Adventure Travel

Down The Karnali

         
Raft one of the 10 best rivers of the world
Adventures Around The World invites you to come and explore the ancient and enchanting country of Nepal. This trip will take you from the hectic streets of Kathmandu to the roaring waters of the Karnali River to the jungles of Bardia National Park. Your adventure is tailored to those who like avoiding the crowds and want to get to know the culture, as well as the natural beauty, of Nepal. Your adventure encompasses the heart and soul of this magical country by combining Class IV whitewater rafting with trekking, visiting sacred temples and spotting wildlife. All of this, when coupled with private transportation and a private guide helping you to understand true Nepal, creates the ultimate adventure vacation for you. Namaste!

Trip Highlights

Spend seven spectacular days rafting down the Karnali River exploring stunning scenery, camping in the jungle and making memories of a lifetime.

Explore ancient villages, temples and monasteries covered in colorful prayer flags.

Take an elephant ride through the jungle, observing incredible flora and fauna – maybe even the endangered rhino or Bengal tiger!

Trek through breathtaking hilltops overlooking the Himalayas, Mount Everest and the Kathmandu Valley.

Travel in luxury and stress-free with a private driver, who will also serve as your knowledgeable local AAW guide, teaching you about the incredible culture and landscape of Nepal.

Day By Day Details


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Day 1: Kathmandu - Welcome to Nepal!
Upon arrival at the Kathmandu International Airport, you will be met and greeted by your AAW guide/driver and transferred in a private car to your luxurious hotel in Nagarkot, just 45 minutes east of Kathmandu. After settling into your accommodations, you will enjoy a welcome dinner with your guide. (D)

Day 2: Kathemandu - Explore Nagarkot
Not only is it one of the most scenic spots in the region, but Nagarkot is also renowned for its breathtaking sunrise view of the Himalayas and even Mt. Everest. Witnessing this spectacular sight is an incredible way to start the day! Later, you will be guided on several hikes throughout the terraced hillsides and quaint farmhouses of the surrounding region. (B, L, D)

Day 3: Kathmandu - Explore Bhaktapur
After a delicious breakfast, you will be privately transferred to explore the medieval town of Bhaktapur. One of the most timeless villages in all of Nepal, it is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its rich culture and craftwork. Well-preserved temples and monasteries line its cobblestone streets, with the lack of traffic making it a pleasure to explore by foot. Be sure to visit one of the open-air markets filled with local woodcarvings and weavings! Along with spectacular views of the Himalayas, you will also witness the indigenous culture of Nepal. In the afternoon, you will enjoy a scenic flight to Nepalgunj, passing over valleys, terraced fields and the rivers of central Nepal. (B, L, D)

Day 4: Kathmandu to Kaliyant - Drive to Kaliyant (6.5 hours)
Today, you will be privately transferred to Kaliyant, the “great bend” of the Karnali River. Along the way you will stop at tiny villages for tea and to stretch your legs. (B, L, D)

Day 5: Karnali River - River Rafting
Accompanied by locally hired porters who will carry the equipment, you will trek through the forest for about 2 hours to the river put-in. This area is rarely visited by trekkers and along the way you’ll meet local villagers working the land and reflecting the authentic nature of this mountain community. After assembling the equipment, you will then begin your exhilarating rafting trip down the river! (B, L, D)

Day 6: Karnali River - River Rafting
Today, you will raft the section of river that flows through steep forested hills with big volume Class II and III rapids. You will have the opportunity to enjoy lunch beside a beautiful waterfall and then proceed down the river to end with an awesome Class IV rapid.  (B, L, D)

Day 7: Karnali River - River Rafting
After many exhilarating rapids, you will take a brief rest at the Jungle Ghat village for tea. You’ll have a late lunch today along a stunning canyon. Tonight, your breathtaking campsite sits at the base of a 2,000 foot cliff and another incredible waterfall. (B, L, D)

Day 8: Karnali River - Relax and Explore the Karnali River
Today, you will enjoy a well-deserved day off. After a scrumptious breakfast, you can choose between relaxing at the beautiful river beach, swimming in the waterfall or exploring nearby caves. Trying your hand at fishing is also an option. (B, L, D)

Day 9: Karnali River - River Rafting
It’s the big day – after waking up, you will encounter some of the biggest, best and most adrenaline pumping whitewater rapids you will ever experience! (B, L, D)

Day 10: Karnali River - River Rafting
In the morning, you’ll hit a few more rapids before entering the section of the river where it broadens to wind through lush forests and small villages.   (B, L, D)

Day 11: Karnali River - Raft into Royal Bardia National Park
Your last day on the river provides more stunning sights with an end float trip into Tiger Tops Tented Camp in Royal Bardia National Park. Over a delicious dinner, everyone can share their favorite memories and stories of your epic seven day rafting adventure! (B, L, D)

Day 12: Karnali River - Explore Royal Bardia National Park
You will wake up early this morning to spend the entire day exploring the park. The largest park in the Terai region, Bardia covers 968 km and is composed of forest and grassland. By exploring early in the morning, you will be able to view the birds and wildlife at their most active time. You will be guided via foot, elephant back, jeep or raft for several up-close and personal wildlife encounters. The hottest part of the day will be spent relaxing at your camp, before going on an afternoon safari to seek the endangered rhino, Bengal tiger and more. (B, L, D)

