A few important notes on Nepal

What%26#39;s the weather like in June? And how many ways are there to enter Tibet (from Kathmandu) by land? How long does it take, and how much does it cost (transport + permit)? I am Canadian. Thanks.

A few important notes on Nepal

Dear sandia911

Weather about June is raining. you have both option you can take land or flight depends up to you. it cost will be comes around $350 for 1-7 person per person for fly in fly out Tibet tour (3 night 4 days tour)

A few important notes on Nepal

June is the start of the monsoon and it is hot in the first half and wet on the second half. This link might of help for you to know about the weather averages in different parts of Nepal. exoticbuddha.com/english/…

If you are thinking of going to Lhasa in Tibet, there is only one way from Kathmandu - via Kodari along Araniko Highway.

If you are going to Tibet from kathmandu, then you need a chinese visa (group visa) which costs US$ 26. You also need a permit from the Tibet Travel Bureau. The permit will be arranged by a travel agency and you need to travel in organized group.

Ok Well if I spend the first half of June in Nepal, and the 2nd half in Tibet, I will have avoided the rains, right?

And if the permit is included in the tour price, then all i really need to do is go to the chinese embassy in kathmandu and get a chinese visa? What does group visa mean? Does it means I have to stay with the tour group the whole time in Tibet? How long can I stay in Tibet? Will be I be allowed to enter other Western Chinese provinces, like Xinjiang, or the Gobi desert provinces afterwards?

The usefulness of Nepalese Trekking Agents

On a recent trip a member of the party I was with suffered from High Altitude Pulmonary Oedema which developed overnight at Lobuche (4900 metres). I feel that the subsequent speedy evacuation, which no doubt saved his life, is another good reason why it is sensible to use a Nepalese agency rather than to trek alone.

The victim was carried down towards Pheriche by our porters whilst our sirdar contacted the agent in Kathmandu. Our agent immediately contacted our insurers, and guaranteed payment pending insurance claims, and a helicopter was speedily dispatched. The victim was picked up above Dughla, flown directly to Kathmandu, and after a week in hospital there is now fully recovered. We are in little doubt that without this prompt and effective back-up the outcome could have been very serious.

I doubt if such a rescue could have been organised by a lone trekker, or someone using an independent guide.

I post this simply to warn potential trekkers !

beware - Everest Base Camp trekking companies on TA

hi fellow TA users,

I just wanted to pop a quick message into this forum to warn other users about the advice given for certain trekking companies covering the Everest Base Camp and similar regions.

The advice is simply to take some of the recommendations with a pinch of salt.

I have serious and I think correct suspicions that representatives of these trekking agencies are going on these forums, registering as joebloggs or mikehaul or whatever and recommending their own companies in order to get your business.

I don%26#39;t want to name names and of course I can%26#39;t be 100% sure that they%26#39;re not honest or that the companies they recommend are bad - for all I know, all the trekking companies doing everest are probably good.

The broken English is a dead sure give away and another tip is when you see a recommendation, take a look at that person%26#39;s %26#39;other listings%26#39; and you%26#39;ll notice that many have ONLY posted within forums from this region. Some are bleedingly obvious because they make claims like %26#39;don%26#39;t go with company XYZ because they don%26#39;t have a permit to do base camp%26#39; or something like that - how on earth would an individual from the UK know that an obscure company in Nepal doesn%26#39;t have the right to do Base Camp treks????

Most normal travellers like myself have obviously been to numerous places around the world and lend their advice on various places....

obviously many people out there who are considering doing an organised trek in this region would know that up until a short time ago, you could arrive in Luhkla and simply hire a porter/guide to take you up to Base Camp....

but as I understand it, and correct me if I%26#39;m wrong, you now have to go with one of the officially recognised tour companies in order to trek Base Camp.

So just beware of what advice you take on board, speak to lots of people, email all the different tour companies and ultimately keep your fingers crossed you have a nice tour.

beware - Everest Base Camp trekking companies on TA

Good post and I completely agree. There is also some dodgy advice going around and even (in my opinion) unsafe advice.

beware - Everest Base Camp trekking companies on TA

KOliver - well done - this is a great website and without the contibutions we could not have done previous trips so well

the last thing we need is misleading information posted by ';business%26#39;

other forums they are evident and declare their hand but still give some good advice

at this time i am just structuring our next adventure

ausnomad

Hi,

thanks for your post and the advice.

I am thinking about doing a trek and there are so many companies to choose from. What is the best way of selecting a company?

Also what is the political situation around the region? I hear that ';Mao'; terrorists stop people and ask for $100 ranson per head. Is this true?

And if by magic, up pops a prime example of a tout!

I have used these 2

Highland Excursions Nepal Pvt Ltd

PO Box 12733 Baluwater

Kathmandu

Tel 4-413850/4-414783

and

Himalaya Expeditions Inc

PO Box 105

Kathmandu

Tel 4 22 66 22/4 257 257

email: info@himexnepal.com

www.himexnepal.com

Contact: Bhanu Sing Thakuri

The first one are agents for World Expeditions and the second are agents for Himalayan Kingdoms. Both western companies with great reputations.

I fully recommend these. I spent 2 months trekking in Nepal last spring and the only Maoist problems I came up against were roadblocks in Kathmandu. No activity in the areas we were (Everest, Annapurna %26amp; Mustang) except for flags and posters.

For the latest, check out

http://www.kantipuronline.com/ktmpost.php

which is a largely independant news source.

Has anybody heard of Nepal Trailblazers Trekking? They are a local outfit out of Kathmandu.

I used Nepal Trailblazers for an Everest BaseCamp trek in late 2007 and they were fantastic. All guides spoke English and were able to provide good cultural information about the region. The administrator of the agency (Mr. Tilak) is a good resource and was very helpful in communicating the details of the trip prior to our arrival. I am heading back to the Goyko Lake region next year and will definitely utilize their services for the trek. We met several other groups while trekking that were utilizing Nepal Trailblazers and everyone had positive comments about their organizational skills. With a cost of 50% of what the US based companies charge for the trip I would highly recommend this company.

We used HIMALAYAN ROCK TREKS %26amp; EXPEDITION operated by Mr. Rammani Sapkota for our Everest base camp trek and it was a terrible experience. The address of the agency is P.O. Box 5478, Thamel, Kathmandu, Nepal. The website is www.himalayanrock.com.

In addition, when we were left stranded in Kathmandu due to the recent Bangkok airport takeover in Dec 2008, Mr. Rammani Sapkota was not interested in helping us despite numerous calls to him, he never returned any of our calls, and he basically left us to resolve the situation by ourselves after he took our money.

Do Not Use this Nepal Trekking Company

We used HIMALAYAN ROCK TREKS %26amp; EXPEDITION operated by Mr. Rammani Sapkota for our Everest base camp trek and it was a terrible experience. The address of the agency is P.O. Box 5478, Thamel, Kathmandu, Nepal. The website is www.himalayanrock.com.

The guide that he provided us did not take care of us and even exposed us to undue dangers during the trek (i.e. he did not help us or give any advice when one of our members had altitude sickness and he made us trek at night in the pitch darkness on dangerous high mountain paths.)

In addition, when we were left stranded in Kathmandu due to the recent Bangkok airport takeover in Dec 2008, Mr. Rammani Sapkota was not interested in helping us despite numerous calls to him, he never returned any of our phone calls, and he basically left us to resolve the situation by ourselves after he took our money.

Do Not Use this Nepal Trekking Company

Dear Sir,

When I read your comments I Feel a bit sad. i a so sorry about that case. As a company director he should Organize nice trip with Experience guide for you. And when you have problem while you are in nepal i think also he should keep and touch with you to solve the problem. I think that is a not good human beings. Only soem of company are liek that must are not doing same. I hope when you are next tiem Nepal. Forget this company.

Do Not Use this Nepal Trekking Company

Dear Thapaliya,

Thank you for your kind reply. I hope next time I visit Nepal, I will have the good karma to meet a more honest tour operator. I have been to Nepal several times, and most of the time, the people I have met are very kind and nice people.

Sir,

Welcome to Nepal . We are alwaus as your service who want to come again and again nepal. I hope you will have good trip in here. I am also the Trekking ANd Mountain Bike Guide for Nepal Science long time in Nepal and Tibet.

KAthmandu to Delhi

does anyone know the best way to travel from Kathmandu to Delhi, where i need to pick up an on ward connection, trains, buses, cheap flights, which is save for femail travelling alone?

KAthmandu to Delhi

You can get a flight for about... £60 - £80 pound, but try and book it in advance because it%26#39;s a really busy route. Has to be the easiest way. The bus takes a long long time and the roads in Nepal can often be closed due to landslides/political problems, and are not the best anyway! I%26#39;d recommend flying.

You might get a slightly cheaper flight flying to Varanasi, then to Delhi, but it%26#39;ll obviously take longer and involve changing.

KAthmandu to Delhi

What airlines should I stay away from using but still get a low price. India and Jet are expensive.

