Rising from Upper Mustang, the Kaligandaki River derived from the name of Hindu goddess for destruction, Kali. The Kaligandaki is on the northern side of the Himalayan range. As the Kaligandaki tumbles down between the majestic Dhaulagiri and the Annapurna ranges, it forms one of the world’s deepest river canyons. The recent damming of the lower portion of the river has left us with one of Nepal’s premier medium-length river journeys; combining great white-water with some of the most beautiful scenery in Nepal; hardly ever-visited villages, rich wildlife, sandy beaches and sparkling waterfalls.
The rapids on the Kaligandaki are much more technical and continuous from beginning until hydro power dam-side, which will keep paddlers busy all of the day. Both skilled and novice rafters admire this diversity, which is difficult to find on any other 3-day river journey. Mid of March through May and October through November is the best season to raft on this river.
Some of well known rapids on this river are; small brother, big brother, wake and bake, good morning cobra and walk in the dark.