Kali Gandaki River Rafting
Trip Duration:
09 Days
Trip Code:
RKG
Trip Grade:
Moderate
No. of Pax:
12
From
$ 1485/person
Overview
Kali Gandaki River Rafting is one of the great white water rafting with beautiful scenery .The Kaligandaki River is named after the Hindu goddess Kali. The River springs up on the edge of the Tibetan plateau in the Upper Mustang Region. It tumbles down to the plains through Dhaulagiri and Annapurna ranges carving through one of the deepest Canyons in the world. The Kaligandaki is one of Nepal’s finest Rivers, offering great white water rafting with some of the Nepal’s beautiful scenery and amazing villages along its route. It runs with clear and blue water and offers breathtaking mountain views. Along the journey, it travels through tiny villages and pristine land.
This river is considered one of the holiest in Nepal and its route is dotted with cremation and burial mounds along with many small temples. It offers a great range of rapids and technical rafting.
In the evening your camp will be on the pristine white water sands and there you enjoy the quiet night time. Both experienced and novice rafters can do rafting on the River Kaligandaki. The rapids on the Kali Gandaki are much more technical (Class III – IV depending on the flow) and in extremely high water level. Our river guides devote the first part of the afternoon explaining all about how to paddle through whitewater and stay in the raft as it bucks and contort through the rapids etc.
Itinerary:
Discover Nepal’s fine scenery and fascinating villages breathtaking mountain views Travels through tiny villages and pristine land. Offers a great range of rapids Tumbles down to the plains through Dhaulagiri and Annapurna ranges
Important Note:
This itinerary is a guideline pattern which we offer raft tours of this type. But, unforeseen events such as mountain weather, local politics, transportation etc., is beyond Trek Himalayan’s control could be resulted in a change of program. It is very unlikely to have such circumstances occurs but our effort is to minimize its effect, however Trek Himalayan is not responsible for the result of delays or changes.
Arrive at the (TIA) Tribhuwan International Airport where you will be welcomed by Trek Himalayan representative and transferred to your hotel if you have booked Airport Pickup facility at the time of booking your trip. Otherwise our representative will meet you at the hotel. The rest of the afternoon is free until evening when you’ll enjoy a welcome drinks with your guide and introduce each other. Overnight in Kathmandu
Hotel Accommodation (Kathmandu)
Harati Manor Inn [or similar standard]
This is an example of the hotel we may use in Kathmandu city. Your actual hotel will be specified when your booking is confirmed. Please check your email or booking confirmation.
After breakfast sightseeing tour begins which include all the religious, cultural & historical sites within the Kathmandu valley and in the evening your guide will conduct a small session about White Water River Rafting in Nepal. Overnight in hotel
Pashupatinath (World Heritage Site): One of the holiest Hindu shrines in the world, the temple of Pashupatinath is the focus of pilgrims from all over from Nepal and India. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and built in the familiar pagoda Style. Chronicles indicate the temple’s existence prior to 400 A.D. It lies 5 kms east of the city centre. This holy place is picturesque collection of temples and shrines. All the dying persons are brought to Pashupatinath for cremation. Only the Hindus are allowed to go inside the temple.
Bouddhanath (World Heritage Site): It is the world’s biggest stupa located about two km to the north of Pashupatinath temple. This colossal stupa is known by the name of Bouddhanath, the god of wisdom. It is difficult to assign a period to it as some believe that it was built during the reign of either Shiva Deva or Anshu Verma in the 17th century A.D. The design is much like the Swoyambhu stupa, except that the final consists of receding squares instead of circles. Bouddhanath attracts Buddhist pilgrims from all over the world.
Swoyambhunath, Monkey Temple (World heritage Site): The Swoyambhunath Stupa crowns a hillock to the west of Kathmandu. A massive white dome surrounded by a 13 stage spire, is one of the most sacred Buddhist sites in Nepal. It is said to be 2000 years old. Its origins are linked to the founding of the Kathmandu Valley by draining the water of the lake by Bouddhisattva Manjushree. Swoyambhunath manifested in the lake as a brilliant light emanating from a lotus, Manjushree let the water out of the valley paying homage to Swoyambhu, thus making the valley inhabitable.
