- Cultural Treks & Expedition
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The Holy River, Annapurna white water of the west
Kali Gandaki is a sacred river named after Kali, a Hindu goddess. Starting from Mustang glacier, this becoming river flows down to Muktinath between Dhaulagiri & Annapurna Mountains. It has Nepal’s most challenging river runs making it the largest untapped whitewater potential in the world. There are many cremation sites and burial mounds on its river bank.
Kali Gandaki Expedition is a sheer delightful invitation to all rafters from novice to the most intrepid of adventurers. This rafting trip begins from put-in site at Nayapul and concludes at Ramdi Ghat with a drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu or a flight from Pokhara to Kathmandu. The river trip takes us to steep canyon overhung with verdant foliage and punctuated by small waterfalls and side streams in counterpoint to rapids providing class III to IV+ runs. As we descend through verdant rainforests, we witness unique wildlife, amazing ethno-cultural heritages, fascinating village settlements and picturesque landscape. In a nutshell, this river trip not only quenches our thirst for adventure but also bonds us with nature and equally makes us culture-sensitive.
Trip Facts
Trip length: 3/4 Days
Grade: Class III - IV+
Starts in: Kathmandu
Ends in: Kathmandu
Total River Distance: 110 kms.
Day 01: Drive to the rafting put-in-point at Baglung, throughout the drive we have wonderful views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri peaks as well as the sacred Fishtail Mountain. Upon arrival we unload gear. We serve lunch and our professional guides will give you a full safety briefing. After briefing it is straight in the grade 4 rapid Little brother followed quickly by Big Brother. If you have any doubts you have no time to think about them now! It is grade 4 to 4+ all the way! The scenery is impressive with blue green water, high sided lush green valleys and amphitheatres of golden sandstone cliffs with eagles riding the updrafts. On the left, pass a fascinating temple and Ghat at the river1s confluence with the Modi Khola. Tonight we camp at one of nature’s five star sites with mind blowing views and dancing waterfalls.
Day 02: Today is continuous grade 3 to 4 world-class white water with rapids like Rafter’s Refund and our Breaker. Wave trains and holes abound early so watch out if you don’t want to flip! Adrenalin junkies hold on tight but don’t forget to keep glancing back upstream to catch views of the amazing Annapurna’s. Once camped, the village of Seti Beni is just a short walk upstream and guarantees to delight with its stone flagged lanes and curious youngsters skylarking.
Day 03: As we continue downstream, the river cliffs narrow eerily above us and we enter a somber canyon glistening with wet black rocks. You experience what can only be seen from the water, so drink it all in as we drift towards our take out point. After lunch we take the four hour drive back to Pokhara.
Day 01: Flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara: We board a flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara. During the flight, we can savor the most outstanding views of majestic Himalayan peaks. After arriving in Pokhara, we are escorted to our hotel.
Day 02: Drive to Nayapul & Overnight camping at river side: After in taking delicious breakfast, we take an early morning 3 hours drive to Nayapul. Completely outfitted with apt rafting equipments and internalizing a thorough safety briefing, we begin our rafting journey from Nayapul. As we maneuver along the deepest gorge of the world, we navigate with our professional river guide a bumpy section of Class III rapids amidst a natural showcase of deep-wooded canyons, warm waters, sparkling side creeks and spectacular glimpses of wildlife. As we approach Modi Dovan, we rest the trip to a halt for camping. We embrace the most pleasurable moments while camping under an open sky of sparkling stars with a camp fire lulls us to sleep as we dream of the second day on the Gorge section.
Day 03: Raft up to Mirmi Ghat: The trip further proceeds towards Mirmi Ghat. Paddling along the majestic waves and rapids, we raft past surreal vistas of snow-capped peaks, lush forests, unique bird life and exotic animal species. Finally, the trip ends with our arrangement for overnight camping by the riverside.
Day 04: Raft up to Ramdi Ghat & drive of flight from Pokhara to Kathmandu: On this day, we resume our rafting journey along the challenging and demanding river. Basking in the grandeur of nature, we cross boulder-strewn whitewaters followed by calm pools, interspersed with frothing pulse-quickening rapid. Eventually, after rafting for two hours, we drive to Pokhara from where we either drive back to Kathmandu of fly back to Kathmandu.
