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There are more than 50 rafting agents in Kathmandu and a load more in Pokhara. Some are very good, some very ropy. If you’ve got your own boat then virtually any of the Nepali firms will "hire" you, simply to boost their own credibility. See how many rivers the company rafts, how often their trips go and whether the company has an office (or sister-company) in Pokhara so you get a chance to paddle some of the rivers further west. You should get free food (and alcohol..?) and transport as a minimum, in return for your services as a safety boater. Don’t expect much more than this, especially for the first few trips, but you can always up the stakes later. Getting your boss to pay your hotel bill in Kathmandu or Pokhara (assuming, that is, that you’re not shacked-up with a punter from the previous week’s trip…) is a pretty reasonable move. As for wages, US$10-15 per river day is about as much as you’re likely to get from anyone. Bear in mind that the most experienced (>15 years) Nepali raft guides get about US$70 per month so you shouldn’t expect too much. Formal qualifications impress, especially the Nepalis. You might be asked if you are a "kayak instructor". Do we really need to tell you that it’s best to lie and say that you’re a BCU SI? A beard may help to convince them. The following is just a small selection of companies we have direct experience of, there are dozens more so you’re bound to find something if you visit enough offices. 11.1 Shiva’s River Adventure A small company which is a lot of fun, Ghopal Kharel is the manager and although he is full of blah-blah, you might be able to get a good deal out of him. Archhyut, the senior guide, is a really great guy and an excellent rafter; we have done loads of trips with him and had a superb time. Shiva’s runs trips on the Trishuli and Sun Kosi most of the time, and increasingly on the Bhote Kosi. They also arrange trips on the Kali Gandaki and Karnali, and the Tamur if there are enough punters. Beware of Ghopal telling you that a trip is "definitely" leaving on a certain date, he has a habit of cancelling or delaying trips until enough punters are interested which can leave you sitting around in Kathmandu with nothing to do. Kathmandu
office: Tel (01) 417 685
11.2 Holiday Adventure Nepal They have "downsized" recently but are still hanging in there in Pokhara. They run trips all over but seem to specialise on the Kali Gandaki, operating out of Pokhara. They also run kayak clinics which might be a good opportunity to earn some decent money, albeit on the lake at Pokhara or on some toss river like the Seti. Sudip and Ramesh (who I know better) run the show. Pokhara office Tel (Pokhara) 23261 11.3 Exodus Outdoor Enthusiasts These guys are based
in the compund just down from the Kathmandu Guest House.
The head honcho is Matt, an Aussie dude who spouts a very
good sales pitch to the unsuspecting Lonely Planeteers
who venture into his office. Good kit, well-run,
predominantly ex-UD guides, their head guide is a gnarly
old dude called Mongol. Neil worked for them a few
times on the Bhote Kosi. They have a website and
you can email Matt here
11.4 Equator Expeditions Ali’s friends Pauline and Phil run this gaff, "Robbo" is the owner who is a great friend of Simon "Blez" Ellis who is, in turn, a friend of mine. Say hi to them as you wander past. Towards the end of the season it is easy to "blag" a job with these guys, as their regular kakayers have all run out of time on visas and had to sod off home. Get to know some of the guides, mainly Ram, the most Americanised cool-dude Nepali in the country ("gnarly, dude"). The man to know! 11.5 Ultimate
Descents 11.6 Raging River Runner These guys cater for the mid range of the market. They run trips to most rivers if there is enough client interest. However, their staple is the Kali Gandaki, with Israeli clientele (which can take its toll). The food is great as is the pay, US$20/day is not unheard of. A lot of the guides are ex-U.D. (see later), and are good, though many are complete cone heads, so watch your intake! Watch out for Rames – he is a blah-blah merchant. Gotham is the head guide, he’s a young guide but one of the best. The guy who runs the show for the owners is Hari (nicknamed Swissa as he looks like an Israeli comedian). Watch the sales pitch: he’s looking for a western business manager… you have been warned. They are looking to branch out into the more expensive "western-run" end of the market, especially since U.D.’s acrimony, as they have the gear and the expertise. Offices in Pokhara and Kathmandu (opposite Helenas bakery). 11.7 Shai River Rafting Another company that runs trips for Israeli clientele. Very good, but VERY BIG TRIPS: they don’t think anything of running twenty rafts on the Kali Gandaki for a 3 or 4 day trip. Two of their staff (Deepak and Kalu) are going to the rodeo worlds in NZ. Kalu is one of the most exuberant most competent guides I’ve ever seen. These trips are an excellent place to pick up somewhere to stay when back in town: the large group size, tends to mean quality is available. |
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This page last updated: 9/9/99 |
