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MARSHYANGDI
5 days Grade 4-5
 The Marshyangdi is the mother of all rivers. In the local dialect,
it means 'raging one' and rage it does! Few rivers rival the
Marshyangdi for exhilarating whitewater and unparalleled mountain
views. It is steep, powerful and not to be underestimated. With
some of the wildest commercially run white water in the world,
sustained sections of steep technical rafting test our teamwork
throughout the trip. Usually a turquoise blue in color, the rapids
wrap themselves around weirdly sculpted boulders and steep chutes
plunge into deep green pools as the river drops down from the
Annapurna range. With the awe inspiring, breathtaking backdrop of
the Manaslu and Annapurna ranges, it is a photographer dream.
It may be a dream of a whitewater run, but it is a logistical
nightmare. Even still, our guides fight among themselves for the
honor of running it. The huge boulders require instinctive and
expert river reading skills to identify the right lines. The
rapids are so continuous and technical that we run the rafts empty
of gear for maneuverability. In true Nepali style, we employ
porters to carry our gear. Don't worry; we still manage to squeeze
on board our extensive first aid kit and the exceptional Drift
Nepal lunch box. If you ever see a group of wizened river rats
drowning in a Pokhara bar, you may hear the Marshyangdi described
as an Adrenaline overload, most beautiful river I have ever done,
Orgasmic, a Jewel of a river or Liquid Madness! |
