Kali Gandaki River (Lower)

River Facts

Difficulty in Nov : Class 2(3)
From: Ramdi (Alt.270m)
To: Naraynghat (Alt.180m)
Distance: 128Km (80 miles)
River days : 4
From Pokhara: 4 hours
Avg gradient: 1.5m/km(7 ft a mile)
Volume in Nov: 250cms (8800 cfs)
Best season: Oct-Dec, Feb-Apr

Summery

A big but relatively easy river, with beautiful, unspoilt scenery, small gorges, jungle and a an abundance of wildlife. Recommended as an easily accessible and relaxing river trip. A good river for small inflatable boats (Duckies) or for kayakers with limited experience. A classic, best –of-its-kind trip that deserves to be more popular.

The River

The upper part of the river above Ramdi,is described in the preceding section. Below Ramdi, the river flows east in an open valley for approximately 100 km between lines of hills before joining with the Trisuli river at Devghat to become the Narayani and to flow onwards to the Ganges and the Indian Ocean.
There are no roads near the river, no tourists, and few other river runners: local people are natural, unspoilt and of course friendly.

Rafting

This is a pleasant and relaxing 3-4 day float trip with a gentle but sufficient current. There are plenty of easy (class 2) rapids to add interest –but there are very safe. There is one class 3 rapid about half way down the river that can easily be portaged. If you’re nervous about white water and don’t want to get wet, but still want an interesting and pleasant river trip, there this is probably the one for you .This is a ‘get away from it all river with few bridges, trails or villages.

It’s perhaps a good choice for a family raft trip where some members want to try their hand at kayaking on easy water. Note that in high water, at the beginning and end of the monsoon, like most rivers, this then becomes much harder and could be dangerous to be inexperienced.

River Map

Please click on map to have larger view.

Kali Gandaki River (Lower) Map