Karnali River
16 Jul 2006 Leave a Comment
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KarnaliRiver
General Information on Karnali River
Grade For Autumn Spring Spring
Sep – Dec III to V Feb to May III to IV
Possible operation: Round the year
Departure: Fix and on request
Rafting days: 10 days (Kathmandu to Kathmandu)
Entrance by: 19 hours bus ride from Kathmandu led you to Surkhet
Put-in point: Sauli
Put-out point: Chisapani
River distance: 180 km.
Possible optional trip to: Bardia National Park for an excellent safari trip or drive back to Kathmandu.
Numbers of pax require: Minimum 6 persons
Map Of Karnali River
One of the finest big volume rafting and kayaking trips in Nepal-spectacular, remote, jungle-clad canyons, Big white and abundant wildlife. The Karnali is Nepal’s longest and largest river and with its tributaries it drains most of the far west of Nepal-the ‘wild west’ as many people call it, rising in the vicinity of Tibet’s holy Mount Kailash and glacier of Kanziroba Himal,
other small peaks, as well as Rara lake rapid encountered on this river is 1 to 5 class. This bottom section of the river definitely lives up to that name-the area that it flows through is wild and relatively unpopulated with some of the most pristine jungle scenery in Nepal abundant wildlife.
From the frontier town of Surkhet there is an unique and lovely two-day trek through lowland Sal forest to the village of Saul in the seldom seen area of far West Nepal. From Sauli it’s 180 km to the nest road access at Chisopani, on the northern border of the Royal Bardia National Park. The river section takes about seven days, giving plenty of time to explore some of the side canyons and waterfalls, which comes in to the river valley. For 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.
The rapids are also pretty wild, with the river building to its climax in these lower canyons shortly after the sharp bend in the river ‘the elbow’ by the Lohore Khola, the valley narrows into a series of canyons, the river speeds up, and there are big rapids, one leading into another, almost continuously down to the Seti river from the ‘Elbow’ down to the Seti the gradient is 3m/km (15ft a mile), but after here, the gradient eases, as the river winds through some magnificent un-spoilt scenery, eventually emerging onto the plains and flowing through the Royal Bardia National Park to join the Ganges. Finally leaving you close to Bardia National Park, where you can combine your rafting adventure with a safari trip and maybe spot some of the park’s one-horned rhinos and elusive tigers or you can either drive back or fly back to Kathmandu.
Go on this trip if you want a true expedition style adventure and a totally classic river journey.
Itinerary for Karnali True Expedition – Peacock River
A unique river passing through the two greenery hills usually explored by beginner and intermediate kayak learners and rafters. It has impressive gorges exciting rapids on its small volume white water.
Day 1 : We travel to the far west and arrive in Surkhet very late/early hours of the next morning, You are able to have a sleep here.
Day 2 : After breakfast, we will take a truck as far as the road goes until about lunch time [this all depends on availability be flexible]. After lunch we walk all afternoon to the put-in point at Sauli. A great walk which high lights just how “out there” you really are. You pass local villages and spectacular scenery, and then you hit the river.
Day 3 : After having heavy breakfast at 8:00 a.m. we get ready for wild ride. This section of the River is terribly wild. Continues rapid makes rafter forget to breathe. Lunch will be served en-route and camping at 03:00 p.m. in First Inquiry.
Day 4 : This is the type of day that people imagine when they think of Himalayan water. It is big and continuous. We enter into the Jungle Corridor. This is a narrowing jungle clad gorge and it is all ours. The team building is put into full practice and when your guide shouts “all forward ” he really means it. Enjoy the ride all day and camp in this sensational setting at God-house.
Day 5 : More of the same including the notorious GOD’S house rapid. Camp at the Seti Dovan and relax.
Day 6 : It isn’t over yet! Keep paddling hard! You really are experiencing the best of the west on yet another day of great action and breath taking scenery and camping at Jamuna village
Day 7 : This is a holiday after all so we have programmed a rest day so you can take time to enjoy your surroundings and relax on a great sandy beach.