Day 13: Royal Bardia - Royal Bardia & Afternoon Flight to Kathmandu
You will enjoy another early morning safari for one last chance to spot the elusive tiger or rhino by elephant back. After returning to the camp for breakfast, you will be privately transferred to Nepalgunj for a late afternoon flight to Kathmandu.  The evening is free for you to relax and enjoy dinner on your own. (B, L)

Day 14: Kathmandu - Explore Kathmandu
After a hearty breakfast at your hotel, you will begin your full-day exploration of the colorful city of Kathmandu. First, you will visit Durbar Square, a cluster of temples and palaces, some of which date back to the 12th century! This UNESCO World Heritage Site is located opposite the royal palace and is home to the Temple of the Living Goddess, where the much venerated living goddess Kumari resides. She is worshipped by both Hindus and Buddhists alike. Also, within the square is Kasthamandap, a temple rumored to be made from the timber of a single tree. It is believed that the city is named after this building, with the word Kastha meaning wood and Mandap meaning pavilion. You will then explore Swayambhunath, a 2,000-year-old Buddhist stupa located atop a hill overlooking the city. This beautiful golden and white stupa is also known as the “Monkey Temple,” for the holy monkeys residing in parts of the temple. The afternoon is free for you to do any last minute shopping or sightseeing. This evening, you will enjoy a farewell dinner with your group. (B, D)

Day 15: Kathmandu - Return Flight Home
After breakfast, you will be transferred in your private vehicle to the Kathmandu Airport to catch your flight home. (B)

What We Include

Unique Accommodations: 2 nights in Kathmandu Valley, 1 night in Nepalgunj, 1 night camping in Kaliyant, 6 nights camping on the Karnali River, 2 nights in Royal Bardia National Park, 2 nights in Kathmandu

Transportation: Full-size private luxury SUV or private vehicle with private driver, drinks and snacks included.

Meals: Breakfast (B), lunch (L), and dinner (D) as listed on itinerary

Included Activities: Welcome Dinner, Guided hikes in Nagarkot, Guided tour of Bhaktapur, Trekking to river put-in, 7 day white water rafting Karnali River, Guided tour of Royal Bardia National Park, Morning elephant ride, Morning guided tour of Kathmandu, Farewell Dinner.

Optional Activities: In each of our destinations, there are a variety of additional adventure activities and cultural experiences available to you. AAW can help you select and book any additional activities prior to or during your trip.

Private AAW Guide/Driver: Your trip will be led by a private AAW guide/driver, allowing you to travel in luxury and without stress. Your local guide/driver will be highly knowledgeable about your destination’s sights, activities, and customs, and will handle all aspects of your trip. For more information about AAW private guide/driver services, please click here.

NOT INCLUDED
• Destination airfare, baggage charges, and any airport arrival or departure taxes
• Gratuities for guides and drivers
• Cost increases due to pre-departure fluctuations in exchange rates, government fees, accommodation tariffs, or taxes
• Personal expenses, including alcohol and on-your-own-meals
• Travel insurance

Making A Reservation
If this sounds like the perfect adventure vacation for you, just contact your travel agent or Adventures Around the World directly to make a reservation.  A 25% deposit is due immediately, with the balance due 60 days before departing on your adventure.  We accept Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover, as well as checks payable to Adventures Around the World. Please review the AAW Terms and Conditions before payment, as you are bound by our Terms, Conditions, Payment and Cancellation policies once we receive your deposit.

Customize This Trip
Does this trip sound amazing but you’d like to make some changes? No problem! AAW specializes in creating customized trips and will be happy to accommodate you in every way. We can help you select additional activities and destinations within your budget to personalize your trip and create the adventure of a lifetime. Whatever your needs are - AAW can help make your dream adventure vacation a reality!

What’s Next?
Once we have received your trip deposit, one of our adventure travel professionals will provide you with pre-departure trip information and packing lists, as well as a guest information questionnaire and liability release form to be returned within 10 days. After that, we will handle all of the details as you relax and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime!

Important Policies

  • Your deposit of 25% of the total cost of your vacation is due immedetely upon booking. The balance is due 60 days prior to departure.
  • The price shown is per person NET, and does not include international air fare to/from the trip start point.
  • Prices are based on current rates of exchange, government fees, tarrifs and taxes. Any increases between quote date and start date are payable by the client.
  • We will exercise best efforts to book hotels per the itinerary, however, in busy seasons and with client bookings made within 90 days of tour date we may be forced to offer substitutes. We will endeavour to confirm final hotel bookings as soon as possible.
  • Cancellation - Cancellations 60 days or more prior to departure will be subject to a 5% cancellation fee. 60-30 days will be subject to loss of 50% of trip cost. 30-15 days will be subject to loss of 75% of trip cost. 15 days or less will be subject to 100% of program price.
  • Payment of the program price constitutes your acceptance of the Terms and Conditions set out by Adventures Around the World.