This medium-length rafting expedition is a great way to enjoy Nepal’s post-monsoon rivers. Leaving from the popular lakeside town of Pokhara, you’ll brave class III and IV rapids with an expert guide, camp and dine under the stars on riverside beaches, and kayak on the Kali Gandaki’s smooth sections. This is a fun addition to a trekking trip or a stand-alone journey for time-pressed travelers.
Highlights
- Enjoy a day of cultural exploration in Kathmandu.
- Class III and IV rapids will get your adrenaline pumping.
- Camp on the beach in front of a famous Shiva statue.
- Kayak for a day on the Kali Gandaki’s smooth section.
Overview
The Kali Gandaki River’s headwaters are located on the Tibetan border at an elevation of 6,268 meters (20,564 feet) at the Nhubine Himal Glacier in Nepal’s Mustang region. On some maps, the Chhuama Khola is the headwaters stream, followed by the Nhichung Khola or Choro Khola as it approaches Lo Manthang.
The Kali Gandaki River gorge is famous for being the world’s deepest. As you fly down the rapids, take note of the massive walls on either side of you. The deep canyon walls give way to rolling hills in the background, with the Himalayas mountains looming in the distance. These rapids are among the most difficult (“fun” to some) in Nepal. The Kali Gandaki River Rafting is the best option for a multi-day, adrenaline-pumping rafting adventure!
Want to know more?
| Viber / WhatsApp | 9864014537 |
| Kathmandu office | 01-4439962, 01-4439963 |
| Price |
Trip Itinerary Brief
This is our standard route. It can be customized or slightly changed based on your pace and trekking habits, which may cause a change in your day-to-day plan.
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
| Day 1 | Welcome to Kathmandu! | Kathmandu |
| Day 2 | Explore Kathmandu | Kathmandu |
| Day 3 | Drive to ‘put in’, raft, and camp craft | Raft Camp |
| Day 4 | Full day of rafting river river | River Side |
| Day 5 | Rafting and optional kayak adventure | Pokhara |
| Day 6 | Depart Kathmandu | Kathmandu |
Detailed Itinerary
DAY 1: Welcome to Kathmandu!
As you fly into Kathmandu, you’ll be treated to stunning views of the valley, the Himalayas, and the terraced fields below. After clearing customs, a representative will be waiting to help you navigate the narrow, winding streets of Kathmandu and get you settled into your hotel. After you’ve settled in, go see one of Kathmandu’s cultural highlights. In the evening, the tourist district of Thamel is a good place to get your first meal, with a variety of restaurants serving both Western and Nepali cuisine.
DAY 2: Explore Kathmandu
Kathmandu has a unique feel in the early morning hours when the city is slowly coming of age but not becoming too chaotic. It’s a great time to go for a walk and explore the streets, or to enjoy a tea while looking out over one of the local plazas or durbar squares. Given the many god-sees in the Kathmandu Valley, there are multiple ways to spend the day. Later in the evening, go out to one of the city’s great restaurants for dinner, or your specialist can arrange a home-cooked dinner with a local family.
DAY 3: Drive to ‘put in’, raft, and camp
Meet early in the morning in Pokhara and drive to the put-in by private vehicle. You will arrive at your destination after an hour and a half. Your guides will begin unloading the bus and inflating the rafts. You will be given your equipment as well as a thorough safety briefing. It’s time to set off once the rafts are loaded (everything you need for three days has to come with us because there’s no road access!).
After only ten minutes, you are greeted by the river’s two largest rapids! Big Brother and Little Brother These will undoubtedly get your heart racing! After 4-5 hours on the river, we will arrive at a beautiful sandy beach, set up camp, and begin cooking dinner. There will be chances to play football, relax, swim, and take in the scenery. This camp is well-known for its large Shiva statue, which stands guard over the camping area. Then it’s on to some rafter’s rum punch!
Day 4: Full day of rafting
You’ll have to get up early in the morning to pack the camp and reload the rafts before you leave! The first rapid of the day, aptly named ‘Good morning,’ will get you ready for the day ahead. Today, there are many class III rapids to enjoy. Stop halfway through the day for lunch on the river’s banks before tackling the next set of rapids. Then you repeat the process from the previous night, erecting a temporary camp on the riverbanks for one more night under the stars. On clear nights, you can even see the Milky Way from here.
DAY 5: Rafting and optional kayak adventure
It’s your last morning. The camp will be packed up for the last time after a hearty breakfast. Paddle your final rapids before ending the day with a fairly long flat section. Those of you who are interested will be allowed to try out the kayaks. It’s then time to unload the rafts one last time, pack the bus, and drive back to Lakeside Pokhara for a well-deserved shower for the first time in three days! This is the best way to experience Nepal’s river culture if you don’t have much time.
DAY 6: Depart from Kathmandu
Enjoy your final moments in Kathmandu by having breakfast in a café, taking a city stroll, and/or shopping for souvenirs. A representative will meet you at your hotel and drive you to the airport to catch your flight back home. It’s a good idea to arrive at the airport at least two hours before your flight.
Best Season
This river, like the majority of Nepal’s river trips, is at its best just after the monsoon when the rivers are flowing fast. It’s also an excellent time of year to visit the majestic Himalayan mountains because the weather and waters are warm. The best months are from October to December, followed by March to June. The river can still be run in January and March, but it is winter in Nepal, so temperatures drop significantly.
River Access
This journey begins and ends in the popular lakeside town of Pokhara. The put-in is only an hour and a half by bus from Pokhara. We will provide transportation to and from the river. The return trip to Pokhara is a five-hour drive. Pickups and drop-offs from your hotel can be arranged.
Experienced Required
Rafters do not need any prior experience. We have all of the skills needed to guide you safely down the river, and full instruction will be provided at the start of the trip. Kayakers must be able to paddle confidently at the Grade III level.
Meals and lodging
The accommodation on this trip, like on the majority of our river expeditions, is under tented canvas. Welcome to our 500,000-star hotel! We will provide tents, sleeping bags, mattresses, and pillows to make you as comfortable as possible. Camping on the banks of a Himalayan river has a very special feel to it. Every day, meals will be prepared from scratch. You can expect a full-cooked breakfast, pasta, steaks, salads, and dal, among other things.
Map
