The Mandakini is the last major tributary joining
the Alaknanda at Rudraprayag. Its been often described as one
of the best rivers to paddle in India. With easy road access
and sustained pool and drop Class IV-V whitewater for about
60 kilometers.
The usual put in is at the bridge for Kalimath
and then its a 2 day paddle down to the confluence at Rudraprayag.
The river looks small after driving up the Ganga and Alaknanda
valleys but all illusions regarding its volume vanish the moment
one gets on the water.
The river had been attempted and run from above
the Kalimath bridge and the reports were not too nice with long
tricky portages, bad road access numerous sieves and strainers.
The French group on the upper river had some
near misses and recovered one kayak only 2 months later.
