Nelapl - Aura Tours and Travels

Nepal

NUMBER OF DAYS

July 27, 2024 - August 4, 2024

REGION

IND ,KERALA

BUDGET

₹ 20000

Itinerary

What follows is a general flow of events. Expect the unexpected and prepare to be flexible.

July 26

Meet your guide(s) in Kotzebue for an evening preparatory meeting.

July 27

We fly north from the Chukchi Coast at Kotzebue across the Noatak Valley and into the DeLong Mountains. Following the Kugururok River from above, we assess water levels and choose the optimal starting location for the trip. Once the plane is unloaded and has departed, we are alone in the vast wilderness. Then we can set up a comfortable camp, the fishing rods and enjoy the solitude.

July 28 - 30

Three days on the Kugururok to bask in the beauty and catch some fish. We have about 20 miles to cover on the Kug so we have plenty of time to day-hike into the hills, explore the tundra or walk the river flats. Instruction for packrafting will be provided and the Kug is a good place to hone your skills. As we head south on the river the mountains recede and the floodplain grows broad.

July 31

Where the Kug hits the mountains on the west side of the valley we pull over and roll-up the packrafts. Then strap everything to your pack and begin the backpacking portion of the trip. It is about 6 miles from the Kug to the Avan River through a fringe of forest, across tussocks, over a small ridge and then down to the clear and small Avan river. The effort will be worth it!

August 1

We have a full day to explore and enjoy the Avan without packing up camp. Fish the pools, climb the far ridge, or relax in camp. With luck there will be wildlife to watch and fish to eat.

August 2

Paddle the Avan River. It is about 12 miles from where the first backpacking section ended to where the Avan melts into the Noatak and Kelly Rivers. If the water is high, it will be a relaxed day and the current will do most of the work. If the water is low we may have to nudge the rafts through the shallows and hop in and out of the boats to keep them moving down-river. Working hard or hardly working, either way we will get to enjoy a nearly untraveled portion of Alaska.

August 3

Our third river is a gem, though we only get to paddle 2 or 3 miles of the much bigger Noatak River. Once we arrive at the appointed gravel bar we can set-up camp one last time and enjoy a final evening under the arctic sky.

August 4

Pack-up and take a final stroll down the gravel bar in search of wildlife. Take a few more casts for a record Dolly or examine the mud-flats for fresh tracks. Mid-morning our pilot will return for us (weather permitting) and will fly us three at a time down the Noatak River and into the village of Kotzebue where the trip concludes and you can take a shower.

Trip Details

As you traverse through diverse landscapes, from lush mountains to pristine beaches, our accommodations provide a haven of comfort and luxury.

Embark on a cultural odyssey as you visit iconic landmarks, museums, and historical sites that narrate the captivating stories of the destination. Engage with local communities, savor authentic cuisine, and witness traditional performances that showcase the vibrant spirit of the region. Our carefully curated itinerary ensures a perfect balance between sightseeing and leisure, allowing you to soak in the essence of the destination at your own pace.

As you traverse through diverse landscapes, from lush mountains to pristine beaches, our accommodations provide a haven of comfort and luxury.

Each handpicked hotel or resort reflects the unique charm of the area, offering you a tranquil retreat after a day of exploration.

- Nancy, Indiana, USA Designation

Stellar guides!
They went above and beyond the typical guide responsibilities and there was never a demarcation between guide and client–we were one pack of unruly rabble-rousers, loving every breathtaking minute on that wild river. One of the best trips of my life.
Thank you!