Breakfast
Porridge, eggs, toast, pancakes, fruit, tea or coffee, cooked at camp
All destinations
All destinationsKali Gandaki River Rafting
5.09 reviews
Raft the sacred Kali Gandaki through the world's deepest gorge, with large rapids, riverside camps and stops at remote villages.
- 3 days
- Class III–IV
- Duration
- 3 days
- Grade
- Class III to IV
- Altitude
- 1,070 m (3,510 ft)
- Start and end
- Pokhara
- On the water
- 4 to 5 hours a day
- Best season
- Mar to Apr, Oct to Nov
- Accommodation
- Beach camping
- Meals
- All meals
- Group size
- Up to 8
Kali Gandaki River Rafting Overview
Raft the sacred Kali Gandaki through the world's deepest gorge, with large rapids, riverside camps and stops at remote villages.
Tour overview
This is a three-day rafting trip on the river that drains the deepest gorge on earth. You put in near Nayapul below the Annapurnas and paddle south through a steep, forested canyon, with Class III and IV rapids on the first two days. You camp on white sand beaches, with a campfire in the evenings. It offers the best whitewater in Nepal on a trip of less than a week.
The sacred river
The Kali Gandaki is holy to Hindus. It is where saligram are found: black ammonite fossils, worshipped as a form of Vishnu, washed out of marine rock that was lifted five kilometres by the collision that formed the Himalaya. You will see shrines above the water and pilgrims at the confluences, and your guides treat these sites with respect.
Who this trip is for
Anyone who can swim and is prepared to fall out of the raft. You do not need rafting experience, because you paddle under instruction while the guide steers. You do need to be comfortable in moving water: on Class IV rapids you are very likely to end up in the river at some point, and the safety kayaker will pick you up. The trip is not suitable for non-swimmers or small children.
Key highlights of the Kali Gandaki River Rafting
- Class III to IV whitewater rapids
- Camping on white-sand beaches
- The world's deepest river gorge
- Remote villages & temples en route
Itinerary
An early drive of three to three and a half hours from Pokhara, past Kusma, to the put-in at Maldhunga on the Kali Gandaki. After a safety briefing the afternoon runs Class III rapids down a narrowing valley, past the confluence with the Modi Khola at Modi Beni, to a beach camp just below it.
- Altitude
- 620 m (2,030 ft)
- On foot
- None, 3 hr drive, then rafting
- Night in
- Tented camp, Modi Beni
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This is the longest day on the river. You run Class III and IV rapids through a deepening gorge, past Brahmin and Magar villages, riverside temples and waterfalls running down the rock, to a remote beach camp near Purti Ghat.
- Altitude
- 450 m (1,480 ft)−170 m
- On foot
- None, rafting day
- Night in
- Tented camp, Purti Ghat
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
A shorter morning on easier water as the gorge opens out, to the take-out at Mirmi, above the Kali Gandaki dam. After lunch by the river, you drive back to Pokhara through farmland and Gurung villages.
- Altitude
- 820 m (2,690 ft)+370 m
- On foot
- None, rafting, then drive
- Night in
- Hotel, Pokhara
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch
What's included
- Airport transfers & ground transport
- Licensed English-speaking guide
- Accommodation throughout the trip
- All permits & national park fees
- Meals as per the itinerary
Not included
- International flights
- Travel & rescue insurance
- Personal trekking gear
- Tips & personal expenses
- Nepal entry visa (on arrival)
Dates and prices
Start date
6 Nov 2026
End date
8 Nov 2026
Available
8 left
US $247
Per person
Start date
16 Apr 2027
End date
18 Apr 2027
Available
8 left
US $247
Per person
Start date
19 Mar 2027
End date
21 Mar 2027
Available
8 left
US $247
Per person
Route map
The trail from start to finish, at a glance.
Photos
A look at the trail, the villages and the mountains.
