An outfit in Nepal is out to help save the Karnali River while racing on it for five days, in what’s being billed as the longest raft race in the world, at a whopping 248 km.
“The Great Karnali Quest raft race is officially on to help save the Karnali River, billed as the most pristine and last free flowing river in Nepal,” say organizers. “The river is under threat, with the government of Nepal giving the licenses for three dams on the main stem of the Karnali. But they have not started the construction yet and we need to act on this asap and give our best to save this gift of the Mother Earth.”
At stake is a vital river ecosystem. “Once these three dams go ahead then there will be irreparable losses in terms of flora and fauna and aquatic biodiversity, social and cultural losses will be so huge. This world-class river for rafting and kayaking will be gone forever.”
Organizers maintain the dams will affect such endangered species as Golden Masher fish, the freshwater Dolphin, and Ghadiyal crocodile, with such wildlife as the Royal Bengal Tiger, Wild Elephant and Rhino also affected. It will also degrade Bardia National Park, which is known for being the best tiger sighting national park in the world.
To bring the world’s attention and awareness to the river communities, politicians and policymakers of Nepal, they are organizing the Great Karnali Quest, 248-km raft race from November 23 to 28, 2023, on the Karnali. Beforehand will be two days of a Karnali Conservation Seminar and River Celebration, with Dharma Gurus from different faiths performing river rituals and more. Scientists will also present papers to help create a meaningful dialogue with fact-based evidence to help to make the decision on the fate of Karnali.
The race will start Nov. 24 and finish Nov. 28 by Birdia National Park, featuring Class II-IV rapids. it will be a self-contained expedition-style format down river stage race with R6 plus one safety kayaker on each team, using 16′ rafts carrying camping and food supplies. “This looks like it will be the longest raft race in the world; we hope to get registered in the Guinness book of World Record,” say organizers. “We are getting good interest from different countries’ teams and are inviting world rafting communities to all participate.”
Online registration and more information can be found at www.thegreatkarnaliquest.com.
You can find the Itinerary HERE
For more info click HERE
You can also contact Megha Rivers on email: megharivers@gmail.com