THE KALI/SARDA RIVER EXPEDITION

The Kali river forms the international border between India and Nepal in its upper reaches. A self-contained river journey down this river is one of the prime options in this part of the Himalaya. The river flows past terraced farms of Kumaoni and Nepali villages, fresh water streams, sandy beaches, thick tropical jungles, plantations as we travel downstream through the terai belt negotiating exciting white water. With the Mahseer making it an angler's delight, the lack of road access makes it a complete wilderness journey. After the first few days of serene float past its confluence with the Saryu at Pancheshwar (also a famous fishing spot) with the occasional big rapid, the Kali makes its final descent to the plains in the last day on river, beginning with the mighty Chooka rapid. Flowing past the terai hills after densely forested hillsides, this trip is an outdoor wilderness experience in a league of its own.

This expedition can be tailor - made for a minimum of 4 persons.

Itinerary
Day 01 : Board overnight train from Delhi - Kathgodam.

Day 02 : Drive Kathgodam to Pithoragarh (07 hrs). Overnight at Rest House. Views of Panchuli more than compensate for the drive.

Day 03 : Drive Pithoragarh to put-in at Jhulaghat (02 hrs). Raft an initiation stretch of 15 kms of Class II+ rapids passing many stalactite and stalagmite formations. Camp by late afternoon and hike to nearby village.

Day 04 : We pass Pancheshwar where the Kali meets the Saryu, and is now called the Sarda. We camp below the confluence for a relaxed afternoon.

Day 05 : The river begins to get pacy as we negotiate a series of Class III rapids. The day is marked by thick jungles and less-inhabited sections. Camp overnight.

Day 06 : Rest day to explore the surroundings, hike and relax.

Day 07 : Today, we raft 20kms to camp below the Class IV Chooka
rapid.

Day 08 : We begin to enter the terai jungles today with great white water and the chance of spotting a wild elephant. We reach Boom for the drive to Kathgodam. Overnight Ranikhet Express to Delhi.