Itinerary
Day 01: Drive from Pokhara to the rafting put in point near Beni and raft to Modi Khola confluence.
After an early morning breakfast, we leave hotel around 8 am and drive about 3-4 hours to the put-in point near Beni. On a clear weather day, we will have good views of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri peaks as well as the sacred Machapuchare. Upon arrival, we unload and unpack all the equipment. After lunch, we will head to the river and the chief guide, usually titled as Rafting Captain will give a briefing session about safety measures and paddling techniques. We start the trip with a couple of grade 3 rapids for warm up and within half an hour, we hit 2 big class 4 rapids-‘Small Brother’ and ‘Big Brother’. We will follow the instruction and command of the captain and work as team maneuvering the raft efficiently. After scouting the rapid, the safety kayaks will go first then the raft. Soon after encountering these two big rapids we will reach the Modi Khola confluence where we will choose the beach for the evening campsite. We unload the rafts and one raft team prepares dinner and rum punch whilst the others play or relax and take in the scenery.
Day 02: Raft from Modi Khola confluence to Purti Ghat campsite.
After breakfast, we are back again on the raft for the adventure of the day. Today’s trip is mixed of adrenaline calm and spectacular scenery including views of Annapurnna I and Himachuli. Today, we will encounter class 3 sections and the challenging class 4 named REFUND. This section of river is abundant with vines, wildlife and lush vegetation hanging from the cliff faces. Our campsite is below the village of Purti Ghat.
Day 03: Conclude rafting and bus ride back to Pokhara
Soon we return to the river, we arrive at Seti Beni. There lies a huge house size boulder in the confluence with a smaller tributary. Since a confluence is considered holy place in the Hindu religion, this boulder has become an important shrine to the local. Not so far from the boulder, we will take the raft out. We will meet our transport and load the gears and stuff and ride back to Pokhara. Service ends.Cost Includes
Transportation to put in point and return transportation from finish point
2 lunches, 2 dinner and 2 breakfasts
Experienced river guide
Safety equipment such as life jacket, helmet
Camping gears for 2-3 days trip
Safety and rafting lesson prior trip
Sleeping bag
Cost Does Not Include
Personal expenses such as drink, tip etc.
Personal accident insurance
Meals other than mentioned
Accommodation in Pokhara
Difficulty Level
This is a 3 to 4+ graded river and can be run from late September through May. The river swells up very high during summer (June through August) and so it’s advisable not to attempt raft during those months. The Rapid run thick and fast form day one just below the put-in point at near Beni. For most of the three day expedition, there is little relent. Mostly Grade 3 rapid-but sometimes really exhilarating grade 4 and 4+. Kali Gandaki caries us cavorting on though steep-walled gorges, under cascading waterfalls. Previous rafting experience would be an advantage.
Travel to the river and return.
It takes about 3 hours by car from Pokhara to the rafting put in point in New Bridge, (Kusma). The 55km of Kali Gandaki river action takes 3 days. The return trip from the 'Dam' take out point of Kali Gandaki river trip to Pokhara is about four and half hour drive.
On the river
Soon we arrive the river, lunch will be served. It will be basically cold packed lunch. We unload and unpack the boats and equipment and the main guide will conduct a briefing lesson about the rafting techniques and safety measures. Each of rafters will get a paddle, safety jacket and helmet. Soon we set off on the river. All rafters have to work hard and maintain team work to maneuver the raft efficiently. Usually, there will be an escort Kayaker scouting the rapid; the kayaker goes first and then the raft. The first day, we raft about 3-4 hours and conclude the day late afternoon or early evening. Our rafting crews cook hot delicious meals for us. The crews also entertain group with folk singing and dancing. The next day morning, we will have a cup of hot tea or coffee at our tent, soon followed by breakfast and then we embark on the raft. We will raft about 3 hours and we will have lunch break at a suitable beach. After lunch and some rest in the beach, we start the second half of the day of raft again for 2-3 hours. Our rafting trip concludes on the third day around noon or early afternoon. We will hop on our transport and drive back to Pokhara.
Safety and Equipment Issues
Safety and security of all our clients is our prime concern. All rafting guides are licensed, trained in CPR, first aid and advanced river rescue techniques. All equipment is world class, up to date and carefully maintained. All the rafts are Avon self-bailing rafts. There will be always safety kayakers on every trip following or escorting the boat. We prepare all food with the utmost attention to hygiene.
Before your trip you will be invited to an orientation meeting in order to meet the rest of your paddling team, the guide(s) and safety kayakers. At this meeting there will be opportunities for you to ask any questions that you may have and discuss any personal requirements, such as a special diet or medical conditions that could affect your time with us. Upon arrival in put in point, there will again a session of questions and answers. The captain briefs you about the trip of the day, river level, paddling tips and so on before you step into the boat.
We have our own private transportation to take you to and from the river. When our own coach is not available then we provide a privately booked alternative.
We provide plentiful, healthy and hygienically prepared food and drinks.
Along with our high quality self-bailing rafts, we provide helmets, plastic paddles, wetsuits (during winter), lifejackets, dry bags, camera barrels, all necessary safety and medical equipment. Tents and sleeping mats are also provided. Sleeping bags can be supplied upon request. All our equipment is of the highest quality, clean and well maintained.
What to Bring?
In some ways it is best to bring as little as possible to the river. There are however, some essential personal items that you may need:
- Light weight clothing that will dry quickly, eg. shorts, t-shirt, swim wear for on the river
- Warm clothing for the evenings including a fleece or a pullover
- Sunscreen and lip protector
- Sunglasses (with retaining device) and/or a cap
- Towel
- Toiletries (environmentally friendly is best!) and any personal medication
- Flashlight
- Footwear that will stay on in the river, ‘Tevas’ or tennis shoes are best
- Camera and batteries
- Walkman/Discman
- Spare glasses/contact lenses
- A book to read
- Your diary and a pen!
- Snack treats/cigarettes
- A small amount of money
- A positive attitude!