Day 8 – 9 : We see the rapids dying off as we come out of the gorge. We pass the confluence with the Seti River where the river broadens. Today, the next day and a half are a chance to enjoy your journey admiring the country and villages you pass. You will have seen the safety kayakers in action and will no doubt be inspired, so ask the guides for some supervised instruction, or take over the raft and learn about the river. You see there is more to a rafting expedition than just rafting.
Day 10 : This is the final day of river. We end this trip in the early afternoon at Chisopani
Bridge & lunch is served there. You will catch night bus at about 1530hrs to get back to Kathmandu or you can enjoy in Bardia National Park, which is famous for bird watching.
Bardiya National Park
16 Jul 2006 1 Comment
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The Royal Bardia National Park is situated on the eastern banks of the Karnali River, about 400-km west of Kathmandu. The park is 968 sq. km in area and extends from the Churia hills southward to the gentle slopes of the ‘Bhabhar’. The western end of the Bardia is bounded by numerous waterways of the Karnali River, which have created many large and small gravel islands. A mosaic of grassland and forest of Acacia, Sisam and the large Buttrersed silk cotton trees cover these islands and much to the lower ground.
Bardia is the home of a wide variety of animals, many of which live in and around the National Park. Spotted deer, Black buck, Hog deer, Samber deer, Wild boar, Swamp deer, two species of Monkeys, Wild elephants, Crocodile, Dolphin and Blue bull are found here. More than 350 species of birds have been recorded in Bardia, truly a bird+ watcher’s paradise. Getting There:
Via Land: Direct bus from different parts of the country.
Via River: Rafting on the Karnali River.
Via Air: Daily flights from Kathmandu to Nepaljung (1 hr) and jeep transfer from the Airport.
airport to the hotel (2.5 hrs)
Programs:
4 Days/ 3 Nights standard Package
Day 01:
Arrival. Relax in our Tharu bar or the beautiful garden.
Pm: Discover Tharu life and culture through our Tharu village/ Culture tour.Day 02:
Whole day walking safari to view Genetic Dolphins – Swimming possible.Day 03:
Exploration of Tiger Territory by foot. Pm: Elephant back safari or Jeep safarDay 04:
Very early morning bird watching. Followed by a chance to relax or explore the surrounding villages alone. Pm: Depart after Lunch.5 days/ 4 Nights Extended PackageDay 04:
Whole day walking safari to cover Baghurphanta watching tower and grasslands.Day 05:Very early morning bird watching in Community Forest. Followed by a chance to relax or explore the surrounding villages on your own. Pm: Depart after Lunch.
What to bringTo help you obtain the most from your visit we suggest you bring: – Walking shoes, rubber sandals, modest swim wear, sun hat, sun lotion, insect repellent, personal medicines, torch, binoculars, extra video batteries (there is no electricity in Bardia) and camera films.
Tariff: 1st Night USD $ 90.00
2nd Night USD $ 125.00
3rd Night USD $ 170.00
Cost includes all Jungle activities, accommodation, all meals etc. Cost does not include Air Fare /Park Entrance fee /Supplement charge /Bar bill /Tips and Personal expenses.
KHAPTAD
15 Jul 2006 Leave a Comment
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KHAPTAD
KHAPTAD NATIONAL PARK
Khaptad is Nepal’s newest national park, receiving its designation only in 1985. It consists of 225 sq. km of forest and grassland, and lies on a plateau where the districts of Bhajhang, Bajura, Doti and Achham meet. The forest comprise a mixture of tall fir, yew, rhododendron and oak along with dense stands of bamboo and numerous shrubs, and represents one of the last remaining such areas in the lower Himalaya. The vegetation provides a natural habitat for healthy population of wildlife, including the musk and barking deer, bears various birds including the impedance pleasant. One flower. Known as Bheeg and resembling a white rose, grows in several parts of the park. It is said to be so poisonous that single sniff from close up can be lethal !
