Kali Sarda River rafting expedition

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The Kali- Sarda River is popularly known as “Kali- the goddess”. Kali separates India from Nepal in its upper reaches. The Valley of the Kali has always served as a trade route till Tibet. Ancient Tibetans walked for 6 to 8 weeks to India to trade their rather scanty goods for salt. The river gallops past some of the picturesque valleys in Uttarakhand. There are beautiful waterfalls high up on the rocky escarps on both sides of the river. It has the famous fishing places like Pancheshwar on its way to the plains. River flows across terraced farms of Kumaoni and Nepali villages merges with the sandy beaches, cuts through the thick tropical jungles and plantations.

Major Attractions:

Pancheshwar: It is situated 40 km from Lohaghat, very near to where river Kali and Saryu unite. It shares its borders with Nepal. Chaumu, a well known temple is in this place which is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Chaumu is a God which is believed to protect the animals. The locals offer Bells and milk in order to please the God.

How to get there:

By Air: Located at 24 km from Rishikesh, Jolly Grant is the nearest airport. Though, taking a flight to this place is not advisable.

By Road: The nearest you can reach by road is to Jhulaghat. It has buses coming from Pithoragarh.

By Rail: Rishikesh is the closese rail head. You can get to the river by bus from here on.

Places to see nearby:

Pithoragarh Fort: It was built by Gorkhas when they ruled this place. The climb to the fort requires a good deal of effort. As you reach the apex you see yourself staring at the Kali Kumaon.

Jhulaghat: Located 33 km from river, Jhulaghat is a little settlement near Nepal. Jhulaghat is named so due to a hanging bridge which is placed over the Kali river. Jhulaghta has markets which sell imported stuff at affordable prices.

Chaukori: 85 km away and 2000 m above sea level, this town is a pretty little settlement in Pithoragarh. Though being a hill-town it doesn’t have many people visiting it. That makes it even more beautiful and worth visiting. The tea gardens and fruit orchards are the highlights of this place.

Prerequisites/Facts/Suggestions:

• Minimum age 18 and Maximum age 45.

• Moderate level of fitness is required to do this trip.

• Get familiar with rafting gears.

• Decorum and camp rules should be followed strictly.

• This is a completely self supported trip.
• Experts and qualified rescue kayakers will be escorted for your safety during the whole trip.

Best time to visit: October through April

Things to carry:

• Walking stick
• Binoculars
• Sleeping bag
• Hiking shoes
• Woolen clothes
• Water, juices, snacks
• Electric torch
• Medical kit