West of Nepal. This region has a hot, humid climate. Nepal has been made famous for its tourism, trekking, hiking, camping, mountain biking, national wildlife parks, jungle safaris, river rafting, sport fishing, and its many beautiful temples and places of worship.
Few rafting rivers in the world can match the thundering courses of the rivers of Nepal, originating from the snow meltdown of the Himalaya terrain. The river gush through the twisted canyons, winding through calm valleys, where small settlements are perched on the banks. In terms of volume, the river is comparable to the Sun Kosi, but the Karnali is more constrained by its canyon walls, giving bigger, more continuous and serious rapids.
Green Lotus Trekking, a small Nepalese-run outfitter with more than two decades of experience, offers extended trips on the Karnali. Green Lotus Trekking which started with just a handful of employees, now boasts of a strong workforce of more than 20 staff and is registered trekking company in Nepal, Belgium and USA. Offer informative, value for money, personal tours featuring trekking, climbing, rafting, montain biking and jungle safaris. These tours consist of 2 to 10 participants only. It involves abseiling, jumping, sliding, climbing along waterfalls and steep cliffs to deep pools, giving the canyoneer the freedom to explore beautiful under-water landscape.
In Nepal
Green Lotus Trekking Pvt. Ltd.
64 Nursery Galli, Lazimpat, Kathmandu, Nepal
Tel +(977-1) 444-5474 or 4417-854
Mobile: +(977) 98510-32-108
fax: +(1-970) 4295-079
Email: info@green-lotus-trekking.com
In USA
1727 Pearl Street, Boulder, CO 80302 USA
Tel ++(1-646) 233-3154
fax: +(1-970) 4295-079
Email: usa@green-lotus-trekking.com
In Europe
Green Lotus Trekkign vzw, Veldkantstraat 343, B1850 GRIMBERGEN, BELGIUM
Tel.: ++32 (0) 2 251 44 77 (R. De Groen)
Fax.: ++32 (0) 2 253 85 47
Mobile: 0032 0478 46 04 54
E-mail : roger@green-lotus-trekking.com
Website: http://www.green-lotus-trekking.com/
The waters in Nepal offer something for everybody: Grade 5-5+ rivers with raging white water rapids for the adventurous, to Grade 2-3 rivers, with a few rapids for novices. The options include paddling, oaring and kayaking. Paddling requires all on boat to participate with instructions from river runner. In an oar boat, the guide rows alone, giving participants a chance to observe the surroundings. Outfitter Nepal are happy to arrange everything, as we do have all the equipments including safety measures and well-trained river guide. They have many years' experiences of operating Rafting in all Rivers in Nepal and outside. As a highly experienced Rafting professional. You can package river running itineraries along with a trekking, a wildlife safari and a cultural tour in the area. Karnali River rafting will take 10 days with grade V- and distance 180KM. Services are included: 1. Rafting Guide & Supporter. 2. All rafting equipments such as self-bailing rafts, life jackets and safety equipments. 3. Paddle top, helmets and waterproof gear bags. 4. All meals during the raft trip. (breakfast, lunch and dinner). 5. Accommodation on twin sharing basis tent camping. 6. All national park and rafting permits and fees. 7. Round trip ground transportation. 8. all kitchen and camping equipment, cook and needed staff. 9. Safety kayaker.
Outfitter Nepal Treks & Expedition Pvt. Ltd.
Thamel, Kathmandu, Nepal, GPO Box: 19058
Phone: 97714415392 / 97714443103
Fax: 97714415392
Email: outfitter@wlink.com.np , info@trekkingtourinnepal.com
Website :- www.trekkingtourinnepal.com , www.outfitternepaltrek.com.np , www.trekkinginnepal.asia
Bidur Thapaliya is the director of WhiteWater Nepal (P.) Ltd. Professional raft guide, Safety Kayaker & Kayak Instructor. He has been organizing river trips on the rivers of Nepal since 1992. An expert kayaker and professional raft guide, the owner’s of WhiteWater Nepal credentials are 19 years of professional whitewater experience. 17 years in organizing and operating river trips in Nepal. All guides are licensed, with many years of experience on the rivers of Nepal and other European countries. All are trained in CPR, First Aid and advanced river rescue techniques.
Karnali River Rafting/Kayaking (10 days) by WhiteWater Nepal
From Kathmandu to Kalyandada via Birendranagar involves a 22 hour bus journey. (Or a one hour flight to Birandranagar, on additional cost, then a 2 hour bus journey). From Kalyandada there is a 2 to 3 hour trek to Kareleghat, the put-in point for rafting on Karnali river. Porters transport all the rafting equipment and other necessities for the river trip. The 180km river action takes between 6 to 7 days. Along with high quality self-bailing rafts, WhiteWater Nepal provide helmets, plastic paddles, wetsuits, lifejackets, and first aid kit. Also provide plentiful, healthy and hygienically prepared food and drinks. Tents and sleeping mats are also provided. Sleeping Rafting Gearsbags can be supplied upon request. All equipment is of the highest quality, clean and well maintained.
| Season | Grading | Water Volume |
| September - December | 5 | Approx.550 cumecs |
| January - May | 5- | Approx. 300 cumecs |
| June - August | Not runable | Approx. 1350 cumecs |
Contact WhiteWater Nepal Pvt. Ltd.
P.O.Box: 9796, Thamel, Kathmandu, Nepal.
Tel.: +977-1- 4700899 / 4700006
Fax : +977-1- 4700898
E-mail: info@raftnepal.com
Website: http://www.raftnepal.com