Kali Ganga, another paddling trip......almost.

KALI GANGA

The boys, Myself, Andi, and Kanhan.

Last week, we had a bit of slow time at Aquaterra, so sitting around the campfire sharing a bit of rum we made a plan. Andi, Kanhan, and myself decided to go and check out the upper part of the Mandakini river.

We got our hands on a map of Uttarakhand and saw that a road ran up to the town of Kalimath. Figuring that this would be a good place to start, we hired a car and headed off.

Kalimath is a very small village, but we were able to secure a place to stay and somewhere to eat. On the drive up we had been able to get an idea of what the river was like and though it was low it would be runnable. After dinner and a couple of drinks we slept with eager anticipation of the run tomorrow.

The plan was to paddle 4.5kms on the Kali Ganga and then 15-20kms on the Mandakini river the first day. Then run the lower 20kms on the Mandakini river the second day. This was not to be. We had paddled a few smaller drops and had a portage when we saw three guys scrambling around on river left. They waved us over wanting to talk. Not really sure what was going on myself and Kanhan Singh went over. Very quickly we realized that these were DFO agents sent down by the Forest Ranger. They wanted to know where our permit was.

This river is listed on any map as a sanctuary or protected area. Apparently that has changed. They wanted us to hike half a km up to the road, we told them that we would meet them downstream where the river was next to the road. That settled, we headed off for the last 3kms of the Kali Ganga.

Lots of drops and a couple more portages ensued. A great run and would be even nicer with a foot or so more water in it.

We arrived downstream at a bridge to find a group of six waiting for us. Kanhan Singh and myself went up to chat to the fellows, which ended in Kanhan being hauled into the car and being driven off to Rudyaprayag. Myself and Andi quickly followed after loading the boats and gear. It took a while to sort out in town but that was the end of the trip and we were down 2000 rupees, which we slid to the head ranger in the parking lot. Of course it was a lot better than paying 10000. A money grab? Hmmm. Also check out the blog http://www.adventuresinpacland.blogspot.com/ or http://www.passion4adventure.blogspot.com/ to see some other good paddling places in Uttarakhand.

Our driver enjoying a cup of Chai.

The happening town of Kalimath.

Andi and Kanhan Singh hiking down to the river.

Andi styling through one of the drops.

Looking back upstream at one of the fun ones.

Andi.

Andi dropping down in the sunshine.

A nice little double drop as Andi comes through the middle.

Kanhan Singh.

The boys in one of the little canyons.

Kanhan Singh on one of the last little rapids.

Chilling at the DFO office in Rudyaprayag.

The end of our paddling trip this time.

Photos by David Prothero.