Do I need previous experience for the Kali Gandaki Rafting?

Most activities are designed for beginners with no previous experience required. Our professional guides provide comprehensive safety briefings and equipment training. For rafting, we offer trips from Class II (family-friendly) to Class V (expert). For paragliding and bungee, tandem/certified operators handle the technical aspects. We match activities to your fitness and experience level.

Is safety equipment provided and what are the limits?

All necessary safety equipment is included and meets international standards: rafting (helmets, life jackets, paddles), paragliding (harness, helmet, emergency parachute), bungee (harness, helmet, backup system), mountain biking (helmet, gloves). Limits vary: rafting age 8+ (Class II-III) or 14+ (Class IV-V), weight 30-110kg. Paragliding age 12+, weight 30-110kg. Bungee age 16+, weight 45-110kg. Inform us of medical conditions at booking. Safety guides: Upper Mustang Trek Itinerary Acclimatization Buffer Days, Compare Mustang Dolpo Trek Operators Group Safety.

What should I wear and bring?

Rafting: quick-dry clothing, swimwear, sandals with straps (no flip-flops), sunscreen, sunglasses with strap. Paragliding: layers (mornings cool), closed-toe shoes, sunglasses, light jacket. Bungee: comfortable clothing, closed-toe shoes, no loose items. Jungle safari: neutral colors (greens, browns), walking shoes, binoculars, insect repellent. See Things to Carry tab for complete list. Packing guides: Jomsom Muktinath Trek Packing List, Rupina La Trek Gear List Remote.

What happens if the weather is bad and do I need insurance?

Adventure activities are weather-dependent for safety. If we cancel: rafting rescheduled or refunded, paragliding rescheduled or refunded, bungee operates in light rain, jungle safari operates year-round. Travel insurance is mandatory for all adventure activities and must cover emergency medical treatment and evacuation. Book morning slots for best weather. Seasonal guides: Upper Mustang Trek Monsoon Season, Mustang Dolpo Monsoon Trekking Feasibility. Insurance guides: What Cancellation Terms And Travel Insurance Details Matter Before Booking A Ren, Kanchenjunga North Base Camp Insurance Needed.

How do I book and what is the cost?

Price: USD 199 per person. Contact us via website or email with your preferred date. 30% deposit to confirm, balance due on activity day. We accept bank transfer, credit card (4% surcharge), PayPal, and cash. Book at least 1 week in advance for peak season (October-November, March-May). Meeting point and what-to-bring details sent after booking.

Do I need previous experience for the Kali Gandaki Rafting?

Most activities are designed for beginners with no previous experience required. Our professional guides provide comprehensive safety briefings and equipment training. For rafting, we offer trips from Class II (family-friendly) to Class V (expert). For paragliding and bungee, tandem/certified operators handle the technical aspects. We match activities to your fitness and experience level.

Is safety equipment provided and what are the limits?

All necessary safety equipment is included and meets international standards: rafting (helmets, life jackets, paddles), paragliding (harness, helmet, emergency parachute), bungee (harness, helmet, backup system), mountain biking (helmet, gloves). Limits vary: rafting age 8+ (Class II-III) or 14+ (Class IV-V), weight 30-110kg. Paragliding age 12+, weight 30-110kg. Bungee age 16+, weight 45-110kg. Inform us of medical conditions at booking. Safety guides: Upper Mustang Trek Itinerary Acclimatization Buffer Days, Compare Mustang Dolpo Trek Operators Group Safety.

What should I wear and bring?

Rafting: quick-dry clothing, swimwear, sandals with straps (no flip-flops), sunscreen, sunglasses with strap. Paragliding: layers (mornings cool), closed-toe shoes, sunglasses, light jacket. Bungee: comfortable clothing, closed-toe shoes, no loose items. Jungle safari: neutral colors (greens, browns), walking shoes, binoculars, insect repellent. See Things to Carry tab for complete list. Packing guides: Jomsom Muktinath Trek Packing List, Rupina La Trek Gear List Remote.

What happens if the weather is bad and do I need insurance?

Adventure activities are weather-dependent for safety. If we cancel: rafting rescheduled or refunded, paragliding rescheduled or refunded, bungee operates in light rain, jungle safari operates year-round. Travel insurance is mandatory for all adventure activities and must cover emergency medical treatment and evacuation. Book morning slots for best weather. Seasonal guides: Upper Mustang Trek Monsoon Season, Mustang Dolpo Monsoon Trekking Feasibility. Insurance guides: What Cancellation Terms And Travel Insurance Details Matter Before Booking A Ren, Kanchenjunga North Base Camp Insurance Needed.

How do I book and what is the cost?

Price: USD 199 per person. Contact us via website or email with your preferred date. 30% deposit to confirm, balance due on activity day. We accept bank transfer, credit card (4% surcharge), PayPal, and cash. Book at least 1 week in advance for peak season (October-November, March-May). Meeting point and what-to-bring details sent after booking.

