Kali Sarda
A wilderness white water adventure and an enthralling cultural experience
In its upper reaches the Kali river forms the international border between India and Western Nepal. A self-contained journey down this river is a truly memorable experience. The river flows within a steep densely-wooded valley that contains a profusion of flora and fauna. Leopards and bears roam freely; monkeys look inquisitively at us from the trees. There is a rich variety of bird life and the river is full of fish, especially the famous mahseer. With the lack of road access this river trip is a complete wilderness journey. The few bridges spanning the river are used only by porters, carrying their loads between India and Nepal. We float past the isolated terraced farms of Kumaoni and Nepali villagers. Our total immersion in the life of the river makes this trip a great antidote to the stresses of modern life.
The Ganges
Before we head for the hills and the Kali-Sada, we spend a few days at a static camp on the banks of the Holy River Ganges. Being based here gives us the chance to paddle a different section of this river each day. Rapids like 'The Wall', 'Golf Course' and 'Return to Sender' are great to acclimatize on. Over a couple of days your fitness, boat skill and water appreciation will improve immensely. We also meet the other guides who are going to be with us on our journey.
The Ganga beach camp is very comfortable, there are hot showers and the tents have twin beds. The meals, which are delicious, are served in a communal dining area.
Kali-Sada
We enjoyed the river Kali-Sada in 2006 so much that we just have to go back. The section of the Kali we run is pool/drop class 3 with one class 4 rapid. It is perfect for the paddler in either kayak or raft, who wants to enjoy a Himalayan expedition, but with all the comforts and safety a team of river professionals can provide. It’s very suitable for the class 3 boater who wants to experience big-water paddling and for first-time white water rafters. For the more competent paddler the river provides a fantastic playground. Most of the white-water we negotiate is class 3; rapids have clean lines, play holes and surfing waves. The daytime temperature is a comfortable 25°C and the evenings are warm.
The pace down the river is leisurely. We set up our camp early in the afternoon and this gives people the opportunity to relax, read, fish and swim. The tents are pitched on white sandy beaches, surrounded by thick tropical jungle, interspersed with the occasional plantation. Delicious meals are prepared for us fresh each day by our river team.
After the confluence with the Saryu at Pancheshwar (a famous fishing spot) and the occasional big rapid, the Kali starts to make its final descent to the plains. Just before our last camp we come to the mighty Chooka rapid, a solid class 4. This rapid can be inspected and run, or portaged. The river passes though a beautiful final gorge and then bursts out of the mountains and onto the Indian plains. This trip is a wilderness experience in a league of its own.
Jungle and Temple trip
01st - 09th November 2007 (2008 dates tbc)
Jungle Camp, Corbett National Park, Taj Mahal and Jaipur.
After the river trip why not take the opportunity to relax in a luxury jungle camp. This camp has en-suite tents with twin beds. Once again you will find the food and service excellent. You may want to just relax, but if you want more adventure we can go looking for tigers from the back of elephants in Corbett National Park. After a couple of days of jungle fun we will catch the night sleeper train to Delhi and be met at Old Delhi rail station by our bus and driver.
We take breakfast on the road to Agra then have lunch at our hotel. In the afternoon we visit the truly magnificent Taj Mahal with our own private guide. If you have taken the time to come to India you really should not miss this. Dinner can be taken in our hotel or at a city restaurant.
Next day after an early breakfast we will be on the road to Jaipur, visiting the famous ghost City of Fatehpur Sikri along the way. Late afternoon will find us in our hotel in Jaipur. After settling in we can take a leisurely stroll around the local market, then relax on the terrace with drinks before dinner. Next day our guide will take us out to old Jaipur where we can take an elephant ride into the City. Our guide will give us a fascinating journey through time as we discover the marvelous Maharajah Palaces. The next morning we will have plenty of time for retail therapy as we whisk around the city on rickshaws and tuk tuks. Lunch at our hotel, then drive back to Delhi. Arrive at our Delhi Hotel and then out on the town for one last meal. Next day it’s off to the airport for flights home.