| Whitewater Nepal |
| Kayaking in Nepal |
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Introduction Ten years ago, if you said to anyone that you were going paddling in Nepal, most people would think that you were on some death-defying expedition. But slowly the message has spread around that you don't have to be some hairy, aquatic gorilla to paddle here, rather that Nepal is a paradise for the average white water recreational boater on a limited budget - as one Kiwi group said: "any ordinary dude can do it". Nepal is an exotic friendly country with many white water rivers, easy as well as more difficult, but it can be particularly recommended for it's magnificent multi-day trips. |
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White Water Nepal gives you all the information you need to plan a trip to Nepal - here's some extracts
and paragraph heading from the Kayaking Chapter: |
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Tips for planning a Kayak trip · Best months for kayaking are probably November and March. · Try to travel to Nepal with a couple of kayaking friends - you will meet other paddlers from all over the world, but it's nice to have a nucleus of swimming partners. · If it's your first time to Nepal then it's best to do a raft supported trip as a warm-up to get used to the power of Himalayan rivers. Popular choices are the Sun Kosi or Kali Gandaki. · Then, if you've never done a self-supported trip before, pick an easier river than you would normally paddle so that you can really enjoy the experience. · You do need money to enjoy your time kayaking in Nepal - typical amounts to budget are roughly $20 a day in Kathmandu, $50 a day for a rafting trip (includes kayak hire), and $10 when self-supported or trekking. · Trips as a safety kayaker are now harder to come by, normally only early season and then only if you have previous big water experience. |
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· If you're just coming for 2-3 weeks it's probably best to hire a kayak (there's now about 150 available
in Kathmandu and Pokhara, longer than this and it's probably best to bring your own boat. · Even if you manage to fly your boat free to Nepal, don't expect or rely on being able to take it home free - the airline agents in Kathmandu are not bound by anything your home country's agents may have said. · You can probably sell your boat in Kathmandu, but perhaps not for what it's worth back home - typically, a modern kayak in good condition will fetch $400. · If you're looking for Big Water paddling, then come in the monsoon months or early in the seaso |
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Kayak Courses Kayak Rental Choice of boats Time of year Safety Safety Guidelines: Accidents and Evacuation Getting to and from the river |
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Local Buses There aren't that many roads in Nepal, but it's a well populated country so wherever there is a road, there's usually a frequent and cheap local bus service. These buses are an ethnic experience; they are usually incredibly overloaded, slow and uncomfortable. What can't go inside, people, animals, bales of goods, furniture, crates, boxes, and barrels goes on the roofrack. Kayaks, paddles, etc., are no problem! Best thing is to pack fragile things inside the kayaks where they will be pro-tected from damage and loss. Keep ropes and karabiners handy to tie the boats on with. Roof racks are really bad for kayaks. We have seen innumerable kayaks badly holed by the sharp edges of roof rack verticals before even getting to the river - best place for kayaks is tied together as a block on their sides on the front of the roof rack, tensioned by ropes to hold them well away from the jagged sides. Do not even think about padding which will either bounce out or wear through. Expect that, as the bus fills up, crates, people and goats will end up on top of the kayaks - this is normally not a problem as people and bags are usually soft! It is usual to pay extra for a kayak: we suggest that half the adult fare is reasonable. |
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Night buses Where do you sit? There are two ideas on this: one is the 'sandwich' theory - get yourself a place in the middle of the inside of the bus so that you have lots of human cushioning to protect you if it goes off the road. The alternative theory is the 'Seal launch' - a nice spot on the roof where you can hope to jump clear if anything bad happens. On standard local buses with 2+3 seating, most river runners favour the roof; this is a great place for watching the scenery go by, chatting with the locals, and generally hanging loose. Up here, you can also keep an eye on your gear. It can be cold if the sun goes in, so keep some warm clothes or a sleeping bag handy and something as a cushion to sit on. Look out for low branches, and in towns, especially whilst loading, power lines ! |
| (Slime's top tip - short of room up top? - then tie your kayak outside the roof rack on the sides of the roof - conductors love this because people can sit on the kayaks so they can get more people on the roof!) |
| Taxis and private minibuses |
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Porters "Trekking with porters is usually frustratingly slow, but you are supporting the local economy in the best way possible (by providing employment) and working directly with local people will give you many insights into the rural way of life and the social interface can be a satisfying and warmly memorable experience. " …………. |
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Charter flights What to bring - click here for an equipment checklist Paddling Wear On the person Tents Footwear Paddles Repair kit Packing Food and Camping Accommodation Cooking Gear Food |
| Quote: 'Don't pack the red peppers in with the toilet paper'! Gerry Moffat. |
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Permits Note that Trekking and raft permits have now been abolished. Kayaking Itineraries |
