Introduction
 Ten years ago, if you said to anyone
that you were going padding in Nepal most people would
think that you were on some depth-defying expedition.
But slowly the Message has spread around that you don't
have to be some hairy, aquatic Govilla to paddle here,
rather that Nepal is a paradise for the average with
water recreational boater on a limited budget- as one
Kiwi group said: 'any prdomaur
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.
Play boating and Kayak Rodoes
Nepal has really taken off as one of
world's premier play boating destinations. With many
of the top world Kayakers coming here to play, hang
our, and do trips as safety boaters.
The other big change over the last few years has been
the number of local Nepalese taking to the sport, normally
of course associated with their work as raft awesome
kayakers! There's a team from Nepal taking part in their
first would Kayak Rodeo in New Zealand in 1999, but
of course they've taken part in local Rodeos since the
first one in Nepal in 1973.
It should be stressed that Kayak Rodeos in Nepal are
mainly about having fun and partying, so don't come
out here if you're looking for strict competition! Events
have varied each year in their dates and venues, but
there is normally at end of the main season in early
December, and this acts as a great get-together and
Party for kayakers from all over the world. Check out
the main company web sites & the kayaking magazines
for dates and venues.
Tips planning for 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 peddler 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.
- Trips as a safety kayakers are now harder to
come by, normally only early season and then only
if you have previous big water experience.
- If you're just coming for 2-3 weeks it's probably
best to hire a kayak (there now about 150 available
in Kathmandu and Pokhara, longer than this and it
probably best to bring your own boat.
- Even if you manage to fly your boat free to Nepal,
don't expect or rely on bear able to take it home
free- the airline agents in Kathmandu are not bound
anything your home country's agents may have said.
- You can probably sell our boat in Kathmandu,
but perhaps not for what it 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 month or early in the season.
Kayak Course
Kayak schools are a recent development
in Nepal as travelers, often people who have tried kayaking
on a rafting trip, have begun to realize that Nepal
is perfect place to learn to kayak. Most clinics start
with a half-day introduction on Phewa Lake in Pokhara,
and then move on to a relaxed descent of the nearby
Seti River with another four days' practice and paddling
with rafting support. Typical price for a five-day course
is around $300, which includes tuitions, gear, food,
transport, raft support and camping. That is great value,
with the added attraction of being able to causally
mention that you learned to kayak in the Himalayas!
These kayak clinics are mainly aimed
at the beginner kayakers, someone who has been in a
kayak before but wants to learn to handle moving water,
however they are also quite popular with intermediate
kayakers who want to revise rusty skills and build confidence
in a relaxed supportive environment.
More advanced courses are not currently
available in Nepal but will no doubt develop. Most commercial
rafting trips are escorted by safety kayakers-% some
of these are the world's best play boaters, who will
normally be happy to give you coaching tips. It is also
usually possible to hire a local kayak guide to accompany
your group and show you the best play spots, and if
you have organized a raft-supported trip then this is
often included in the package.
Those who find that kayaking always
leads so swimming the rapids might want to try a more
direct approach to river running and sign up for one
of the Hydro speed clinics that are organized in Nepal.
For More information please contact
us
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