Friday, September 14, 2007
RAFTING ON THE RIVERS OF TEESTA AND RANGEET
White Water Rafting is an adventurous sport, which is relatively new in Darjeeling Hills, having being introduced in 1991.The sport has gained tremendous popularity compelling the D.G.H.C (Darjeeling Gorkha Hill Council ) Tourism and Action Adventure (P) Ltd to take up the sport in a very big way.
The spills and chills of this sport is unmatched. To experience the tempestous mood of a river as it cascades headlong into the rocksand down a slope is an unforgettable moment. White foam produced from water as it gushes across stones and boulders gives the sport its name.
The White Water Rafting on the river Teesta & Rangeet (Triveni), the scenic beauty of the banks , surrounding hills, its flora & fauna and sighting of several varieties of fishes is simply enchanting. A river trip is often an adventure.An amateur with a little sense of adventure can equally enjoy it.
The river Teesta and Rangeet is regarded as a form of Goddess and used for the purpose of various religious rituals both by the Hindus and the Buddhists.
A variety of cultural activities can be witnessed being performed by the confluence of river Teesta & Rangeet in the month of January (Magh) 13th to 15th known as "Maghey Sankrati Mela."
Action adventure invites adventure loving travellers and enthusiasts at heart, the experience of the thrill of White Water Rafting, the visual treat of the deep rugged foothills, the charms of the Himalayas unfolding its mysteries and the spectacular verdant landscape with sleepy helmets lost to time.
R I V E R G R A D E S :
White Water Rivers (and the rapids on them) have an internationally regognised grading scale.The scales are as follows :-
GRADE 1:-Flat water, no rapids, barely a splash.GRADE 2:-Bubbling currents, small roller-coaster rapids.GRADE 3:-Technical and exciting, needs trained guide.GRADE 4:-Seriously big rapids, unforgiving exhilaration.GRADE 5:-The hair raising limit.GRADE 6:-Unrunnable, do not go for it portage around.
A R R A N G I N G A R I V E R T R I P :
You can approach us, (Action Adventure (P) Ltd.) in two ways.
Through our local agents.Make a direct contact with us (on phone) after your arrival at Darjeeling(Teesta). If you have a package tour which does not include a river trip, you can still book one after your arrival at Darjeeling or Teesta.F O R M A L I T I E S :
All the clients are requested to sign the assumption of risk and release bond before undertaking the trip.All foreign clients are to carry their passport and visa, which will be registered at the Teesta Bridge & Rangpo while crossing.W H A T T O B R I N G: O V E R N I G H T T R I P S A set of dry clothes. Extra pair of sneakers, waterproof sandals, canvas shoes. Sun cap, sun glasses. Half pants, T-Shirts, Swim suit. Water bottle. Sun tan / Sun block lotion. Long Trousers. Towel Dry Shoes and socks Warm Jacket Personal toileteries. Specific medication. Flash light and others.
I M P O R T A N T :
Persons suffering from weak heart conditions, epilepsy, expecting mothers and those with serious ailments are not permitted to go rafting.
Alcohol is not permitted atleast 6 hours prior to the river trip.
Age limit is 8 years except the float trips where it is relaxed to 5 years.
Non-swimmers are welcome may be restricted to certain section of the river, on the advice of the river guide/trip leader.
B O O K I N G :
Advance booking is entertained one month before the date of intended trip. However the clients will have to confirm 4 days prior to the date of intended trip else the booking will be considered cancelled.
While making an advance booking the clients will have to make 50% payment.
Cancellation, if any is to be made 5 days prior to the intended trip.
Current booking will be considered 3 days before the intended trip or instant booking at the base camp i.e. (Head Office), Teesta Bazar.
35% will be deducted for cancellation either current or advance booking.
( A ) R A F T I N G C H A R G E S A T A C T I O N A D V E N T U R E ( P ) L T D:
BUDGET TRIPS: Min 4 pax Rs. 500/-per head.Tashila Beach to Teesta, 16 kms, 3 -1/2 hrs with light refreshment.
