GRG's ADVENTURE KAYAKING

New(ish) Blog!

2012-01-04T08:40:00.001-08:00

Sorry guys, we haven't been great at keeping this blog up to date!Please follow www.mailagurung.blogspot.com for up to date info. Cheers and Happy PaddlesThe GRG's team

New years multi river kayak trip.

2011-12-28T06:58:00.001-08:00

Starting on the 30th dec we are running a 9day multi giver kayak trip on Nepal.

Starting on the Trisuli river, we will then head to the Upper Seti, Marsyandi, Bhote Kosi and finally finish on the boulder garden of the Belephi.

If any one is interested in joining this trip, possibly the best New Years we can think of, then please contact us on info@grgadventurekayaking.com

New Office!

2010-10-14T08:40:00.000-07:00

Check it out! Our new office...

Suman working hard.

Hmm...need a picture with our nice new floor on, but you get the idea!

If you want to find us, from Thamel Chowk (where all the supermarkets are), we are on the ground floor of the new complex next to the pharmacy, just under Metro Cafe.

Pop in for some Chiya or a chat!

1 year on

2010-10-14T07:38:00.000-07:00

Firstly I would like to apoligise for the lack of posting on this blog. Since last November we have been non stop busy, so I thought I would take a moment to update you on all GRG's goings on.

We have now been running for two years and have grown and grown. This year we have been on many sucessful rafting and kayaking trips, from day trips on the Trisuli and Bhote Kosi, trips on the Sun Kosi and Karnali and month expeditions all over the place. We have also started doing alot more trekking this year and have had regular trips up in the Annapurna. Not to mention all the other biking, sightseeing, paraglising, and safaris we have been on.

We are now the proud owners of several red rafts, many brand new kayaks and a whole heap of kit!

We have also moved our boat house and into a bigger, better located office. If you need kit being stored get in touch and we can give you the details of our boathouse.

Well, we promise to keep you better informed from now on. The easiest way to follow GRG goings on is to follow us on facebook.

Enjoy the rest of the season and Happy Paddling!

Christmas on the River.

2009-12-12T23:54:00.000-08:00

We're getting in the Christmas spirit here in Nepal and are organising a 2 night 3 day trip to the Trisuli River to celebrate.

Day One (24th Dec) we will leave Kathmandu early in the morning and head straight to the river for a days raft. 17km and some big rapids later we'll arrive out our camp in Kuring Ghat and camp on a nice sandy beach.

Day Two (25th Dec) we'll be heading up to Manakama Cable Car. At the top is a local traditional temple. Its well worth the effort walking alittle bit further away from the crowds to see the valley below and the eagles soaring above. After the day there we will head back to the camp and have a big beach party to celebrate in style... Bonfires, BBQ's and Rum! We can't promise you a traditional Roast dinner, but our Buffalo Steak is the next best thing!

Day Three (26th Dec) we will either be rafting or kayaking, depending on what you would prefer to Mugling where we will then catch a bus back to Kathmandu (or Pokhara).

If you would like to join in on this trip or would like more information please email us on info@grgadventurekayaking.com or give us a call on +977 9841447561. Groups or individuals are welcome.

Merry Christmas!!!!!

Himalayan Whitewater Championships 2009

2009-12-06T05:45:00.000-08:00

On the 27^th-29^th November a small village along the Trisuli River was overrun with professional kayakers for the 9^th Himalayan Whitewater Championships (or the ‘Rodeo’ as it is locally known). With over 60 Nepali and International competitors, this competition was far from easy and they had to fight hard for a place at the top. Compared from 1992 when there were just 7 competitors, this event has grown and grown. Sponsored by NARA (National Association of Rafting Agents) and Paddle Nepal, these guys made sure the event ran smoothly.

The Rodeo is a great event to give Nepali kayakers who would not normally get the chance to compete at an international standard and show the world what they can really do. This year the world was certainly watching as we saw competitors from America, Canada, South Africa, Japan and even Russia!