Just wondering what you found out as I%26#39;m now looking for a cheap flight from Kathmandu to Delhi. Someone posted 60 - 80 pounds - that would be fine. Could you tell me what Travel Agency you used to book or what airline you took to get to Delhi?

The least expensive option I found was with Jet Lite. I am traveling in May 2009 from DEL to KTM and then back to DEL. For whatever reason, I could not book on line, so I called a US travel agent in New York City. The travel agent purchased the round trip ticket at a rate of $224 + tax = $310. The travel agent then mailed the paper ticket to me.

Long Stay

Could anyone give some advice on places (and prices) to stay long term just outside Kathmandu.Cheers

eye cream

Horrible Travel Agent from Kathmandu

I%26#39;d trek to the Mount Everest Base Camp region this Nov. The trip was arranged with Himalayan Rock Treks and Expedition. I spoke to the agent, Mr. Rammani Sapkota. The price for this trek is hefty. Within this price, meals were not included. A decent guide, a porter and decent lodges throughout the trek were included.

The turnout was, the guide that was hired placed me in danger. The lodges, which cost less than 1/8 of what I%26#39;d paid, were filthy. When demanded that I stay in the decent lodges [lodges that cost more than $4 per night], the agent refused and stated that he will not earn any profits. Only after several minutes of arguing and reasoning, he then agreed.

During the incident where protestors took over Thailand%26#39;s airport, the agent neither contacted me to notify me of the issue nor to rearrange for another flight. I had to contact him and constantly follow up on what could be done with the flight. The only answer given was ';I will try my best. I%26#39;ll call you back.'; The end result is I had constantly follow up with him and I had to find my own flight.

Basically, this agent only cares about the money. He is very unprofessional.

Horrible Travel Agent from Kathmandu

There are many Trekking Agencies in Kathmandu, some excellent, others, as in your unfortunate experience, not so good.

May I suggest that in future it%26#39;s worth consulting Trip Advisor, as many members have used good agents and would be able to recommen based on personal experience

Gap Travel - Through STA

Hi all,

I have been doing a fair bit of research to do with doing a trek to Everest Base Camp.

The long and short of it are STA Travel are the cheapest and most convenient and have used them lots of times before and they have been fine!

The Trek itself is through Gap Travel, has anyone got any knowledge of how good they are, or has anyone experienced any problems with them???

I would be grateful to hear any good/bad stories so i can make my mind up.

Thanks in anticipation,

Dan

How hard compared to EBC

Help. We did EBC last October and now have friends who would like to to Annapurna Circuit in Oct 2009 with us. Only trouble is one of the couple has had knee surgery this year and is a little bit unsure of her ability to do the steep up and downs. Can someone tell me how Annapurna compares with EBC and should she be aiming to do the walk. Many thanks

How hard compared to EBC

Helo,

Now a days Annapurna Better then Berore i mean they ake most of place gravel road somewhere still under construction . Ofcourse there are some up and down during the treks but i think if thye have serious and hard surgary little bit difficult. if they have small surgary i tink its not going big problem. Better to take slow and spent a bit long time. If they are not able to waik there are soem Extra Option you cah hire Horse to road jor fly back to Humde or Joson or Drive Back from Muktinath to Beni by Jeep. Now its possiblel ot drive . Last year i have dont trek like same fo you friend.With That kinds fo people .They feel only one day when we cross the Throng-La Little bit then they did well . Because i am also Trekking Guide from Nepal.FI youneed some more infos please let me know.

Dont worried i guess they can do and its help to you.

How hard compared to EBC

Having done both I%26#39;d suggest that the Circuit is easier.

The first half, up the Marsyandi valley to Manang, has only a few relatively short ascents, From Manang a couple of short days will bring you to Thorung Phedi at the foot of the Thorung La.

The Thorung La is a fairly steep, but steady climb, and I remember it as a quite well-graded ascent, without much in the way of rocky sections (and a couple of well-placed tea houses, including one very close to the summit).

Once over the top the descent to Muktinath is long, but again the surface is better than, for example, the descent from the Memorials below Lobuche.

From Muktinath it continues to descend down to the Kali Gamdaki valley, but again as a broad, fairly even-surfaced trail.

I suspect that, perhaps armed with a pair of trekking poles, trail conditions are unlikely to cause much problem.

The other chief difference is that on the Circuit you%26#39;ll spend far less time above 4000 metres than on the EBC Trek. This is both an advantage in that you are not exposed to highy altitude for long, and a slight disadvantage in that you%26#39;ll trek for several days to get to Manang, and then over the next three you%26#39;ll need to ascend a total of almost 2000 metres without the more gradual acclimatisation that the EBC trek gives.

The Circuit is a great trek, with many varied landscapes, and in terms of difficulty I found it less demanding than EBC (and my knees are not in the best of condition either !)

Alan

Gauri Shankar

Hi, has anyone done this trek and what company did you use and what was your experience?

I am going with 2 friends in either Sept or Oct but understand that this trek is only recommended from Oct.

Did you get to see Mt Everest clearly?

Searching for GARIGAON

Hi,

I am a 74 year old senior citizen from Liverpool. UK.

In 2003 I played my bagpipe in IRAQ as a tribute to those from many faiths and nations who fell in past conflicts. Among the 45,000 names on the memorials was a 16 year old lad from GARIGAON. He must have been only 15 years of age when he was taken from his village to die in that far off land. I made a promise that I would travel alone to Nepal to find his village and play a lone piper%26#39;s lament as my way of saying %26#39;sorry%26#39; that a lad of such tender years was sent to Iraq. I have traveled twice to Nepal (2004 %26amp; 2007) but the %26#39;dignitories%26#39; I met gave me no help to find the village. I hope to return to my search in November 2009. I have a feeling the home of Rifleman (Gurkha) RIT BAHADUR RAI could be in the DHANKUTA or ILAM areas. Can anyone help. I have no connection with ANY organisation be it poliyical, ex military or religious.

Nepal Everest trekking- which guidebook to use?

There are 2 books on top of the list for the trekking in the Everest region - on is 2002 edition of Jamie McGuinnes and the other is LP Trekking Nepal Himalaya by Stan Armington, 2001 edition.

Which one did you prefer and why ?

Nepal Everest trekking- which guidebook to use?

I used Lonely Planets Trekking Nepal book when I went. It served me very well. I%26#39;d definitely recommend it. I want to point out one very glaring update not listed in the book. It states that Jiri has a bank. I trekked there in 2004 and the bank was gone (locals told me that the Maoist terrorist blew it up). I almost ran out of money while trekking to EBC. Bring enough with you from KMD for the whole trek.

Nepal Everest trekking- which guidebook to use?

The classic book is Stan Armingtons. It simply tells you everything you need to know, and you should be able to find an updated copy than the 2001 edition. You can check online or Pilgrims Book House in Thamel.

I really like the layout and content of Steven Bezruchka%26#39;s books. A little outdated now at 1997 but it%26#39;s full of great tip, suggestions, side trips etc. He spends a great deal of time discussing cultural and environmental considerations which I think are extremely important.

www.mountaineersbooks.org/productdetails.cfm鈥?/a>

I forgot to mention that Bezruchka is also a doctor so his health information is second to none.

I met Jammie mcGinnis in KTM, he is a great guy. Prefer his book with Bezruka is a great offset.

Question for jeremyinnepal: You said about money ';Bring enough with you from KMD for the whole trek';.

We are doing a 15 day trek to Base Camp from Lukla in December 08, just wondering from you experience how much money is enough? All of our meals %26amp; accommodation are supplied so in your opinion, how much money should I have with me to last the 15 days. I was maybe thinking of around 1000 rupee per day.

Anyone else got an opinion please let me know. The more info the better.

Thanks,

My Husband and I used Jamie McGuinnes%26#39; book. It was really informative and I would throughly recommend it.

One tip though - buy the book in Kathmandu. There should be a new edition of the book now as I believe it was going to print in December 2007 (when we were there). I tried to order the book beforehand in England but couldn%26#39;t get it due to the immenient re-print. The book stores in Kathmandu are such a find and they have the book there.

It was great fun reading about the trip fresh and raring to go just days before we did it!

Hello, I work at Trailblazer and we are publishing the 5th Edition of Jamie McGuinness%26#39; book, Trekking in the Everest Region. Copies will be available from early January 2009 at www.trailblazer-guides.com Postage is free.

I hope this helps. All the best

Caroline

Oh it is really good

eye cream

Which Company from uk?

Im planning on doing EBC next year and want to go with a good company who provide everything eg: hotel, flights and food. Can anyone reccomend 1 please.

Thanx Sharon

Which Company from uk?

Why %26#39;from UK%26#39; ?