Kali Gandaki Rafting

Transportation
Private Vehicle
Group Size
Max 20
Maximum Altitude
1100
Accomodation
Beach Camping
Fitness level
Moderate to High
Arrival on
Kathmandu
Departure from
Kathmandu
Best season
Spring (March to May), Summer (June to September - rain shadow region), and Autumn (October to November) all offer good trekking. Summer monsoon months are ideal as these regions lie in the Himalayan rain shadow. Winter (December to February) is extremely cold with snow-blocked passes.
Guiding method
IRF-Certified Raft Guide
Tour type
Adventure Rafting
Language
English
Meals
All meals (BLD)
Permits
River permit and Annapurna Conservation Area fee included.
Destinations
Mustang Region
Activities
Camping, Rafting
Trip Type
Adventure, Nature Friendly
Difficulty
Medium

Map

The Kali Gandaki Rafting trip is a 3-day white water rafting adventure on the sacred Kali Gandaki river, which flows through the world’s deepest gorge between Annapurna (8,091m) and Dhaulagiri (8,167m). The river is named after the goddess Kali and is considered sacred by Hindus – the riverbed is famous for Shaligram fossils (sacred stones representing Lord Vishnu). The trip offers exciting Class III-IV rapids including ‘Little Brother,’ ‘Big Brother,’ and ‘Devil’s Dropback,’ stunning mountain scenery, remote beach camping, and cultural visits to traditional villages. The river drops continuously through the gorge with dramatic cliff walls rising 5,500m above on both sides. The rafting trip begins from Pokhara with a drive to the put-in point near Beni, passing through the dramatic landscapes between Annapurna and Dhaulagiri. The river flows past traditional villages and the sacred pilgrimage site of Muktinath lies upstream in the Kali Gandaki valley.

Highlights

Raft through the world's deepest gorge between Annapurna and Dhaulagiri.
Tackle Class III-IV rapids including 'Big Brother' and 'Devil's Dropback.'
2 nights of beach camping with mountain views.
Sacred river - look for Shaligram fossils (sacred Vishnu stones).
Stunning mountain scenery with 5,500m cliff walls on both sides.

Know Before You Book – Kali Gandaki Rafting Information

Trip Name: Kali Gandaki Rafting – 3 Days
Duration: 3 days
Difficulty: Medium
Maximum Altitude: 1100m
Group Size: Max 20

Difficulty & Fitness

This adventure activity is rated Medium. Most activities are suitable for beginners with no previous experience required. Our guides provide full safety briefings and equipment training. Age and weight limits vary by activity – see the FAQ section below.

Read our difficulty guides: Verify Upper Mustang Agency Restricted Region Experience, Upper Mustang Vs Upper Dolpo Difficulty Average Hiker.

Best Time to Go

Spring (March to May), Summer (June to September – rain shadow region), and Autumn (October to November) all offer good trekking. Summer monsoon months are ideal as these regions lie in the Himalayan rain shadow. Winter (December to February) is extremely cold with snow-blocked passes.

Read our seasonal guides: Upper Mustang Trek Monsoon Season, Mustang Dolpo Monsoon Trekking Feasibility.

Accommodation & Meals

Accommodation: Beach Camping. Tea houses are family-run lodges with simple twin-share rooms and shared bathrooms. Luxury lodges (where available) offer heated ensuite rooms. 3-star or higher hotel in Kathmandu with breakfast. Three meals daily (BLD) included during treks with tea and coffee. Vegetarian options widely available.

Food and water guides: Upper Mustang Teahouses Food Cash Access, Upper Mustang Teahouses Accommodation Guide.

Transportation

Transport: Private Vehicle. Domestic flights (where applicable) are weather-dependent – build 1-2 buffer days into your schedule. Private ground transport uses comfortable AC vehicles.

Flight and transport guides: Upper Mustang Cancellation Jomsom Flight Delays, Upper Mustang Jeep Access Remoteness.

Required Permits

River permit and Annapurna Conservation Area fee included. We arrange all permits on your behalf once we receive your passport copy and 4 passport-size photos after booking. Permit fees are included in your trip cost.

Permit guides: Upper Mustang Operator Permits Guide Support, What Documents Are Needed For Upper Mustang Restricted Area Permits.

Altitude Safety

Maximum altitude is 1100m. Above 3,500m, altitude sickness is a real risk. Our itinerary includes acclimatization days, guides carry pulse oximeters and emergency oxygen. Walk slowly, stay hydrated (3-4 liters daily), avoid alcohol above 3,500m, report symptoms immediately. Travel insurance covering helicopter evacuation is mandatory.

Altitude safety guides: Upper Mustang Trek Itinerary Acclimatization Buffer Days, Compare Mustang Dolpo Trek Operators Group Safety.

Training & Preparation

Read our training guides: Is Upper Mustang Trek Good For Moderate Fitness Travelers, Details Prepare Mustang Dolpo Custom Itinerary.

Insurance Requirement

Travel insurance is mandatory for all our treks and tours. Your insurance must cover trekking to 1100m altitude (for treks), emergency helicopter evacuation up to USD 10,000, emergency medical treatment, and trip cancellation. We recommend World Nomads, IMG Global, or Allianz Adventure plans. Bring a printed copy of your insurance certificate.

Insurance guides: What Cancellation Terms And Travel Insurance Details Matter Before Booking A Ren, Kanchenjunga North Base Camp Insurance Needed.

Cultural Etiquette

Dress modestly at religious sites (cover shoulders and knees). Remove shoes before entering temple sanctums. Walk clockwise around stupas and chortens. Ask permission before photographing people. Use your right hand for eating and passing items. Say namaste (palms together) as a greeting.

Culture guides: Mustang Vs Dolpo Tibetan Culture Trek, Upper Mustang Culture Focused Package.

Booking & Payment

To confirm your booking, a deposit is required (50% for helicopter tours). The balance is due 30 days before departure (7 days for helicopter tours). We accept bank transfer, credit card (4% surcharge), PayPal. Free cancellation up to 60 days before departure. We strongly recommend travel insurance covering trip cancellation. Contact us for current pricing and availability.

What is Not Included

International airfare to/from Kathmandu, Nepal visa fee (USD 30 for 15 days), travel and rescue insurance (mandatory), personal trekking gear and clothing, hot showers and device charging on trek, alcoholic beverages, lunch and dinner in Kathmandu, tips for guide/porter/driver (recommended 10-15% of trip cost), and any costs from unforeseen events like weather delays.