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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
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