Originating from Upper Mustang, the Kaligandaki River takes its name from the Hindu goddess of destruction, Kali. Flowing along the northern side of the Himalayan range, the Kaligandaki has carved one of the world's deepest river canyons as it cascades between the majestic Dhaulagiri and Annapurna ranges.
Recent dam construction in the lower river section has transformed it into one of Nepal's premier medium-length river journeys. This adventure combines exhilarating white-water rapids with some of Nepal's most stunning scenery, including rarely-visited villages, abundant wildlife, sandy beaches, and sparkling waterfalls.
The Kaligandaki River offers technical and continuous rapids from the beginning until the hydro power dam-side, ensuring paddlers are engaged throughout the day. This diversity in the river's challenges makes it a unique experience that's hard to find on any other 3-day river journey.
The best times to raft on this river are from mid-March through May and from October through November. Notable rapids on the Kaligandaki include Small Brother, Big Brother, Wake and Bake, Good Morning Cobra, and Walk in the Dark.