When you think of Nepal, whitewater Rafting and Kayaking are not the first items that spring into mind, at least it had not been for me personally. More probable images of Kathmandu, rice paddies, Everest along with the mysterious Himalaya pop to your head. In order to imagine my surprise while i got to Nepal and finished up rafting and kayaking in excess of 10 x!
When you turn up in Thamel or Pokhara (the main touristy area’s in Nepal) you can find travel specialists all around us, and i also immediately decided rafting was something I needed to do in my time in Nepal. The 1st decision to generate is which river to go on. Nepal offers most of the worlds best rivers, starting from a gently flowing river for some in the fiercest whitewater on earth. So determined by your experience and thirst for adrenaline, there’s most certainly something for everyone! The most suitable times to go are between March-June or September-October; although trips will run all year round water will likely be at its highest, fastest, and many exhilarating through these months.
Deciding on a company to select can prove a little tricky though! There are numerous travel agents lining the streets, however, choosing one relating to the other is nearly impossible…They all offer virtually the same prices, nearly the exact same trips and promise a good time in your life! However there are plenty of companies available, it is a shame to state which might be soon after your cash. It is important to locate a registered company which have safety measures in place. I ended up going with GRG’s Adventure Kayaking. Having met Maila, the company owner, once or twice around Thamel I trusted which he would deliver what he promised, and after doing research I stumbled upon he is typically the best Kayaker in Nepal, having just won the Himalayan Championship for your second time, I felt I had made the correct decision and can be in safe hands.
The journey towards the river was amazing itself. Coming from the valley you’re greeted by the more common way of life. Women working inside the rice paddies of their saris, looking more glamorous than I could ever achieve! Children carrying their books on the heads walking down the highway to high school; Gorgeous mountains in private; Random Buffalo dotted everywhere in the scene to call only a few things we got on the journey towards the river. After Couple of hours of staring hypnotised out the window we attained a small village ready for all of your rafting needs. There was a small shed (rather like normally the one imaginable Mary and Joseph stumbling upon! ) to get changed in, toilets, tea, biscuits, water, all you need before starting every day about the river!
When arriving at the commencement point, I realised I had created made the very best decision in going with GRG’s. There was about 20 rafts aligned and waiting to choose various companies and ours was the only one with any safety kayakers. Best rafting in pokhara can observe where GRG’s got their logo ‘SAFETY FIRST’ from!
This also was it, Maila and the team got all of us suited and booted in life jackets, helmets, (with respect to the weather, splash jackets were available) and after an incredibly informative safety talk we were off! Immediately greeted by our first rapid, aptly named ‘Good Morning’ as that first splash in your face and down your T-Shirt definitely awakens you!
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