SIKKIM
Sikkim used to be
Nepal and the
rivers for sure have not changed their resemblance.
Season and temperatures are the same as in
Nepal
and most of the rivers are still virgin because
of travel restrictions in most areas.
The only really known river is
the Tista which, like
the Beas has an easy rafting
section.
More updates will
follow soon,
while exploration is done in Sikkim and Arunachal
Pradesh. Stay tuned and check
up.
- Bus always
extra charge for luggage (normally 50%
0f Pax/negotiate) Short boat might fit
into the hatch.
Remember, as long as there
is a road there is a bus.
- Trucks are
a
good alternative to buss. If they are
not full, they will be a cheaper and a
more comfortable way
to travel. All your
luggage is under control and you quite
often can have your choice of music
too.
- Jeeps are
good when there are more then 3 of you
in a group
to keep in the budget. Then
they will offer you a great way of travel.
- Flights
are normally no problem and hand luggage
in India can be a bit bigger
anyway.
- Porters
are not usual in India and most of the
luggage will be
transported by donkeys.
One donkey usually carries 2 boats and
your backpack
(equipment).
- Horse
carts, elephants and camels are all on a
negotiable
basis.
- Don't forget
to smile, pay what you think is worth
it
and make details clear. E.g. how much
gear, how far, how long (a days wage is
good, so u just have
to pay the days you
traveled), return fee, food included or
not...
- Aware! Indians
do like to negotiate and to discuss money
matters afterwards and do change
their
mind as much as the river or road twists.