Western firms have higher overheads - advertising, brochures, offices, etc., and consequently have to cover these costs by %26#39;top-slicing%26#39; from what you pay. They will then employ Nepali staff for the trek, and possibly the only particular %26#39;advantage%26#39; that they will provide is a western guide in addition. (The %26#39;%26#39; marks are because some of the western guides I%26#39;ve encountered have been of limited use)

Why not deal directly with a Nepalese-owned firm ? That way what you pay goes into Nepal. Look back through previous postings and you%26#39;ll find various recommendations from TA users based on their experiences (but avoid the obviously self-promoting posts that keep appearing !). You could then send a personal message to people who have trekked with these companies, and I%26#39;m sure they%26#39;ll give you an honest appraisal.

Alan

Which Company from uk?

Dear Sharon,

If you are looking to do everest trek in next year. I Think no need to chose the company from There. Because taht is quite Expensive adn anyway in the trekking field Nepalese taff working with you that is i am sure.Because I am also Trekking Guide science 1999 till now in NEpal and Tibet. I have done so many differetn treks and bikes trips in Nepal and Tibet Himalayas.If you wish I can provide all service to Nepal Trekking and all Package for you. That cost will be quite cheap and so flexable to you when you like.

Pelase let me know i will forward to you details itinary with cost as well.

Hello There,

I don%26#39;t think all the services will be provided by uk people here in nepal if you arrange EBC trip via their recommendations.Even though all the travel arrangement such as hotels,flights,meals,park permits should issue here in nepal and everythings should be done by nepalese company instead foreigners company because foreigners can%26#39;t arrange the trek here in nepal. The other hands if you arrange the trip via nepal based company at least you are helping some nepalese people.

Therefore, we would like to suggest you to ask by nepal based company who use to work in various mountain for many years and have lots of experience and i am sure they will assist you for each question you need to know and also if like to know some useful information regarding your plan you may check with this company call Corsa Nepal Adventure Pvt.Ltd. and check their home page wwwdotcorsanepaladventuredotcom.

Finally, i hereby would like to request all of the forum users that please don%26#39;t feel i am trying to advertise or something else because I thought he/she may find some useful information.Thanks for taking my words positively..

cheers..

Christmas in Kathmandu

We will be in Kathmandu Christmas eve and day,and a day or 2 after, staying in a hotel. Are places open on these days? Where can we find a Catholic Church with mass in English near Crowne Plaza hotel? Any special events going on or anything we should make sure we do not miss?

Christmas in Kathmandu

In Nepal i think You should com Thamel which is the best town for foreineer. In there peopel make party with candel light i hitn that is better for you. I hope you enjoied with various peopel in there.

Happy New Year 2009 Anyway.

Christmas in Kathmandu

Hi Happy Christmas and New year.,

you should go nearly dharbar Marga there is one famous church where many tourist were gathering everyday.

OK good day good Christmas

The shops will be open on those days. Actually, in the Christmas, there is a public holiday. but shops, hotels, restaurants and bars will be open on the eve and also on the Christmas day. Actually, there will be a lots of events organized on those days, especially by hotels, bars, restaurants and a lot of offers made.

For knowing more about the offers that are made on those days, please read the daily newspapers on those days.

HappyMerry Christmas and New Year 2009 for all travellers...

We are dreaming of white Christmas,

with every Christmas card we write to all of you,

May your days be merry and bright,and May all your Christmases be white.Marry Christmas And Happy New Year 2009..

www.corsanepaladventure.com

cheers

can anyone recommend hotels in Nagarkot for 20-30us/night?

hello!

my husband and i are looking for a clean, hotel with warm water and heating for our trip in feb...we will be staying for 1 night......of course we prefer a hotel with exceptional views........

heard of peaceful cottage, but apprently theres no heating/hot water.........

please suggest,

thanks!

Pari

can anyone recommend hotels in Nagarkot for 20-30us/night?

Hello Pari,

There are few hotels available with neat and clean room and of course heating system as well but due to the electricity problem here in nepal because of lack water resource and it%26#39;s still little dry season and cold too that%26#39;s why we hereby would like you to recommend you whether %26#39;Hotel Club Himalaya';,';Hotel Country Villa';,';Hotel View Point'; which has got exceptional views of the himalayan ranges from room. Well,Peaceful cottage is just a standard tourist class hotel and in my opinion they won%26#39;t offer those extra electric power to provide you heating system in your room.

Do, write here for further assist or send Pm...

cheers

Honeymoon in Pokhara??!!

Dear All,

I am planning my honeymoon at Pokhara for a week in July, most likely from 1st to 6th of july. Also planning on staying at Khatmandu for a couple of days. I checked out the wesite of a resort in Pokhara called Fulbari resort. Seems like a good place. Any views on that??

Anyway my primary concern is the weather. Most travel websites recommend not to travel to Nepla in July. They say that it rains too heavily that one cannot enjoy at all. Could someone pl provide me some info on the weather scene in july? Is it advisablel to go??

RR

Honeymoon in Pokhara??!!

The last two times I went to Pokhara it was a very sad and deserted place. That was Feb 2007 and May 2006.

I%26#39;ve never been there in July but if it is cloudy there you can see nothing of the mountains.

Honeymoon in Pokhara??!!

Dear Mr. Ravikol;

Thanks for your message and we would like to inform you that many honeymooners come to pokhara during this time.

Pleae do go there and enjoy!!!!!!!!

Thank you;

Pokhara Visitor

flight between Bharatpur (Chitwan) and Pokhara?

Hi there,

Does anyone here know if there%26#39;s a direct flying going from Bharatpur (Chitwan) to Pokhara??

We%26#39;re hoping to fly the distance, instead of taking the bus.

Hope to hear from you soon!

-Marlies

flight between Bharatpur (Chitwan) and Pokhara?

I think there are no direct flights between Pokhara and Bharatpur. Although there used to be some flights from Yeti Airlines, I think they have discontinued it.

flight between Bharatpur (Chitwan) and Pokhara?

Hi there,

Sorry, for that bharatapur to pokhara doesn%26#39;t have direct flight.you can do that you can take one private car for one place and take a flight for one place to re turn for Kathmandu.yes otherwise you can take tourist bus also any option is available with your desire.

Bichar neupane

eye cream

Hotel Jungle Camp

Hi All, I am looking for Durga Gurung, staff from Hotel Jungle Camp, Royal Chitwan National Park. We took a picture together outside Rim Jhim Bar at the jungle camp.

Lost contact since i went there with my friend and a group of singaporeans years ago.

The year was 1996. Yes, it was a long time ago. Been trying to contact him. Wondering whether he (Durga) is still there.

Anybody who knows or knew Durga, appreciate if you could email me at myyellowsunflower@yahoo.com

Norah

Singapore

Village of Garigaon

I have twice visitied Nepal searching for the home village of a young 16 year old Gurkha soldier who died in Iraq in 1941. I beleive the village of Garigaon is in the Dhankuta or Ilam area. Can anyone help in my search ?

Bill Jenkins

Liverpool

Village of Garigaon

Bill

I contacted friends in kathmandu, and I%26#39;m afraid that they could only reply as follows:

Dear Alan,

We could not find the the village called Garigaon in both Dhankuta and Illam Districts.

Is it possible to find bit more information about the soldier so that we could try further??

Is there anything else you can add ?

Village of Garigaon

Alan. Rifleman 2664 RIT BAHADUR RAI. Died 27th July 1941. Aged 16 years. Son of Nar Bahadur and Dirgalachi, of GARIGAON, Neplal. Deatils on BASRAREMATION MEMORIAL, Iraq. Thanks for your offer.

Bill Jenkins(74 yrs)

Liverpool

first trip to nepal, any advice?

hi, we are a family of 4 with 2 teenagers of ages 18 and 15. this is a very last minute planning as we were intially off to greece! but had to cancel due to the riots in athens :(

we have about 7 days and plan to spend a few nights in kathmandu, then do a 3 to 4 day tour to pokhara and nagorkat or similar. would appreciate any advice anyone can give in terms of accommodation (courtyard looks good), food, and travel guides/agents for in and out of kathmandu. thanks in advance, much appreciated

christine

first trip to nepal, any advice?

Dear christinechin25,

Nameste! and Himalaya%26#39;s welcome

I see your thread it is very tide program even it is more then more for good mountion view.wherever yo chose pokhara and nagarkot for Himalaya%26#39;s view it is really good. if you have time and money you can do mountion flight also.

first trip to nepal, any advice?

Hi,

Welcome to Nepal . I am Trekking Guide for Nepal and Tibet Science 1999 till now . YEs, you can do 2 days Programme in Kathmandu including various place seight seeing programm and then drive or flight to pokhara . Pokhara also Very nice place you may can do small trekking or get relac with little Hiking aroudn Sarangkot and White peace stupa then back to kathmandu and drive to nagarkot for mountain view and back to kathmandu will be nice programme. Please fi you need some more help and advice feel free adn let me knwo.

Second try - with corrections (hopefully the first draft will have been removed!)

It depends on what you are looking for ! Can I suggest the following possibilities.

Obviously Kathmandu merits a couple of nights at least. Many hotels are in the Thamel area, lively, quite westernised (live rock bands in cafes etc). Personally I like the Kathmandu Guest House with its peaceful garden offering a haven from the chjaos of the streets, though there are many other reasonable-looking hotels. Outside Thamel you can get a more Nepalese feel, and Swayambunath, Bodnath, Pushupatinath, Durbar Square are all worth exploring.

