Rafting on Kali Gandaki River

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Experience Nepal’s rivers with the experts who make every trip unforgettable.

River: Kali Gandaki

Activity: Rafting

Duration: 3 Days

Class: Ill — IV+

Price: $210

Season: Feb-June Sep-Dec

Named after Goddess Kali and nicknamed “The Holy River,” the Kali Gandaki rises in Mustang, an enclave of Nepal on the northern side of the Himalayas. As it tumbles down between the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna ranges, it creates one of the world’s deepest river canyons.

Once an ancient trading route to Tibet, it is now a popular trekking trail. The Kali Gandaki is a terrific medium-length river journey, combining great whitewater with some of the prettiest scenery in Nepal, seldom-visited villages, and truly quiet and introspective evenings. Both experienced and novice rafters will love it. The rapids on the Kali Gandaki are much more technical and continuous than on the Trishuli (Class III–IV depending on the flow) and in extremely high water, it is not a place to be unless you are an accomplished rafter and have experience in avoiding big holes. At medium and low flow, it is a fun and challenging river with rapids keeping you busy on all but one day. Being one of the holiest rivers in Nepal, every river junction on the Kali Gandaki is dotted with cremation sites and above ground burial mounds. If you’ve been wondering what’s under that pile of rocks, we recommend that you don’t go exploring it.

✔  Shorts/half pants

✔  T-shirts

✔  Sport sandals or comfortable shoes that can get wet and will stay on your feet

✔  Quick dry long shirts

✔  Swimwear

✔  Track pants / comfortable long pants

✔  Warm fleece

✔  Jacket (waterproof shell)

✔  Socks

✔ Comfortable Shoes for trekking and rafting (Tamur River)

✔  Warm hat (in cold months) and sunglass

✔  Travel towel

✔  Toiletries/Sunscreen/sunscreen lip protection

✔  Mosquito repellant

✔  Water bottle

✔  Head lamp / flash light

✔  Personal first aid kit

✔  Sleeping bag (if you do not have one – we will provide a complimentary rental)

✔  A little cash for treats

Should I tip my guide and other river crew?

Tipping is certainly appreciated by the guides and other river crew, who work hard to make sure you have fun and a safe trip. If you feel your guide has done a good job keeping you entertained, safely looked after and has shared the wonderful river environment with you, then feel free to show your appreciation.

The total number of people on the team varies with the duration of the trip and how many guests there will be. The team will always include the expedition leader and the main river guide, under whose supervision there is a team of additional river guides and a minimum of two safety kayakers. All of our team members are river professionals who have the required certification for commercial river descents. The river crew prepares the camp logistics, including meals, but the clients are encouraged to join in.

A minimum of 4 people are required to make the trip operational. Each raft must be at least 6 people and 1 guide, however we can add up to 8 people depending on the river.

If you are just learning to raft, start off with a Class II or III (or an easy Class IV) rafting trip. If you are really nervous about being part of a paddle boat, an alternative is to ride along on an oar boat, which we can offer on different rivers. Many rafters who are confident in the water, healthy, and feel adventurous, drop right into a Class IV river without any prior experience. Our guides will make sure you are trained in safety and proper paddle techniques. For Class V rivers, you must have prior class IV experience.

Yes! We provide private transportation to and from the river for each rafting trip and this is included in the cost of the trip. However, if you would prefer a flight, this can be arranged for an additional cost.

Typically you will have approximately 4-5 hours of actual river journey each day. The rest of the time is spent on setting up the campsite, preparing logistics, etc. This can be a good time for personal exploration and interaction with the natural surroundings or fellow travellers.

We don’t recommend bringing video cameras, or even expensive still cameras, on trips. If you do choose to bring a more expensive camera, or any camera really, we suggest that you protect it with a waterproof case; many are available which fit different shapes and sizes of cameras. Oftentimes, our river trips also have a professional photographer, whose photos you can view and order after the trip.

The meals will include both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options which are hygienically prepared by our team members everyday. Sometimes, local delicacies are served as well. You are also welcome to bring your own nonperishable foods/snacks and any alcoholic beverages you would like to enjoy at the campsite in the evening.

Trip Details

Meet Time/Place:

  • 6:30 Am UD sales office, Pokhara

Departure Time:

  • 06:30 am from Pokhara Office

Starting point:

  • Nayapul, Baglung

Take out point:

  • Mirmi

Rafting distance:

  • 75km

River grade:

  • III- (-IV)

Time on water:

  • 5-6 Hours each Day

Bus ride to the put in point:

  • 3 Hrs

Bus return Journey:

  • 6 Hrs

Age restriction:

  • 15 – 70 years old

Meals:

  • Full Board

Seasons:

  • Spring: Feb – May
    Fall: Mid Sept till Dec

Basic Rules

What's Included

  • Transportation to the put-in point and back from the put-out point
  • Lunch
  • Internationally certified rafting guides and safety kayakers
  • State-of-the-art rafting equipment and safety gear (including dry bags, helmets, life vests, etc.)
  • River permits

What's Not Included

  • Personal insurance
  • Emergency evacuation
  • Clothing and footwear
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Any expenses/items of personal nature
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