The Kali Gandaki, a tributary of the Trisuli, originates in Mustang along the Nepal/Tibet boarder. It is relatively flat until it reaches Kalopani where its gradient substantially increases and the river takes on an entirely different feel. The river here winds its way though steep mountain gorges and lush tropical forests providing beautiful scenery for the entirety of our rafting trip. The Kali Gandaki is one of the most remote rivers in Central Nepal as there are no roads or trekking trails that follow the river. Because of this the river canyon is extremely pure and unspoiled. The local villagers that we meet along the way have seen very few Westerners and will be very curious and friendly toward you. As we work our way down through these gorges we will have plenty of opportunity to test our rafting skills against continuous class 4 whitewater. After long days of paddling you will be able to kick up your feet and relax as the guides prepare an appetizing dinner. With a full stomach we can sit back around the camp fire, look at the stars, reminisce about today and dream about tomorrow!
Departing from Kathmandu:
Difficulty: 4 / (4 +)
From: Beni
To: Andhi Khola
Distance: 60 kms
Trip Days: 3
Average Gradient: 25 ft per mile
Best Season: September – December or March – May
The Kali Gandaki continues to wind its way though more beautiful unspoiled gorges and lush tropical forests after the Andhi Khola, all the way down to the confluence with the Trisuli River. Here its gradient substantially decreases and the trip becomes more of a float with only a couple of class 3 rapids here and there to keep up awake. This section remains pristine and pure as there are only a couple of trekking trails that meet the river along the way. This option would be ideal for anyone not ready to return to civilization yet, or for anyone wanting to experience a remote Nepali river without all of the intensity of rapids. Rarely rafted this is one of the guides favorite relaxing sections. Inquire for more detail.
Rafting
Rafters need no previous experience.
Kayaking
The upper section is the perfect river for kayakers of an upper intermediate level looking to push their big water skills however is also entertaining for the expert kayaker as there are abundant big wave surfing opportunities. The majority of the rapids are pool-drop making them forgiving to run and allowing us to set safety at the bottom of the rapid. Our experienced safety kayakers accompany every trip and can offer you advice on rapids and tips on improving your technique along the way. A good roll is a minimum prerequisite.
The lower section of this river is a great place for the beginner/intermediate kayaker looking to experience the power of his or her first Himalayan river. Our safety kayaker will be with you for the entire trip offering you advice to improve your technique and show you the lines through the rapids. Although not necessary a roll in big water would be a beneficial skill.
Itinerary:
A Pre-departure meeting is held on the evening prior to your departure at our office in Hotel 7 Corner’s Restaurant at 6pm.
- DAY 01: We will meet at the Equator Sales Office in Pokhara at 7. 30 am. Here we will be able to store any extra luggage. After breakfast, (not included) we will drive to Beni, about a 3 hour trip. Once arriving we will unload the gear, eat lunch and load the rafts. Here we will have our safety briefing after which we depart. After a brief warm we encounter 2 big class 4 rapids "little Brother" and "Big Brother". After scouting the rapid’s safety kayaks will descend followed by the rafts. The confluence of the Modi Khola marks arrival of our evening campsite. Here we will unload the rafts while our team prepares dinner while you relax, take in the scenery, or play volleyball.
- DAY 2: Today is filled with plenty of adrenaline and spectacular scenery. We will have breath-taking views of Annapurnna 1 and Himachuli interspersed with continuous class III sections of river. Eventually the river will culminate with the challenging class IV rapids, "Refund" and "Tombstone". Lush vegetation and spectacular waterfalls cascade down the cliff faces and lead us to camp at the village of Purti Ghat.
- DAY 3: After breakfast we will load the rafts for our final day of rafting. We will float down to the holy village of Seti Beni. Here team members have the opportunity to take photos of the Kali Gandaki’s biggest rapids and explore the sacred Hindu temple. After negotiating the biggest rapids of the trip our journey will float to a peaceful end. Here we will load the bus to Pokhara, or for the lucky ones continue down the river.
