Kali River Expedition

This is a remote, wilderness rafting expedition on the Kali (Sharda) River in eastern Uttarakhand’s Kumaon region. The river forms the natural border between India and Nepal, offering long stretches of white water interspersed with calm pools, pristine river beaches for camping, and spectacular Himalayan scenery.

• Type: Multi-day expedition rafting + wilderness camping

• Region: Pithoragarh / Champawat district, Uttarakhand (India)

• River: Kali River, known as Sharda downstream of the Saryu confluence

🏞️ Typical Itineraries & Duration

There are a few popular versions of the expedition:

🛶 Classic 4-Day Trip

• Put-in: Pancheshwar (confluence of Saryu & Kali)

• Rafting Days: 3 days on the river

• Take-out: Boom / Tanakpur

• Camping: Remote beaches along the river

• Transport: Return to Kathgodam by road/trains afterward

🗓️ 6–7-Day Expedition

• Start: Kathgodam → Pithoragarh → Jhulaghat / Pancheshwar

• River Run: More miles and deeper into the gorge, camping most nights

• Finish: Boom (near Tanakpur)

• Total Duration: Typically 6–7 days including transport & camps

🏕️ Longer Adventure Options

Some providers offer longer multi-adventure expeditions combining rafting with kayaking, village visits, trekking and more (e.g., 10–15 day trips).

⚡ Rapids & Difficulty

• Mostly Class II–III rapids with some Class IV / IV+ sections — ideal for intermediate paddlers but manageable for enthusiastic beginners with good guidance.

• Notable rapids include the famous Chuka rapid — often considered the most challenging section on the Kali–Sharda run.

• White-water sections are longer and more technical than day trips on rivers like the Ganga at Rishikesh.

📅 Best Time to Go

• October–March / April: Best weather and visibility for an expedition.

• Snowmelt season (March–May): Higher water volumes and more intense rapids.

     What to Expect on the Trip

✔ Remote wilderness — Most of the river is disconnected from roads and civilization.
✔ Riverside camping — Spend nights on beautiful white-sand beaches with campfires.
✔ Scenic landscapes — Dense Terai forests, gorges, wildlife and Himalayan views.
✔ Cultural touches — Travel past small Kumaoni villages and areas where Indian and Nepali life mingle.
✔ Birdlife & nature — Great for naturalists and birdwatchers alike.

      Who It’s For

• Intermediate adventurers: People comfortable with multi-day outdoor trips and rafting beyond beginner stretches.

• Beginners with guidance: Many outfits provide expert guides and safety briefings, so enthusiastic first-timers can join.

• Nature lovers: For those who want a remote Himalayan river experience rather than a short commercial rafting trip.

      Rough Costs (Indicative)

• Shorter 4-day trips  ₹xx,000 / person (may vary by operator/date)

• Longer expeditions can cost more depending on inclusions, transport and gear.

     Logistics & Tips

✔ Arrival point: Kathgodam (nearest major railhead) ★ onward road transfers included by many operators.
✔ Gear included: Raft, paddles, helmets, life jackets, dry bags — depending on package.
✔ Insurance: Adventure sports coverage is strongly recommended.