The event combines a Slalom, Freestyle and a Down River Race. The Slalom comprised of 15 gates on the ‘Surprise Rapid’, 3 or 4 of which were upstream, making the kayakers cross the main flow of the river, really testing their skills. Next was the freestyle which gave people the chance to show off their playboating skills. Many opted for smaller playboats, but as competitors were only allowed one boat for the whole event it was a difficult choice to make. Points were awarded for loops, cartwheels and other stunts. After two or three heats, it whittled down the competitors to the main players and Santa Maila Gurung, coming third was the only kayaker left in a creek boat, Santosh Gurung and Anup Gurung who took second and first both using playboats. On the final day was the down river race. This was made harder this year as the course was extended to 17km, a lot of which was flat water. The ‘Le Mans’ start sorted the men out from the boys and many different tactics were used, some even ditched the idea of a sorting out their spray deck as they thought they would lose too much time. After a few kilometres gaps were appearing and the leaders pulled away from the pack. Once the team hit the Upset rapid, the largest rapid on the Trisuli, creek boats did much better than the smaller boats and many of the kayakers flipped. It was a close end, with Sean Bozkewycz coming in first. Although most the excitement was for the third position which saw two competitors sprint bare foot across the rocks, dragging their boats behind them to be first to cross the line. Photo finish!

The Rodeo isn’t just about kayaking. It’s a great way to spend a weekend and the parties in the evening sort out who the real kayakers are. This year we had a Hungarian DJ providing us with great tunes to dance the night away Nepali style!

On the final day, awards and prizes were given out to the winners of each event and an overall Champion. Kayak equipment was given to the locals and internationals won tour and adventure packages such as Bungee Jumps and Safari trips. Santa Maila Gurung of GRG’s Adventure Kayaking retained his title of Whitewater Champion for his third year taking home a brand new Jackson Riot to add to his collection. Many of the kayakers made beating Maila their goal this year and came to the river weeks in advance to practice their skills. Unfortunately for them he wiped the board, being the only competitor to come top three in all events and taking the overall win. He was closely followed by brothers Nim Bahadur Magar and Santosh Magar who also got to take home some fine equipment donated by Peak UK.

This year saw another big push for the Nepali Women’s team. Guided by Inka Trollas the girl’s team have got bigger and better. Susmita, who this year has had the opportunity to compete internationally, took the first place for the girls winning her second kayak in two years. Her younger sister, Goma, also did well this year and we hope for more and more girls to get involved in the coming years.

Another great Rodeo, enjoyed by hundreds of people from around the globe. Keep an eye out for next years event. We’re hoping to make it an even better event next yer. Perhaps this could be the start to get Nepali kayakers on the road to the Olympics or more international competitions.

If you would any more information on the Himalayan Whitewater Championship, please feel free to contact info@grgadventurekayaking.com.

To view more pictures of the Rodeo, please visit out facebook page.

It's Rafting Season in Nepal!

2009-09-29T03:18:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone, we just thought we’d say a quick hello as the season is now in full swing!

This is my favourite time of year in Nepal, the rains have gone, there’s a festival every other day, the weather is cool, clear and crisp, the mountains are kind enough to show themselves even from the city and most importantly IT’S RAFTING SEASON!!!!

This year GRG’s has been having a great time. After returning from a month’s trip running a kayak expedition in Ladakh, we came straight to Nepal just in time for the start of the raft season and haven’t sat down yet (except to write the occasional blog and check facebook every now and then!).

So far we have been lucky enough to raft and kayak the Trisuli, Bhote Kosi and the Sun Kosi and our first trip to the Marsyandi leaves in just over a week. Not to mention the mountain bike trips, sightseeing tours and safaris we’ve been on.

If you have a day, a weekend or even a month and fancy a trip down one of our exhilarating rivers get in touch and we’ll show you the way to paddle!

Thanks to everyone that has already been on trips with us, we’ve made some great friends and we’re looking forward to your return…we know that you will!! We're off to paddle the Sun Kosi for a week now.

Enjoy the season and remember…

LIVE THE ADVENTURE

(If you would like any information on the trips we run please feel free to email us at info@grgadventurekayaking.com Departure dates are listed to the side but if you have a group of 6 or more we can tailor make a trip just for you. Happy Paddling!)

Himalayan Championships

2009-09-16T11:55:00.000-07:00

The Himalayan Whitewater Challenge is all about fun and is only two months away in Nepal, which means all Nepali kayakers are out brushing up on their skills for the 15th Himalayan Competition.
The championship combines an Extreme Slalom: 10-15 obstacles are placed down the river which must be run in order, for example number touch boards, slalom gates, set freestyle moves. Paddlers are timed and penalties are added for mistakes or missed obstacles. A Downriver Race: paddlers race down a stretch of water, a challenge of strength, endurance and skill. And A Freestyle Contest: paddlers take turns to show off their skills on a set wave or hole, last year this was the hole in Fishling, high scores are given to variety and verticality. The scores are all combined to find an overall whitewater champion. The competition attracts over 100 international and local competitors. It is also a great way for Nepal kayakers to get selected for world championships.

