| The Kali Gandaki is the most accessible river from the trekking base of Pokhara. The dam built close to the confluence of the Andhi Khola has shortened the five-day trip. The maximum time spent on the river is 3 days. This river rises in Mustang, the bit of Nepal that sticks out into Tibet to the North. Before it reaches the put-in it passes between the mighty Dhaulagiri in the west and the Annapurna massif in the east. This gorge is more than 4 miles deep. Lower down at the put-in the river goes south and a great adventure begins.
Transportation
Pokhara is 200km from Kathmandu. It takes 6 hours by bus, 5 hours by private vehicle or 35 minutes by flight. The journey from Pokhara to the put-in is amazing. The road initially follows the Seti River and rises up a winding road to the village of Naudanda where a magnificent view greets you from the north, the entire Annapurna massif.
After lunch, you will get onto the river. The day by break down of the river is given below.
The Lower Kali Gandaki is run from Ramdi and takes 3-4 days. It's hardest rapid is class 3 and it 's said to have some amazing wildlife and scenery.
Breakdown of the trip
Day 1 Bus Kathmandu to Pokhara (5-6 hours)
Day 2 Pokhara to put-in, lunch and onto river, 2-3 hours of
class 4 to camp just below Modi Khola.
Day 3 Day of class 3/4 to just above Seti Beni village.
Day 4 Seti Beni rapid & village, more class 3/4, take-out at confluence of Andhi Khola (dam) and bus to Pokhara arriving late afternoon.
Day 5 Rest in Pokhara or set out to next destination.
Once the dam is complete and the position is clearer, it may be possible to run the next section to Ramdi. The section from Ramdi downstream has lower level rapids and ends in the Royal Chitwan National Park. |
