River Rafting, Nepali Style

Off we go, 2 days of white water rafting Nepali style. 

The equipment we used is like rafting elsewhere: helmets, PFDs, paddles for everyone, inflatable raft for us and the leader, plus a second support raft with 2 assistant guides/cooks that is strategically located in the stronger rapids to pick us out of the water in case we fall in AND to carry our food, tables, chairs, etc. for the cooked lunches.

 

The Nepali style rafting differences are:

1. 
   1. User friendly WARM water (instead of dry suits for Alaska rafting in COLD water).  Several of us took dips into the water to cool off.
   
   

2.  Many local people overhead on cable trolleys and bridges.  At lunch several of us took a ride over to the other side of the river in one of the trolleys.

 

It reminded me of McCarthy Alaska before the bridge was built.

3. Tasty cooked lunches during breaks on the river bank.

4. And great scenery around every river bend (this is actually similar to Alaska).

Our overnight camping spot was at a permanent tent camping site with showers, regular toilets (not pit toilets), and regular beds with mattresses, sheets, and pillows. 

Our large packs were not on the rafts, but have been delivered by van and carried by porter to our tents!  We had spit roasted chicken, potatoes, and vegetables Nepali style with fresh bread and a dessert for dinner. After sampling another village’s raski while playing cards, we retired to our own individual tents.

The next morning we toured the Trisuli Corner Community center located near the tent site. This center is supported by the rafting company we used. 

A school, commercial center and community center help the local village raise their living standard.

We spend another half day in the river to our takeout point. 

The rapids were fun and challenging, but meeting the kids in villages and in the water, and the sights while on the river were the highlights of the rafting trip.