The Himalayan Championships is one of the most exciting whitewater events bringing together some of the best kayakers in the world. It is a great opportunity for local kayakers who may not otherwise be able to, compete at an international standard and find sponsors for other international events.

Over the last three years, our very own Maila Gurung, a seasoned veteran of his native Nepali rivers, has taken first place twice and second once winning him some fine kayaking equipment. So we’ve all got our fingers crossed for what he can do this year! His cousin Jeevan will also be competing, he won third last year in the junior event and this will be his first time competing in the senior competition. Maila’s certainly got competition this time!

And they are not the only ones to watch, over the last few years, thanks to Inka Trouble, there has been a great push in Nepali girls kayaking. (See their facebook page for more info). Last year there was a great show from Susmita and her friends and we’re looking forward to watching them again this year.

Even if you aren’t competing it really is a great weekend, so if your in Nepal on the 27th November, make sure you get yourself down to the Trisuli River to join in the party. The whole GRG’s team will be there supporting their friends. If you’d like anymore info on the event feel free to get in touch, we’ll see you on the river!!
And remember LIVE THE ADVENTURE!!!

Have a look at the pictures we took last year...http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/album.php?aid=155647&id=71356729497

Nepali Festivals

2009-08-31T06:49:00.000-07:00

Nepal is the land of festivals. No matter what time of year you chose to travel, chances are you’ll see at least one of these vibrant and colourful celebrations. However it is difficult to predict when they will be held as their exact dates are only decided a year in advance, but to be sure to catch one August and September are jam packed with festival fever. Listed below are just a few of the festivals Nepal has to offer.

Shivaratri (Feb/March time). Shiva’s birthday falls on the new-moon day of Falgun (Nepali month). The main celebration can be seen in Pashupatinath and it is quite a sight to see. Hundreds of Sadhus arrive here from all over India and Nepal to celebrate, many of them walking thousands of miles barefoot just to be at Pashupatinath. It is also the one day when hashish is legal in Nepal, so walking around these smoky temples can give you quite a high!

Holi (Feb/march time). In my experience I have to say Holi is the most colourful festival of Nepal, also known as Fagu or the Festival of Colours. It falls on the full-moon day in the month of Falgun. During this festival, water is sprayed around as a reminder of the monsoon days soon to arrive. However do not wear clothes that you are particularly fond of in this day as the water is usually coloured with Tikka (and red seems to be the favourite!). If you are brave enough to leave your hotel you will get covered, great fun if you want to play, but keep an eye above as the locals tend to set up camp on their rooftop and bombard you from above!

Bisket Jatra (April-May). Nepali New Year starts in mid-April. The Bisket chariot festival is a great way to see the New Year in and is said to be one of the most exciting events in the valley. To get a real feel for this festival the best place to be is Bhaktapur.

Buddha Jayanti (May-June) (Buddha’s Birthday). For this festival I would recommend heading to Lumbini, the birthplace of Buddha (although if this is a little out of your way Swayambhunath (the monkey temple), Bodhnath and Patan are also known to put on a good show for this festival.) The highlight of this celebration are the colourful Monk dances.

Gai Jatra (Aug/Sept time) The Cow festival is one of the most popular in Nepal. Cows are led through the streets on this day and you’ll even see young boys dressed up as cows! Newars believe that when you die cows will guide them to Yama, the god of the underworld. And if you are lucky enough to be holding onto a cows tail, this journey will be made much easier. As with most of the festivals, to really get a feel for it you should head to one of the Durbar Squares, either Kathmandu, Patan or Bhaktapur.

Teej (Aug-Sept time) The woman’s festival. To become really involved in this festival I’d recommend spending the main day of Teej at one of the Durbar Squares. The whole place will become a sea of red saris. This festival combines feasting and fasting! The women pray for marital bliss, well being of their spouses and children and purification of their own souls. On one of the days the women are even expected to bath their husbands feet and then drink the water!

Indra Jatra (Aug-Sept time) This festival celebrated by both Hindus and Buddists marks the end of the monsoon and is one of great colour and excitement. The festival is named after Lord Indra who is known as god of rain and also as the king of heaven. This festival has 8 whole days of singing, dancing and feasting. On the third day of the festival the Kumari (the living goddess) is taken around the capital in a chariot.