Equipment List:
Kayaking gear: Kayakers will need all of your own boating gear (including floatation bags). Upon arrival ask us for an updated list of available kayaks to choose from. The weather should be good and the water is relatively warm, but always be prepared for the worst. We recommend either a dry top or a least a shorty for your top; wet suit shorts should be enough for the bottom. Booties/Tevas are necessary for footwear and it is nice to have a small dry bag to carry your small personal items in your kayak.
Rafting Gear: We will supply you with all the necessary specialist river equipment including helmets, lifejackets and paddles. If you get cold easy and have a personal paddle jacket (rain jackets also work well) or shortie wet suit, please bring them along you.
Sample Pack List:
- Sleeping Bag
- Sleeping pad / Thermorest (we can provide if you do not have)
- Rain shell
- Warm jacket (down jacket-vest for Tamur Expedition)
- Warm Hat
- Hiking shoes
- River shoes/Tevas
- Sunglasses (an extra pair never hurts)
- Sun block
- Sun hat or visor
- Headlight
- Extra batteries
- A good book
- Personal Toiletries
- Small First Aid Kit*
- Water bottle (we carry water on the rafts but it is nice to have your own bottle to drink from)
- Shammy or small towel (optional but nice for after a day on the river, there will be opportunities to purchase these along the way if desired)
- Rafting clothes: Cotton is NOT a good idea. It does not dry and will keep you cold. A bathing suit works well and a polypro or other synthetic top for cool mornings. For women a swimming suit is good but quick dry shorts will also probably be wanted.
- Camp clothes: Here is your opportunity for that cotton sweatshirt and jeans; however bring polypro and synthetic clothing as well. For women it is a good idea to have skirts or wraps rather than shorts, especially when we are trekking. Everyone will want to have at least a t-shirt to wear in public places.
Personal First Aid Kit: If you have something you are particularly prone to: ear infections, foot rot, or sinus problems, bring what you need with you. You will definitely want to be carrying medicines for common illnesses like diarrhea, infections and upset stomachs. Also you will want a complete set of inoculations for Asia, ask your doctor for these current suggestions.
Additional Food: Please bring any river snacks that you desire as these are not provided: power bars, granola bars, dried fruit, chocolate, etc. are always nice to have as a pick me up before we get to camp. Additionally Gatorade Powders (or other powdered mix-ins) are a great way to drown out the taste of iodine in your drinking water.
Pre Departure Info
Raft 'N Rivers will be more than happy to organize all your internal travel arrangements in the Kingdom of Nepal. We have a wide variety of services and budget options to suit your needs including, airport pick-ups, sightseeing day hiking/excursions around Kathmandu, airline reconfirmation, hotel room reservations and much more. Contact our friendly and experienced staff or check out our hotel’s web site at www.hotel7corner.com for more information.
Your Trip Costs Includes: All accommodation (once trip begins), river/trekking meals, instruction, trekking / river permits, all required rafting gear (mentioned above), raft support and local transportation. It does NOT include personal expenses such as alcohol, candy, soft drinks or meals in Kathmandu or Pokhara. This will give you the flexibility to do as you wish. Restaurants in Pokhara and Kathmandu are inexpensive and their cuisine varies depending on what you are in the mood for. It also does not include any flights that you may choose to add to your itinerary.
Age and Fitness: Age is an attitude and not a problem; however we do reserve the right to not allow children on the trip if we feel it is too dangerous. River running is a physical pursuit and expedition members should have a reasonable level of fitness. Expedition members should be good swimmers and comfortable in the water.
Insurance: Each Expedition member is responsible for having their own travel insurance including helicopter evacuation.
Vaccinations: Nepal has no official vaccination requirements for entry. However we recommend that you visit a doctor for the latest recommendations and protect yourself accordingly.
Visa: Visa can be obtained at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu upon arrival. You will need 2 passport size photographs.
Currency: The best currency to have is Euros/US Dollars in travelers cheques, cash and/or credit cards. American Express, MasterCard and Visa are all accepted in Nepal.
Recommended Reading: "White Water Nepal," by Peter Knowles; any of the many adventure travel guide books on Nepal, we recommend Lonely Planet publications.
A deposit of 50% of the trip total is required upon booking. The balance is required upon arrival.