If you are into silly activities I can heartily recommend a day%26#39;s rafting: from Kathmandu a two hours 30 minute drive will take you to the Trisuli river, where after 3 - 4 hours of grade 3 white water enjoyment you could be driven on to Pokhara. Otherwise it%26#39;s probably worth flying to Pokhara rather than spending most of 1 day on the road by travelling direct to Pokhara by bus.

A couple of nights in Pokhara, with a trip to Sarangkot to gaze at the mountains, and time to enjoy the more laid-back atmosphere of lakeside, Pokhara, are recommended. It%26#39;s worth flying back from Pokhara to Kathmandu, a 30 minute flight, with superb mountain views (sit on the left-hand side of the plane!) On arrival at Kathmandu airport from Pokhara I recently travelled directly by car to Nagarkot and spent the night at the Fort Resort hotel (quite up-market, and rooms in the chalets in the garden are particularly attractive) to enjoy sunset and sunrise over the distant mountains. From there we were driven the following day to Bhaktapur - well worth a visit. The cenral squares are a UNESCO World Heritage site, sympathetically restored after the 1934 (?) earthquake, and virtually traffic-free. The architecture, and the quality of the woodwork, is superb. We spent a night at the Bhadgaon Guest House - very good - and enjoyed the magical atmosphere of evening in the square, with butter lamps flickering, processions, and a real Nepalese feel.

Many agents in Kathmandu would be able to arrange most of this for you. I have used a Nepali firm for several trips. Contact me if you want an email address for them

Hopefully this is useful

Alan

I can highly recommend Puru at Above the Himalaya, Thamel. He can provide excellent guides. We recently returned from a month-long trip to Nepal and he expertly arranged all the details. His e-mail address is tpuruotam@hotmail.com. You may contact me personally for any help I can give. You will not be disappointed in Nepal.

Try TravelManagement (P) Ltd. at www.travelsmanagement.com. They were brilliant with me, I had marv elous experience in 3 hotels in Kathmandu: Dwarika%26#39;s, Shangri-La, and Hotel Himalaya. The agency negotiated extremely low rates, and found rooms when the hotel sites themselves said they had none! They can also arrange any kind of holiday experience you want. I have been back one week, and it was the best month of my life. As I am a disabled traveler, I needed a lot of help, and I got it!

Hi,

I think all of above are advise you because of their business be scared about it.Some are really help for you but some are really private and personal advertisement.

Hi,Recently I return back from Kathmandu with celebration of Christmas.

In my opinion early one night will be in Kathmandu,two nights in Pokhara,one night in Nagarkot,one night in Dhulikhel and last some nights in Kathmandu.

Better if you contact one agency for all services like accommodation,transportation etc because if you contact only one agency they can offer you discounted price.I will advise you to contact info@omegatreks.com.I found their service was really good and mentionable.

Cheers

I agree with Mondela that it is ';Better if you contact one agency for all services like accommodation,transportation etc.';

I used a single tour guide (CorsaNepal) in April for my trip to Kat, Pokhara, Sarangkot and Bhaktapur and was very pleased...comprehensive and personal service. (The owner actually phoned me while I was Stateside to help me through my pre-trip anxiety!!!!)

Feel free to PM me for details, or you can contact Nakul the owner of CorsaNepal directly at info@corsanepaladventure.com

More details at their website:

http://www.corsanepaladventure.com/

HELP PLEASE !!! need guide and driver, and inteary help!!

Hello!

My husband and I are planning a 4 night 5 day stay in KTM this Febuary.

This is what we are planning:

D1 arrive

D2 - KTM sightseeing: Pushupatinath, Bodthnath, Swayambharnath, Durbar SQ , Patan - overnight KTM

D3 - bhaktapur, nagarkot - overnight nagarkot

D4nagarkot back to KTM - PM at leisure

D5 mountain flight in am, depart im pm

QUESTIONS:

essentially we need a guide for KTM sights and trip to Bhaktapur and Nagarkot;

we also need a driver/taxi

- Where can we find a guide and driver for a reasonable price? i.e guide 10-12 us day, taxi full day 1000-1500ruppees

-can anyone please recommend a reputuable KTM travel agency in/around Thamel that will not rip us off ? is it ok to make travel plans once we get there?

-what is the best way to book mountain flights? what airlines do you recommend?

-any recommendations for nice, clean, safe hotel with hot water and heating for approx 20 us/night double occupancy in KTM and Nagarkot?

-any places we must see in our limited time that i am missing? i.e dulikhel worth visitng even though we are going to nagarkot?

Please help - i am going out of my mind trying to plan this trip!!

thanks in advance!!!

Pari

HELP PLEASE !!! need guide and driver, and inteary help!!

Hello techsDucky

Nice to hear that you are planning to travel in Nepal.

Your Itinerary is perfect. you can enjoy your trip.

if you just want tour guide then i recommend you Mr.Deep chandra kalika one of the best tour guide of Nepal you can reach him by ksimran35@hotmail.com, very help full and energetic guide. don%26#39;t take any tension about all those things guide will take care of that.

if you like travel agency could manage your tour then I recommend you to try Monterosa Treks %26amp; Expedition, you can reach them by http://www.monterosa-nepal.com

if you need more help then mail me at pfrenforyou@hotmail.com, i will help you in this regards.

good luck

pfren

HELP PLEASE !!! need guide and driver, and inteary help!!

Dear Pari,

I am Bashu Thapaliya as a Trekking and Mountain Bike Guide for Nepal and Tibet Science 1999 till now in Nepal.If you are looking to do that tours please contract me this time i have nowork so i can help to you as per yoru itinary . If you are interested let me knwo then i will give youall the details price as well .

We just returned from a month-long trip to Nepal which was arranged by Puru at Above the Himalaya Treking, Thamel. We cannot recommend him enough. He was competent and extremely helpful.You can reach him at tpuruotam@hotmail.com. Tell him that Carol and Jim recommended him.

Hi Pari,

I%26#39;m from Malaysia and I%26#39;ve just come back on 21 DEc from KTM and was also treking in the Himalayan Region and Annapurna region. I had the best travel agent!! All I did was told them what I wanted and they planned everything for me. The travel agent is called Asian Adventure Trek and Expeditionin Thamel, KTM. I booked everything through their web side and was really impressed with them. You can check out their webside at www.asiantreks.com.

There were dif. ocasions where they went the extra mile to help us even when it was not required. For example...on the morning of our flight to Lukla (Himalayan region)our digital camera jammed and when I told Mr B.B. Suyal (the Agency Director), he immediately sent one of his staff to the airport with his digital camera for us to use in the mountains. I%26#39;ve never had a travel agency who would go to that extend to help me! Another ocasion was while we were supposed to have a full day sight-seeing around KTM... I fell sick and could only managed to see a few places in KTM. The agent was kind enough to set a later date for us just to finish the other places of interest with no extra charge. I find the tour agent very hest, sincere with a personal touch.

I would think that since you%26#39;re going with your husband...don%26#39;t join a group. @ of you with the guide and porter(if treking) is just great company.

If you need further details...you can email me at siaw_ming@yahoo.com. I%26#39;m just so impressed with my agent that I feel it%26#39;s the least I can do for them is to recommend them to others. Best of all...the price they quoted was one of the cheaper once we found.

thank you so much for the helpful info........will look into it!!

everst region or poon hill region???

hi!

we have 6 nights 7 days in nepal - we were going to do the poon hill trek, however we REALLY want to see mount everst!

which region is best to explore?

what are the major differences?

if we want beautfiul mountain views, exposure to local culture and views of mount everst, which would you recommend?

if the poon hill is best over all trek(scenery, etc), then how can we see everst as well...from KTM/ go to nagarkot?

please help!!

Pari

everst region or poon hill region???

You have a couple of options, take the Mountain flight out of KTM which flys around Everest (hope for a clear morning)

Go to Nagarkot as other option.

My preference is Pokhara, Poon Hill option as I prefer the views of the Annapurnas and Machupachurie (sp)as well as the diversity of the cultures. Everest is more of a singular event and culture.

power outages?

I%26#39;ve read recently that there are now 12 hour blackouts every day in Kathmandu. Soon it is expected to be 16 hours. How does this affect a visit to Kathmandu? Are generators prominent? How does food not spoil? I%26#39;m visiting in mid-February and am very curious of how this trip will turn out.

power outages?

hi we are off to kathmandu also in feb - take torches etc and try not to worry about the power shortages - just try and get things done in the light and enjoy the power shortages - last time we were there we had power cuts at night and we got used to it - just remember the nepalese have to just get on with it ---------------it will be fun ( take some thermals for night )

power outages?

If you take a good hotel they have generator and UPS so you no need to worried for that.

yep u are well right - we stayed at park village hotel and they had back up

Outages are frequent, and more so now with the transmission line problems. Expect them and have a flashlight. It is all part of the experience!!

eye cream

Best travel Agent in Kathmandu !

