After two days of slogging through the steamy Nepali lowlands, you'll be more than ready to start your trip down the wild and remote Karnali River in western Nepal. This river is so far off the beaten path that you'll feel like you're doing a first descent as you push off into the river's cold waters and begin the 102-mile journey down the river. With Class IV and V rapids to contend with, this one isn't recommended for novices, but if it's wilderness paddling you crave, nothing else in Nepal quite compares. Although you'll spend six days on the river, add another four to five days for getting to and from the river. Hey, any true adventure always begins with time to anticipate (and dread) what lies ahead.

Trip Facts
Difficulty rating: Hardcore
When to go: Fall and winter