KALI EXPRESS
5 DAYS - UTTARAKHAND
2024 Trip Dates: Contact us to schedule your own trip! (min 6 people)
Cost: On request
Season: Feb-April, Sept-Nov
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 beginners to rafting and kayaking, as well as experienced adventurers as 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 of the Kali is an absolute delight!
Itinerary:
Day 01: Kathgodam (arrive early morning 0600) to Lohaghat. Our day begins early morning at 7am. Our drive to Lohaghat (5-6 hours) gives you splendid glimpses 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 in a hotel.
Day 02: Lohaghat to Rupali Gad Camp. We will drive from Lohaghat to Pancheshwar (2 ½ hours) and 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 3-4 rapids. The sights and sounds of the many villages we cross add to the special experience of being on the river. We then venture into the wilderness section of the river, where we will pitch camp late afternoon at Rupali Gad Camp, followed by dinner around the campfire.
Day 03: Rupali Gad Camp to Pari Gaon. The river’s run from Rupali Gad to Pari Gaon takes us through the most remote wilderness corridor and also the Kali’s biggest rapid, the ‘Chuka’, a grade 4+ rapid. As the rapid changes annually after every monsoon, we will scout it before running it. We will then enjoy a few more grade 3 rapids before we reach camp across the river from Pari Gaon, where pug marks and Hornbills are often spotted. There will be plenty to discuss and remember about the day when we sit around the campfire and savor a hot, delicious meal.
Day 04: Layover day. Choose to explore the surroundings or relax by the river.
Day 05: 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 hrs). Board the night train out of Kathgodam to Delhi. (Train travel not included in cost of trip.)
Day 01: Kathgodam - Lohaghat.
Day 02: Lohaghat - Rupali Gad Camp.
Day 03: Rupali Gad Camp - Pari Gaon.
Day 04: Layover day.
Day 05: Pari Gaon to Boom to Kathgodam.