Kali Gandaki is the steepest river in Nepal. Named after the ferocious Hindu Goddess, “Kali, this river is also perceived to be a sacred one. It originates from the Mustang glacier, and thunders all the way down to Muktinath, a Hindu/Buddhist pilgrimage site located between the Dhaulagiri & Annapurna Mountains. Akin to its very name that connotes ferocity, this river possesses astounding water current, and is probably the largest untapped white water potential in the world. There are many cremation sites and burial mounds by the river bank.
The Kali Gandaki Expedition is a sheer delightful invitation to all the rafters from novice to the most heroic adventurers. This rafting trip begins from the put-in site at Nayapul and concludes at Ramdighat, followed by a picturesque drive or a flight from Pokhara to Kathmandu. The river trip wafts us to a steep canyon overhung with verdant foliage and punctuated by small waterfalls and side streams in counterpoint to rapids, providing Class III to IV+ swiftness. As we descend through the verdant rainforests, we witness unique wild lives, amazing ethno-cultural heritages, fascinating human settlements and of course a superb landscape. In a nutshell, this river trip not only satiates our quest for adventure but also intricately connects us with nature and culture.
OUTLINE ITINERARY
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu (1400m)
Day 02: Kathmandu city sightseeing (1400m)
Day 03: Fly from Kathmandu to Pokhara (830m/25min); half day sighseeing in Pokhara
Day 04: Drive from Pokhara to Nayapul; raft from Nayapul to Modi Dovan
Day 05: Raft from Modi Dovan to Mirmighat
Day 06: Raft from Mirmighat to Ramdighat; drive from Ramdighat to Pokhara airport and board on a flight back to Kathmandu
Day 07: Free day in Kathmandu
Day 08: Final departure
Important Snippets
The itinerary prescribed above is the standard template of the trip plan offered by Marron Treks which can be readily customized to match the guests’ preferences. However, the guests are expected to understand that the execution of the trip plan might be circumvented by an array of uncontrollable factors like bad weather, political turmoil, strikes, blockades and other unforeseen contingencies. Besides, the domestic flights in Nepal could be subjected to delays or cancellations owing to adverse weather conditions or technical glitches. It is worth mentioning that the flights cannot be operated in the condition where the visibility is less than 1600 meters. Under such abnormal circumstances, the trip plans might undergo slight or sharp alterations, taking into consideration the best interest of the clients. Wherever the changes are made, Marron Treks cannot be held responsible for the consequences. Nevertheless, we shall endeavor our level best to make sure that the trip is carried out with respect to the original trip specifics.
The accompaniment of a skilled rafting guide shall ensure your safety. If you are not a confident swimmer or not so accustomed to water sport, we can provide you with the life jackets.
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu (1400m)
Upon arrival at the Tribhuwan International Airport in Kathmandu, you will be received by a representative from Marron Treks and then transferred to your hotel. At the hotel, you will be greeted with welcome drinks. We then have a quick pre-trip meeting where you will be briefed on the necessary formalities and your trip itinerary. To avoid the jetlag, you can spend the remaining half of the day, resting. Or if lying flat is too unbecoming for you, stroll around the nearby places just to get the feel of what this city is like. Overnight at hotel in Kathmandu; breakfast included.
Day 02: Kathmandu city sightseeing (1400m)
After breakfast, hop in to our transport vehicle and head off for a guided tour to the renowned historical and cultural landmarks of Kathmandu. You will be visiting the sites like- Pashupatinath Temple (the most revered Hindu shrine), Kathmandu (Basantapur) Durbar Square and the Boudhanath (the Maha Stupa). All these sites have been listed in the UNESCO world cultural heritage list. After the entertaining and informative tour, we drive back to the hotel. Overnight at hotel in Kathmandu; breakfast included.
Day 03: Fly from Kathmandu to Pokhara (830m/25min); half day sighseeing in Pokhara
After breakfast, you will be driven to the domestic wing of the Kathmandu airport. We board on short scenic flight to Pokhara.The 25 minutes on board is tantamount to a scenic extravaganza, offering us some of the most incredible views of the verdant landscapes and jaw dropping Himalayan panorama. Once at Pokhara, you will be transferred to your designated hotel where you can relax for some time.
