The short answer
Yes. The Karnali, Nepal's longest river, and the Bheri flow through remote west Nepal and can be rafted all the way to the Bardia area, so a rafting trip becomes the approach to a jungle safari. Rapids range from Class III to V on the Karnali, with names such as Elbow, and the surroundings are gorges, empty beaches and forests.
The Karnali rises near Kailash in Tibet, so the water can rise fast after storms upstream. Trips usually start with a long drive from Surkhet or Nepalgunj. The Bheri is a milder option that can be combined with the Karnali. Plan extra days for the long distances and check that your operator has experience in the far west.
Key facts
- Rivers
- Karnali, Bheri
- Grade
- Class III to V
- End
- Bardia National Park area
- Plan
- Extra days for the far west
How it works
- Reach the far westFly to Nepalgunj or Dhangadhi.
- Drive to the put-inA long drive.
- Raft and campRemote beach camps.
- Finish at BardiaSafari after the river.
Insider tip
Combine the river with a Bardia tiger-tracking stay.
Avoid this
Do not book this without checking operator experience in the far west.
Related questions
Is the Karnali dangerous?
It is a big river; use an expert operator.
When to go?
After the monsoon, when water drops.
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