Khaptad Swami among Nepalis, Khaptad is best known as a holy site and is closely associated with a widely revert ascetic who lived here for Mandu years and who was known simply as the ‘Khaptad Swami’. The origins and background of Khaptad Swami, who died in 1996 at the grand old reported age of 110, are shrouded in mystery. Some speculate that he was a doctor from India who renounced his worldly life in favor of a purely spiritual existence in a remote part if the holy Himalaya. In any event, he never divulged either his name or anything of his own life to anyone-including to King Birendra who went to consult him several occasions. He was undoubtedly a good, learned and widely read man who also had a good command of English. He lived in a cave on the eastern side of the park to where pilgrims traveled from far and wide to see him and receive his counsel and blessings. It is said that Khaptad Swami was instrumental in persuading the King to give National Park status to Khaptad. About 1 km from the Swami’s cave is the small Bhagawan Shanker Mandir with a Dharmalala. Nearby is the small pond, or Pokhari, whose water is said to be lethally contaminated by the Bheeg and other toxic flowers growing around it. Symptoms of poisoning are believed to begin with joint pain, lethargy, nausea and vomiting. Some people carry lemons and chills with them as an antidote when walking through the area, through it is interesting to remember that strings of lemons and chills are also widely used elsewhere to ward off evil sprits. Fencing now surrounds the pond. The Khaptad Mela [Festival] takes place in September / October and attracts several thousand pilgrims from throughout Nepal for whom this pilgrimage is believed to be especially meritorious. Celebrations include the pouring of milk over the Linga of the Bhagawan Shanker Mandir and, reminiscent of Diwalii, the lighting of ghee lamps at night. Visiting Khaptad very few westerners ever visit Khaptad. The best time to visit is from April to September. The monsoon is relatively weak in West Nepal. At other times, snow makes travel to and through most areas impractical.
Program
Day 01 Arrival at Kathmandu Tribhuvan Intl. Airport and transfer to hotel. Rest of the day free.
Day 02 Breakfast Kathmandu city sightseeing Lunch Continue sightseeing Dinner and night halt at hotel
Day 03 Breakfast Transfer to domestic airport. fly over the Mahendra Nagar, Lunch Walk along a clear trail to the park at Jhigrana [4 hrs] Night stop at Jhigrana, Dinner [Dal-bhat-tarkari tipical Nepali's foods supply by our staffs]
Day 04 Breakfast Trek start from Jhigrana to village Chorpani [3 hrs] Lunch,Trek to Chorpani to Khaptad National Park back to Chorpani and over night at camp.
Day 05 National Park Program end Back to Jhigrana about 7 hour’s trek Night stop at Jhigarana
Day 06 Break fast Walk 3 hrs from Jhigrana to Mahendranagar airport Fly back to Kathmandu Overnight at hotel
Day 07 Breakfast and transfer to Intl Airport to next destination.
Trekking in Khaptad Region
Farwest Nepal is an especially exciting place for a naturalist and tourist to visit be-cause of its great variety of rare and unusual plant and animal life. For a va-riety of reasons, this is where there is an es-pecially rich mixture of jungle, foothills and high country fauna and flora. Kha- p-tad National Park, located in Far West Nepal, is defined largely by the KHAPTAD PLATEAU, standing at an elevation of about 3,000 meters. The Khaptad Plateau is charac-terized by extensive grasslands (musk deer habitat) surrounded by densely forested ridges (tiger habitat). Out of the thirty-five dif-ferent types of forest communities recognized in Nepal, sixteen occur in the Khaptad region. Rare species of medicinal plants and oaks, like Quercus leucotricephala and Quer-cus floribund, are found here. The rare bird, called the Black Chinned Yhina, is known only in Khaptad National Park. Over 260 species of birds, Common Langur, Himalayan Black Beer, Musk Deer, Barking Deer, Yellow Throated Marten, Ghoral, Leopard, Wild Dog, Wild Boar, and occasionally a Snow Leopard are reported in this park.
With its spectacular topographic setting, dense alpine forests and rich plant and animal life, Khaptad National Park is one of Earth’s hid-den treasures. Yet, few people have visited this region of rich natu-ral and cultural history. Khaptad is also an ancient center for culture and religion. It is thought that the Aryan horsemen, who entered Nepal through Man- asa-rovar and Kailas, settled here.
