Named after the Hindu goddess of destruction, Kali, the river rises in Mustang, on the northern side of the Himalayan range, and echoes the ancient trading route from Tibet. Tumbling down, for thousands of years, it has created one of the world’s deepest river canyons, between the majestic Daulagiri and Annapurna mountain ranges.

The recent damming of the lower portion of the Kali Gandaki river, has created one of Nepal's best medium-length river journeys. The stunningly beautiful scenery on this remote river makes the Kali Gandaki rafting trip a favourite among those looking for a short length, exciting, whitewater experience. The river flows through narrow gorges lined with green grasses and hanging moss, passes alongside tumbling waterfalls and jungle, and skirts seldom-visited traditional Magar and Chetri villages. There are many superb opportunities to view the Annapurna Mountain range, to enjoy the abundant wildlife on the river banks, to wonder at the temples and remote villages, and to enjoy the sandy beach campsites, with their natural, warm, waterfall showers.

The rapids on the Kali Gandaki are quite continuous, keeping paddlers busy all day.. Nowhere else is it possible to find such diversity on a 3 day/2 night rafting trip which appeals to, and satisfies, both experienced and novice rafters. Nice drops, sparkling chutes and turbulent rapids provide class III to IV runs during the autumn and spring seasons.

The put in point for rafting on the Kali Gandaki is just 3 hours from Pokhara, at Baglung Bridge, and the finishing point is at Mirmi Ghat hydro dam. From there the journey back to Pokhara takes around 4 hours.

Altitude Chart