Photo Credit: David Allardice.

This is a remote white water experience and one of the finest rafting trips of its length in the world - nearly 400 kms, most of it class 3 to 5, with only a few kilometres of porterage. In the remote 'Wild West' of Nepal this is the complete expedition experience.

The Karnali, Nepal’s mightiest river, descends through the Himalaya in a series of magnificent gorges. In traditional Nepalese fashion, dozens of porters carry our equipment to and from the river. Exceptional big volume river through tropical jungle, with deserted beaches and once in a while remote small villages.

Nepal's mightiest river, is arguably the finest multi day river trip in Nepal, and a classic Himalayan expedition. The Karnali's headwaters come off of Mount Kailas in Tibet, the center of the universe for both Buddhist and Hindu religions, then slice through the Himalayas in a series of magnificent isolated gorges and forest. This is Nepal's largest and longest river, flowing uninhibited through the least populated region of the country.

For the eight days and 180 kilometers we won't see a single sign of the modern world. It's one of the last places in Nepal that you can see old growth forest and have a real chance of seeing Nepal's wildlife. Expeditions have seen Langur and Rhesus Monkeys, leopards, bear, martins, deer, crocodiles and garials, even tigers. The river also supports some of the finest fish habitat in Nepal, with giant catfish and Golden Masheer prowling the depths.

Whitewater ranges from easy going class three, to bone crushing class five, depending on the time of year. Regardless of the month, the Karnali always offers good, powerful rapids with miles of beautiful scenery, pristine beaches and deep river gorges.

The upper sections are particularly attractive with pine forests and grand gorges cut by the blue alpine river. The starting point is a deep and pathless gorge, then as we steadily descend the valley opens out to show an arid landscape. The long high ridges of far west Nepal's middle hills are seen as we run this section. The lower third of the river is again in deep canyons - wild and sparsely populated. The final section runs through some of the finest jungle scenery in the whole of Nepal, with opportunities to see wildlife along the river banks.

Outline Itinerary

Day 1 Arrival in Kathmandu. Transfer to your hotel (Briefing at 6 p.m.)

Day 2 Sightseeing in Kathmandu then fly to west Nepal. Lodge.

Day 3 Drive and walk to the river and start rafting. Camp.

Days 4 - 11 Raft and explore the gorges of the Karnali River. Camp.

Day 12 Raft to Chisopani and fly to Kathmandu. Transfer to your hotel.

Day 13 Transfer to the international airport for your flight home.

Dates: 18 - 27 October 2007 and other dates on a budget basis

Price Indication per person:

Standard Package GBP550 - GBP650 / USD1200

GBP40 / USD60 single supplement. (see below for details of the options).

Budget Option GBP450 - GBP500 / USD850

GBP27 / USD40 single supplement. (see below for details of the options).

The base currency is the US Dollar , payment in any other currency may result in an adjustment for exchange rates.

                                                                             Email for current price in GBP

What is included - Standard
Avon Professional rafts or similar, plus the best trained guides in the world. Life jacket and helmet. A trained first aider will be part of the team. Fully supported riverside camping by our Nepalese crew, which includes all the food you’ll need and non-alcoholic drinks. Internal airfare and all other transport stated. Kathmandu hotels with breakfast only and sightseeing tour. From the time you arrive to the time you leave Nepal our guides will be there to show you the many special places we have found and make sure that your trip is a truly memorable experience.

What is included - Budget
Avon Professional rafts or similar, plus the best trained guides in the world. Life jacket and helmet. A trained first aider will be part of the team. Fully supported riverside camping by our Nepalese crew, which includes all the food you’ll need and non-alcoholic drinks. Ground transport only to the nearest place to / from the drop in / out points. Allow an extra 2 days for travelling by road and on foot to the drop in point.

What is not included
The price allows for joining in Kathmandu and includes everything stated, except; international airfare, lunch and evening meals while in Kathmandu, all food and shelter while Teahouse Trekking, personal insurance, visa fees, vaccination costs, personal clothing and equipment, all items of a personal nature and all drinks.

Airfare (from the UK)
As a guide, the international airfare should be about GBP530 to GBP650 (high season) for economy class.

Visas
A visa is required for Nepal and this will cost GBP20 / USD30.

Travel Insurance
Comprehensive personal insurance, including search and rescue is required on this trip. For UK clients we recommend the policies of the British Mountaineering Council, for their expertise in evacuation from remote areas worldwide. Details at www.thebmc.co.uk  As Insurance is always provided by a company based in your home country, we are unable to suggest suitable insurance companies unless you reside in the UK.