The Tamur

It was time to start rafting and kayaking - we were in two smaller teams four of us rafting plus a guide and then two kayaking plus four safety kayakers, then we had the gear raft. 

In the raft we had Joe, Lewis, "Dave", myself and Malia. We kept forgetting Dave's real name so we adopted a British name for him. 

The kayakers were Pappu, Libby, Brian, Liam, Tom and Gareth. In the gear boat we had Cali and Bicky.  

From the start the rapids were big and bouncy - for Lewis this would be his first time rafting and his faces were hilarious! He looked as If he was going to shit himself as we were going down the rapids! For me it was great to be rafting again and life couldn't be better! 

The kayakers made it look easy, playing and dancing down the rapids. I was glad I was in the raft - one day though when I've got my roll sorted out I'll be up for the challenge and I too will hopefully dance with the rapids like they do. 

The first day was successful, fun and the spirits were high, Lewis had managed to not actually shit himself and was happy that he was on solid ground again. After a chilled beer or two, a campfire and good food spirits were high. It was soon time for bed in preparation for the next days rafting. 

Day two and straight away we were into come big rapids which were scouted before running. In the raft we had set up the Go Pro on a paddle at the front of the raft to try and capture some of the action.  On the second big rapid we paddled down a drop and the water which hit the front of the raft smashed the go pro casing open and we were really lucky to not have lost it! Again more fun was had that day and in the in calmer water in the afternoon Pappu was guiding the raft - we had been messing around and trying to flip it with little success. We approached the next big rapid as we were going down we went down a drop and nearly flipped the raft - only Lewis an myself stayed in the others went for a swim! 

Again a great day was had on the river and a nice campsite was found - a bunch of local villagers came over to stare at us white people - in particular Lewis who has whiter than white skin!! They were quite curious about the raft and the boats that we had. Soon it was time for more delicious food, campfires and bed. 

Day three and a little mixing up of things happened. Lewis and myself jumped into some kayaks - Joe paddled the gear raft and the kayakers whose boats we had borrowed jumped into the raft. Lewis had a quick lesson in how to kayak as he had never done it before and off we went. We hit the first rapid and he was off for a little swim. It was ok though he jumped back into the boat and carried on. He wasn't the only one to have a little swim though - I had for pressured into trying a roll out and I had some lefty paddles which were really nice but it kind of failed a little so I too went for a little cool down in the river. After this we both wanted to jump into the raft so we paddled to catch up with it. I told them I wanted to get back in and they said it's ok you will be fine... I told them I didn't like the sound of what was coming round the corner and then we heard Liam shouting to get me back in the raft. It was a good job as I probably would have flipped on the rapid but who knows I might have been ok. After that the weather was pretty calm again and it was just more of a workout than anything else. We still had fun and banter in the raft though. 

Day four was again a mix between flat water and some nice rapids we had been battling with the wind in the raft which made it hard work but it was good exercise so we couldn't really complain. There were some nice rapids and we had Malia back guiding us although through one of the rapids he unintentionally decided to throw himself out the back if the raft. We stopped at a shop before heading to camp to stock up on a few things. This was probably the nicest camp we stayed at and reminded me a little of the MHE beach camp in shivpuri. 

 

Day five was fun with lots of bouncy rapids to enjoy. Again the kayakers looked like they were enjoying themselves and it was nice to not be battling with the wind all the time on the flat water. Tonight we would be camping at the confluence of the Tamur and the Sun Kosi. Joining us would be the trip that had been paddling the Sun Kosi - some of the lads I had met from England who had been on the kayak clinic. 

It was a fun evening with a bonfire and lots of people with even more drinking to be done as the trip was nearing it's end it was a energetic atmosphere with stories from the respective trips being told. It was also a time for reflection of what we had just achieved individually and as a group. 

The last day of the trip and there was a few big rapids although not as many as previous days. We stopped along the way at a temple by the river which was pretty and before departing for the rest of the river Maila blessed us all an the boats with a traditional blessing with his own funny style added to it. 

