ITINERARY FOR Various RIVERs

TAMUR RIVER

Originating in eastern Nepal, the sixth largest river in the country, the great Tamur is fed by the waters of Mt. Kanchenjunga, the third highest mountain in the world. This is one of the rivers where a trip includes a trek through scenic landscapes adding to the adventure. This trip calls for tackling of huge Class IV and Class V rapids that are challenging and exciting. The action is fast and furious giving rafters an unforgettable experience. The Tamur is for those who like action and anyone on the lookout for something different. For variety, this trip can combine either a safari in the Chitwan National Park or a great trek in the little visited Kanchenjunga region.

A short flight to Biratnagar and the adventure is on. We drive to Hile, passing the lovely little town of Dhankuta on the way and go further on to Basantapur the next day. We then embark on a three-day trek to reach the put-in point of the river. The trek goes through lovely countryside with superb views of Himalayan peaks that rise above eight thousand meters above sea level. The whitewater experience is exhilarating with a succession of rapids being encountered.

The Tamur Experience

Day 01– Hile: Option 1 - The flight from Kathmandu to Biratnagar in eastern Nepal provides a bird's eye view of the snow-peaked mountains. After a lunch stop we drive to the hilltop town of Hile and rest for the night.

(Day 01 Option 2 –) Fly Kathmandu-Biratnagar and then drive to scenic Ilam.

(Day 2) From Ilam we drive to Dovan (put-in point) which lies below Taplejung and camp there for the night.

Day 2 – Basantapur: The small town market of Hile which lies on the route to the north-eastern part of the country is a busy place. We have breakfast and move on to Basantapur, driving over ridges, enjoying spectacular views of the surroundings and the Himalaya. From Basantapur onwards, the area is rich in rhododendron blossoms that come in many varieties. We walk past the forests with porters carrying the heavy rafts, until we reach the river's put-in point.

Day 3-4 – Gopa Pokhara: Soon after breakfast we are on our way and cross a 10,000ft pass above the sacred Gopa Pokhara Lake to enjoy views of Kanchenjunga, Makalu and the world's highest mountain, Mt. Everest. We then walk through terraced hillsides to reach the Tamur River below

Day 5 Before the river trip begins, the usual safety talk is given. Soon after hitting the water, we come across some of the most challenging white water. It is an exciting ride as rapids come in quick succession until we stop in the afternoon and set up camp. Evening is the time to reminisce and enjoy the camaraderie.

Day 6 On the sixth day, the river flows through a deep canyon and some powerful rapids are encountered. The river then broadens and we pass through small fishing villages along the way. We can see monkeys on the prowl along the river banks. A lovely white sandy beach is the venue for our next campsite.

Day 7 This is a day of rest. There are many ways to pass the time on the beach: just relax, read, go for a swim or take part in an invigorating game of volleyball with fellow rafters. The atmosphere is peaceful and relaxed.

Day 8 One more day of rest with a bit of white water fun on the river.

Day 9 Sun Koshi:

On the ninth day, it's back to action with giant waves crashing and there is much whitewater action to get your adrenaline pumping. The ride goes through steep canyon walls and there are plenty of rapids to keep everyone busy. Eventually, the waters of the Tamur flow into the Sun Koshi River.

Day 10 Chatara: In the early morning, watch the sun rise over the hills and then gently float down to Chatara. This is where the long, glorious river run finally comes to an end.

Day 11 Chitwan: We then drive on to Tiger Tops Jungle Lodge in the Chitwan National Park for some wildlife safari action.