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.
Spring 2025 Departure Dates
06Feb-08Feb
10Feb-12Feb
13Feb-15Feb
17Feb-19Feb
20Feb-22Feb
24Feb-26Feb
27Feb-01Mar
03Mar-05Mar
06Mar-08Mar
10Mar-12Mar
13Mar-15Mar
17Mar-19Mar
20Mar-22Mar
24Mar-26Mar
27Mar-29Mar
31Mar-02Apr
03Apr-05Apr
07Apr-09Apr
10Apr-12Apr
13Apr-15Apr
17Apr-19Apr
24Apr-26Apr
28Apr-30Apr
04May-07May
08May-10May
12May-14May
16May-18May
19May-21May
22May-24May
26May-28May
29May-31May
Fall 2024 Departure Dates
04Oct-06Oct
07Oct-09Oct
11Oct-13Oct
14Oct-16Oct
18Oct-20Oct
21Oct-23Oct
24Oct-26Oct
28Oct-30Oct
01Nov-03Nov
04Nov-06Nov
08Nov-10Nov
11Nov-13Nov
15Nov-17Nov
18Nov-20Nov
22Nov-24Nov
25Nov-27Nov
29Nov-01Dec
02Dec-04Dec
06Dec-08Dec
09Dec-11Dec
13Dec-15Dec
16Dec-18Dec
20Dec-22Dec
23Dec-25Dec
27Dec-29Dec
*every monday & friday
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,
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.
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 a personal nature
Kali’s River
Meeting time/Place:
06:00 am/ Sales office, Pokhara
Departure time:
06:30 am from Pokhara Office
Put in Point:
Nayapul, Baglung
Take out point:
Mirmi
Rafting distance:
75 km
River Grade:
III -I V
Time on Water:
5-6 Hours each Day
Bus ride to the Put-in:
3 hours
Return Journey:
6 hours
Meals:
Full Board
Age restrictions:
15 – 70 years old
Seasons:
Spring – Feb-May
Fall – Mid-Sep till Dec