KALI

7 DAYS - UTTARAKHAND

2024 Trip Dates: Contact us to schedule your own trip! (min 6 people)

Cost: On request

Season: February-April, September-November

Description: Located along the border of India and Nepal, the Mahakali River trip is an exciting river journey along scenic terraced-cultivation and quaint old Kumaoni villages. Coupled with the sparkling water and wonderful sandy beaches, this trip promises you a wilderness journey of a lifetime. It is great for beginning rafters and kayakers as well as experienced adventurers. It has a few big rapids like the ‘Chuka’, ‘Dimberghat’ and ‘The Creek’ rapids, to thrill you.

A completely self-contained trip, you will run the river with our experienced guides in the day time and bask in the natural beauty of the region in the late afternoon and evening. For enthusiastic anglers – catching the Mahseer fish is an absolute delight, as we camp around Pancheshwar which is a popular fishing spot.

Itinerary*:

Day 1: Kathgodam (arrive early in the morning 0600hrs) to Pithoragarh. Our drive to Pithoragarh (7 hours) gives you splendid views of the Trisul, Nanda Devi and Panchuli mountain ranges. We drive through the towns and villages of Kumaon that provide a rich cultural background for the trip. Don’t be surprised if you want to stop often to take photographs of the diverse flora and fauna, along with the Himalayas in the background. Overnight at Pithoragarh Hotel.

Day 2: Pithoragarh to Jauljibi to Chaukidari Camp. A short drive from Pithoragarh (2 ½ hours) brings us to the confluence of Gori Ganga and Kali Rivers at Jauljibi. It is here that we start the expedition. After a comprehensive river safety briefing, as well as basic rafting instructions, you are ready to experience the thrill of grade 3 rapids. The sights and sounds of the many villages we cross add to the special experience of being on the river. We pitch camp late afternoon, followed by dinner around the campfire. Overnight at camp.

Day 3: Chaukidari Camp to Waterfall Camp. Our second day on the Kali begins with a grade 2 rapid. Enjoy the white water as we raft through the ‘Squeeze’ at Juhlaghat. The river banks sport spectacular stalactite and stalagmite formations. In the afternoon, we pitch camp by a waterfall and we can either choose to hike up to it or laze around the campfire, eat dinner and hit the sleeping bag. Camp overnight.

Day 4: Waterfall Camp to Nidal Camp. Get ready for some more action on grade 2-3 rapids to reach Pancheshwar, the confluence of Kali and Saryu Rivers. Don’t forget your poles, this is a great spot for fishing**. Camp overnight.

Day 5: Nidal Camp to Rupali Gad Camp. Expect loads of thrills today as we move from Pancheshwar towards Rupali Gad and encounter grade 3 rapids as the river picks up volume. The untouched beauty is breathtaking and has us all wishing for the day not to end. Camp overnight.

Day 6: Rupali Gad Camp to Pari Gaon Camp. The river’s run from Rupali Gad to Pari Gaon takes us through the Kali’s biggest rapid, the ‘Chuka’, a grade 4+ rapid. As the rapid has several channels we will scout around before running it. We will then enjoy a few more grade 3 rapids before we reach camp across the river from Pari Gaon. There will be plenty to discuss and remember about the day when we sit around the campfire and savor a hot, delicious meal. Camp overnight.

Day 7: Pari Gaon to Boom to Kathgodam. On the last day on the river we start from Pari Gaon to reach the take out at Boom. There is a distinct shift in the surrounding vegetation as we enter the Terai region. You may find wild elephants sharing the river with you! After lunch load up and drive to Kathgodam (ETA 1400). Board the night train out of Kathgodam to Delhi. (Train travel not included in cost of trip.)

*The above 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). Or kayakers might enjoy the top section, Dharchula to Jauljibi. Contact us for more details.

 **Angling permit required. Inquire for details.

Day 1: Kathgodam - Pithoragarh.

Day 2: Pithoragarh - Jauljibi - Chaukidari Camp.

Day 3: Chaukidari Camp - Waterfall Camp.

Day 4: Waterfall Camp - Nidal Camp.

Day 5: Nidal Camp - Rupali Gad Camp.

Day 6: Rupali Gad Camp - Pari Gaon Camp.

Day 7: Pari Gaon - Boom - Kathgodam.