The Kali Gandaki River, named after the goddess Kali, is considered a particularly holy river and is one of the renowned Himalayan Rivers originating in Mustang, an enclave of Nepal protruding through Tibet on the other side of the Himalayas. In Nepal, it flows as a flat and braided river in an arid open valley, carving one of the deepest gorges in the world between Dhaulagiri, standing at 8167m to the west, and Annapurna, at 8091m to the east.
Following the convergence with the Modi Khola, the river turns southward through an area that, until recently, remained largely unknown to tourists. Few villages dot the landscape, most perched on river terraces several hundred meters above.
River Description:
The Kali Gandaki River is an ancient major tributary of the Gandaki River system in the Midwest of Nepal. Originating over 70 million years ago from the marginal Himalayan range of the Tibetan plateau, it once flowed into the Tethys Sea of the Indian Ocean. After the birth of the Himalayas, it carved the valley between the Annapurna (8091m) and Dhaulagiri (8167m) massifs, forming the world’s deepest gorge. The Kali Gandaki river valley route, known as the oldest trading route and holy pilgrimage trail to Muktinath, boasts beautiful sceneries, tumbling waterfalls, and challenging rapids, making it a magnet for whitewater enthusiasts seeking a unique rafting experience. This holy river offers an ideal setting for a medium-length wilderness expedition, providing rewards for bird watching and wildlife enthusiasts alike.
