Early morning after breakfast, we leave Kathmandu at about 7.00 AM for our exciting Trishuli trip. We drive to Charaudi, our put-in-point (starting point for rafting), which takes approximately two and a half hours from Kathmandu. We will be greeted by the locals with beaming smiles. They are happy to see foreign faces once again geared up for rafting. After the crew assembles the rafts, we head towards the river for our safety briefing when paddling procedures and safety equipment will be explained.
During this day, we go through a number of rapids rated 1+ to 3+. Yes, the experience of tackling a rapid would be like accomplishing an absolute mission followed by our paddles raised in the air with everybody cheering “Bingo”. All rapids are rated or graded using an international rating scale. The grade of a rapid depends upon its difficulty level with 1 being the easiest and 6 being too difficult for rafting. All rapids have interesting names and our informed guides can relate the story behind each one.
After paddling for about two hours, we head for lunch to a beach unique for its strange sculptured boulders. Paddling through the splashing rapids inevitably tires our muscles and what could be more delightful than having a scrumptious meal al fresco, enjoying the sights and sounds of the river. Shortly after lunch, we enter the Trishuli gorge. As the canyon narrows, the walls become steeper, and the river accelerates causing the rapids to increase in size and frequency. This is the time to hang on tight!
After such a stimulating experience, it is humbling to see a majhi (local fisherman) building his precarious traps in such turbulent waters.
Our last rapid Jhoolunge Pul, is named after an old suspension bridge. Here we also often encounter an enthusiastic group of onlookers who line the bridge, excitedly waiting to see us pass beneath them. The geological formations are extremely interesting along the Trisuli River.
When we halt, everyone is welcome to help the crew with camp chores. Once the tents are pitched, a savoury dinner will be prepared over gas stoves.
Kunringhat is a popular destination among the Nepalese as it is the gateway to the holy Manakamana temple. It is believed that with the Goddess’ blessings, devotees will have their wishes fulfilled. It is wonderful camping out on the riverside with the bright stars so clear in the dark night sky while all the while enjoying the rumbling of the river. Our night does not end with dinner. Indeed, many adventure stories are told by the camp.