Packing list
Packing for the river
We provide a helmet, a life jacket, a paddle and a dry bag. The contents of the dry bag are all you have for three days, so limit them to one change of clothes for camp, something warm for the evening and your wash kit. Leave everything else at your hotel in Pokhara. Do not bring anything on the raft that you cannot afford to lose to the river, including good sunglasses without a strap.
- Sunglasses with a strap
- Water-resistant sunscreen, SPF 50, and lip balm
- A sun hat for camp. You wear a helmet on the river
- Swimwear or quick-drying shorts
- A rash vest or synthetic long-sleeved top, no cotton
- A light fleece or thermal top for cool mornings in March and November
- A spray jacket if you have one
- River sandals with a heel strap, or old trainers you do not mind getting wet. Flip-flops come off in rapids
- Dry shoes or sandals for camp
- A dry change of clothes and something warm for the evening
- A light sleeping bag or liner. Ask us if you need one
- A headtorch
- A small towel that dries quickly
- Any medicine you take routinely, in a waterproof bag
- Plasters and antiseptic cream for small cuts
- Insect repellent for the evenings
- Biodegradable soap
- A refillable bottle you can clip to the raft
- Purification tablets as a backup
- A waterproof camera, or a phone in a waterproof pouch, on a lanyard
- A power bank. There are no charging facilities
- A photocopy of your passport. Leave the original at your hotel in Pokhara
- Travel insurance details, naming whitewater rafting
- A little cash for drinks and tips, in the dry bag
Accommodation
2 nights, and where
| Where | Nights | Type | Room | Bathroom |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beach camp below Modi Beni | 1 | Tent on a riverside beach | Two-person tent, shared, with a foam mat | None. A toilet tent at camp, and the river to wash in |
| Beach camp at Purti Ghat | 1 | Tent on a riverside beach | Two-person tent, shared, with a foam mat | None. A toilet tent at camp, and the river to wash in |
- Beach camp below Modi Beni
- Nights
- 1
- Type
- Tent on a riverside beach
- Room
- Two-person tent, shared, with a foam mat
- Bathroom
- None. A toilet tent at camp, and the river to wash in
- Beach camp at Purti Ghat
- Nights
- 1
- Type
- Tent on a riverside beach
- Room
- Two-person tent, shared, with a foam mat
- Bathroom
- None. A toilet tent at camp, and the river to wash in
Heat, hot water, power and signal
- Tents
- Two people to a tent, with a foam mat each. The crew sets up the tents while you swim.
- Toilet
- A toilet tent at each camp, set back from the water. Nothing is left on the beach when we go.
- Washing
- In the river, with biodegradable soap. There is no shower until you are back in Pokhara.
- Charging
- No charging facilities. Bring a power bank and keep your phone in the dry bag.
- Phone signal
- Patchy in the gorge and often unavailable at camp. Let people know you will be out of contact for two days.
- Water
- Boiled or filtered water from the kitchen for refilling your bottle. Do not drink river water.
- Campfire
- Most evenings, with driftwood from the beach.
- Safety kit
- Helmet, life jacket, paddle and dry bag provided, with a first aid kit and a safety kayaker on every trip.
Meals
Lunch
On a beach: bread, salad, tinned fish, cheese, vegetables, fruit and biscuits
Tea
Tea, coffee, biscuits and popcorn while the tents are set up
Dinner
Soup to start, then dal bhat, pasta or curry, and a pudding, cooked over the stove at camp
If you eat differently
- Vegetarian
- Straightforward. Most of the food the crew cooks is already vegetarian.
- Vegan
- Manageable with notice. The food is bought in Pokhara before we leave, so tell us when you book.
- Gluten free
- Rice, dal, potatoes, eggs and vegetables are safe. Tell us in advance so we pack enough of them.
- Allergies
- Tell us at booking. Once on the river we are several hours from a hospital, so bring any medication you need, including an adrenaline pen if prescribed.