I%26#39;m from Malaysia and I%26#39;ve just come back on 21 DEc from KTM and was also treking in the Himalayan Region and Annapurna region. I had the best travel agent!! All I did was told them what I wanted and they planned everything for me. The travel agent is called Asian Adventure Trek and Expedition in Thamel, KTM. I booked everything through their web side and was really impressed with them. You can check out their webside at www.asiantreks.com.

There were dif. ocasions where they went the extra mile to help us even when it was not required. For example...on the morning of our flight to Lukla (Himalayan region)our digital camera jammed and when I told Mr B.B. Suyal (the Agency Director), he immediately sent one of his staff to the airport with his digital camera for us to use in the mountains. I%26#39;ve never had a travel agency who would go to that extend to help me! Another ocasion was while we were supposed to have a full day sight-seeing around KTM... I fell sick and could only managed to see a few places in KTM. The agent was kind enough to set a later date for us just to finish the other places of interest with no extra charge. I find the tour agent very hest, sincere with a personal touch.

If you need further details...you can email me at siaw_ming@yahoo.com. I%26#39;m just so impressed with my agent that I feel it%26#39;s the least I can do for them is to recommend them to others. Best of all...the price they quoted was one of the cheaper once we found.

Best travel Agent in Kathmandu !

really nice to hear that you had a great experience. This definitely helps to other travelers.

Thanks for the info.

Visa

can we still get our visa from airport when we land

how much is it -??????????

Visa

I did in late November ! It%26#39;s worth downloading the form from the Nepalese Embassy, London, website, prinitng it and filling it in before you leave for kathmandu, then on arrival all you need to collect is the Entry Card (which you can fill in whilst standing in the visa queue - that way you%26#39;ll be close to the front !)

15 days £15, 31 days £25

Visa

the exchange rates keep changing and the official rates are:

US$ 25 for 15 days

US$ 40 for 30 days

US$ 100 for 90 days

rhiwbina:

Alan%26#39;s advice is good. Don%26#39;t forget that you also need a passport size photo. If you are there for three days or less the visa is at no charge and you should get in the gratis visa line.

Advice for Everest Virgin...

I am coming to Everest Base Camp on a Trek in Feb 2009. Some people are advising me to delay until May because of the weather. Can anyone give me their opinion from experience?

Advice for Everest Virgin...

Month av. max. temp.in °F av. min. temp. January 43 22

February 43 25 March 47 31 April 52 31

May 58 38 June 59 45

and those are the climate figures for Namche, at 3400 metres.

Lobuche, at 4800, is likely to be around 20 degrees colder !

It was already very cold at Lobuche in late November

Advice for Everest Virgin...

Hi

Personally, I would delay until May. You will have a good chance of clear days then.

September trekking & NEAT Adventures

Hi,

Has anyone used NEAT adventures? I met a couple who had just returned from EBC trek and highly recommended them.

Another company has recommended that I go trekking in September rather than October to avoid the hordes of trekkers in the peak. Am I likely not to get clear weather and is there any other reason not to go in September (it would suit me better to go then than later).

September trekking %26amp; NEAT Adventures

Do you have to go then?

I have travelled to Everest region twice with World Expeditions - highly recommended.

Back in 2004 was mid Feb - March, the first trip of the year. Great as not many people around. We were the first group everywhere and only encounteed a couple of other groups the whole time. It was cold (up to -25 at night) but days were not too bad.

in 2006 I went April May, was warmer of course but we got a lot of unseasonal snow.

Advantage of weather at this time is it very clear, no haze and usually no rain or snow.

I have not been in Oct / Nov but feel strongly that one of the great things about the region is th remoteness which is spoilt by too many people.

Dont know NEAT so cant help on that one sorry.

Quick to Nepal - suggestions

My wife and I will be in Kolkata, India in February attending a family wedding. We have a few free days and were debating taking a short trip somewhere. Any suggestions on where to go or what to see - I think there is a direct flight from Kolkata to Kathmandu - any suggestions?

Quick to Nepal - suggestions

Hello Choolku,

Yeah there are flight availiable from Kolkata to kathmandu almost everyday by Indian airlines. And if you are looking for some extra trip to nepal then I may suggest you to do the best mountain flight over mt.everest which is operating by the domestic airlines call either ';Buddha Air or Yeti Air'; and get the nice opportunity to view mt.everest and other himalayan ranges it happen just morning time each day for an hour together with other people(18seater plane). And later you may visit all the temples,stupas and old heritage sites been focus by the UNESCO in 1984.

Similarly,if you are in nepal for more or less week then you may head to pokhara or chitwan national park to get something different adventure experience.

Enjoy your holiday in nepal...

N.D

Quick to Nepal - suggestions

The mountain flight that NakulNepal mentions is a ';don%26#39;t miss'; imo. Fantastic views, and I had a trip to the cockpit in-flight on Buddha Air.

Durbar Sq in Kat is beautiful.

A few kilometers away from Kat lies historic Bhaktapur, with its beautiful square, and its car-less streets.

Maybe a half-day trip to Narangkot for beautiful views of the Himalayans and for some fresh air and trekking.

I also agree that, time-permitting, Pokhara is a great place to visit w/ its lakeside location, fantastic views of the mountains, and proximity to Sarangkot. Paragliding an option there too.

I found a very reliable travel company in Nepal that helped me with many such arrangements for my April 2008 trip. I invite you to PM me if you%26#39;d like more info.

Going it alone!

Have decided to go solo on a trip up Everest! My questions:

1. Where should ~I fly to to pick up a local guide?

2. What local companies would you recommend?

3. Is this a safe trip for a lone female to do ?

4. #Will I meet other people when I walk up in March, ideally I do not want to be alone!

Many thanks

Claire

Going it alone!

Dear Everest lover,

Thanks and welcome for your decision ,

You will fly lukla from Kathmandu.Everest region have also many trekking route. .for Everest region trekking you need to take flight ticket..and for good guide you need to take from Kathmandu. .you can make companion on there also.it is totally safe you.if you take one Nepali person%26#39; otherwise I%26#39;m not sure.

for more

Going it alone!

UP Everest ? Do you mean to base camp or to the summit . . . . . ?

1. Fly to Tensing-Hillary Airport, Lukhla.

2. I have put together a list of Kathmandu-based companies that genuine TA users have recommended from their own experiences - I%26#39;ll happily forward it to you directly. Whilst it will cost a bit more to organise a guide through a KTM-based company (you%26#39;ll have to fly the guide in and out) it has advantages over merely taking up one of the many offers that you%26#39;d be likely to get if you land at Lukhla without a guide.

3. I%26#39;ve always found Nepal to be a safe and very friendly place. A guide will also be company / bodyguard ! You may be able to arrange a female guide.

4. Your rarely alone in the Khumbu. You are likely to meet numerous other trekkers.

Alan

thank you!

why is it better to pick up a guide in kathmandu rather than lukla?

if i get a guide in kathmandu how many days should i plan to find one?

only to base camp maybe the next one up but not tough enough for the summit!

the list of companies would be great!

Hello Claire...

Please find your answer below as per your questions.

You Wrote:

why is it better to pick up a guide in kathmandu rather than lukla?

I Write:

Better to get guide from kathmandu because first reason is he is very much communicative of your each question during your trek secondly he is well experience and license holder by the ministry of tourism(Nepal Academy of Tourism and Hotel Management)and finally he his very much familiar with all trekking routes and in case if you got anything trouble on your trekking period he is your gardens as well as nice counterpart for any kind of trouble if happen.

You Wrote:

if i get a guide in kathmandu how many days should i plan to find one?

I Write:

Well,to find the experience guide you should search some local companies such as Thamserku,Himalayan Adventure,Corsa Nepal Adventure etc and for your comfort you may check with these companies such as wwwdotcorsanepaladventuredotcom and hope you will get some positive response regarding your personal desire. Enjoy the trip in nepal...

You Wrote:

only to base camp maybe the next one up but not tough enough for the summit!

I write:

If you are keen to take guide up to base camp then take him for 2 weeks which cover your all trek from kathmandu to kathmandu and finally give him some tips on your wish because nepalese people are extremely glad to see the foreigners in our country and they work very hard for them and expect something before you leave the country but never keep anything fixed demand,therefore you may tip them something good and reliable...

the list of companies would be great!

Please check www.taan.org.np

where you will find more than 300 companies list and of course you will find above companies list there as well..

Cheers and please do write here for further assistance...

N.D

Why a guide from a KTM-based company?

The downside: you%26#39;ll have to pay for his flights to and from Tensing-Hillary, Lukhla.

The upside: You%26#39;ll probably want to spend a day or two in KTM on arrival: this would give you time to meet your guide beforehand, rather than simply arriving at Lukhla and trekking off with someone you%26#39;ve not met before. (You could overcome this by spending a day or two in Lukhla, but I%26#39;ve not found Lukhla to be much fun !)