ECONOMY TRIPS:Min 4 pax Rs. 900/- per head.Rangpo to Teesta, 19 kms,4 hrs with light refreshment, lunch and transportation from Darjeeling to Teesta, Gangtok to Teesta, Kalimpong to Teesta and back.
LUXURY TRIPS:Min 4 pax Rs. 1600/- per head.Two days rafting, overnight camping on the river side with refreshment, food and preffered.
FOR NON SWIMMERS ONLY:Melli to 29 th Mile or Reang Rs. 300/- to 400/- Min 5 pax 11 kms to 13 kms, 1 hr 20 mins or 2 hrs.
TREKKING IN DARJEELING
Trekking in Darjeeling is an experience which no lover of nature should miss. It takes one to places from where one can feel the proximity of the stars and is still in its premival majesty. It brings one face to face with the snow-capped mountains with the sublime grandeur of the Himalayas. The region abounds in rhododendrons, magnolias, primulas, orchids and ferns of numerous varieties. About six hundred species of birds inhabit the emerald green forests on the slopes of the mountains.
The hilly destinations of Darjeeling is blessed with well defined forest trails along the Nepalese border that afford views of Kanchenjunga and glimpses of Everest, Lhotse and Makalu. Just like the geographical location the climate of Darjeeling is also pretty similar to that of Nepal.
It is said that trekking in India originated in Darjeeling. Infact, the first organised trekking route in India was established here along the Singalila range. The Sandakphu trek begins in Darjeeling and proceeds through Maneybhanjyang, Tonglu, Sandakphu and ends in Phalut. The alluring natural beauty is replete with countless varieties of rhododendrons, magnolias, orchids and wild flowers. The dense forests, the verdant meadows, the savage mass of Mt. Everest, the everlasting beauty of Kanchenjunga, the rugged Lhotse or the mysterious Makalu - all in one sweeping glance, present an experience that can never be equaled.Darjeeling has perhaps one of the most spectacular treks to offer, along the beauty of its magnificent hills. The 'Singalila Trek' as popularly known, enables one to discover the passion of the Himalayan region some of which is unmarred by humans.
SEASON FOR TREKKING IN DARJEELING
There are basically two trekking seasons for trekking in Darjeeling. The first one begins early or mid of March and closes around first week of June. One has to be always prepared for occasional showers, which is very refreshing. The flowers in bloom compensate the summer haze. The post-monsoon season brings clear days in the months of October and November with warm temperatures, especially in the valley region. The daytime temperatures in the Darjeeling drop to 0°C in December and January, although trekking from lodge to lodge still makes the trek interesting and enjoyable. Still the best time to trek in Darjeeling is the spring season when days are longer and flowers are in full bloom. Among the major and relatively easy trails of Darjeeling are Sandakphu and Phalut, providing magnificent views of the Himalayan ranges.
takes you along the famed "Singalila range" to Sandakphu (12,000 ft) and Phalut (11,800 ft). On the way you will pass through spectacular forests of silver fir, rhododendrons, chestnuts, oaks, magnolias and hemlock. A springtime trek reveals not only stunning views of the mountains but whole hillsides covered with rhododendron and magnolia flowers. A post monsoon trek reveals the mountains in crispier glory when the rains have washed away the haze. The trail from Sandakphu to Phulut is an exhilarating experience and one can see four of the world's highest mountains: Everest, Makalu, Lhotse and Kanchenjunga in one glance.
Day 02:
Sightseeing in Darjeeling
Day 03:
Drive to Maneybhanjyang (2134m,21km;1hr)Trek to Gairibas (2621m; 20km; 5hr)
Day 04:
Trek Gairibas - Sandakphu (3636m; 15km; 4hr)
Day 05:
Trek Sandakphu-Phalut (3600m; 21km; 5hr)
Day 06:
Trek Phalut-Ramam (2560m; 14km; 5hr)
Day 07:
Trek Ramam-Rimbick (2296m; 19km; 5hr)
Day 08:
Drive to Darjeeling (2134m; 72km; 4hr)
Day 09:
Departure transfer from Darjeeling