To All Prospective Browsers,

For a slight change to our normal blog updates, not that our blog updates are ever 'normal', we thought that some shared words would be welcome. Late on a sunday afternoon in November we got this email.

I went on a Pure Land Expeditions guided trip to Nepal and kayaked on the Sun Kosi river.We travelled from near Tibet to not far from India..I am 57 years old and putting it gently in my own mind past my sell by date!. The whole experience Daz and his very special Team gave us was simply outstanding.I like to be original but am happy to use the phrase of what you see and get is exactly what is written on the tin. I could wax lyrical about our experiences but I won't, because I don't want to spoil it for you. All I will say that pre match nerves,safety and attention to detail are the very cornerstone of all they do. If you do nothing else in life do yourself a favour and use this lovely Team to open your horizons and experience something uniquethat you will never forget.

Matthew Petre


My guess is that Matt is still living the moments he experienced on the river. For your dreams to come true find the trip of your lifetime at www.purelandexpeditions.com

See you all in the flow

DAZ

River life, Sun Kosi.

The contentment doesn’t come in waves, it is constant. Sitting in Chatra, close to India, we have made yet another trip down the Sun Kosi.

Our aquatic journey starts 11 days earlier, close to Tibet at our riverside camp. It is an expedition that takes us across Nepal. It is not just the rapids that make the expedition a great adventure, its much more. Jungle sounds and village life become a daily event. It is not just a great run for kayakers but rafters too enjoy the run. The pace of life changes, up at dawn to cups of tea in bed, then on the river after breakfast, picnic lunch spots and it is back in the flow. Watching the fishermen at work and the children playing when the rapids ease.

Camp nights are some of the best times, the sand still warm from the days sun, the light breeze and tales of the adventures. In the clear night sky a thousands stars become our duvet. Drifting to sleep and the water laps the sand brining memories of the day.

Before the start of the river journey we all have time to explore the chaos of Kathmandu, giving a great fortnights adventure. From the ancient temples to new shopping malls, Kathmandu never fails to amaze. From classic local places to eat to modern western cafes. Our Pure Land Expeditions trip, features nights in a quiet park of Thamel the tourist district - before the river journey begins. Its a sense overload, requiring time to explore.

At the take out, we run as standard, a private bus back to Kathmandu, overnight (16+hrs) although a flight is an option, bringing in the great Himalayan views is available.

Pure Land Expeditions is pleased to be able to offer the Sun Kosi not just as a fixed departure but also as private dates. So email now, to see what dates are available. bookings@purelandexpeditions.com

Sun Kosi, A RIVER OF GOLD

In our last post we spoke about how an expedition is a journey, not only of a river or trail but of the mind and soul. In over a decade of running expeditions in the Himalayas we have returned time and again to the Sun Kosi. This is a classic descent that carries water from the highest mountains in the world and with each paddle stroke sends us closer and closer to the border with India and away from the border of the bounded culture of Tibet.

We are pleased to offer availability for two trips in the fall season. Our first starting on the 1st Oct 2011 chases the monsoon rains whilst the second starting on the 22nd offers classic action with more stable water levels.

The expedition is suitable for kayakers with a solid roll happy on class 3/4 along with rafters, both experienced and novice. Our expedition allows us the chance to sleep under the Himalayan blanket of stars and wake each morning to the river as it kisses the white sand beach.

Our journey starts in the chaos of Kathmandu the capital of Nepal with time to see the amazing temples and markets before we journey to our riverside resort and the start of our aquatic adventure. Our nights in Kathmandu are spent in a hotel in the heart of Thamel district, where streets are full of ancient sages and folk myth.

Each day on the river builds, with rapids becoming class 5 (portage option). After 11 days we float to Chatra and return to Kathmandu before flying home, to tell stories of adventure and remember the friendships we have made.

DURATION-16 DAYS

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu (optional first arrival) OCT 1st or 22nd 2011

Up on arrival in Kathmandu you will be met by a representative of PURE LAND EXPEDITIONS and transfer to hotel in Kathmandu. Time to explore the chaotic capital. Overnight Kathmandu.

Day 2: Arrival in Kathmandu (second arrival)

After breakfast chance to visit Kathmandu Durbarsquare and Soyambhunath (Known as monkey temple). Pack personal gear for expedition.PURE LAND EXPEDITIONS will supply a full range of dry bags for the transport of equipment during the expedition. Overnight Kathmandu.

Day 3: Kathmandu to Upper Sun Kosi

After breakfast drive to the Upper river, approx 4-6 hrs. We drive across river valleys, idyllic countryside and farm land taking time to experience the stunning views. We arrive at our resort for lunch before running the rapids of the Upper Sun Kosi.Playing on waves and ripping up rapids. The night is spent at our riverside resort.

Day 4: First full day on the river.

After a relaxed breakfast we load the rafts and set off on our expeditions towards the border with India. We soak in the sights and sounds as we paddle downstream.We overnight camp on the river, looking at the moon and stars in the Himalayan sky.

Day 5: River Day 2

After breakfast we break camp and set off on our adventure, stopping for lunch around midday gives us a chance to relax after all the paddling. We continue on the water for a few hours until we find camp.Again it is a night under the stars or canvas. The choice is yours. Each day flows into the next, as we head down the river. Our smooth passage allows us to take a rest day and explore the local area, during the descent. Each day will feature some amazing rapids and waves, some must make moves and some relaxed pools.

Day 6: River Day 3

Day 7: River Day 4

Day 8: River Day 5

Day 9: River Day 6

Day 10: River Day 7

Day 11: River Day 8

Day 12: River Day 9

Day 13: River Day 10

As the hills fall away we make our takeout at Chatra, near India. Those that have wished take the flight to Kathmandu (additional cost), other take the scenic 16hour + driveback to Kathmandu, we relax into our hotel and enjoy tall tales and shared jokes.

Day 14:

Shopping and sights

After breakfast it is time to relax and think about the experiences and the river living life. Kathmandu is a maze of Hindu and Buddhist temples and those that wish to experience this are welcome to guided tour. This is our last time to laugh with our new friends as departures to host country take place tomorrow.

Day 15:

Fly to host country (option recommended)

After breakfast people may wish to relax or do final sightseeing, a PURE LAND EXPEDITIONS member will assist in the departure at the airport, transport provided.

Day 16:

Home, safe in the knowledge that you have descended a living river and crossed the Kingdom of Nepal.