There are some firms with offices in Lukla: I%26#39;ve not used one. Most of the KTM-based firms (and I%26#39;m sure it%26#39;s true of ones recommended by TA posters) are competent and efficient, and provide experienced staff. They will also be responsible for insuring their staff.

An agent in Ktm could also book flights for you.

A guide from a firm in Ktm has access to back-up if needed: we had to have one of our party evacuated from Lobuche this year - our guide, contacting our ktm agent, was able to organise a helicopter evacuation within 2 hours. I%26#39;m not certain that an independant guide would have the back-up to do this.

Why a guide from a KTM-based company?

yes if you take a guide from Kathmandu they are controllable from trekking company if they are not to to their duty you can complain about Guide if you taking guide indivisibly from lukla may be they will be leave you on midway they can bargen with you a lot of problem.best for taking guide from Kathmandu.

I am planning to go to Everest region in Oct this year and have quizzed friends who have been about who/what/where etc.

Three friends went in Oct 08 and did EBC and Gokyo lakes. They landed at Lukla and organised their guides from the airport. There were 2 companies and one of their group went between the 2 and worked out which one suited them best and cost etc. They paid $600 each.

Good discussions here, I hired out of Lukla last time and would not do that again. Easier to set up email discussions with potential guides and begin interview process from home. Then you can speed up the hiring process as you will have been able to narrow down guide options. I would advise hiring versus going alone, as a guide can help should you have problems, or an unusual weather event hit, or more likely anothe bandh (strike!)

You will see advice here for guides, I will add my guide as I have refered him to a number of people on this site, so far with great success

Binod = dbsubedi@mail.com.np

Just to throw a spanner in the works from all those keen to go solo.

I have been to Everest region twice and sumitted Lobuche East, Island Peak and Pkhalde - all 6000m plus. EBC is around 5400m. Both with World Expeditions.

If you have not climbed at altitude before, I think it is sensible to go with a larger group - there are plenty around, eg. World Expeditions, Peregrine etc. Altitude Sickness is one good reason to look carefully at your suport team.

The advantage with the ';big oreganisations'; is their setup is usually superior. You have someone to carry the bulk of your gear, you only need carry a day bag and camp is set up for you every night. Sometimes you will stay in lodges Their guides know what to look for with Altitude Sickness and they usually carry satellite phones and Gamow bags for urgent treatment. You may be OK and have no symptoms but is is reassuring if there is someone around who does.

On one trip we had to get someone helicoptered out as the got Pulmonary Oedema - potentially life threatening. Our guide had a phone to ring to Kathmandu and had all resources available to get our guy out quickly. Sounds scary and it would have been for him. He was in hospital for 10 days after recovering before he flew back to Australia.

They also seem to magically get you on the first flights in and out of Lukla - there can be issues in bad weather and you could get stuck for days -in Lukla or Kathmandu.

I think travel on your own as single female is fine - i did my last trip on my own - we had a team of 8 - 2 girls and 6 boys and probably had a support crew of cooks, porters and sherpas totalling 15 or so.

So if safety is a concern, i think for your first trip you should look to go on a fully organised trip with a well regonised company - avoid all the logistical hassles, you will meet other peole, you will feel safer knowing if you suffer from Altitude sickness that someone will be able to help.

Hope you have done plenty of physical training!

Happy to correspond more on the topic and answer any other questions you have.

I love the place and hoping to go back next year - got to get fit again!

Cheers

As k2kelley says in her post which makes good points, a good discussion, and enlivened by DeeDeePop%26#39;s %26#39;spanner%26#39;

Whilst I agree with DeeDeePop about an expedition to climb a trekking peak (Lobuche East, Island Peak, etc), which inevitably involves camping and a full support crew, you don%26#39;t need that level of support for a trek (though a camping trek has its own delights). Indeed for a tea-house trek to Base Camp and/or Kala Pattar you don%26#39;t NEED any support at all, (particularly if you are a back-packing masochist who is either penny-pinching, on some strange get fit mission, or culturally unaware . . .)

I would question DeeDeePop%26#39;s assertion that the %26#39;big organisations%26#39; (and she lists several Western-owned ones) are superior. The fact is that they use Nepali agencies as the mainstay of their service, and those Nepali are normally totally able to deliver the advantages that she lists (see my earlier post above !). Why not deal direct with reputable Nepali agencies, and avoid simply adding costs for Western advertising, offices, etc. ? Many TA users have done so, and are happy to offer suggestions and recomendations of agents that they have used.

eye cream

Obtaining an Indian visa in Nepal

We want to travel from India overland to Nepal and then we need to return to Delhi for our flight home. However, my partner has been refused a multi-entry Indian visa (he holds a British passport). Does anyone know if he will be able to apply for an Indian visa from Nepal so we can re-enter? How easy/difficult would this be? Any advice woukd be great.

Thanks, Sally

Obtaining an Indian visa in Nepal

you might find this link of the Indian Embasy in Kathmandu helpful to determine your status.

www.south-asia.com/Embassy-India/consular.htm

If this does not help, then you can ask the visa section directly as well so that you are clear about the rules and regulations.

Best Months to do the trek to EBC

Hi all,

I%26#39;m just now looking at booking a tour from Kathmandu to Everst Base Camp sometime next year. Looking for some advice on which months are the best to do the trip?? Ideally i was considering June but i%26#39;ve read this is monsoon season so not ideal.

Many thanks,

Tammy

Best Months to do the trek to EBC

Hi there,

The best season to do Everest trekking is from September to December, and March to Mid June, as you are planning to do a Trek in June and as far our experience you do the trek until June, as Rainy season will start from July. It is difficult to say some time the weather is very clear in July also and Weather is bad in October too. In general you can do the Everest trek in June

Thanks

go to New Delhi(India) from Kathmandu by bus

I want go to New Delhi(India) from Kathmandu by bus, anybody can give me advise. How much for the bus free. How long does the trip . Any document or payment that I need in the Terminal(which one??)

go to New Delhi(India) from Kathmandu by bus

DO NOT go to New Delhi by Bua, there is a lot of harassment for tourists in the border and the towns along the border are not safe. Instead spend some money and fly on Roayl Neapl (cheapest airline) and go by air to Delhi. You will save yourself a lot of problems.

go to New Delhi(India) from Kathmandu by bus

It is difficult by traveling bus it is long distance use plan it is easy.

From Kathmandu to New Delhi by bus

I want go to New Delhi(India) from Kathmandu by bus, anybody can give me advise. How much for the bus free. How long does the trip . Any document or payment that I need in the Terminal(which one??)

From Kathmandu to New Delhi by bus

If you want to travel just on the bus, then you might want to travel to Mahendrangar from Kathmandu (takes around 16 hours and costs around US$ 10). You can use day or night buses that leave in the morning and later afternoon respectively.

From Mahendranagar, travel to the border on a rickshaw, takes around 15 minutes. Then travel cross the border to Banbassa in India and then travel to Delhi from there (takes around 8 hours and costs about $ 6).

You need to produce your visa at the Banbassa entry point to India. I am not sure whether you will be given on arrival visa at the border crossing.

University

Hi I%26#39;m trying to decide on where i want to study abroad for a semester abroad and I am considering Tribhuvan University. Could any one tell me what the town and area is like for a University student and if anyone has ever been if they could tell me what the thought about their time there that would be great thanks in advance

University

If you are joining the University campus in Kirtipur, then it is on the outskirts of Kathamndu - about half an hour drive on a local bus from the main city. The town of Kirtipur is nearby the university and most people studying in the university stay on rented rooms in Kirtipur. However, if you are studying in other campuses that are recognized by Tribhuvan University, then that is a different question. I think some foreign students do take a study abroad program in Nepal. And if you have not yet decided on the university yet, you might also want to consider Kathmandu University (http://www.ku.edu.np/) in Dhulikhel as well.

University

Yes I am Talking about the campus in Kirtipur what is that town like? would most people stay there? or go into kathmandu. and I would wanna explore alot of nepal is it cheap to travel within the country? Thanks in advance

Or would you recommend the University in Dhulikhel?

It is better to leave close to the uni. That way you%26#39;ll be saving on your daily to and from transportation cost. Kirtipur is right on the southwest side of Kathmandu, think of it like what Newark is to New York. Up the hill from the uni is Kirtipur proper, down the hill is Kathmandu.

If you are looking for a better university atmosphere, I would recommend Kathmandu University over Tribhuvan. Getting to Kathmandu from there during weekends/holidays is not a problem at all. Plus they have American styled two-semester-a-year classes, as opposed to more traditional Nepali styled classes at TU. Also KU is a four year uni, but am not so sure about TU - last time I checked some courses were 3-yr undergraduate degree while others were 4-yr.

For somebody from the US, I would recommend KU over TU. But it%26#39;s your call at the end.

eye cream

Tips for porter and guide

What is the typical guidelines regarding tips for porter and guide on a 18 days hike to Mt. Everest Base Camp?