A typical day
Difficulty and preparation
Physically moderate, but demanding on the water. You need to be able to swim and be willing to end up in the river.
- Three to five hours of paddling a day, under instruction from the guide, who steers.
- Class III and IV rapids on the first two days. Most people fall in at least once, and the safety kayaker picks you up.
- No rafting experience is needed, but you must be a confident swimmer.
- Two nights camping on beaches, with a toilet tent and the river to wash in.
- About three to three and a half hours by road from Pokhara to the put-in at Maldhunga, and a similar drive back.
Getting ready, week by week
Written for somebody who walks a bit and does not train. If you already run or cycle regularly, start partway through. Nothing here needs a gym.
- Trek
8 weeks before, stage 1 of 4
Swimming
Swim twice a week in a pool. Aim to swim 200 m without stopping and to float calmly on your back. Being relaxed in the water matters more than speed, because a swim in a Class IV rapid is short and disorientating.
Weather by month
Typical conditions on this route in each month, including the months we do not run this trip.
- Best
- Good
- Hard
- We do not run it
October
Best- Daytime on the river
- +29°C
- Night at camp
- +18°C
- The water
- +16°C
The most popular month. High, clear water, the rapids at their best, and settled weather.
Approximate air temperatures from Department of Hydrology and Meteorology records for the Pokhara and Kusma area. Water temperatures are rough guides; the river is snow-fed and runs colder after rain in the hills.
Booking and payment
How to book
Email us or send a message on WhatsApp, and tell us roughly when you would like to travel. You will receive a personal reply from someone who has been on this trip. Nothing is payable at this stage, and there is no obligation until you pay a deposit.
Deposit
A deposit of 30 per cent holds your dates, and the balance is paid when you arrive in Kathmandu, in cash or by card. At the same time, we ask for a copy of your passport, your insurance certificate and any dietary or medical information.
Payment
You can pay by bank transfer, or by card through a secure link. Card payments carry the bank's fee of about 4 per cent, which we show you before you pay. The balance in Kathmandu can be paid in US dollars, pounds, euros or Nepali rupees.
Cancellation
If you cancel more than 30 days before departure, the deposit can be transferred to any other date or trip we run, with no time limit. Within 30 days of departure the deposit is retained, because the permits, flights and crew are booked by then. If we cancel for any reason other than weather, you receive a full refund.
Private and group departures
Both cost the same for a party of five or more. A private departure runs on your dates at your pace and can be arranged for one person. A group departure runs on the dates in the table above. Most travellers book privately, at no extra cost.
Late bookings
We need at least five days' notice, or two weeks in late October. No permit is required, so the only constraint is filling a raft, since a raft of four costs less per person than a raft of two.
Reviews
Exceptional5.0 out of 5Reviews from Tripadvisor
- 5836
- 426
- 32
- 23
- 11
Ask for Bishal as your guide!
December 2017, Tripadvisor
Earthbound Expeditions made an impression from the beginning. The owner, Rajan, was very hands-on and responsive. He replied to all of my emails within a few hours (maybe less), patiently answered all of my questions, and refined my itinerary with me. I read many positive reviews about Bishal, an Earthbound Expeditions guide. I asked for him and Rajan accomodated. Bishal lived up to his reputation - he was knowledgeable, experienced and always professional (while also maintaining a sense of humor). He let me set my pace for the trek, and was always walking next to me in case I needed assistance. I saw some other guide (not associated with Earthbound) who went way ahead of his client, and would not have known if something happened to the client. Bishal knew the teahouses very well, and would choose a place based on your preferences (the teahouses can be very different, despite what some guidebooks say). If you want to focus on enjoying your trip without worrying about any logistics, then you cannot go wrong with Bishal at Earthbound. I thoroughly enjoyed my time in Nepal, and it would not have been possible without Bishal and Rajan.