Kathmandu Durbar Square (World Heritage Site): It is the nine-storied palace structure built around 1770 AD. This palace square was a residence to Nepal’s royal family. The house of the living goddess (Kumari), the ferocious Kal Bhairav, the red Monkey God and hundreds of erotic carvings are a few examples of the sights at the square. All woodcarvings, statues and architectures in this area are exceptionally fine. Most parts of the palace premises are open for tourist throughout the week during office hours.
After breakfast in hotel we drive for around 3-4 hrs to the rafting put-in point near Beni. Throughout the drive you will enjoy stunning views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri peaks as well as the sacred Mt. Machapuchare (Fishtail). Upon arrival, our crew unloads all the rafting and camping equipments and you will be briefed about safety issue. After lunch our rafting guide will take you to the river starting point. First day we begin with some class III rapids this 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’. The scenery is impressive with blue green water, high sided lush green valleys and amphitheatres of golden sandstone cliffs with eagles riding the updrafts soon after encountering two big rapids you will reach the Modi Khola confluence where we will choose the beach for the evening campsite. We unload the rafts and our cook prepares dinner whilst the others play or relax in the natural scenery.
Today we continue grade 3 to 4 world-class white water with rapids like Rafter’s Refund and our Breaker. Wave abounds early so watch out if you don’t want to flip! Adrenalin junkies hold on tight but don’t forget to keep glancing back upstream to catch views of the amazing Annapurna’s. Once we set up a camp, the village is just a short walk upstream and guarantees to delight with its stone flagged lanes and curious youngsters skylarking.
We reach the holy village of Seti Beni and load up the gear and prepare for the bus journey back to Pokhara.
Overnight in PokharaPhewa Lake
Phewa Lake, the second largest lake in Nepal, is the center of all attractions in Pokhara. It is the largest and most enchanting of the three lakes that add to the resplendence of this lake city. Here, you can row a hired boat and visit the island temple in the middle of the Phewa lake.Barahi Temple
The Barahi temple is the most important monument in the city, built almost in the center of Phewa Lake, this two-storied pagoda is dedicated to the boar manifestation of Ajima, the protectress deity representing the female force Shakti. Devotees can be seen, especially on Saturdays, carrying male animals and fowl across the lake to be sacrificed to the deity.Seti River
Another Pokhara’s natural wonders that unfailingly lures visitors is the Seti Gandaki river. Flowing right through the city, the boisterous river runs completely underground at places. Amazingly, at certain points the river appears hardly two meters wide. But its depth is quite beyond imagination – over 20 meters! Mahendra Pul, a small bridge near the old Mission Hospital, provides a perfect view of the rivers’s dreadful rush and the deep gorge made by its powerful flow.Devi’s Fall
Locally known as the Patale Chhango (Hell’s Fall). Devi’s Fall (also known as Devin’s and David’s) is a lovely waterfall lying about two km south-west of the Pokhara airport on the Siddhartha Highway. Legend has it that a trekker (Devin, David?) was washed away by the Pardi Khola and mysteriously disappeared down into an underground passage beneath the cliff.Mahendra Cave
Another of nature’s wonders in Pokhara is the Mahendra Gupha. This large limestone cave is locally known as the House of Bats, an apt name for it. A two-hour walk to the north of Pokhara, it is best to bring your own torch to see the stalactites and stalagmites, as well as the local winged residents.The Old Bazaar
Pokhara’s traditional bazaar is colorful and so are its ethnically diverse traders. Located about four km from Lakeside, the market’s original charm is alive and well. This area is strewn with shops selling commodities from edibles and cloth to cosmetics and gold is a pleasant and shady spot to stroll around.Bindhyabasini Mandir
This temple with a spacious stone-paved courtyard has been built atop in a shady hillock. It is dedicated to Goddess Bhagwati, yet another manifestation of Shakti. The park-like grounds offers a fine picnic area, and on Saturdays and Tuesdays when devotees flock there to offer animal sacrifices.The Pokhara Museum
The Pokhara Museum, located between the bus stop and Mahendra Pul, reflects the ethnic mosaic of western Nepal. The lifestyles and history of ethnic groups such as the Gurung, Thakali and the Tharu are attractively displayed through models, photographs and arti- facts. One major attraction is a display highlighting the newly-discovered remains of an 8000-year-old settlement in Mustang.The Annapurna Regional Museum
Also known as the Natural History Museum is another interesting visit in Pokhara. Run by the Annapuma Conservation Area Project (ACAP), the museum has an exceptional collection of butterflies, insects, birds and models of wildlife found in the area.It is located at Prithvi Narayan Campus east of the old bazaar.It is open daily except Saturdays and holidays from 9 am to 5 pm.After breakfast we drive back to Kathmandu following the river Trisuli for a few hours, and then we finally reach Kathmandu in late afternoon. On arrival check in hotel and stay overnight
On this pleasant day you may have a full day at leisure either relax at hotel or explore the around Thamel. Or, you may do your last minute shopping for souvenirs or gift to your family, friends or relatives.
