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The Tamur,
Nepal's wild and east bend river the snows of Kanchenjunga feed
a challenging less known relative of the Sun Kosi. The Tamur
combines one of the best short Himalayan treks, offering amazing
mountain views, with an exhilarating new river expedition.
Picking up our team of sprightly porters at Basantapur we trek
through ancient moss-covered rhododendron forests and sunlit
meadows. As we crest the 10,000-foot pass above the sacred lake
at Gupha Pokhara, we are greeted by stunning views of the
Kanchenjunga massif, Makalu and Everest.
At Dobhan three tributaries of the Tamur join their forces,
combining the racing rivers of the high mountains to the north.
Steep canyon walls enclose the river and the rapids are powerful
and continuous. In the middle section the river opens up and
there are beautiful white sandy beaches. The last few days,
where the river turns back to the west, are phenomenal. Towering
waves leap skyward, with seemingly endless rapids surging
through steep canyon walls. Small fishermen's villages line the
confluence of every major tributary, while wild monkeys watch
from the jungle as we drift past. Local people are a fascinating
collage of tribes and castes that have perfected the brewing of
their local drink, Tungba, to a fine art... |
