Kali Rafting Expedition: Kali River Rafting Expedition

Kali Expedition

Description

This is a rafting expedition on lower section of Kali river (also called Kali Sharda), which forms a natural border between India and Nepal with India on our right side and Nepal on our left. The trip is disconnected from roads and civilization, as the river enters a wide gorge from Pancheshwar, and flows through the Terai jungles. Camp sites are heavenly on isolated silver beaches. The region is rich in flora and fauna, and one can easily sight a wide variety of rare birds and wildlife. This trip turns out to be a memory of a lifetime for experienced as well as beginners in rafting and kayaking. It is also an anglers delight and a treat and Masheer fishing enthusiasts.

Region : Pithoragarh, Kumaon

Best season : Oct to Mar

Grade : 3+, 4

Duration : 7 days

Min group

Price : On Request

Itinerary

Day 1: Kathgodam to Pithoragarh- (on road)

Drive to Pithoragarh (about 7 hrs) through the towns and villages of Kumaon with splendid.did views of the Trisul, Nanda Devi and Panchachuli mountain ranges. Overnight stay at hotel in Pithoragarh.

Day 2: Pithoragarh to Jauljibi (on road) to Chaukidari Camp (in the river)

A short drive of about 3 hrs would take us to Jauljibi where we start our expedition at the confluence of Gori Ganga and Kali rivers after a comprehensive river safety briefing and basic rafting instructions. We pass by many Kumaon villages as we negotiate through grade 2 and 3 rapids on the river. We pitch camp late afternoon, followed by dinner around the campfire. Overnight stay at the camp.

Day 3: Chaukidari Camp to Waterfall Camp (in the river)

We begin with a tiny grade 2 rapid on our second day in the river. This will be followed by the ‘Squeeze’ at Jhulaghat. Witness the spectacular stalactite and stalagmite formations on the river bank. Pitch the camp by a waterfall after noon and we can either choose to hike up to the village nearby or laze around the campfire. Overnight stay at the camp.

Day 4: Waterfall Camp to Nidal Camp (in the river)

Raft through grade 2-3 rapids to reach Pancheshwar, the confluence of Kali and Saryu. This is a great spot for fishing so don’t miss this opportunity. The river from here on is called Sharda. Camp overnight near the confluence.

Day 5: Nidal Camp to Rupali Gad Camp (in the river)

We encounter a series of grade 3 rapids as the river picks up volume and pace from here. Soak in the untouched beauty of the jungles and less inhabited villages that we pass through. Camp overnight at Rupali Gad.

Day 6: Rupali Gad Camp to Pari Gaon Camp (in the river)

The most exciting day of this trip which brings us to through a grade 4+ rapid ‘Chuka’ which happens to be the biggest rapid of Kali. Being a big rapid with several channels this rapid neds to be scouted around before we actually run it. There will be a few more grade 3 rapids before the exhausting day ends as we camp across Pari Gaon . Simply relax around the campfire, talk about the exciting that was and relish the hot meal. Camp overnight across Pari Gaon.

Day 7: Pari Gaon to Boom (in the river) to Kathgodam (on road)

This will be our last day in the river. We start off with plenty of rapids interspersed with calm stretches through undulating countryside of the Terai jungles. After paddling for about 3 hrs we take out at Boom and drive to Kathgodam after lunch and load up. This is where our journey ends. Board the night train from Kathgodam to Delhi.

PS- This is a suggested itinerary. You can tailor-make the itinerary to suit your interests and time in hand. Other options include ‘The Saryu Smash’, which is a shorter trip possible during high flows (mid September and October). Kayakers might enjoy the top section of Dharchula to Jaulijibi. Contact us for more details.