The Kali Gandakni lies to the west of Pokhra. It is the largest drainage in the Anapurna Range and the holiest river in Nepal. The valley begins high on the northern side of the Himalayan Mountains in the remote arid region of Mustang. There is a popular trekking circuit following the river so access is relatively easy. We opted to paddle the section from Tatopani down to the road bridge below Beni. Tatopani means hot water and the put in has nice hot springs.
View of the Anapurna Range form Tatopani. Remember to bring extra money so you can soak in the hot pools after the long 4x4 jeep ride. We were running short on cash so we observed people soaking rather then paying the 30 cents.
Prayer flags blow in the wind sending prayers to the heavens. While Hinduism is the predominate religion in Nepal the higher elevations you will find more Buddhist, often many are Tibetan Refugees who fled their homeland after the Chinese's occupation of the peaceful nation.
Cooper charging through the 2nd gorge rapid (photo Will Stublefield)
We jumped on the water around 10 and were stoked with the healthy flow in the river. From Tatopani to Tiplang, there are numerous class IV and V rapids and only a few portages. The whitewater was fast and fun but the large concentration of glacial silt often made it hard to determine the depth and power of the river.
Cooper on the run out of the 2nd gorge rapid (photo Will Stublefield)
Below Tiplang there is a 2nd portage. We took the easy way and hiked up to the road and around the large boulder choke sieve pile. Will runs the first rapid after the portage.
Mid way down, the valley opens up and you get a nice view of the 7000 meter (22,000 foot) peeks towering the landscape.
A few larger rapids popped up on the lower stretches keeping the gradient and action good fun the whole way down to Beni.
Cooper firing through one of the many holes awaiting you.
1 comment:
Great pictures, looks like a fun river.
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