The Kali Gandaki bears its name form the goddess Kali and is aptly named “The Holy River”. Kali is considered as the Divine Mother and at times can be destructive; she represents the natural forces of the lunar and solar currents and symbolizes a fear of death in the Hindu People. Though you need not fear death while paddling the Kali Gandaki, you will experience some wild and adrenaline pumping rapids that are going to make your heart race. Also along the course of this river you will notice small rock mounds and cremation sites, as bearing the name of Kali, the river is an auspicious place to be cremated.

The River itself, tumbles down to the plains through Dhaulagiri and Annapurna ranges, carving through one of the deepest Canyons in the world. Along the rivers course, you will find cascading warm water waterfalls which are great for playing in.

If you have the time, this river trip is one of the must do things in Nepal, giving you an awesome taste of white water thrills, Nepal’s nature and culture at its best, as well as allowing you the chance to relax and get to know your rafting team around the evening fire on the pristine sandy white beaches that dot the Rivers banks...

RAFTING
The Kaligandaki is one of Nepal’s finest and most fun medium length Rivers, merging brilliant white water action with some of  Nepal’s finest scenery and traditional villages. It runs with clear blue water and offers breathtaking mountain views. The rapids on this trip are world class and straight at you from day one. The Kali, is a fantastic good fun river and close to Pokhara which makes it as great trip for anyone, from first timers to experienced rafters.

KAYAKING
This is a friendly river for intermediates kayakers and a super fun play river for the experienced kayaker who will feel completely at home exhausting themselves play boating in the many holes and surf waves that abound in the river.

RIVER TRIP DETAILS
Departing from – Pokhara, Minimum group 6 people, Rafting from – Beni to Seti Beni.

Rafting Days -3, River distance 60km, River Class 4-/4+ Season –Oct to Dec, March to April

RIVER ITINERARY
DAY 01: Our journey begins early in the morning from lakeside Pokhara, we grab some fresh bakery goods for the journey and board the bus with our rafting team. The bus journey takes us out the north side of Pokhara and up into the lower foothills before dropping down to the Kaligandaki River valley. We will get some great mountain views along the way. After a brief stop for refreshments (and so the guides can eat Dhal Baht!), we head to the river side just below the trekking hub of Beni. From here our guides (who have been asleep most of the way) spring into action, unloading the bus and getting lunch ready. Any help is greatly appreciated.

Once lunch has been eaten, the guides will give  you a demo on how to safely stow your luggage in the waterproof bags. Every one will be given a life jacket, helmet and paddle. We then head to the river for our safety briefing. Listen carefully for instruction and how to act upon the guides commands, not to falling out of the raft and having a good time. Of course we will also tell you what to do in the likely event of you falling out of the raft. The first rapid of the day is big brother the biggest and maddest of the trip, followed by Rafters Refund, but by this time its already to late to turn back….Welcome to white water Nepal...

The evening is spent camping on a sandy beach just below a village. We will have a camp fire, drift wood permitting and a well earned meal…..and did I hear some one say “Rum Punch”

DAY 02: Waking up to the peaceful sounds or river life is an amazing experience. Once you crawl out of your tent or out from under the raft, hot tea and coffee will be ready and waiting for you. Its time now to pack up the tents and load our gear before a hearty breakfast to fill our bellies for the days rafting. We have an action packed day of rapids and unplanned swims. Taking lunch on a sandy beach gives us all time to rest and play in the shallow water before we head on to our night time camping place.

DAY 03: We have a pleasant morning of playing in some waves on the river and a gentle paddle across the placid waters before the dam. A great time for playing games, having a crack at kayaking or swimming. Around midmorning we will reach our take out point just below Seti Beni. We all dig in too port the rafting gear and ourselves up the short bank to our lunch spot and the awaiting bus. After a nice lunch we all climb on the bus for a five hour scenic snooze back to Pokhara. We arrive in Lake Side in time for a hot shower just before happy hour where we share tales of our river adventure.

For more information, combined package tours, departure dates and cost, please contact us.