Kaligandai River rafting in the Kali Gandaki river offers adventure devotee an exciting experience with the scenic beauty of the region as an added treat. Originating from the Mustang region Kali Gandaki river rushes down between the Dhaulagiri and the Annapurna ranges to carve out one of the world’s deepest gorges.The 3 day rafting trip in the Kali Gandaki river proves to be an exciting one as both experienced and novice rafters become gripped in tackling the tumultuous rapids. The idyllic hamlets in the distant regions and the magnificent vistas of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges make your trip all the more worthwhile.
After thoroughly enjoying the white water rafting in the Kali Gandaki river you have the options to either return to Kathmandu, visit the Chitwan National Park or go for a trekking trip to the popular Annapurna region for a few days.
Itinerary
Between 7/8 am, you drive for 3-4 hrs to the put-in point near Beni. Throughout this drive you have stunning views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri peaks as well as the sacred Machapuchare. Upon arrival, you unload all the equipment and you will receive a full safety briefing. Have lunch and then the guide will take you to the river starting point ready to begin your exciting 3 day rafting trip. The first day you begin with some class III rapids which is a warm up for the team, after 10/15 minutes you will be encountering 2 big class 4 rapids i.e. ‘Small Brother’ and ‘Big Brother’. Your guide will make you work hard at doing exercises to work as a team maneuvering the raft efficiently. After scouting the rapid, the safety kayaks will go first and then the raft. Soon after encountering these two big rapids you will reach the Modi Khola confluence where you will choose the beach for the evening campsite.
Once the rafts are packed you start down the river for a day mixed with adrenaline, calmness and spectacular scenery including views of Annapurna 1 and Himachuli. You will tackle many class III sections and the challenging class IV named REFUND. This section of river is abundant with vines, wildlife and lush vegetation hanging from the cliff faces. Your campsite is below the village of Purti Ghat.
Soon after being back on the water you reach the holy village of Seti Beni. The river has deposited a house size boulder in the confluence with a smaller tributary. Since confluence is considered holy places in the Hindu religion, this boulder has become an important shrine to the local river people. There is usually a great audience to watch and listen to the spectacle as each team negotiates the rapid that has formed around this holy place. Not long after this, it is time for the journey to end. You load up the gear and prepare for the bus journey back to Pokhara.
Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu.