When we reached the get out terr was lots to do - kit to be loaded and lunch to be made as we were preparing to head back to Kathmandu or respective destinations. 

Again a long bus journey was to be had by most of us - some opted to fly - but the bumpy roads and Nepali music during the journeys is just part of the experience.

A highly reccomended trip - the GRG staff in particular made the trip enjoyable with their high expertise and rapport putting all at ease, not forgetting the great meals which were enjoyed by all. 

Travel to the Tamur

A long bus journey was to be undertaken - the bus was late due to getting a puncture en route to us. It wasn't so bad sitting around drinking rum whilst we were waiting. Once some kayaks were unloaded and different ones loaded up we were on our way. We were not going to be getting off the bus until approx 10 am the next day so sleep was pretty much all that was on the agenda. 

We stopped for pee breaks and dal bhatt, obviously but that was all. The road was bumpy and the bus old and battered the music was Hindi rave, techno - boom boom boom...! Yep bus journeys are great! We eventually reached to our first destination where the kit, kayaks and personal belongings were unloaded from the bus. 

We had a few hours in a hotel here to wait for Libby's boyfriend both GRG volunteers from the states. Eventually he arrived and we got on a smaller private bus to take us up to the top of the mountain. This journey was slightly better  as it was just us on the bus but the windy road was long and we just kept getting higher and higher. The views were beautiful though and converstatjon between napping was good getting to know the others on the trip who were all British lads. 

We reached to the top of the mountain and we were staying at the yak hotel - a basic hotel but it was a lot cooler up here than it was further down the mountain. By now it was my birthday and we had spent all the day travelling so it was nice to be at our destination for the evening so that we could relax. 

We had some tumba - some home brewed alchohol with these seeds in - you add hot water, add some strange container and a straw and drink. It's got for up the mountain and your health apparently - just don't stir it otherwise it's going to give you headaches. 

After a few beers and the tumba it went straight to your head - the altitude didn't help at all but it was all fun and not a bad way to celebrate my birthday at the end of the day really. 

The next day we all loaded up into a land rover - all about 14 of us - it was well packed to say the least - and embarked upon our journey even further up the mountain. This journey was to be one of the most epic rides I have ever been on the road was crazy - I say road - more like a track with deep ruts, big rocks and massive drops to the side in places. However our driver was skilled and successfully managed to get us to the top of the mountain without any issues. 

We were at approx 3000ft above sea level - and the small walk up to where we pitched the tents left me short of breath. The view however took my breath away. The view of the lake and the mountains was amazing and one that I'm glad I got to experience. The tumba was welcomed that evening the warmth filling my insides, and the food was good giving us much needed energy before the trek that was to follow the next day. It was cold, the sleep was cold even with the body heat of two of us in the tent. It was only for one night though and it was worth it. 

The sunrise - like the sunset was magical the colors, the cold, the mountains, the view & the company. After a delicious breakfast we left for the trek. From working at Himalayan Outward Bound I had already experienced trekking in this environment so it wasn't too much of a shock to me. However most of us were walking in paddling shoes which were not necessarily the right footwear for the trek - but the trek must go on and after some uphill, some downhill followed. Shortly more uphill followed and some more downhill. The altitude at first again didn't help but we were not the ones carrying the weight - the porters were so it was a case of one foot in front of the other and keep going. 

Most other trips do the trek in two days - we did it in one and we reached in the darkness. It was a beautiful trek through and it was worth it when we finally reached camp. The sore feet, blister and hurt knee were soon forgotten after more delicious food and some beer. After this sleep we would be rafting and kayaking - excited much?!

Nepal craziness

From the moment I arrived in Nepal everything was a little crazy as I kind of expected. My darling little pappu did meet me at the airport which made me happy and from there we went to the office dropped off bags, had dinner and went for a beer with some pool. He then gave me very little time to pack my stuff I needed for the next few days as we were leaving in the morning for the trisuli river as he was working a kayak clinic. 

We left early in the morning and I was a little confused and disorientated. I was shoved on a bus for several hours longer than what it should have taken due to the traffic on the road! Not suprising really as it's nepal - and just as bad a India when it comes to road rules and traffic. 

