The Mighty Karnali

​

Contact us for 2021 Dates

 

The Karnali flows from the holy mountain of Kailash, believed to be the home of the Hindu god Shiva, and is Nepal's longest and largest river.

 

Join us in the wild west of Nepal for an incredible journey through mountains and jungle. Paddle through soaring canyons, camp under star strewn skies and of course, as with all Paddle365 courses, receive coaching to help you make the most of your experience on this incredible whitewater river.

 

Also included is an overnight in Bardia National park, the home of Rhinos, Elephant and Tigers!  

We take a comfortable domestic flight to return to Kathmandhu in the morning. 

 

The Karnarli is Nepals last free flowing great river, and sadly under threat from damming. Don't let the journey of a lifetime escape you!

 

Example Itinerary

Day 1 - Arrival.

We'll meet you at the airport and take you to your accommodation. Get settled in. You might wish to sleep off the jetlag, or explore the bustling city of Kathmandhu. We'll meet you for dinner and formal welcome in the evening.

 

Day 2 - Cultural day.

We understand that kayaking isn't just about the whitewater, but the places it takes you. That's why today we'll being exploring some of the older parts of the city. We'll head to Swayambunath to see the monkeys, then to Patan or Kathmandhu Dubar square to see the amazing architecture and maybe sample some traditional MoMo. We'll meet again for dinner and brief for the coming days.

 

Day 3 - Travel to Nepalgunj.

Travelling in our own private bus, we'll journey from Kathmandu throughout the day to stay overnight in a comfortable hotel not far from Nepalgunj, a bustling city in the west of Nepal. 

 

Day 4 - Nepalgunj to the Karnali.

We still have a way to go, but we promise it's worth it! We'll arrive at the river and paddle a short way before we stop at our first beach camp. Our dinner will be prepared by our amazing in country partners, and you can fall asleep under what we promise will be one of the most incredible night skies you've ever seen.

 

Day 5 - 10 - The Mighty Karnali.

The rapids on the Karnali offer the perfect progression in severity and difficulty for us to deliver the coaching you may need to tackle the bigger rapids later on in the river. Each day we will paddle world class whitewater, in a world class location. Whilst the rapids chill out as we head downstream, the photo opportunities are endless!  Breakfast, lunch and dinner will be provided for us by our in country partners. We promise, you'll be hungry, and it will be delicious! Each night we'll camp in a beautiful beach camp, with tented accommodation. But if you prefer, feel free to fall asleep under the stars! 

 

Day 11 - Take Out.

We'll paddle a short distance on our final morning to the town of Chisapani. This is the gateway town to Bardia national park, and it's here that our time on the river will come to an end! We'll take out here and transfer to a jungle resort in the national park. Here we have an opportunity to take part in the cultural activities or wildlife safari on offer from local guides. You may however decide just to relax in the hammocks with a cold beer! 

​

Day 12 - Flight to Kathmandhu (domestic flight included in price), packing time and optional cooking course.

We'll leave Bardia and return to Nepalgunj where we'll catch a flight to Kathmandhu. No doubt we'll be treated to stunning views of the Himalaya from the plane window! 

Once in Kathmandu, you'll be checked back into our hotel for a chance to freshen up and pack, as well as do any last minute gift shopping. There will be an option to join a Nepali cooking course with our friends over at "Social Tours".

This evening, we'll say goodbye and have our final meal, and there will be a chance to receive personalised action plans for your kayaking in the future. 

If you wish we can show you some of the nightlife and live music of Thamel.

 

Day 13 - Depart.

We'll make sure that you're able to get back to the airport in plenty of time for your flights and we'll hope that we'll see you very soon!

 

Trip summary

Who's this trip for:

Those who  are looking for a true Himalayan adventure. We are there to coach you in your kayaking and provide you with the skills to keep you on line and provide as much safety as possible, but you must have a confident whitewater roll. You'll get the most out of this trip if you've got experience on grade 4, possibly with experience of paddling in the alps.

 

Included in the price:

-All transport to and from the river.

-Flight from Nepalgunj to Kathmandhu as standard 

-Food on the river and whilst travelling to the river.

-Accommodation (including river camping & a stay at the jungle resort in Bardia National park. Excluding sleeping bag & mat).

-Raft and safety support from our in country partners.

-Top class professional coaching and guiding from qualified, experienced coaches and guides who know Nepal.

-Digital copies of our photos throughout the trip.

-A personalised action plan moving forward.

-A whole lot of fun!

 

Not included in the price:

-Alcoholic beverages and additional beverages out-with normal mealtime inclusive drinks.

-Extra curricular activities, ie, Safari in Bardia

-Food when in towns and cities.

-Personal kayaking gear.

-Sleeping bag, mat and personal camping equipment (please ask us if this causes issues)

-Any misc personal expenses. (Ie,gifts, food whilst exploring the city etc).

-Flights to Nepal.

-Personal insurance. (We reccomend you take out a fully comprehensive travel insurance that covers you for kayaking on waters appropriate to this trip).