Bonnie LNew York City, New YorkRead on Tripadvisor
Amazing Company
November 2017, Tripadvisor
We were familiar with Earthbound Expeditions as the company that we used last time our of New Zealand uses Earthbound as their local company. We decided to book directly through Earthbound this time and must say we are extremely with their care and attention and professionalism. The owner Rajan is hands on and personally does the arranging of tours himself. On site he is also at the front for dealing with clients and does an amazing job. The tea houses we stayed in were the best and our guide and porters were top notch. We had some problems with health in the mountains and had to be evacuated and Earthbound saw to making it as easy and stress free an event as possible. Follow up in Kathmandu during hospitalization and recovery at the Thamel Eco Resort was beyond expectation and we cannot recommend this comany enough or sing accolades loud enough. You will be taken care of from the time your feet hit Nepal until the time you return. Thank you Rajan and staff for making this adventure unforgettable in a very very good way!
Susan WCharlottetown, CanadaRead on Tripadvisor
Incredible trip with Earthbound
November 2017, Tripadvisor
I recently organised a solo trip to Nepal with Earthbound Expeditions (Kathmandu, white water rafting, hiking Annapurna and Chitwan). Earthbound were great to deal with, they tailored the trip perfectly to what I was interested in and were really flexible with any changes I made. Rajan was great at answering any queries I had quickly both from the uk and when I was in Nepal. Everything was perfectly arranged-accommodation provided was to a high standard and all transport and activities took place when expected. The guides Earthbound use were the best I came across. Most guides claim to speak fluent English which simply wasn’t true most of the time. The Earthbound team speak perfect English, were so attentive and went out of their way to make sure my trip was great. Most people I met along the way mentioned how jealous they were at how good our guides were! I cannot recommend this company enough to people considering a trip to Nepal.
Voyager741322Read on Tripadvisor
Another amazing adventure!
November 2017, Tripadvisor
This is my third trip with Earthbound and it has once again been an amazing experience. I wanted to go off the beaten track and so I had my trip tailor made to suit my wishes. From the first initial plans with Badri in London to arriving at Kathmandu airport and to the final return to that airport I was always looked after my my hosts, Rajan and Kedar. My day visiting Changu Narayan, Bhaktapur and Patan was so exciting and interesting made so by Resham Raz who is very knowledgeable and passionate about his country. I stayed in the Thamel Eco Resort, Pokhara Eco Resort and Himashu Homestay (see other reviews) and was looked after and made to feel very welcome, part of the family. During my 10 day trek, starting in Pokhara and ending in Muktinath, I was led by my guide Narayan who took great care to make sure that I trekked safely and our food and accommodation was good and we had some exciting and funny experiences together! The experience of being so close to some of the world’s greatest mountains will stay with me forever. I can only once again thank Rajan and his excellent team of guides and employees for making this possible. I am now planning my next adventure with them!
LavaLuluLeicester, United KingdomRead on Tripadvisor
Frequently asked questions
Answers to the 6 questions travellers ask us most often. If your question is not here, contact us and we will answer it.
We grade it Class III to IV. Rest days are built in to help you adjust, and a good level of everyday fitness is enough to enjoy it. Tell us about your experience when you enquire and we will give you an honest assessment of whether the trip suits you.
The best time to go is autumn and spring (September to December, and March to May), when the weather is most settled and the views are clearest. We also run the trip outside these months on request. Ask us and we will tell you what to expect.
Groups are small. Many of our trips run for just one or two people, and we keep group sizes low so that the pace suits you and your guide has time for everyone. You can also book the whole trip privately.
A 30% deposit, about $74 on this trip, holds your place, and the balance is due before you travel. You can change your dates free of charge up to 60 days before departure.
Yes. We arrange all national park fees and trekking permits for this route, and they are included in the price. You need a valid passport and a Nepal entry visa, which you can obtain on arrival.
Every itinerary can be adjusted to suit your dates, your pace and the time you have. If you would like extra rest days, a different start, or to add another region, tell us and we will plan the trip around you.
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3 days
$247 per person