Tips for porter and guide

Hi,

I was worried about this when I went to EBC so I asked other trekkers. Most suggested a tip for a guide of about 5-10 USD per day of the trek. I ended up giving my guide about $130 US for our 14 day trek because he was simply wonderful. You can give more or less. The porter would be maybe half that. My guide also carried some of my stuff so it was not necessary to use a porter. Please let me know if you have questions.

Hulagirl76@hotmail.com

Tips for porter and guide

Hi,

Were you part of an organised trek or did you organise the guide %26amp; porter yourself? This amount seems excessive on top of an organised trek.

survived first visit to nepal!

hi, just want to share our experience of holidaying in nepal during christmas of last year. nepal is unlike any other countries that we have visited! we stayed at courtyard hotel in kathmandu and worked out an itinerary with the helpful owners. we visited all the touristy sights including the stupas, temples and the towns of patan and baktapur. even caught sight of the new living goddess, kumari! took a mountain flight on board buddha air which was awesome. spent two nights in chiwan national park, went on an elephant ride and jungle walk and also saw the way the local tribe, the tharu people lived in their mud houses. on the way, stopped for white-water rafting, ran by a group of very enterprising young people. also spent 2 nights in pokhara which is a lakeside town. pokhara is less chaotic than kathmandu so it is nicer to walk around. went paragliding in pokhara. shopping in nepal is good, very cheap. disliked the load shedding of 10 hours per day. newari food and the local nepalese food are a must. we had the best steak though, in pokhara in a restaurant called new everest steakhouse! all in all we had an amazing hol in nepal!

survived first visit to nepal!

Nice to hear that your visit to Nepal went on smoothly. I hope this information would be helpful to the would be travelers.

And the current load shedding is at 16 hours per day :)

Internet cafes on the Annapurna Sanctuary trek

Hello. If I set out on the Annapurna Sanctuary trek in which places on the way do I have internet cafes or any other internet access?

I would like to know the names of all the villages on the way that offer internet acces.

Thanks very much in advance.

Internet cafes on the Annapurna Sanctuary trek

Hi,

You can find it specially in Manang,Jomsom and ofcourse in Pokhara.

Internet cafes on the Annapurna Sanctuary trek

Sorry. I would like to know the names of the villages on the way to Annapurna base camp.

Chhomrong

Annapurna Trekking Companion

Hello,

I%26#39;m going to be trekking the Annapurna Circuit in early March 2009, and wanted to know if there would be anybody hiking it at the same time. I%26#39;m a 22 year old Canadian male traveler coming up from India, and was hoping to meet up with some people to try it.

Send me an email at josh.rj.workman@gmail.com if you think you%26#39;ll be around that time.

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Himalayan Glacier Trekking Priv. LTD

I am looking for feedback on Himalayan Glacier Trekking. After a horrible experience in Tanzania - trekking Mt. Kilimanjaro I am doing my due diligence.

Thank you for your feedback.

Himalayan Glacier Trekking Priv. LTD

All - I believe that excellent service deserves commendation, and I am happy to share a letter of thanks which I recently sent to the Himalayan Glacier Trekking, following our fantastic trip to Island Peak, Nepal, October 2008. Photos can be found here:

himalayanglacier.com/blog/…more-108

www.ukclimbing.com/forums/t.php?t=332354

Visit to Nepal

Hi, My boyfriend and I are visiting Nepal on the 14th of Dec. We would like to see Sagarmatha national park, mount everest (low level trekk), lumbini and kathmandu valley. Is this possible to do in a week? Also can we drive to these places? Is it wise to organise a tour before going there or can we do it by ourselves when we get there?

Thanks

Chantal

Baghmara Resort or Hotel Parkside in Chitwan?

Has anyone stayed at the Baghmara Resort or Hotel Parkside in Chitwan? We are going in July and trying to decide where to stay. Thanks!

Baghmara Resort or Hotel Parkside in Chitwan?

we just got back from nepal last week our second time - we love it we stayed out park this time in Rhino Lodge %26amp; Hotel (they all have very similar names to confuse you ) we much enjoyed this time as the lodge is in the center of Sauaha Village - with a little row of shops to wander and even hire bikes which was fun - they do a programme of elephant safari and elephant bathing very close to the elephant breeding centre - we got the bus there and its a fun 6 hour drive - drop us a line if you wanna know more

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looking for a guide ?

Hello

This is letter of recommendation for BALKRISHNA TAMANG who served as our guide on a 15 day trek in the Annapurna region. We found him to be a really first-rate guide, caring and protective, very versatile, friendly and Cheerful, knowledgeable about the area with a good command of English. He has worked at all levels of trekking including that of cook, as we learned to our pleasure one evening at a lodge when BAL offered to cook us dinner: he produced the best meal of our trek ! His gregariousness and friendly relations with the Nepalis we met was a bonus in drawing us into Nepali life. His skill as a guide most come out one day when we left the trail without consulting him. He had to rescue us from a most difficult situation checking out steps in a cliff side, guiding us across a turbulent river. We shall always be grateful for his skills on this harrowing day and for his excellent job on the entire trek. His address is balpub80@hotmail.com

RAYMOND AARON LON ROSEN

Businessman Professor of Mathematics

TORONTO CANADA VANCOUVER Canada

Weather in End of May

Hi,

I am planning to have a family trip to in Kathmandu, Pokhara and Nagarkot during the 4th week of May.

Can anyone tell me if rain will already start that time? What will be the temperature like in these locations (basically do we need to carry woollen clothes :))?

Also I have read about ';mountain flight';. Can anyone tell me whether it is worth the money?

regards,

Somnath

Weather in End of May

The weather will be hot and humid at that time. The monsoon season will not start at that time - will start from around mid June. But there might be some pre monsoon rain at that time.

You need not carry woollen clothes at that time but having a light jacket might help in case of unexpected weather.

You can find about the weather of the locations you have mentioned in this link : exoticbuddha.com/2008/….

The mountain flight is an easy way to have a good view of the Everest and other mountains at that region. It will be in the morning and you will probably like the morning atmosphere as well as the mountains. I have not personally taken the flight but have not heard anyone say that they did not enjoy the experience.

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University

Whats travel in nepal like? is it cheap? and by cheap I mean college student cheap haha and can I get to other countries easily? Thanks in advance

University

Nepal is quite cheap in comparison with other countries. You can get a meal in about 2 dollars, a room for around 5 dollars and travel within Nepal in bus is cheap.

And you can travel to other countries easily from here - for China it is bit difficult. There is an international airport and you should have no problem visiting any place in the world provided you have the right documents.

Treakking Agency Nepal

Any of you know of a good trekking agency that is not charging the sames rates as here in the UK.

I have made a few enquiries and found in some case that they are more expensive why I ma not sure becuase it is now low season?

Mark

Treakking Agency Nepal

I%26#39;d never book a trek in the Himalaya anywhere else but in Kathmandu or Pokhara. I did the Annapurna Sanctuary trek in 2004 %26amp; saved about $1500 AUD by booking in Nepal %26amp; not in Australia.

The company that I booked with was called Sekai Treks, they are now called Blue Mountain or something. I%26#39;m not sure if the same people work for them now as is the constant change in this industry. Check out their website www.bluemountaintravels.com

My best advice is to price up what it will cost you in the UK, remember that you get what you pay for (cheapest will usually disappoint) %26amp; MAKE sure that whatever company you choose looks after their guides %26amp; porters!

Cheers

Steve

Treakking Agency Nepal

My husband %26amp; I did the Annapurna circuit in Oct. 05 and went through a ';company';. I would now recommend hiring the guide %26amp; porter directly. Two guides that I know are good are Kamal Regmi at regmi_kamal@yahoo.com and Bishwa Ghale at bishwarg77@hotmail.com - both speak English and can get good porters for you.

char

Just back from Nepal.We booked with Dharma Adventures.Excellent organisation.Very good Sherpâs ;Ask for Nawang.He is incredible.

Bernard

Belgium

Hi,

How was the political situation? Any problems for tourists in the local news when you were there?

Phil

No problems with the political situation at the moment Everything is safe.Very cheap hotelprices at the moment as tourism is at low at the moment.Dont book hotelrooms in advance now.Just look around as you arrive there.

We were traveling Simikot to Hilsa and Western Tibet.Still have to pay 100$ per person to the mao rebels.Maybe it is possible to avoid if you dont stop in Hilsa and continue stright to the Tibetan border.

B Staelens

Belgium

Thank you

Maleria

We are going back to Nepal in Feb for 4 weeks - and going to chitwan %26amp; pokhara

I know its our choice and last time we went Nepal took Maleria (April 2007) we did get a bit tummy upset -and didnt take them much at all really - and remembering to take them was also a pain - and the kids had to take smaller doses which did make them a little sick - we are going in Feb this time and will be cooler so the mozzies wont be toooo angry - - do we or dont we - ???????????????????????????????????

Maleria

In February, mosquitos generally do not trouble you in Chitwan and are not found in Pokhara. But there might be some mosquitos in Chitwan at late February, when the temperature starts to rise. So, I suggest you to finish up the Chitwan part first and then visit Pokhara, if that is possible. If not, always sleep inside mosquito nets and when going outside, use mosquito repellent creams that are available on Kathmandu on body parts not covered by clothes. So you should be safe from mosquito bites.