Our representative will transfer you to the airport for your onward journey…
Trip Map:
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Kali Gandaki River Rafting 2024/2025 Cost and Departure Dates
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Nitty Gritty
General Information
Nepal
Nepal is a small landlocked country of highly diverse and rich geography, culture, and religions. The mountainous north has eight of the world’s ten highest mountains, including Mount Everest. It contains over 240 peaks more than 20,000 ft (6,096 m) above sea level. The fertile and humid south is heavily urbanized. By some measures, it is a land of different arts and indigenous cultures well preserved since time immemorial. Hindu and Buddhist shrines found in the country are enriched with wood carving and bronzes, century’s old statues standing along the wayside and three popular historic cities – Kathmandu, Bhaktapur, Patan have preserved their medieval splendor and architectural flavor till date.
Geography
Nepal is located in South Asia between China in the north and India in the south, east and west. While the total land area is 147,181 sq. km including water area of the country that is 3,830 sq. km. The geographical coordinates are 28°00′N 84°00′E. Nepal falls in the temperate zone north of the Tropic of Cancer. Nepal’s ecological zones run east to west about 800 km along its Himalayan axis, 150 to 250 km north to south, and are vertically intersected by the river systems. The country can be divided into three main geographical regions: Himalayan region, mid hill region and Terai region. The highest point in the country is Mt. Everest (8,848 m) while the lowest point is in the Terai plains of Kechana Kalan in Jhapa (60 m). (Source NTB)
Nepal Visa
All visitors except the Indian nationals must hold passport and valid visa. Visa can be obtained at the Nepalese diplomatic missions and consulates abroad. Visa is also issued at the entry points. It can be extended at the Department of Immigration in Kathmandu. Children under 10 years need not pay any visa fee. People willing to get entry Visa at the airport or any of the land entry points are required to fill a visa form with passport photograph.
* Tourist visa can be extended for a maximum period of 150 days in a single visa year (January – December).Government Office Hours & Holidays
Sunday to Thursday: 1000hrs – 1700hrs (during summer)
Sunday to Thursday: 1000hrs – 1600hrs (during winter)
Friday: 1000hrs – 1500hrs.
Saturday: Holiday
You can find list of other national holidays in Nepal hereLanguage
Nepali, written in the Devanagari script, is the official language of Nepal. However, most people living in the city areas can understand and speak English fluently. Hindi language is widely understood across the country.
Pre-Trip Meeting
On arrival in Kathmandu, our staff will meet you at the airport and transfer you to our pre-booked hotel. There won’t be any activity on this day. We will host a pre-trip meeting at the hotel lobby on the 2nd day of your itinerary in the evening. It will be an opportunity for you to meet your rafting guide and introduce each other. The guide will brief you about the raft and check your gear to ensure the smooth running of your rafting trip.
