Highlights
| Duration: | 08 days |
| Region: | Uttarakhand, India |
| Start: | Kathgodam |
| End: | Kathgodam |
| Difficulty: | Challenging |
Departures
The Mahakali rafting expedition is a self supported trip on the entire length of Kali river right from Jauljibi to Tanakpur. The river flows almost entirely in remote and isolated regions and forms a natural border between India and Nepal. This expedition is known for very beautiful and scenic camping locations and exciting whitewater rapids that rate up to class III+ difficulty levels.
The Gori river confluences with the Kali at Jauljibi and is henceforth called the Kali. The river gains volume as multiple small tributaries and streams meet it along the way. One of the main tributaries being Saryu which confluences at a place called Pancheswar, which is famous internationally for angling. After Pancheshwar the river is christened as Kali Sharda, and had the best whitewater sections between Pancheshwar and Tanakpur.
To join this expedition one has to commit their plans well in advance so that the required paperwork can be concluded in time. The river is an international border so there is quite a lot of formalities and permissions to be obtained from various authorities that are involved in securing the border regions.
A river rafting expedition is an active vacation that expect involvement from the guests at all levels, whether it is helping to setup the tents, or to lend your hand in collecting of wood for bonfire. The prime activities in a day are around rafting, and moving the camp from one point to another as we move down the river. All camping gear and provisions also travel with us on separate cargo boats. Post afternoons are at leisure where one can choose to have a volleyball bout or settle down with a book.
DETAILED ITINERARY
Day 01: Kathgodam to Pithoragarh
Guests will be picked up from Kathgodam railway station in early morning, and the drive to Pithoragarh will take about 7 hours. At pithoragarh overnight in hotel.
Day 02: Pithoragarh to Jauljibi to Chowkidari camp
Post breakfast drive about 2.5 hours to Jauljibi. One would get some amazing photo opportunities when the Himalayan peaks will come in view shortly after leaving Pithoragarh. At Jauljibi, our river team would have already prepared the rafts and all the belongings and camping equipment would be secured in waterproof dry bags. After a detailed safety briefing, we would start our rafting journey. Camp would be setup after about 4 hours of rafting. One can involve in beach volleyball or choose to laze around. Evening around bonfire and barbeque. Overnight in tents.
Day 03: Chowkidari camp to waterfall camp
Wind up the camp in morning, and continue our journey downstream. Camp after another 3-4 hours of easy to moderate section of the river. Overnight tents.
Day 04: Waterfall camp to Pancheshwar
Today we will raft through Jhulaghat where the river squeezes to just about 10 feet in width. Camp would be setup at Pancheshwar which is a famous location for angling.
Day 05: Layover day
A rest day is planned today. We can indulge in camp games, or we can hike around the area, take a dip in the warm and clear waters of the Saryu river which confluences at this place.
Day 06: Pancheshwar to Rupali gad
From Pancheshwar the river will gain volume and speed. We would encounter several good class rapids before we setup camp.
Day 07: Rupali Gad to Pari Gaon
Today we would be running some amazing whitewater sections and would pass the Chooka village that has fame due to the erstwhile man eating tigers of kumaon authored by Jim Corbett. Pari Gaon camp site is a very beautiful location. Overnight tents.
Day 08: Pari Gaon to Boom further to Kathgodam
The last day of rafting through exciting whitewaters as the river enters the terai forests. Towards the end the river would be more peaceful as the geography changes to plains. The trip would end at Boom which is couple of kms short of Tanakpur. From here a 2.5 hours drive to Kathgodam railway station ETA 6-7 PM.
Inclusions
- Experienced team having appropriate training and certifications for whitewater rescue and wilderness first aid.
- All rafting gear - Life Jackets, helmets, paddles, splash jackets, safety kayaks, dry bags etc.
- Suitable camping gear including tents, sleeping bags, and cooking/mess arrangements.
- River permits, Forest/National parks entry fees/permits, inner line permits, all necessary legal paperwork & documentation.
- Comprehensive first aid kit.
- Travel arrangements connecting the starting and ending locations as detailed in the itinerary.
- Camp stay on twin share basis with all meals ( lunch of day 1 till lunch of day 8 ).
Exclusions
- Train/Air fares up to and from the starting and ending points.
- Meals and refreshments during the road journey,
- Insurance of any kind
- Expenses of personal nature, alcoholic drinks etc.
- Anything not mentioned explicitly in the schedule/program.