Have a nice time in Nepal.

Trekking in winter- any tips?

Hi, we are planning our visit to Nepal for the first half of February, as it is winter we consider the fact some destinations may not be accesible. We will be very grateful for any tips for suitable routes during this period in Nepal. Thanks a lot!

Have a great life;)

Trekking in winter- any tips?

Jomsom, Lantang, Helambu treks are some of the routes that is fit for trekking during winter as well. If you want to make variations to these treks, then get information beforehand you attempt to do so as some of the passes and places may not be passable during these times.

Trekking in winter- any tips?

Dear Dare

Greetings from nepal

You all are welcome to nepal.Actually half of feb is well no more cold like jan.%26amp; weather is clear .It depand how many days are u staying in nepal %26amp; what kind of adventure activites are you all are planning Or just for holiday?

Feelfree to contact

Warms regards

Aryalha

Namaste Dare Dess!!!

I%26#39;m writting in connection with your query about visit plan to Nepal. Definately it%26#39;s a bit cold in winter in Nepal but it%26#39;s not too cold for the travelling in Nepal. Mostly Mountain base camps and some passes can be of problamatic to travel then other hill sides and low land areas are very good for the travel, trekking or safari .

Have a nice time in nepal.

surya frm kathmandu

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Bus from Gorakhpur/Sunauli to Kathmandu

Hello! Can you please give me an idea, how long it will take to go to Kathmandu?

Coming from Varanasi by train, we arrive in Gorakhpur about 8am on a Tuesday morning an we already know that a bus to Sonauli takes about 3 hours. Is it possible to catch a bus around this time? Shall we book a online ticket in advance?

How about the bus tour from the border to Kathmandu?

Is it possible to reach Kathmandu in the same day when we only arrived in Gorakhpur at 8am?

Thanks for your soon answer!

Bus from Gorakhpur/Sunauli to Kathmandu

From Sunauli to Kathmandu, it takes around 8 hours for the bus ride. I think it might be difficult for you to reach Kathmandu on the same day you arrive in Gorakhpur. You can board the night bus to Kathmandu from around 2 pm and will reach Kathmandu early next morning - it will make a stop over in the middle.

I think you might not be able to book online the local buses from Gorakhpur to Sunauli.

World Expeditions- anyone used them?

Has anyone had experience with this company? I am starting to plan a trip - first time for asia, so looking for an easy to deal with group, not keen on trying to sort it when I get there. Thanks.

World Expeditions- anyone used them?

Yep, I did Everest High Passes with WE. Fantastic company. Have also used Exodus %26amp; Explore and gone independently, but would rate WE above all the others.

I thought they just planned better and appeared to be good employers. Our cook, sirdar and guide had been with the company for many years. Will definitely use them again. The staff on the ground in KTM were also great. Even after our tour ended, we were in Nepal for a further 5 weeks and they still sorted things out for us.

They use extra acclimatisation days to other companies on the higher treks and also carry better medical equipment (not that other companies don%26#39;t have the correct stuff, it%26#39;s just that WE go a bit further). If it had not been for the Gammow (sp?) bag they took, I would not have made it!!

Also quite a few of our fellow trekkers had used WE on other occassions.

Cannot rate them any higher!

World Expeditions- anyone used them?

Thanks for that. We are looking at an Annapurna trek - have you been in that area? How did it go? Do you have experience of teahouse vs camping - which would you choose? Thanks.

Another question - are they running the tour as employers, or do they suncontract to a local firm? Anyone know?

I recently used WE for a Everest base camp trek and was VERY dissappointed. We had very little contact with the Nepalese people, our guide could hardly speak English and the equipment they provide was very much sub par. If you consider using them bring your own tent and sleeping bags or you will freeze!

You say you fancy a trek in the Annapurnas = which trek - the Circuit or the Sanctuary ?

Departure Tax

Hello how much is the departure tax and how much for 15 and 12 year olds are they counted as kids

Departure Tax

Don%26#39;t know about kids, but it was Rs1700 last year

Departure Tax

I am not sure about whether they will be considered as children for charging the departure tax. However, children below the age of 10 are exempted visa fees.

Hotel in Bhaktapur and Biratnagar

Hello

we - 2 adults %26amp; 6 year old daughter - plan to visit Bhaktapur (not Kathmandu!) and Biratnager in March 2009. Any recommendations for hotels there? Facilities, prices?

Thanks a lot!

Hotel in Bhaktapur and Biratnagar

I used the Bhadgaon Guest House, Bhaktapur last year. Very good atmospheric central location, clean, welcoming. Rooms a bit small, but restaurant very good.

Hotel in Bhaktapur and Biratnagar

Thanks, may be the right thing for us!

Helo,

I think so The Bhaktapur Guest house is one of the Fanous and nice in there. I will also suggest to you in there. Bhaktapur is better clean and nice then kathmandu .I hope u will enjoy there.

Bashu THapaliya

Dear jokerst

Nameste!

I would like to recommended to you bhaktapur hotel for bhaktapur and for biratanage not a good hotel. you can chose guest house. OK enjoy yourself.thanks if you need some information please fell free to ask me

Kedar neupane

For Bhaktapur I recommend you Shiva Guest House..

It is one of the oldest hotel of Bhaktapur and is located in the heart of the famous Durbar Square. You could yourself reconsider through their website www.shivaguesthouse.com for services, tariffs and enquiries...

Have a pleasant stay!

village of karigaon

HI,

Anyone know anything about the village of Karigaon near Ghorka ? I know there are many with the name Gurung in the area but are there many with the name RAI. Did The Gurkhas recruit in the surrounding villages. Any information on accomodtaion, buses etc? I am researching Gurkhas who lst their lives at the age of 16 years in particular one who was married. Is it common for one to marry in Nepal at the age of 16.

Bill J

Liverpool

load shedding in Nepal?

I%26#39;m going to Nepal at the end of January. I have read the news that there is now at least 12 hours per day of load shedding in Nepal.

Can someone tell the situation in Kathmandu and Pokhara now?

Thanks in advance!

load shedding in Nepal?

Dear Kozette

Namaste!!!

First of all i would like to welcome you in our beautiful country Nepal and i would like to introduce myself it%26#39;s me Surya Devkota from Kathmandu, Nepal.Professionally i%26#39;m a trekking guide in Nepal and a college student as well.

Regarding your query about loadshedding in Nepal, here is power cut(load shedding) everyday 14 hours now and the Nepal Electricity Corporation claims that the load shedding will be reduced soon by importing electricity from India and the loadshedding is due to the low level of water in the rivers and electricity importing line 33kvh was damaged by the koshi river in eastern nepal. Hopefully upto your arrival time in nepal it won%26#39;t be so long.For further details please write syanusurya@yahoo.com.

I hope to get your mail soon.

surya

load shedding in Nepal?

Thanks for the information !

Hi, was in Kathmandu a little over a week ago %26amp; its now 16 hours a day of load shedding. They usually give you 4 hours of power in the morning like 0400-0800 %26amp; then another 4 in the afternoon 1600-2000. I also heard that this was going to be increased to 18 hours of load shedding in the coming weeks. Your hotel should be able to give you the load shedding schedule as it differs throughout the week.

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Looking for partners to trek to Mustang

As entrance to Mustang is regulated by a big fee and the need for a trekking company organising the whole trek, I%26#39;d like to have some partners. This is a fullboard camping trek of 10 days from and to Jomsom, near Pokhara. I thought of next April, or May, no fixed dates yet. Please leave a PM if interested.Thanks, and happy travels to all.

Looking for partners to trek to Mustang

HI,

As same as you,one of my friend want to do the Mustang trek but by the cause of alone he can not make plan.

For the Mustang permit procedure it is limitation of two people,if you join better for both of you.See PM detail about him.

Looking for partners to trek to Mustang

Dear people,

I %26#39;ve contacted already a trekking company, so no need to send me PM%26#39;s about other companies. I know that the permit is for two minimum, and I also think it is nicer to travel with some people together, that%26#39;s why I%26#39;m looking for some other potential trekkers. At the moment we are three, planning to go in April.Thanks for PM%26#39;s from real trekkers.

Dear people,

I %26#39;ve contacted already a trekking company, so no need to send me PM%26#39;s about other companies. I know that the permit is for two minimum, and I also think it is nicer to travel with some people together, that%26#39;s why I%26#39;m looking for some other potential trekkers. At the moment we are three, planning to go in April.Thanks for PM%26#39;s from real trekkers.

An update for our plan:

We%26#39;ll be in Mustang during the Teji festival in May, planning to fly to Jomsom on May 16 and starting the trek the day after.

Please leave a PM if you%26#39;re an interested trekker.

At the moment we are three, two others consider joining too.

Happy travels to all.

Just bumping this for others to see.

We can still add some more trekkers. Please contact me soon. Thanks.