BRAVING THE RAPIDS
Call it Mayhka or N'maihka but whatever it is many people knows it as one of the
two tributaries of the Ayeyarwady River, a tempestuous brother to his more
gentle sister, Malihka River.
Born of virgin snow fields and glaciers on the high peaks of northern Myanmar,
Mayhka River rushes through narrow gorges, leaps over immense boulders, whispers
beside quiet villages towards the rendezvous with his sister at a point about 28
miles from Myitkyina to form the mighty Ayeyarwady River. Because of his wild
and rough nature none had dared to tame him.
Now a team of intrepid adventurers led by Mr. David H. Allardice and comprising
(4)members from such diverse countries as Australia, New Zealand, South Africa
and U.K, with the full support of the Ministry of Hotels & Tourism and other
departments concerned, had finally conquered him. Starting their journey by
canoes from the upper reaches of Maykha River on the last week of February the
team braved the raging torrents, the dangerous whirlpools and other perils that
threatened to disrupt their adventure time and again, to finally arrive back at
Chipwe on March 12, 2003.
"We are very happy", the team leader told us when we met them in Yangon at the
end of the trip. "Mayhka is rated as one of the most difficult rivers for
white-water rafting. At some places the rapids can be rated at 4 or even 5 on a
scale of 6 and we had to be very careful. Now that finally it has been conquered
we are of course also very proud. I would like to thank all the Myanmar
authorities and my friends in Myanmar for making this adventure a success".
It is learnt that the team also rafted down the Nam Lang River, which has it
source on Mt.Phungan, before attempting the Mayhka Expedition.
This first ever white water expedition in Myanmar was organised and financed by
Shwe Lay Ta Gun Travels and Tours, with a view to establishing a commercial
white water rafting operation near Putao.
Enchanting Myanmar takes this opportunity to congratulate Mr. David Allardice
and the members of the Team on their success.
CONGRATULATIONS!
The Editorial Board |