Dashain (Sept/Oct time) This is Nepal’s biggest festival and one of the longest lasting 15 days. This festival is not much to see for tourists as it is a very family orientated, but if you are lucky enough to join in celebrations with a local family and really get involved it is by far the best festival. Different celebrations take place on each day, for example on Maha Astami or the ‘Great Eight Day’, this is when you will see the sacrifices begin and on Vijaya Dashami, the 10th day, is a family affair and cards and greetings are exchanged. Kathmandu can seem abit eery on the main days as the crazy roads become spookily quiet during the main part of the festival.

Tihar (Oct-Nov time) Also known as Diwali or Deepawali, this is the festival of lights where the Goddess of wealth, Goddess Laxmi is worshipped. During this time you will see the city come alive with candles (which when the electric isn’t working is simply stunning) and the skies come alive with fireworks; just keep an eye out for teenagers with firecrackers! This is a 5 day celebration honouring certain animals, crows, dogs, cows and bullocks on each day.

This is just a small amount of the festivals you’ll find in Nepal. They are beautiful to see and even better if you can get really involved in them.

What to pack....

2009-08-18T06:25:00.000-07:00

Before trips people often ask us what they should bring on a trip to the river, so we’ve written a list to help you out.. You actually don’t need to bring that much stuff, in fact the less you bring the better! All you need is…

Yourself and a big smile!
Shorts
T-shirt
Swimwear
Towel
Torch- for finding your way to the toilet in the evening!
Teeva style sandals to wear in the raft-make sure that they will stay on your feet and won’t come off if you happen to fall out the raft!
A warm change of clothes for the evening, (a woolly hat for the colder months is a good idea)
Personal toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, contact lens stuff etc)
Cap
Sunscreen
Personal medications (inhalers etc)
A little bit of spending money (to buy snacks and alcohol in the village if you want anything)
Camera

And that’s it. Every thing else we will provide for you; drinking water, sleeping bags, tents, food, safety equipment and not forgetting the rafts and kayaks! We have medical kits with us at all times and we also have a padded waterproof box for you valuables and cameras so that you can capture those river moments on the go.
So now that you’re prepared get yourself down to the river pronto!

Have a look at our website if you want any more information on what to expect when rafting or kayaking in Nepal.
Looking forward to seeing you on the river!

Adventure Sports in Nepal

2009-08-17T08:28:00.000-07:00

Nepal is quickly becoming one of the biggest adventure playgrounds in Asia. Many people travel here to discover more about the mysterious Himalaya and the beautiful culture it has to offer but more recently adrenaline junkies have been travelling to this enchanting country to get their next kick. And who can blame them; with so many sports on offer and the stunning scenery, where better to go than Nepal.

Listed below are a few of the action adventures you can expect to find in this surprising country…

Whitewater Rafting and Kayaking
Nepal has some of the best whitewater in the world, with rivers ready for first timers or experienced paddlers. Trips range from one or two days to two week expeditions, often paired with some trekking to get to the remote rivers offering a whole new experience. Depending on how daring your feeling, Nepal has rivers that will make anyone’s heart beat a little bit faster!

Paragliding
Where better to go paragliding than Pokhara with a breath taking view of the Annapurna mountain range? After the takeoff (which believe me is the only scary part!) you’ll be soaring in the sky with eagles weaving in and out of you. Your only problem will be knowing where to look! With the mountains glistening in the sun on one side and the Fewa Tal lake on the other with the World Peace Pagoda looking on at you, you won’t ever want to land! Most flights are half an hour tandem, but if you have more time why not learn to fly yourself? All the equipment is provided and guides are trained to an international standard. A great way to spend a morning in Pokhara.

Canyonning
Canyonning is quite a new sport to Nepal, and I must admit when I first got there I’d never heard of it before! Basically it is the sport of travelling down canyons using a variety of techniques such as walking, scrambling, climbing, abseiling and swimming. It is one sport that will get you completely off the beaten track but does require quite a good level of fitness. There are several sites in Nepal where canyonning is available.

Rock Climbing
With endless mountains in this country, it’s not really that surprising that you’ll find some great places to go climbing. And you don’t have to go that far to find them, even within Kathmandu there are some great little spots (have a look at Narajun forest for example). There are courses for beginners or advanced climbers. It’s a great way to fill in your spare days in Kathmandu and get away from all the traffic.