Pokhara happens to be one of the best holiday destinations of Nepal. The city is literally blessed with uncommon natural beauty, splendid mountainous backdrop and a chain of mesmerizing lakes. So, to make the most of our stay in this famed tourist hotspot, we head on for a drive around the city, taking a sneak peek on the popular landmarks here, viz. Barahi Temple, Mahendra Cave, Davis Falls, Rupa, Fewa and Begnas lakes etc. Provided that the time permits, we can even sample a soothing boat ride at the Fewa Lake. If you are one of those pub freaks, you can try out a funky bar in the evening. Overnight at hotel in Pokhara; breakfast included.
Day 04: Drive from Pokhara to Nayapul (approx. 2 hrs' drive); raft from Nayapul 
to Modi Dovan
After an energizing breakfast at the hotel, we drive to our rafting point at Nayapul. On reaching Nayapul, we clad ourselves in the rafting attires. The Kali Gandaki roars close to us, as if to invite us for the face off! We attend a security briefing from our rafting expert, after which the daring venture commences.
As we maneuver along the deepest gorge of the world with our professional river guide, a bumpy section of Class III rapids greets us. A natural showcase of deep-wooded canyons, warm waters, sparkling side creeks and spectacular glimpses of wildlife make our journey even more pulsating. With tired muscles but elevated spirits, we approach the Modi Dovan, our camping site for the night. We savor a succulent dinner under the canopy of an open sky of sparkling stars. The camp fire lulls us while we contemplate over the next rafting day in the gorge section. Overnight at tent in Modi Dovan; breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Day 05: Raft from Modi Dovan to Mirmighat
As the river action kicks off, we constantly find ourselves paddling through the hooding majestic waves. Honestly, the faint-hearted ones are not going to find it enticing, but yes, the surreal vistas of snowcapped peaks, verdant forests and the glimpse of some exciting wildlives could obviously have a balming effect. The day's thrilling trip wraps up at Mirmighat. Overnight at tent in Mirmighat; breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Day 06: Raft from Mirmighat to Ramdighat; drive from Ramdighat to Pokhara 
airport and board on a flight back to Kathmandu
On this last rafting day, we toil through the boulder-strewn white-waters at one time and calm pools, interspersed with frothing and pulse-quickening rapids at other. Eventually, after rafting for two hours, we arrive at Ramdighat, where our water fiesta concludes. From here, we drive to the Pokhara airport and board on a flight back to Kathmandu . You will be transferred to your designated hotel. You have an extra day at Kathmandu tomorrow, so you can spend the remaining time today as you please. Overnight at hotel in Kathmandu; breakfast included.
Day 07: Free day in Kathmandu
Needless to say that rafting is a strenuous sport. So, we have allotted an extra day in Kathmandu, just to make sure that you are well rested and rejuvenated before your flight back home.This would be the day when you would probably want to indulge yourself in some souvenir shopping. Thamel is your hot spot for shopping. Hoard anything that strikes you, but make sure that you portray yourself as a shrewd customer, or else you might just get ripped off by one of the seemingly amiable storekeepers. Once you are done, get back to the hotel and do some packing.
We have the last bit of fun still in store for you. In the evening, Marron Treks will host a dinner program featuring a range of traditional Nepali cuisines and a live cultural show. Cut loose but sleep tight. Overnight at hotel in Kathmandu; breakfast and dinner included.
Day 08: Final departure
Unless you intend to extend your trip to try out some of our other adventurous offers, this would be your last day in Nepal. A representative from Marron Treks will escort you to the Tribhuwan International Airport, three hours prior to your flight schedule.
As you wave us good bye and enter the terminal block, you would perhaps recall your arrival at this place. No wonder everything seems so familiar now, because you had come here as tourist, but you are going back as a friend! Have a safe flight back home and we look forward to being your adventure companion in Nepal again! .
You have just been a part of this sizzling adventure. If you have the appetite for more, we gladly offer you an array of challenging and entertaining quests that catapult you to the diverse landscapes of Nepal, giving you a rare opportunity to witness the multifarious vegetation, jaw-dropping natural beauty, serene turquoise lakes and luscious mountain vistas. Please click on "Nepal Trekking", pick your preferred trek package and give us the chance to add yet another dash of adventure to your life!!
Important Snippets
The itinerary prescribed above is the standard template of the trip plan offered by Marron Treks which can be readily customized to match the guests’ preferences. However, the guests are expected to understand that the execution of the trip plan might be circumvented by an array of uncontrollable factors like bad weather, political turmoil, strikes, blockades and other unforeseen contingencies. Besides, the domestic flights in Nepal could be subjected to delays or cancellations owing to adverse weather conditions or technical glitches. It is worth mentioning that the flights cannot be operated in the condition where the visibility is less than 1600 meters. Under such abnormal circumstances, the trip plans might undergo slight or sharp alterations, taking into consideration the best interest of the clients. Wherever the changes are made, Marron Treks cannot be held responsible for the consequences. Nevertheless, we shall endeavor our level best to make sure that the trip is carried out with respect to the original trip specifics.
