The
Kali Sarda Rafting/Kayaking Expedition
Known as the Mahakali in
Nepal and the Sarda or the Kali in India, this is one of the
great rivers of the Himalayas and probably the least travelled
one. Most of it is remote, unspoilt and with excellent scenery.
The pristine wilderness is a highlight of the trip with few
trails, no people and beautiful canyons and beaches. It also
has some phenomenal bird life. The Kali for most of its length
demarcates the western boundary between India and Nepal. On
the Indian side it flows along the region of Kumaon - a land
of gentle hills and beautiful mountains. The valley of the
river had been a trading route up to Tibet and one can see
the Tibetan influence in this region. An expedition down this
river provides some classic Grade III / IV rafting thrills.
SEASON: October
through till April
Day
1: Arrive Delhi
Day
2: Delhi
The day is spent sightseeing
in Delhi. After dinner board the overnight train to Kathgodam.
Day
3: Kathgodam- Pithoragarh
Early morning arrival at
Kathgodam, the last railhead in the Kumaon region. 8hr drive
to Pitthoragarh town (1,650m) sitting in a small valley which
used to be the summer retreat of the Chand rulers of the area
and also has some fine temples built by them. Night at Pithoragarh
Tourist Rest House.
Day
4: Pithoragarh to Put in Point Drive
Drive to put in point where
we begin the expedition. Easy rafting stretch for about 2
hrs. till we set up a camp on an isolated beach by the river.
Overnight, stay in tents by the riverside with complete provisions
of food and comfort.
Day
5: On Expedition
About five hours of rafting
in a very straightforward river with few villages and beautiful
waterfalls on both sides of the river. Night is in tents set
up on a beach by the river.
Day
6: On Expedition
Day spent on the river with
grade II & III rapids. Watch beautiful waterfalls high
up on the rocky escarpments on both sides. Visit some villages
en route and talk to the people, who are extremely friendly
and warm. o/n at camp set up by the river.
Day
7: Rest Day
A designated day of rest.
Visit a temple at the confluence of the Kali and Saryu rivers.
Overnight Camp.
Day
8: On the river
Past Pancheshwar there are
few villages, just thickly forested hillsides. The areas abound
in wild life and is a paradise for bird watchers. The river
picks up force and there are two big grade III rapids. Camp
set up on a beach.
Day
9:
The best white-water day
of the trip - plenty of flat water paddling on the calm sections,
many big and bouncy rapids including a big grade IV+ rapid.
Explore the forest area around the campsite for the day.
Day
10: Last Day of Expedition
Finish the expeditionby lunch
time. After lunch drive to Kathgodam for overnight train back
to Delhi.
Day
11: Delhi onward
Recommended Extensions:-
i) Delhi
sightseeing
ii) The Corbett Adventure
iii) Visit
Agra
iv) Exotic
Triangle |
