| The Kali River drains some of the
world's tallest mountains, and carries with it the melting snow
of the majestic Himalayas on a relentless rush to the sea. For
part of its course, in its upper reaches, the Kali forms the
international border between India and Nepal. A self-contained
river journey down this river is one of the prime options in
this part of the Himalayas. The river flows past terraced farms
of Kumaoni and Nepali villages, fresh water streams, sandy beaches,
thick tropical jungles, hillsides of stalactite and stalagmite
formations, riverside tea stops and plantations as we travel
downstream through the Terai belt negotiating exciting white
water rafting. |
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With the Mahseer making it an angler's delight,
the lack of road access makes it a complete wilderness journey.
After the first few days of serene float past its confluence
with the Saryu at Pancheshwar (also a famous fishing spot)
with the occasional big rapid, the Kali makes its final descent
to the plains in the last day on river, beginning with the
mighty Chooka rapid. Flowing past the Terai hills after densely
forested hillsides, this trip is an outdoor wilderness experience
in a league of its own.
Season: October -
April
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Itenarary
DAY 1: Delhi - Kathgodam
Board overnight train Ranikhet Express from Delhi for Kathgodam.
DAY 2: Kathgodam - Pithoragarh
Arrival in Kathgodam at 0610 hrs. Drive Kathgodam to Pithoragarh
(7 hrs). Overnight at Hotel/Tourist Rest House.
DAY 3: On the river Drive
Pithoragarh to put-in point at Jhulaghat (2 hrs). Raft an
initiation stretch of 15 km of Class II+ rapids passing many
stalactite and stalagmite formations. Camp by late afternoon
and hike to nearby village. Overnight stay in camp by the
village.
DAY 4: On the river
We pass Pancheshwar where the Kali meets the Saryu, and is
now called the Sarda. We camp below the confluence for a relaxed
afternoon. Angling for the Golden Mahseer is an exciting option.
Hike into Pancheshwar village. Overnight Camp.
DAY 5: On the river
Negotiate a series of Class III rapids. This day one passes
through thick jungle and rarely gets to see any human population.
Camp overnight.
DAY 6:
Rest day to explore the surroundings, hike and relax.
DAY 7: On the river
Raft 20 km through a number of big and bouncy rapids including
a big Class IV rapid at the village of Chuka, where Jim Corbett
shot the famous Chuka man-eating tiger. Overnight camp below
the rapid.
DAY 8:
We begin to enter the Terai jungles today with great white
water rafting and the chance of spotting some wildlife like
wild elephants, etc. End the stretch at Boom and drive to
Kathgodam. Overnight Ranikhet Express to Delhi
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