The accompaniment of a skilled rafting guide shall ensure your safety. If you are not a confident swimmer or not so accustomed to water sport, we can provide you with the life jackets.
Accommodation
During Kaligandaki River Rafting we opt you accommodate in 3 star or 5 star hotels like Hotel Royal Singhi (3 star), Hotel Manaslu (3 star), Radisson (5 star), Yak & Yeti (5 star) or similar in Kathmandu city.
Personal Spending
You will not get many things around the river as no such items are available except cigratees, chocolates etc. Therefore it will be better if you bring a few refreshments for your personal use.
Our Guides
Marron Treks has experienced and helpful guides who make your trip enjoyable as well as successful. To make our visitors journey fruitful, the team of Marron Treks has got the best Rafting guides who are white water professional, good helper during the emergency and give mush priority towards the safety of all.
Useful Tips
We need to have the heavy breakfast before heading towards the river.You have to paddle hard along with the other members. During rafting we are atleast for 4 hours on the water so it is necessary if you follow all the instruction given by the leader or guides.
Travel Insurance
Before starting your journey with Marron Treks it is advised that you arrange your travel insurance before leaving your homeland. The main thing is to make sure your insurance covers you for both medical and evacuation costs. In some places it is not necessary but it would be better if you have the travel insurance with you all the time. That would make your trip safe and hassle free.
For more queries, Visit our FAQ section or contact us directly at marketing@marrontreks.com
Starting Price: USD XXX (On request) on twin sharing accommodation basis.
For other special requirements or bigger group deals, kindly mail us directly at: marketing@marrontreks.com
Cost Includes
Cost Excludes
White water rafting Equipment List
The suggestive list below only reflects the items that you have to bring on your own. The actual rafting equipments will be rented and managed by Marron Treks. Generally, the items you are supposed to bring highly rely on the season and duration & toughness of the adventure you are pursuing. Hope the list below provides you a general conception regarding the rafting accessories.
Wetsuit
Fleece jacket/sweater
Energy Bar for the river
Biodegradable soap
Windproof & water proof outerwear
Plastic bags to pack out dirty items
Life Jacket
Sleeping Bag/ Silk liner (will be provided by Marron Treks but should be returned after the trip)
Duffle Bag (provided as a complimentary gear from Marron Treks; you need not return it)
Head Torch/Flash Light
Hard shell water bottle
Loose pants
Shorts
Synthetic undergarments
Polypropylene / quick dry long shirts
Hand Towel
Sport Sandals
Running Shoes
The items below could seem trivial, but if you don’t have them, you might just find yourself sticky and stinky, which isn’t actually good for you!
Toiletries
Quick-drying camp towel
Detergent powder/bar
Toilet paper
Sunscreen Lotion (SPF 20+) & Lip balm
Pocket knife
Sewing/Repair Kit (for tent & mattress)
Emergency kit including a whistle, waterproof match/lighter
Padlocks for bags and lodge rooms
Stuff sacks
Earplugs
Candlesticks
It is important that you include the medicines prescribed by your doctor. Below is just the generic list of medications. We advise you to always consult your travel doctor as you might be resistant or allergic to some medicines. Generally, our guide carries the first aid kit with him, but it’s always better to have your own kit.
Anesthetics (Ibuprofen/Aspirin)
Broad spectrum antibiotics tablets
Metronidazole and Antacids (for diarrohea /indigestion)
Broad spectrum ointments (Neosporin/ Clotrimazole/Gentamicin)
Antiseptic liquids (Dettol/Savlon)
Assorted band-aids
Small gauge pad
Roll of adhesive tape
Iodine tablets
Nothing hard and fast about carrying the items on this list as they are not the basics. Yet, though not all, if you still manage to squeeze in some of these items on your carry, you will not regret as they might just come handy during the trip.
Water proof camera, memory card and battery charger
GPS unit Altimeters
Binoculars
Plastic bags for wet cloths
Books and magazines
Dry food/fruits
Generally, there are no fixed departure dates for the optional adventure like “White Water Rafting". If you intend to pursue the adventure on any specific date, please contact us directly and let us know about your preferred schedule. We will endeavor our level best to make sure that the adventure commences on the set date.
