| Whitewater Nepal |
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The People The physical diversity of this colourful land is mirrored in the numerous different tribes and ethnic groups who make up its population. Each group has its own strong cultural traditions, dress and language. High in the mountains you may meet the Bhotias of Tibetan stock, or the famous Sherpas. These high mountain people were always great traders, supplementing their subsistence farming with trade over the high passes to Tibet. The Thakalis are another tribal group, originally centred on the Kali Gandaki valley, who have become famous as skilful traders and inn-keepers. On your way down the river you may meet a village populated by Magars, then a few kms later a village of the Rais tribe - your guide may be able to recognise the tribe by its distinctive architecture. You will meet ferrymen whose family have been ferrymen from time immemorial - paddling their dug-out canoes, 'dungas' skilfully against the current. Most of these people will be Hindus, but usually it is a Hinduism that has strong blends of Buddhism, the older religion. The whole of Nepal seems permeated by its Buddhist past and its philosophy of tolerance and respect for life and people. Despite intense pressures of poverty and limited resources, ethnic or religious strife is almost unknown in Nepal. Most visitors to Nepal are amazed at the tolerance and cheerfulness of the local people and some of your most delightful and vivid memories will be of meetings with local people. |
