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Published: February 1st 2008
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Chitwan & Rafting - November 19th - 26th
After returning from the Base Camp trek early, we had a few extra days to play with. We decided to first go tro the Royal Chitwan National Park to do a 3 day 2 night elephant safari. During the 5 hour coach journey to Chitwan from Katmandu we met some really nice people, 2 girls from South Africa and a Canadian fella. They were good company for the 3 day trip. Our bus journwy took us to the edge of the park, from there we got on a small boat to cross the river as our lodges were actually in the jungle. The logdes were basic but nice and the resort had a nice bar.
On our first morning we went on an Elephant to try and spot some animals. It was really exciting just being on an elephant as i had never been on one before, although not so comfortable ! We got lucky and saw a rhino having his early morning bath, he didn't seem so happy having 3 elephants and 12 people staring at him so he wandered off.
A jungle walk was planned for after lunch,
before leaving the guide explained what to do if we saw a rhino, tiger, leopard or sloth bear. The techniques varied for each animal from climbing trees to zigzag running or making loud noises ! It wasn't to reassuring especially seeing as though our only other defence was a stick that the guide was carrying ! In South Africa when we had done something similar at least the guide had a rifle !
At one point the guide pointed to some paw prints on the floor which told us belonged to a tiger, Cabbie at this point had turned white and wasn't really enjoying his 'Jungle Walk' ! I think both of us were hoping not to see the tiger ( or anything else for that matter ! ) at all . Maybe it would be ok to see one on the elephant or at least if it was 100 yards away ! Towards the end of the walk we did see another Rhino again bathing, it was only 15 yards away hidden slightly with some large reeds around the pond he was in. It was making some funny noises, the kind of sound made sticking your head under
water and blowing bubbles. People were creeping closer to get a good picture ! On the otherhand we were hiding behind a tree ! I didn't have much confidence in the small stick protecting us if the Rhino decided to charge. We were pleased to finally return to the lodges ! For the record we also saw some monkeys and deer like creatures, sadly not the elusive tigers and leopards.
On the 2nd day we got the opportunity to bath with the elephants, Cabbie was straight in there with them. It was funny to watch, even though they are obviously massive they seemed very gentle and good natured. They play a game were by they try to 'gently' throw you off whilst you try to hang on. Cabbie wasn't to good at this though , we lost count but i think he lost 5 nil !
On the 3rd day we headed back to Katmandu, stayed overnight and had our rafting trip starting the next day. We had to meet at 6am outside the agents office , this was a struggle ! We headed off to the Bhote Kosi river which is apparently one of the best rivers
in the world for a 2 day rafting trip for beginners. It is mainly grade 2's and 3's with some grade 4's on day 2. Beforehand I was excited but more terrified really !
After our safety/paddle training we headed off to the river and were on the rapids for about 3 hours during the first day. We had 6 of us in the raft, with the instuctor sat at the back shouting orders ! He was a really nice fella whose English was good, he was very funny and always had a smile on his face. We absolutely loved it and at the end of the 2 days i was gutted to leave and wished we had booked a longer rafting trip.
We spent the night ( after the 1st day ) in a really peaceful resort which made a refreshing change from the chaos of Katmandu. The resort had a great bar area where we had a few beers with dinner and relaxed with our 'crew'. The buffet food served up was really good.
The 2nd day was even better with scarier rapids and bigger drops. Its a shame we didn't have a waterproof camera
for some 'action shots'. On the afternoon we travelled back to Katmandu and went out for tea that night ( dinner for you southerners ! )with a nice couple we had met from Sweden and Finland.
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