Mountain Biking
Although trekking is still the most popular past time for travellers, Nepal has some of the best terrain for mountain biking. There are some incredible tracks and trails to be explored and you won’t be stuck in a crowd. Depending on your fitness you can opt for a one day down hill tour, or if you’re up for it a week’s expedition, (thighs of steel are recommended for this though!). Bikes can be hired locally very cheaply, just make sure you spend that extra 25p and get a helmet for the day as well!

In two weeks you can get a fairly good taste for adventure in Nepal. Raft, bungee, fly, bike, climb and abseil you way around this remarkable country. Just make sure you book your trips with a safe company, when involved in these type of activities you can’t afford to skimp on your safety. Have a look at GRG's website for more information and to view more photos see our album on facebook.

LIVE THE ADVENTURE!!!

The Rivers of Nepal

2009-08-13T07:47:00.000-07:00

In Nepal you are seriously spoilt for choice when it comes to whitewater, so choosing which river to raft or kayak can sometimes prove a bit tricky! The trips offer everything from heart racing rapids, snow capped mountains, isolated villages and unspoilt surroundings (not forgetting the singing and dancing in the evenings from the river guides!). So how do you choose the perfect river? Below I have listed a short summary of many of Nepal’s rivers, short and long trip for beginners or experienced paddlers, there’s definitely a river for everyone in Nepal.

Trisuli- This river originates from the Langtang Himal and is the most popular rafting trip in Nepal (although this does mean you are likely to run into other trips on your way down). Easily accessible from Kathmandu or Pokhara the river winds its way through stunning gorges and exhilarating rapids a great trip for anyone. With rapids such as Ladies Delight, Landslide and Good Morning you’re bound to have a great time. This river can be enjoyed all year round, although it can really pack a punch during the monsoon…not for the faint hearted! It is perfect for anyone, first timers or more experienced wanting to practice their skills, a good 1-2 day trip with up to Class IV Rapids.
Trisuli River map.

Bhote Kosi-100% Adrenaline Rush. Rapids are a good class IV-V just after monsoon and a III at lower water. After a three hour scenic bus ride from Kathmandu you’ll be greeted by pristine glacial whitewater. This river is continuous and action packed . If you have limited time (1-2 days) but what a full adrenaline rush then this is the river for you. Rapids such as A Ferret in Your Pants and Frog in The Blender give you an idea of what’s in store! Located very close to the Borderlands Resort, this trip can be tied in with a quick bungy jump from one of the tallest in the world, or a spot of canyonning or even a quick bike trip to the Tibetan Border. I would highly recommend this trip for those short of time.

Bhote Kosi River map

Seti- White River. Named because of the constant whitewater it offers. This river travels through Magar villages from where the famous Gurkha soldiers hail. This river will take about 2-3 days to get the best out of it and is more relaxing than the Bhote Kosi making it more suitable for families or those who have a slightly more delicate heart! Although I have to say it is one of the most beautiful rivers Nepal has to offer (and is actually said to be the warmest as well!)

Seti River map

Sunkoshi- River of Gold. This river gets her name from the Goddess Kaushiki, it is one of the longest trips Nepal has to offer running 8-10 days through the beautiful Mahabharat range and is the longest river in Nepal (270km). It’s quite an experience to begin just 60km from the Tibetan border and end up looking at the dusty Northern Indian plain in just a week! Most of the rapids are Class III but be prepared as the biggest waves are saved for the last few days, hopefully you’ll be working like a well oiled machine by then! This river is voted by many as one of the world’s ten classic river journeys. It’s a great way to discover the real Nepal as you meander through remote rice paddies and hopefully find some inner peace along the way. Certainly a trip worth considering if you have the time.

(SunKosi River map coming soon!)