What we provide
Trek Himalayan provides high quality self-bailing rafts, helmets, plastic paddles, wetsuits, lifejackets, safety kayaker, first aid kit, healthy and hygienically prepared food and drinks, Tents and sleeping mats, sleeping bags Sunscreen and lip protector, Sunglasses and/or a cap ,towel and toiletries (environmentally friendly would be best), Personal medication, Flashlight
What to bring
Please bring with you shorts and a T-shirt or swimwear for the trip, suitable footwear for wearing in the river bank, warm clothing for the evenings, a towel, sun block and a camera. A flashlight is also useful.
Rafting Guide
All our guides are skilled outdoorsmen, superb chefs and great companions. Apart from their river skill, our guides love what they do. Their good humor and ever smiling faces easily win the hearts of any clients. Our guides are well trained to international standards and have spent several years in the profession.
Transport
Naturally rivers do not flow in a straight line from one town to the next so you are required to cover some road distance to reach the starting and ending point of the river. You will be transported using private buses to the river side. During the trip you will be accompanied by the rafting crew. Depending on the length of time the road trip takes, you will stop for food and toilets. Any snacks or drinks you require during the trip need to be arranged by you.
Best time for Rafting in Nepal
For rafting October through mid-December and March through early May are the best times. In this time you will have great mountains views, clear sky and rewarding natural scenery. In winter it is possible but you have to watch out for hypothermia. In this time you certainly should expect cold water and perhaps think in terms of wet suits and dry tops. Monsoon time is dangerous which brings heavy rains that flood the rivers most so people wouldn’t want to be kayaking or rafting at this time.
Age and Fitness
Age is an attitude and not a problem; however we do reserve the right not to 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
Before joining a tour, we recommend you to take out a travel insurance which should cover cancellation, medical expenses, helicopter evacuation and emergency repatriation. Please send us the following details such as your full name, policy number and the insurance company’s 24 hour emergency contact number prior to departure. We also strongly recommend that your policy must cover personal liability, flight/trip cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects.
Safety
We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling for the safe keeping of your passport, air tickets, cash and other valuable items. Leave your valuable jewelry at home – you don’t need it while travelling. Many of hotels in Nepal have safety deposit boxes, which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage
Rescue/ Evacuations
Though we hope for the best trip, you sometimes might be in need of rescue or evacuation in case of a serious sickness or a personal prolonged health issue. During such emergency you will be rescued by a helicopter. You are entirely liable for all the expenses incurred in evacuation services. We request you to make sure when you purchase insurance from your country that your policy must cover these expenses or you should remain prepared to pay or sign on Helicopter Evacuation Form before you get on the Helicopter.
Overland Transportation Delay or Halt
If the main highway between your program areas is blocked by a landslide or any natural calamity during the transfer and need to halt for the extra night/day, in such a situation the extra cost for food and accommodation has to be borne by the clients.
FAQ
- Nepal is a land of ancient history, colorful cultures and multi- religions found nowhere else on the planet! There are many festivals and cultural events celebrated throughout the year in the various regions by different Nepalese ethnic groups who follow their own way of religious practice, lifestyle, language, culture, and tradition keeping peace and harmony in society.
- Trek Himalayan is the outdoor adventure specialist. It is one of Nepal-based leading adventure travel companies operating trekking, climbing and other adventure activities in the Himalayan countries of Nepal, Tibet, Bhutan, and India. The company has been operating small group trips, adventure vacations and white water rafting since 2008. We offer trekking, rafting and adventure travel vacation trips to suit every age or fitness level. From awe-inspiring trekking holidays in the Himalaya to cycling adventures, climbing expedition or a cultural touring odyssey or family adventures, wildlife safaris, and many other adventures. We offer over 400 high quality, well- crafted trekking & adventure travel itineraries. Compare our inclusions - you will not find a better value trekking or adventure travel holiday elsewhere!
- Yes, we are a fully licensed and registered company in Nepal and recognized by the tourism authority of the government of Nepal to operate white water rafting, tours, travel, trekking, mountaineering expeditions, and other travel- related activities throughout the Himalayas.
