Kaligandaki Rafting

1 days 1,400 m Updated July 8, 2026

Duration1 Days

Max altitude1,400 m

DifficultyModerate 4-6 hours/day

Group size1

Overview

Why you’ll love this trek

Raft the Kaligandaki, revered as one of Nepal's holiest rivers and named after Kali, the goddess of destruction — often called the "greatest all-around stream" in the country for its mix of rapids and scenery.
Three days on the water from Nayapool through Modikhola to Purti Ghat and on to Mirme, ending back in Pokhara.
Camp overnight on white sand river beaches, framed by mountain views, canyons, and untouched forest.
A genuine mix of energizing rapids and calmer stretches active enough to feel like an adventure, approachable enough for first-time rafters.
Small, intimate group format rather than a large tour-bus rafting crowd.

The wild beauty of untamed and unpredictable water is the cornerstone of this adventure. The Kaligandaki is considered the “greatest all-around stream in Nepal” and among Nepal’s most holy waterways. The name derives from “Kali,” the goddess of demolition.

The trail sidelining the stream is adorned with white sandy shores prime for camping. Additionally, this excursion will reveal glorious mountains, sanctuaries, canyons, and access to the untouched wilderness adorned in every direction.

Energizing rapids and cascades are in abundance with a Kaligandaki Rafting experience. The trip will deliver a connective force with the natural world and offer the opportunity to profoundly engage with the flow of the water and beat of the wind.

Kaligandaki is one of the major highlights of a Nepalese journey!

Itinerary Overview

Day 01 : Kathmandu/Pokhara – Nayapool – Modikhola

Day 02 : Modikhola – Purti Ghat

Day 03 : Purti Ghat – Mirme to Pokhara

Itinerary

1DayDay 01 : Kathmandu/Pokhara – Nayapool – ModikholaDay 1 of 3

kathmandu/Pokhara – Nayapool – Modikhola

2DayDay 02 : Modikhola – Purti GhatDay 2 of 3

Modikhola – Purti Ghat

3DayDay 03 : Purti Ghat – Mirme to PokharaDay 3 of 3

Purti Ghat – Mirme to Pokhara

What's included

Included

Footwear
Insurance **we provide insurance for our crew – but participants must be properly insured through an emergency medical travel plan
Items of a personal nature including swimwear, towel and toiletries
Tips for guides **if you feel that our crew did a great job, you are invited but not obligated to offer a personal tip
Unrelated transportation, accommodation, visas, travel documents, departure taxes etc…

Not included

Shorts / ½ pants
T-shirt
Sport sandals or comfortable shoes that can get wet and will stay on your feet
Polypropylene / quick dry long shirts
Swimwear
Track pants / comfortable long pants
Warm fleece
Jacket (waterproof shell)
Travel towel
Socks
Shoes (not essential – do not bring big trekking boots)
Pyjamas (something comfortable to sleep in)
Warm hat (in cold months)
Travel towel
Personal toiletries
Sunscreen / sunscreen lip protection
Mosquito repellant
Water bottle
Head lamp / flash light
Personal first aid kit
Sleeping bag (if you do not have one – we will provide a complimentary rental)
A little cash for treats, tips and the occasional chance for photographs

Useful Info

Permits

River rafting trips in Nepal typically require a local river permit/conservation or entry fee depending on the stretch run, arranged by the operator as part of the package confirm with the team whether any Annapurna-area conservation fees apply on this specific route, since the Kaligandaki runs close to ACAP territory.

Insurance

The operator insures its own crew, but participants must arrange their own emergency medical/travel insurance this isn’t included in the trip cost and should be sorted before departure.

Visa

Nepal tourist visas are available on arrival at Kathmandu or Pokhara airports for most nationalities, or in advance at a Nepali embassy the visa fee isn’t part of the trip cost.

Group size and format

Runs as a small, personal trip rather than a large-group rafting tour good for travelers who’d rather not join a big crowd on the water.

FAQ

Do I need prior rafting experience?

No this is rated Moderate and suitable for reasonably fit beginners. Your guide will run a safety briefing before you set off, covering paddle commands and what to do if you fall in.

What's the water like, and is it safe for non-swimmers?

The Kaligandaki mixes lively rapids with calmer flat sections. A life jacket and helmet are provided throughout, and guides are trained in white-water rescue but basic swimming comfort in moving water is recommended.

Where do we sleep?

You camp overnight on the river’s sandy beaches rather than in teahouses or hotels tents and camping gear are set up by the crew as part of the trip.

What should I do with my valuables and dry clothes?

Pack a dry bag or use the one provided to keep a change of clothes, electronics, and any valuables dry during the day’s rafting.

Is this trip good for families or first-timers?

Yes, the moderate rapid grade and short overall length make it a reasonably approachable introduction to white-water rafting in Nepal, though very young children should be discussed with the operator directly given the river conditions.

From $190 / person

Book direct, no middle-man markup

Duration1 days
DifficultyModerate 4-6 hours/day walking
Max altitude1,400 m
Group size1

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Free cancellation up to 30 days before departure. No booking fees.

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Book direct with the team in Kathmandu

No middle-man markupYou book with the local operator who actually runs this trek, and save the agency cut.
Licensed & bondedGovernment of Nepal registered operator (No. 198664/075/076); NTB, TAAN and NMA affiliated.
Flexible & fairFree cancellation up to 30 days before departure. No booking fees. No payment is taken online.

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