In Nepal there is a general shortage of kayaks to buy (compared to other countries), which is strange considering the abundance of extreme white water in this country. So, we have to bring our own when traveling back home from out of the country.
If you want to bring a kayak to Nepal (or any sports equipment), check with the airline you are traveling with. Virgin Atlantic is particulary sports travel friendly. They allow one piece of sports equipment in addition to your luggage for free. Other airlines have similar rules for sports equipment allowance, but some still do not allow kayaks. So if you are coming to kayak our Himalayan whitewater, bring your own kayak and check the airlines regulations before you come.
PACK YOUR KAYAK
Be sure to wrap your boat well, and secure your paddle and other gear inside the kayak. Again, you have to be careful of the weight limit, which is usually around 23kg. If you do not have a two piece paddle, wrap the blades and tape it securely to the side of your kayak before wrapping your kayak. But the wrapped kayak in a travel bag if you have it, or be sure to fix a small handle on it for transport.
SELL YOUR KAYAK IN NEPAL
Unless you have some emotional attachment to your kayak, consider selling it before you go back home. Sports equipment can be hard to get in Nepal, and many of the adventure companies would be happy to take it off your hands. So, ask around. Contact Hardcore Nepal, they buy used rock climbing and kayaking equipment for rentals and lessons.
Shipping to Nepal is not a good option as things regularly get held up in customs and recently a friend told me she paid 100% (of value) to get her bicycle out of customs. She had order it and had it delivered DHL. When traveling with an airline, you do not have this problem.
RENT A KAYAK IN NEPALYou can rent kayaks at a few local companies, in Kathmandu I would check with GRG Adventures or in Pokhara, try Ganesh Kayak Shop. Mountian bike rentals are easy to come by as well.
Nepal is an awesome land for sporting adventures, so come prepared to enjoy.
Hi! Welcome to Nepal-visitor.com. This site is dedicated to all the great tourist and volunteers who come to Nepal each year to help our country and support our economy through tourism. My husband and I own a local adventure company called Hardcore Nepal, one of many great companies that will help make your stay here memorable. This site came out of a need to give our guest in Nepal free information that will help them. Too many times I see people getting bad or misleading information that tarnishes the image of our great Himalayan nation. I hope this site will send you in the right direction...you might just stumble on shangi-la!
