Series: Rafting Map 700 Series
Scale: 1:500,000
Item No: RF703
Features
- Comprehensive Rafting & Kayaking Map
WESTERN NEPAL – RAFTING & KAYAKING NOTES
Rafting
The lower Karnali, Bheri, Seti Karnali, Mahakali and the Babai Nacli are all fantastic rafting trips and offer a wide variety – from world class white Water on the Karnali to a relaxing flatwater float on the Babai. What they have in common are unspoilt rivers, beautiful ‘wilderness’, jungle and good wildlife. If these are the prime qualities that you are looking for in a river trip, then this is the region for you! The disadvantage of the region is that because it is remote, the rafting trips on these rivers will cost you a premium.
Kayaking
For the adventurous river runner, this is an exciting area offering some long, committing, difficult, but immensely satisfying trips. This is not the area for a first—time trip to the Himalayas — we recommend that you gain experience on other rivers in Nepal before undertaking an expedition out West. The Bheri stands out as one river that is not too difficult or committing but is still very wild.
The logistics of getting your boats and gear to the river can be expensive and need to be planned carefully. The region is quite well served for airstrips and it is well worth investigating the possibility of chartering a plane into your river. Note that the Far West is a very poor area and villages have little if any food to be purchased, so you should plan on being completely self-sufficient.
Main Rivers
Lower Karnqli
A world classic combination of big white water, scenic gorges, wilderness and wildlife. Probably ‘best of its kind’ in the Himalayas and a magnificent commercial raft trip.
Seti Kurnali
Gives an alternative start to a Lower Karnali trip for ‘softies’ – avoids all but one of the big rapids, but still includes the unspoilt jungle and abundant wildlife.
Humlq Kurnqli and the Upper Karnali
A long, challenging world classic trip for expedition kayakers.
Bheri
Less committing than most rivers in the West, not too difficult, but still with excellent scenery, fishing and wildlife. Described by some as a ‘mini-Karnali’ this is an excellent choice for a shorter raft trip or as a self-sufficient kayak trip.
Thuli Bheri
Another world class kayaking adventure that takes you from the mysterious mountain land of Dolpo down to the steamy jungles of the Terai.
Babai Nadi
A short float trip entirely within the Royal Bardia National Park – Magnificent wildlife.
MahakaIi
This river forms the boundary between India and Nepal and it is becoming popular with Indian rafting companies as a relatively easy and convenient ‘wilderness’ trip that offers a scenic and unspoilt river, beautiful camping, and good wildlife. It is known as the Kali/ Sadha in India.
Publisher’s Note
This map has been published by Himalayan MapHouse (P) Ltd., the only registered map publishing company in Nepal & a member of the International Map Trade Association (IMTA). Himalayan MapHouse produces the widest range of trekking maps in Nepal, updated to reflect the latest information regarding route changes and facilities available.
As an integral part of our Quality Assurance Program, we verify all information regarding trekking routes and trails with professional trekking guides & climbers and update our maps for accuracy and reliability. All altitudes are measured with analog & digital altimeters and the trekking times represent average times. Credit is due to the numerous trekkers who wrote/called/faxed/emailed, their suggestions for improvement.