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Whitewater Kayaking and Rafting in Nepal by Anish Sah
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Whitewater Kayaking and Rafting in Nepal |
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Travel & Tourism
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Kayaking and whitewater Rafting are not the first things that spring into mind, well at least it was not for me when you think about rafting in Nepal. Images of rice paddies Kathmandu, Everest and the Himalaya pop into your head. So you can imagine my surprise once I got to Nepal and ended up kayaking and rafting in excess of 10 times! When you arrive at Thamel or Pokhara (the main touristy area's in Nepal) you will find travel agents all around the place, and I instantly determined rafting was something that I needed to do in my own time in Nepal. The first decision to make is that river to go on. Nepal offers many of the worlds rivers, ranging from a softly flowing river to a number of the whitewater on earth. So based upon your experience and thirst for adrenaline, there certainly something for anybody! The best times to go are between March-June or even September-October; all year around even though excursions will run the water will probably be at its highest, fastest, and most exhilarating during these months. Picking a company to go with can prove a little tricky though! There are loads of travel agents lining the streets choosing one involving the other is not possible. They all provide virtually the same prices, nearly the same excursions and guarantee the very best time of your life! There are a great deal of companies out there, it is a shame to say that are just after your money. It is very important to come across a documented firm that have safety procedures in place. I ended up going with GRG's Adventure Kayaking. Having met Maila, the company owner, a few times around Thamel I trusted he would deliver exactly what he promised, and after doing a bit of research I found that he's currently the best Kayaker in Nepal, having just won the Himalayan Championship for the next time, I believed I'd made the right decision and would be in safe hands. The journey to the lake was amazing in itself. Coming out of this valley a conventional method of life greets you. Women working hard in the rice paddies in their saris, than I could attain, looking more glamorous! Children carrying their books walking across the highway to college; Gorgeous mountains in the backdrop; Random Buffalo dotted all around the scene to name but a couple of items we found . After two hours of staring hypnotised out the window we arrived at a small village geared up for all of your rafting requirements. For one to have changed in, bathrooms, tea, biscuits all you need before you start a day on the river! When coming at the start point, I realised I'd made the best decision in moving with GRG's. And this was it, Maila and the team got us all suited and booted in life jackets, helmets, (depending upon the weather, splash jackets were available) and following a very informative security talk we were off! Immediately greeted with our quick, aptly named'Good Morning' as that splash in your face and down your T-Shirt definitely wakes up you! The team of raft guides and safety kayakers we had with us were amazing, they put us all al ease, and at the very first sight of level water they had us all doing back flips of their raft, playing games and swimming away in the water. They made the seem like elements of their bodies and were very proficient but great fun at the same time Together with the safety kayakers constantly near by at most times, not once did I feel unsafe. Seeing them in the river would make any one not to give it past (and I need to say after trying kayaking many times, I have more admiration for those men as it is no where near as simple as it seems!) The Trisuli, the first river I rafted in Nepal was the ideal choice for a first timer. It gives you the confidence in the river and the excitement to tackle something. After the water was flat and we had a change to take within our surrounding you suddenly realise that the scenery was simple stunning. There were eagles, monkeys, and hills all around us, paradise! After among the greatest days of my entire life, laughing, crying, holding on for dear life the entire way down the river, I had had a very good work out. I was surprised when we arrived at the shore to observe tea awaiting us and tents set up. The team of the GRG had thought of everything. The food was and I promise I'm not exaggerating, although I don't understand how they did this! It was amazing that everyone joined in the celebration and working for GRG's came and sat round the campfire with us, then we all camped out under the up-turned rafts and admired the stars, the Milky Way graced us with its presence. (Tents were accessible for those not up for staying outside all night.) It felt very wonderful to see that GRG's used all local produce to cook the food, and just used wood that had already fallen, instead of purchasing wood in the villages and therefore not encouraging deforestation. It was nice to see that came all of the way and was disposed of properly. They just employ local staff and that is worth more than you can ever know. The understanding these men have into the river is beyond view, having grown up on the river, so they know its every turn and every hole . After a fantastic nights sleep we set off for the second day which was just as much of an adrenaline rush as the day before. Along with the security kayakers proved their value off us popped out the raft's side when the'S Bend' caught a few of us! GRG's were so professional, they got us back into the raft and secure within minutes and with minimal fuss, so keeping our confidence and making us feel safe. We pulled up, had some more lunch (ate more than was strictly necessary because the food was really excellent!) And jumped onto the bus back. Whitewater Kayaking and Rafting certainly made my trip and I would urge anyone heading this way out. When you've got two days to spare or fourteen days, there is something there for everybody. Just make certain that you choose a business that is reliable.
Related Articles -
rafting-in-nepal, tourism-nepal, tourist-destination-nepal,
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