A unique way to take benefit of Nepal's post-monsoon rivers is this medium-length rafting adventure. Leaving the famous lakeside town of Pokhara, with an expert guide, camping and dining under the stars on riverfront beaches, and kayaking on smooth parts of the Kali Gandaki, you can tackle Class III and IV rapids.
This makes it a superb addition to a trekking tour or a short-term stand-alone trip for tourists.
Below we talk of the six-day Kali Gandaki River Rafting trip and its highlights and the general itinerary.
Highlights of the Kali Gandaki River Rafting Trip
- Experience a cultural sightseeing day in Kathmandu
- Get the adrenaline pump on the rapids of class III and IV
- Camping on a beach under the eyes of a famous statue of Shiva
- Kayak on a smooth part of the Kali Gandaki for a day
Brief Itinerary
Day 01: Arrival at Kathmandu (Tribhuwan International Airport)
Day 02: Explore Kathmandu city (1,400 m)
Day 03: Drive to 'put in', raft, and camp
Day 04: Full day of rafting
Day 05: Rafting and Optional Kayak Adventure
Day 06: Departure from Kathmandu
Best Season
Similar to other river trips in Nepal, when the rivers are running strong, this river is at its peak only after the monsoon. Seeing the magnificent Himalayan mountains when the atmosphere and the waters are warm is also a wonderful time of year.
Kaligandaki Map: River's Serpentine Journey
Credit:Kimkim.com
The most vital months are October through December, followed more closely by March through June. The river will still flow in Jan-March, but in Nepal, this is winter, so the temperatures decrease dramatically.
Experience Needed for Rafting in Kali Gandaki River
For rafters, no prior experience is needed. We already have the skills needed to guide you down the safe river, and at the beginning of the journey, complete guidance will be given.
For kayakers, you need to be a Grade III paddler with faith.
Access to Kali Gandaki River
This trip begins and ends in the famous town of Pokhara on the lakeside. The set-in is only an hour and a half from Pokhara by bus.
Back and forth from the bridge, there will be a private car. It's a five-hour drive back to Pokhara for the takeout. From your hotel, pickups and dropoffs can be arranged.
Accommodation and Meals
The lodging on this journey is under tented canvas, as with most of our river expeditions. Welcome to our hotel with 5 million stars!
To try to get you as happy as you can, we will supply you with tents, sleeping bags, mattresses and pillows. There is something extraordinary and spectacular about sleeping on the banks of a river in the Himalayas.
The meals will be newly cooked every day. A selection of meals can be expected, such as a full English breakfast, steaks, pasta, salads, and dal bhat.
Full Detailed Itinerary of the 6 Days Kali Gandaki River Rafting
Day 01: Arrival at Kathmandu (Tribhuwan International Airport)
You'll have spectacular views of the valley, the Himalayas, and the lush greenery below as you travel into Kathmandu.
Kathmandu Valley: Heritage and Harmony
A representative will be waiting after passing through customs to lead you through the immediate cultural shock of the narrow, twisting streets of Kathmandu to get you comfortable in your hotel.
Go out and see one of the cultural highlights of Kathmandu after you've settled in.
In the evening, Thamel's tourist hub is a decent spot to get your first dinner, where can you can find a wide range of cafes/restaurants to choose from that serve Nepali dishes, both Western and local.
Day 02: Explore Kathmandu city (1,400 m)
Enjoy the early hours roaming around the streets of Kathmandu. Visit the ancient Durbar Squares located in Kathmandu, Lalitpur, and Bhaktapur.
Later in the evening, enjoy your meal at a local restaurant serving ethnic dishes, or you can dine with a local family, for which you need to contact your travel agency.
Day 03: Drive to 'put in', raft, and camp
Meet in Pokhara early in the morning and travel to the site by private car. You'll hit your destination after an hour and a half.
Your guides are going to start to unload the bus and pump the rafts up. Your equipment will be issued to you, and a full safety briefing will be given.
It's time to head off after the rafts are loaded (whatever you need for three days has to come with us as there's no access to the road!).
After just 10 minutes, you are welcomed by the two best rapids in the entire river! Big and Little Brother.
River Adventure, Adrenaline Rush
These are sure to get your heart racing! We'll drive up to a lovely sandy beach after 4-5 hours on the river, where we'll camp and make a delicious dinner.
Opportunities to play football, rest, swim, and take in the scenery would be available. This camp is renowned for its giant Shiva statue, which watches over the campsite.
Day 04: Full day of rafting
Before heading off, you can wake up early in the morning, prepare the camp, and reload the rafts! The first fast of the day aptly called 'Good Morning' will keep you up for the day ahead. Today, there is plenty of class III rapids to enjoy.
Day 05: Rafting and Optional Kayak Adventure
The last morning of yours. The camp will be bagged up one more time after a hearty meal. To top off the day, paddle the last canyons before reaching a reasonably long flat segment.
Rafting: Kayak Adventure Thrills
Credit:Trekkingteamgroup.com
For those of you travellers who are curious, you will be given the opportunity to go kayaking if you wish. It will then be time to offload the rafts one more time, pack the bus and head back to Lakeside Pokhara for about 5 hours, where you will have a well-deserved shower in 3 days for the first time!
This is the perfect way for those who are short on time to explore Nepal's river culture.
Day 06: Departure from Kathmandu
Its time to bid farewell to Nepal and head back home. You can enjoy your last minute shopping at the cultural hubs of Kathmandu and purchase yourself some souvenirs to take back with you.
A representative from the travel agency will be there to receive you at your hotel from where you'll be taken back to Tribhuwan International Airport.
Quick facts about 6 Days Kali Gandaki River Rafting
Duration of the trip: Six Days
Grade (Class): III/IV
Start/Exit: Malgunga/Mirmi (dam)
Best Season: March-June, October-November
Estimated Price: $250 per person (min: 4 persons)