- We help our clients enjoy the best outdoor experience of their lives during rafting trip in Nepal. Every day on the river brings a new experience, whether they spend a ½ day to 5 days trip experiencing their first rapids, spotting wildlife, hiking or staying up late to watch shooting stars. However, there are certain things one can count on. A Day with us on Whitewater Vacation trips from breakfast to camping and all logistical support.
- When choosing any of our whitewater rafting trips in Nepal, it is most important to consider the age of the rafters, level of enthusiasm, location and season. It is necessary to view our interactive rafting rivers to learn more about the adventures. We have categorized 2 river rafting adventures keeping in mind Rapids range, location and duration. (1) Short and Family-Friendly Rafting Adventures Accessible to almost anyone, these trips are a great choice for first-timers and families with younger children. Rapids range from fast moving water with riffles (Class I-) to rapids with large waves and fast current (Class III). We offer Family-Friendly Rafting Adventures on the Trishuli river 1-2 days trips ( Class III) , 2 day trips on the Seti River (Class III-IV ) and the Bhote Kosi River +IV (1-2 day trip) . There are also Family-Friendly Adventures on fast water with Class IV rapids. (2) Action Packed Rafting Adventures These exciting rivers offer whitewater thrills and spectacular scenery. Try out the Karnali River rafting and Fishing in Nepal (10 days) ,Sun Kosi River rafting & Kayaking (8 -10 days) , Kali Gandaki river rafting and Kayaking (3 days ) class-V, Tamur river rafting & Kayaking (12 days)class -IV , many more river rafting for plenty of Class III-IV+ excitement. Expect turbulent water, tight maneuvers, steep drops and lots of fun!
- The group size is minimum 4 people + for each trip, each raft must be at least 6 pax and a guide, however we can add up to 8 pax depending on rivers.
- Since White Water Rafting is considered an extreme sport, there are many safety issues related to this sport. We understand this and make sure that our clients safety is our prime concern. Besides, our guides have participated in various Rescue and First Aid training allowing us to take care of adventure seekers who choose to participate in this extreme sport. All our rafting trips are guided by well experienced and certified instructors who make sure you are safe on the water.
- We recommend that our clients should have proper medical insurance before choosing to raft with us. This allows us to make necessary arrangements in case of emergencies.
- Cost includes: Ground transportation, Permits, wages and insurance of guides, porters and kitchen staff, food and accommodation during the rafting period, boats and accessories (helmets, paddles etc). Cost excludes: Mineral water or beverages, hotel accommodation or meals if you choose to stay in a hotel during the trip, personal items, emergency evacuation and airfare when applicable.
- What we provide: Rafts, life-jackets, Helmets, Plastic Paddle, Safety Equipment and other accessories, First Aid Kit (tapes, bandages, general medicines etc). What you need to bring: Clothing and footwear, toiletries, cameras, batteries and other personal items.
- On many of our rafting trips paddle boats are used. It means that you will have a paddle in your hands, and will be paddling. You should be reasonably healthy, and must be able to fit into the buoyancy vests supplied by Trek Himalayan. Paddling can be tiring, but guides will instruct you on paddling technique. Oar boats, where you ride along as a passenger, are also available on many rivers. If you are in doubt about your ability to go rafting, or your fitness, check with your doctor before you go.
- September to early December and March to early June are commercial rafting months in Nepal. The more adventurous and experienced, however, choose to run the rivers from early September to early October and May to June when there is high flow in the river stream.
- Many people bring disposable waterproof cameras, which work just fine. The quality of the pictures is reasonably good, and if you lose your disposable camera, it is not the end of the world or if you do choose to bring a more expensive camera, you can protect it as waterproof cases are available in our trip. Waterproof cases fit many shapes and sizes of camera. We also provide a professional photographer on each rafting trip on request.
- Most of our trips are in very remote areas, all our guides are qualified in First Aid and CPR as well as Swift Water Rescue Techniques. In the unlikely event you become sick or hurt, we are able to deal with a variety of situations and organize evacuations where necessary. If you have any pre-existing medical issues, please make us aware of these before starting the trip.
- You can book any of our listed rating trips with us using the booking form in our website.
