Karnali Road Trip

This day marks the beginning of your journey. Our private tourist vehicle will pick you up from your hotel in the morning and drive you to Lumbini. The journey takes approximately 7-8 hours on the highway, offering scenic views of river basins along the way. As we travel through the East-west highway, you'll pass through wild forests, tiny villages, local markets, and tropical Terai forests, immersing yourself in the diverse landscapes of Nepal. Finally, we arrive at the holy site of Lumbini, the birthplace of Gautam Buddha. Upon arrival, we check into a hotel and refresh ourselves. In the evening, we visit the Maya Devi Temple for worship, allowing us to connect with our religious and spiritual selves. We offer prayers for peace and prosperity, drawing inspiration from the land of Gautam Buddha. We then retire for the night at the hotel, ready to continue our journey the next day.

This day, after breakfast, we embark on a scenic drive towards Surkhet-Birendranagar, the headquarters of Karnali Province. Covering a distance of 317 kilometers, the journey typically takes around 7 hours. The East-West highway leads us through diverse landscapes, including the districts of Dang, Banke, and Bardia, home to Banke and Bardia National Parks. Upon crossing Kohalpur, the road gradually ascends uphill towards Surkhet, meandering through lush forests and picturesque hillside areas. We arrive in Surkhet by evening and settle in for the night, ready to explore more of Karnali Province the following day.

After enjoying breakfast, we embark on a scenic drive to Kalikot via the historical town of Dailekh. Covering a distance of 186 kilometers, the journey takes approximately 6-7 hours along narrow, winding hillside roads passing through Surkhet, Gurase, and Dailekh. Along the way, we'll have the opportunity to explore the old bazaar of Dailekh, a district steeped in history and archaeological significance, revealing its connection to the ancient Khasa (Malla) kingdom of Nepal.

The drive promises adventure and intrigue as we traverse through hillside terrain, pass by local villages, navigate rocky hills, and follow the Karnali River. Finally, we arrive at Manma where we'll spend the night at a hotel, ready to continue our exploration of this fascinating region the next day.

After breakfast, we embark on a local visit to Manma Bazar before driving to Khalanga Bazar (2533m), a journey that takes approximately 3.5 hours covering a distance of 81 kilometers. Jumla, historically part of the Khasa kingdom during the 11th to 13th century, later became one of the 22 principalities of the Karnali-Bheri region after the collapse of the Khasa Kingdom.

Chandannath Temple, dedicated to Dattatraya, is a prominent religious site located in Jumla. It is revered as one of the most famous temples in the mid-western hills, symbolizing the trinity form of Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. Access to Jumla is facilitated by regular flights from Nepalgunj.

Following our visit to the mountain valley of Jumla, we head towards Sinja valley. it takes 3 hours for 70km.  an ancient capital city of the Khasa Kingdom and a place of historical significance. This valley is revered as the birthplace of the Nepali language and holds remnants of palaces, temples, and settlements dating back to the 12th to 14th centuries. The Sinja Valley has been subject to excavations led by the Department of Archaeology at Cambridge University, uncovering significant archaeological findings. It is here that the earliest examples of the Devanagari script from the 13th century were discovered, etched on cliffs and in nearby Dullu.

After breakfast, we set off on a scenic drive to Mugu, home to the captivating Rara National Park and its crown jewel, Rara Lake, renowned as one of Nepal's most beautiful and pristine lakes. Upon arrival, the tranquil ambiance and breathtaking natural beauty of Rara Lake envelop us, providing a profound sense of inner peace as we leisurely explore the area by foot, soaking in the serene surroundings.

For accommodation, we have the option to stay in a cozy tea house nestled along the banks of the lake or set up camping tents amidst the picturesque scenery. Whether opting for the comfort of a tea house or the adventurous charm of camping, spending the night by the tranquil shores of Rara Lake promises an unforgettable experience, allowing us to connect deeply with nature and rejuvenate our spirits amidst the awe-inspiring beauty of this natural gem.

Early in the morning, after enjoying breakfast, we embark on a delightful hike to Rara Lake, a journey that takes approximately 2 hours. The trail winds its way through the serene pine forest of Rara National Park, offering glimpses of the park's natural beauty along the way. After our invigorating hike, we arrive at the pristine shores of Rara Lake, where we are greeted by the breathtaking scenery surrounding us.

Upon reaching Rara Lake, we take some time to soak in the mesmerizing views before heading to our lodge for check-in. After settling in, we indulge in a delicious lunch and spend the afternoon immersing ourselves in the serene ambiance of Rara Lake and its surroundings. One of the highlights of the day is experiencing the magical waves of Rara Lake, particularly enchanting after 3 PM.

As the day comes to a close, we enjoy a hearty dinner at our lodge and settle in for a peaceful overnight stay, surrounded by the tranquil beauty of Rara Lake and its surroundings.

After breakfast, embark on the return journey to Kalikot from Limi Valley. The initial part of the journey involves navigating a dirt track until reaching Nagma. From there, the route transitions to a narrow, winding paved road leading to Kalikot. Upon arrival in Kalikot, check into a hotel for the night and rest.

After breakfast, continue the journey towards Bardia National Park for an immersive experience with tropical wildlife and Tharu culture. Upon arrival, engage in various wildlife activities such as jungle safaris, birdwatching, and elephant rides to explore the rich biodiversity of the park. Additionally, immerse yourself in the vibrant Tharu culture by visiting Tharu villages, experiencing traditional dance performances, and indulging in local cuisine. Spend the night at a resort within the park, surrounded by the sounds of the jungle.

Embark on a day of adventure and cultural immersion in Bardia National Park. Begin with an early morning jungle safari, seeking out elusive wildlife like Bengal tigers and one-horned rhinoceroses. Visit a nearby Tharu village to experience traditional culture and witness demonstrations of local crafts. After a riverside lunch, continue your wildlife exploration with an elephant or jeep safari, followed by birdwatching and a nature walk. In the evening, enjoy a cultural program featuring Tharu dance performances before retiring to your lodge for dinner and a peaceful night's rest, surrounded by the sounds of the jungle.

Early in the morning, depart from Bardia National Park and drive to Nepalgunj. Upon arrival, you have two options to reach Kathmandu:

Flight to Kathmandu (40 minutes): Take a domestic flight from Nepalgunj Airport to Kathmandu. This option offers a quick and convenient way to reach the capital, saving time and avoiding a long road journey.

Continue by Road to Kathmandu (12-13 hours): Alternatively, if you prefer the scenic route, continue the journey to Kathmandu by road. This option allows you to soak in the diverse landscapes of Nepal but requires a longer travel time.

Choose the option that best suits your preferences and schedule, whether it's the efficiency of a flight or the adventure of a road trip.

As your 12-day Karnali road trip comes to an end, we extend our heartfelt gratitude for choosing Nepal as your destination and for exploring the wonders of the Karnali province. It has been a pleasure to accompany you on this journey, filled with adventure, cultural immersion, and natural beauty.

As you prepare to depart, one of our airport representatives will accompany you to the International Airport for your flight back home. We bid you farewell with warm wishes, hoping that your memories of Nepal will be cherished for years to come. We eagerly await the opportunity to welcome you back to this enchanting land in the future.

Safe travels, and may your journey home be as enriching as your time spent in Nepal. Until we meet again, Namaste!