The dense forest cover makes deci-phering the ancient history of this region a challenge. For the Nepal-ese, the religious significance of Khaptad was greatly enhanced about a half century ago when the Great Scholar Khaptad Swami chose Khaptad for his meditation. Today in the Khaptad region, Nepalese people accept the primitive realities of the Himalayan topographic set-ting and their rigorous daily life with a grace that others may scarcely understand. We invite you to join us in a unique ad-venture, enjoyed by only a very few, exploring hidden treasure in the remote and serene place known as Khaptad in Far Western Nepal.
Detailed:
Day 01 to 03: Arrive Kathmandu (1311m). Day 04: Fly to Nepalgunj (198m) with morning flight, arrive there at 10:00 AM, drive to Karnali River which is the longest river in Nepal, jungle lunch by Karnali River side and drive to Bhudhi Tola after lunch. Day 05: Drive to Gopghat, Doti (628m) then cross the Seti River on suspension bridge and camp on the other side of river. Day 06: Hike to Dehimandu (1848m). Dehimandu is the most scenic place with good campground. It’s a wide hill saddle to the north side Sai Pal view and the south side Seti River Valley. Day 07: Hike to Mattepani (2253m). This hike is also along the hill saddle with photogenic views of countryside. On the hike one can see the colorful people, old villages and different cultural shocks. Day 08: Hike to Bitchpani (2988m), this hike is all along the up hill saddle with beautiful view of Seti River Valley. Day 09: Hike to Khaptad (3110m). Camp at Ghoda Dauna with beautiful views of Sai Pal Himalayan Range. As described earlier Khaptad plateau is heavenly place; there is lot to explore. Day 10: Explore Khaptad. Day 11: Hike to Buki Daha. Hike continues in the core of Khaptad plateau. One can see many rare fauna and flora on the hike. Day 12: Hike down to Sajhghat (1676m). Day 13: Drive to Nepalgunj and same day fly to Kathmandu. Day 14: Sightseeing and shopping in Kathmandu. Day 15 to 16: Fly back home.
Land costs:
US$ 1650 per person for the group of 5 to 8 Members
US$ 1450 per person for the group of 9 to 15 Members
Best time for the trip:
September 15 to November 15
March 15 to June 15
The Khaptad and Ramaroshan
overs the unique eco system of Nepal’s mid-Himalayan far Western region, a 446 km. flight from Kathmandu. The core of this area is at a height of around 3000 m. and is located at the junction of the Bajhang, Bajura, Doti and Achham Districts of the Seti zone. The upland is rolling plateau and grassland intermixed with oak and coniferous forests. Khaptad National Park is a great area for trekking. There is a huge variety of vegetation ranging from sub-tropical forest in the lower altitudes to temperate forests on the Khaptad plateau. The fauna is equally interesting and diversified.
Ramaroshan: The area of Ramaroshan consists of 12 lakes and 18 breathtakingly lustrous green pastures, locally known as Patans.To the North there is an unbroken series of sedimentary rock faces where the local people harvest honey from sheer 100 m high cliffs. Ramaroshan commands a spectacular view of the Budhiganga basin along with the majestic peaks of Mt. Api, Saipal, Malika.
Max. altitude: 3200
Grade: B+
Minimum group size: 4
Departures: October to May
Itinerary:
Day 01
Arrival / transfer hotel / tour briefing /introductory evening meal
Day 02
A full days sightseeing within the Kathmandu valley
Day 03
Kathmandu / Nepalganja by air, overnight hotel.
Day 04
Nepalganja / Dipayal by air stay Silgadhi
Day 05
Silgahi / Kalikasthan
Day 06
Kalikasthan / Dauda
Day 07
Dauda / Khaptad National Park
Day 08
Khaptad Camp explore /side treks
Day 09
Khaptad Camp explore /side treks
Day 10
Explore Ramaroshan Park
Day 11
Explore Ramaroshan Park
Day 12
Ramaroshan / Chauka / Patal
Day 13
Chauka/ Patal / Santada
Day 14
Santada / Jayagadh
Day 15
Jayagadh / Sanfebagar
Day 16
Sanfebagar / Nepalganja /Flight Kathmandu
Day 17
Kathmandu at leisure
Day 18
Transfer Airport / Departure for onward destination
