About Kali Gandaki River Rafting

The Kali Gandaki River is one of our most exciting and popular river runs and takes rafters through charming valleys, exciting rapids, relaxing currents, and inviting beaches.

Nepal is a top adventure destination for river rafting with many exciting options. The country has many rivers bulging from Himalayan runoff. Waters plunge down from the snowy mountains and through green foothills as they make their way to the fertile plains. Of the many choices we have for river running, the Kali Gandaki is among our best. The river flows through Mustang and is fed from runoff from two of the highest peaks in the world, Dhaulagiri (7th highest) and Annapurna (10th highest). Drifting down the Kali Gandaki River can be the perfect way to unwind and refresh after a long trek or to simply escape life on the solid ground for a while.

Our river rafting adventures are thrilling and safe, suitable for all levels. The river is a rejuvenating blend of smooth waters and rugged rapids. As we float along the Kali Gandaki we take in all the beauty Nepal has to offer including rural farmland, lush landscapes, jungles, remote villages, glimpses of white peaks and perhaps observing wild animals in their natural settings. Nepal’s diverse landscape offers something spectacular at every bend in the river.

The Kali Gandaki River takes its name from Kali, a Hindu goddess. The excursion begins with a picturesque drive from the tourist destination of Pokhara. We can enjoy up to 60 km / 37.5 mi of rafting and up to three days and nights with overnight camping at secluded beaches. The thrilling journey includes rapids with grades from 3 to 4 and even higher.

The Kali Gandaki River can be rafted at any time of the year and even in the monsoon when the extra flow provides more excitement. We have several options to choose from for a Kali Gandaki rafting excursion depending on your schedule and timetable. For our overnight trips, the river adventure is broken up by slow-paced rest on sandy beaches for meal stops and camping under the starry skies.

Throughout the excitement, we follow the highest safety standards and have your well-being as our top concern. Our journeys are safe and enjoyable. Our crew of trained specialists has years of experience guiding on this river and we provide the best gear and the rafts are always accompanied by safety kayakers looking out for you.

There is a lot to explore along the Kali Gandaki and we look forward to guiding you to the highlights.

Please Note: There are additional options for more exploration in the area that can follow a river adventure including trekking, paragliding, mountain biking, bungee jumping, a zip line, jungle safari and more. If you have the time and the interest, just let us know and we can combine this rafting trip with other adventures.  

Outline Itinerary

  • Day 1Drive from Pokhara to Modikhola. Overnight at tented camp.
  • Day 2Raft from Modikhola to Purtighat. Overnight at tented camp.
  • Day 3Raft from Purtighat to Mirmi Dam and drive back to Pokhara. Overnight at hotel.
Explore Detail ItineraryPrint Pdf

What's Included

Price Includes

  • All ground Transportation.
  • All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) during your rafting trip.
  • Necessary equipment as high quality self-bailing rafts, lifejackets, helmets, plastic paddles, wetsuits (only during the winter) on certain rivers, dry bag for gear, camera barrels and all safety equipment.
  • Safety Kayak.
  • Necessary Staffs (Guide, Helpers, Cook etc) including their food, salary, accommodation, insurance, transport etc.
  • Tented accommodation with camp fire.
  • First aid kid box.
  • River Permit.
  • Government taxes.

Price Excludes:

  • Bar bill and beverage.
  • Hotel accommodations & meals, if you stay anywhere at the hotel during the trip.
  • Any personal expenses.
  • Member insurance should include medical and evacuation.
  • Tip to Staffs.
Departure note

Our Kali Gandaki River Rafting adventures can be arranged at any time and we have frequent departures from Kathmandu, Pokhara and beyond that can be personalized to accommodate specific wishes and timetables. 

Useful Information

Accommodation

All the tented camp accommodations as per the itinerary are included in the package cost. And all the accommodations are as per twin sharing basis unless you are of different gender. The private tent can be provided upon request with some additional charge.

Meals

Nepal is such an easy place to get several vegetarian options so no worries if you are a vegetarian or vegan. You can enjoy typical Nepali food as well as continental, Italian, Indian and Tibetan. Freshly cooked and hygienic dinner and breakfast are served at the camp and packed lunch will be served on the way to the next destination which will be prepared by our own chef. All the meals (B/L/D) are on full board basis during the rafting trip.

Rafting/Kayak Guide

An experienced and licensed Rafting and Kayak Guide will accompany you for the entire trip. Each boat with maximum 8 passengers will have a professional guide and a backup Kayak for safety and betterment in service. Our team believes that our customer care is the first priority.

Best Seasons

Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November) are the best months for traveling in Nepal for trekking and other activities. Where normally days are sunny, the temperature is perfect, the sky is clear and Mountain remains crystal. But for the Rafting, Monsoon (June to August) and Autumn is the best time where the flow of the river and rapid is great.

Ground Transportation

Highway in Nepal is safe, however, sometimes transport can be halted due to a landslide, strike or by political unrest. Add a cushion of a few extra days in your onward travel schedule, advised as a margin of safety for your international flight from Nepal. We, therefore, advise that you schedule at least an extra day cushion in your itinerary to avoid conflicts with international flights out of Nepal. In that case, High Camp Adventure can arrange activities with your additional days in Kathmandu before your flight home.