However we did eventually arrive which was welcomed as the bus comfyness was at a high as usual and it was nice to get some fresh air - after a quick set up of camp and we were off for a short kayak trip. I got in the playboat that I brought over for my little pappu which was a bad idea as on the first big wave that I hit threw me in the water and that was it I was swimming! Oh well never mind. I would have been ok but my darling wasn't too happy with me. After that experience I learnt that i need to paddle a sensible boat on big water.

The following day I had some rolling practise in the morning which was good. Although I'm a backwards roller which hasn't been helping my cause! It's ok I'll get it sorted out. In the afternoon we went down the river again which managed to stay upright in a big boat! At the get out here there is a cable car that goes up to the top of a mountain where there is a temple which I would like to visit one day. 

The following day we travelled up the river and got on at a place called phishling. This is where we are going to be living for a while - right on the river which is pretty cool. As we got on straight away there is a rapid - a minor epic followed with two people going for a swim. I was fairly near the back so I lost sight of the line that everyone was shown to follow down and so chose my own line - and survived! I'm not that bad really! 

After lunch it was time to pack and get sorted as we were leaving to go on a trip to the tamur, so we had to get our kit ready so that we could leave that evening. 

Leaving on a jet plane...

So travelling to the airport and checking in always feels stressful. I don't know what it is but it happens! From traffic jams on the motorway to making sure the baggage is ok and then getting through security! 

This time I had a kayak to deal with. It's only a play boat but it's still a kayak and it's still big! Getting it around the airport on the trolly people were giving a few funny looks however I didn't care! It's only a boat! Having to wheel the trolley sideways in places to get through the gaps was a fun challenge. Considering that you have to keep the silly handle pressed down for the trolly to move!! 

Oh well I'm in London now enjoying. Quick drink before making my way to the departure gate. The next time I will see the boat will be Kathmandu - hopefully!! Just a eight and a half hour flight to Delhi first! 

Eight and a half hours done successfully - although a lack of sleep now means it's 10:45 in Delhi and 5:15 in London and I'm a little sleepy but not at the same time! Oh well roll on 2pm and boarding for kathmandu! Let's see what happens at the airport in between! 

Getting through to the departure lounge was fairly straight foreword. Although it came with the same Indian process as ever. I was sent to one line with ladies only and was stood there a little while, to then be sent to another line again ladies only. Once my boarding pass was checked by the 'helpful to me' security guard who had seemed quite uniterested with most the other passengers, bags were scanned and I was frisked and off I was through to the departure lounge. Just hope that my baggage - I mean boat ends up in kathmandu as well!! 

Upon wasting some time at the airport i met a lovely Essex lad - well older gent who is called Colin. He proceeded to make conversation and make me laugh which wasted nearly an hour which I was grateful for. He called me a lovely girl and wished me all the best! He had been on an organised tour for two weeks with his wife myrtle. This made me laugh and think of moaning myrtle out of Harry potter although he made some joke reference to the plant! Again small things to amuse myself and himself so it seems! Soon it will be time again to get on the plane! I'm hoping to see some nice views! Although i am starting to feel pretty tired now! 

The plane to kathmandu was fairly small but it was fairly full. We were greeted with a beer which I drank happily! After that it was a fairly quick flight. When I eventually got a glimpse of the mountains through the clouds it was amazing. Welcome back to the Himalaya! :) 

So the flying was over now to get the visa and then to retrieve the kayak! The visa process was fairly straight forward fill in a form with a few details, pay some money and get it processed. 90 days job done - it might need to be extended for a little while but we will deal with that when needed! 

Retrieving the boat for how big it was was more eventful. I had some guy who was helping me trying to find it which was fine. There were lots of people trying to find their baggage and they were getting in the way. After a little while the kayak was located and a small 40 Indian rupee tip was given just because I couldn't be dealing with any hassle and I was out in kathmandu! My little pappu found me and we got the boat into the car and off we went. This is the start of the adventure. We shall see what happens next!