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Kayaking in Nepal
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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