Karnali- The Wild West. Nepal’s mightiest river. Springing from the base of the Holy Mount Kailash in Tibet before dropping off into dramatic canyons raging with whitewater. A great way to get into the remote Wild West where very few travellers venture as it has only recently been opened to tourists. You will need 8-10 days for these Class IV rapids. The second half of your journey will take you near Bardia National Park where you will see the jungle thickening, great for checking out the wildlife. In high water the Karnali is a huge undertaking and not one for beginners, the 7km gorge it holds has been described as a ‘thrill a minute roller coaster rider’, basically one giant rapid!
Karnal River map

Kaligandaki- The Holy River. Named after Kali the Hindu goddess of destruction this is Nepal’s holiest river. It begins its journey high on the Tibetan Plateau in the Mustang region on the Northern side of the Himalaya, carving down into one of the deepest gorges in the world between Dhaulagiri and Annapurna. Includes the well known rapids Big Brother and Little Brother, these Class III+ rapids are well worth a visit. Wildlife, lush vegetation, white sandy beaches, remote villages, jaw dropping gorges and surfing waves almost the entire trip, what more can you ask for?! Now that a dam has been built toward the lower section of this river the trip is shorter than it once was but still makes it one of the best medium length rivers (3 days ideal) with more complex rapids than many of the other rivers offer. Make sure you have your camera ready for this one.
Kaligandaki River map

Tamur- The Jewel in Nepal’s East. With Class IV Rapids you’ll need 11 days for this one (6 river days). This is one of the newest rivers open to commercial rafting and kayaking. This trip combines one of the best Himalayan treks with an exhilarating river journey. The water comes from the mighty Mount Kanchenjunga, the third highest peak in the world and in its 131 raftable kilometres there are 120 rapids! The unspoilt and barely inhabited environment of this area make for an unforgettable trip.

Tamur River map

Marsyandi- The Raging River. Ranging from Class I-V rapids depending on the time of year, you’ll need 5 days to complete this beast! This is one of the next generation of rivers in Nepal as it has only recently been opened (many of the rapids are still yet to be named if you have any ideas!). The scenery on this trip is simply breathtaking. Rapids are steep, technical and continuous and a serious undertaking. If you’re after a more demanding river with great scenery this is defiantly the river for you but be warned, this river deserves respect from those that chose to run it, not for a beginner!

Marsyandi River map

So there you have it! One thing’s for sure, no matter which river you chose it is going to be the trip of a lifetime and you’ll be begging to come back for the others! For more information on trip itinerary’s and prices please feel free to have a look at our website http://www.grgadventurekayaking.com/

Team Maila...Where did it come from?!

2009-08-09T02:26:00.000-07:00

Team Maila all began in December 2008, when a group of friends decided to go travelling around Nepal for two weeks. By chance more than anything else they bumped into Maila, the owner of GRG's and from then on their trip was sorted!

I was a menber of this group of friends and have to say that without Maila our trip wouldn't have been half as good, we had a vague idea of what we wanted to do and where we wanted to go but hadn't planned how we'd go about it. Once we met with Maila, we literally didn't have to lift a finger! He planned our raft trip which was so much more fun that the others I'd had been on, our Safari trip in Chitwan, sightseeing in Kathmandu and then a whole week of sightseeing and acitivities in Pokhara for us. Everything was organised so quickly and effiecently, we felt like we were on a five star holiday (even though we were only paying the equivelant of £3 a night in hotels!). By having a local arrange things for us we got so much more out of the trip. They (Maila and Sudeep) had so much knowlegde of the local area, stopped us from getting ripped off and took us to places we would never have found by ourselves (there's only so much the lonely planet can tell you!).

The original Team Maila in a bat cave near Pokhara

The 6 of us spent two weeks together and had an amazing time, we jokingly called ourselves 'Team Maila' as he was the one who organised everything but somehow it stuck! As a thankyou, we had a T-shirt made saying Team Maila on the front and fine and nice on the back (one of Maila's favourite phrases!) and since then Team Maila has grown and grown. GRG's now not only offers kayaking and rafting trips but now organises tours all over the country as they are naturals at organising trips and have the local knowledge to go with this. All of the staff now have the same Tshirt that we first had made for Maila with their own personal phrase (my favourites being Damn Luxury and What The Hack Going On!) and every customer can have their very own Team Maila T-shirt aswell!

We would like to say a massive thank you to all our friends and family who have supported us through setting up GRG's. There are a few people in particular who deserve a special thankyou. Most of all Jen. You have been a great friend to all of us and without you I do not think GRG's would be here today! Also not forgetting, Kristin, Alex, Adam, Sebas, Emily, Sudip, Mahindra, Swami, Robin and Ruth. Thanks to you all guys!

If you fancy becoming part of Team Maila check out our website for ideas for your next Himalayan adventure or feel free to email us.

To meet the rest of Team Maila please visit us on Facebook

We look forward to hearing from you,

Chrissy and All the guys at Team Maila!

