Arunachal Pradesh

Al Ellard points out why we drove so far!

After the long drive accross India and Nepal, we finally arrived in Arunachal Pradesh with the full team. Shalabh Galhaut(Ind), Sam Hughes(UK), Andy Phillips(UK), Al Ellard(UK), Mike Abbott(NZ), Zak Shaw(NZ) and our driver Sangrup.

Not just the rivers wer class 5.

We were 7 people crammed in the back of a truck. This didn´t stop us picking
up hitches as there is not much traffic round these parts, and we could get beta from them.

A young monk at the Tawang Monastery.

After a few hards days scouting we managed to pull off 3 hard days of tough paddling on the Tawang Chu, finishing at the border of Bhutan.

After this we spent a couple of days scouting the Nyamjang, but opted only to paddle for a day and spend our time and energy on more promising projects.

The full team spent an incredible 4 days working our way down the Tenga, Bichom and Kameng Rivers. In the 4 days we went from low volume creeks in the mountains, and gained water rapidly as we descended, finishing in the large volume Kameng, on the planes.

With a bit of time on our hands me, Andy and Al went on our first all English mission for a while. After failing to find good access to the Kamla we spent 3 days on classic white water on the Dirang river.

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Andy Phillips tries to load his boat with 4 days kit, Tawang Chu.

Andy Phillips, Tawang Chu.

Mike Abbott, Tawang Chu.

Allen Ellard portages through the steep jungle, Tawang Chu.

Andy Phillips and Mike Abbot discover the problems of drying
by the fire in a drysuit. We carried minimal kit in our boats
so had no change of cloths in the evenings.

Our makeshift riverside accommodation.

Zak Shaw on the long carry out of the Tawang Chu. At this point the river crossed the
border into Bhutan, and we were unable to continue.

The ancient Stupa at Zimitang, on the Nyam Jang Chu.

A makeshift kitchen in a Shrine where we found shelter for the night.

We got a warm welcome in the Dirang Valley!

Al introduces the local witch doctor to some modern technology.

An Apontani woman in the market at Ziro.
The wooden plate in here nose, and facial tattoos
are to prevent other tribes stealing women.

Mike Abbot and Al Ellard on the Nyam Jang Chu.

Zak Shaw on the Njam Jang Chu.



To view the full gallery of image visit: www.paclandphoto.com