Jeremy Lyen's Feedback

2009-05-27T01:08:00.001-07:00

We thought it would be a good idea to give you some feedback from some of our customers as well rather than us just banging on all the time!

This is from Jeremy Lyen, in London, UK who came kayaking and rafting with us 3 times in total (determined to conqure the butterfly rapid) and also a mountain biking trip around the valley. Here's what he thought...

'In short, GRG’s is amazing!! and believe me, that us an understatement. Maila and his team are utterly wonderful. They organised they entire trip so the rest of us could have a wonderful time and not have to worry about anything (apart from staying in the kayak!).

They also provide all the necessary safety equipment for us.

I started on the Trisuli River having never kayaked in my life before, but on the first morning they taught us everything we needed to know and they were very patient with me; and let’s be honest here they needed to be! I fell in after only 5 minutes. Even so, the team took me back to the beach, emptied my kayak and got me going again without a fuss.

After a spot of lunch that the rest of Maila’s team had prepared for us, we set off down the rapids. Yes, it was absolutely terrifying at first, but none of us ever felt scared or unsafe because we were all in smaller groups with our own safety kayaker with us all the way. It very quickly became pure exhilaration! One of the most fun things I’ve ever done, so much so that I went 3 weekends with GRG’s and it was brilliant every time. I even eventually managed to nail the Eskimo roll. The team are such good teachers. On the second day Maila also let us chose whether we wanted to go kayaking or rafting. It’s completely flexible with them.

When the sun set behind all the surrounding valleys, with the sky burning bright red and not a cloud in the sky we got back to the camp, having been greeted by a warming cup of tea. After getting changed back into our warm, dry clothes we got a large bonfire going and watched the stars come out one at a time, lighting up the heavens. Not too long later the GRG team finished making dinner. It was delicious. That is not an exaggeration, it really was; and completed a wonderful day. This was topped off with a dash of beer and some of the local brews from the nearby market.

That was my first trip, on my second, I was determined to kayak the whole river. The boys were very patient with me, helping me back into my kayak if ever I came out, and knowing that they were right beside me gave me the confidence to try rapids that I might otherwise have ran away from!

I have also had the pleasure of going on a cycling trip with GRG's. This was a great way of getting close to the untouched culture of the Kathmandu’s surrounding valleys. It was great fun as well, albeit tiring especially if like me you’re a tad on the unfit side, especially shooting down the dirt tracks and some rocky roads, and weaving up and down the mountain passes. They also take great care of you on this as well. When I picked up an injury Maila stayed back to help me out and lead me around at a slower and more manageable pace. It was a brilliant day.

So all in all, I would love to thank GRG’s, Maila and his team, for making my time in Nepal absolutely amazing and one to be treasured forever. Thank you.'

To read more of what our customers have to say please visit our feedback page on our website. If you'd like to leave feedback about a trip you've been on with GRG's please email us. And remember LIVE THE ADVENTURE!!!

Who Are We...?!

2009-05-25T11:18:00.000-07:00

For those of you that don't know I just thought I'd introduce ourselves properly,

We are GRG's Adventure Kayaking, an adventure travel company based in Nepal that specialises in kayaking and rafting (amongst other things!). At GRG's we are made up of several experienced whitewater raft guides and travel guides and the majority of us are from the Gurung caste. We have all been working for many different rafting companies, many of us for over ten years. And have now decided its about time we go about things ourselves!

In establishing GRG's, we brought together many local workers from Mugling, a town four hours from Kathmandu where you'll find the crossroads to Chitwan or Pokhara. We believe that to be a responsible adventure travel company it is very important to use the local resources we have which is why we always buy all our resources from the local villages we travel through and employ local staff (bar one English girl!).

We are very safety conscious (SAFETY FIRST has always been our moto!) we ALWAYS have safety kayakers on our trips and have the qualifications to go along side this. We can also guarantee that you'll have an excellent time if you come kayaking or rafting with us!!

'It’s not just about getting from one part of the river to the next but it’s about the journey that takes you there. '

Nepal has some of the biggest and best whitewater in the world and we're looking forward to taking you down the rivers. But anyway, I could blab on and on about us, but I'll let you see for yourselves and visit our website

If you'd like anymore information feel free to email us. See you on the River and remember LIVE THE ADVENTURE!!!!

About Us

2009-05-23T04:14:00.000-07:00