Nepal (Kathmandu information)

Dear everyone I just joined this forum as I am planning to undertake volunteer work in central Khatmandu next year from September 2009 until January 2010.

But before I go I need to find out some information and was hoping to seek the advice of those with expert knowledge.

Is pollution a real problem in Khatmandu? any tips for example wear a mask or cover up.

What is the cost of living like (cheap/expensive or varies)

Any idea what the weather likely to be at the time I plan to go (Sept - Jan)

Is English spoken or mainly Nepalese

Any advice or tips would be appreciated as I have been researching books but I prefer the advice of those who have experienced the country.

Thank you and I hope to hear from you soon.

Kind regards

Shantelle Delmonti

Shantelle_D@yahoo.com

Nepal (Kathmandu information)

hi shantelle,

went to nepal in oct 2008 so just sharing my experience.

1. it would be good to have a mask cos of the smoke/smog due to emissions from the vehicles. i didn%26#39;t wear it since i was in kathmandu for a total of 3 days only (i think).

even some of the locals get affected by the smog e.g. throat irritation.

the degree is comparable to bangkok.

2. cost of living

1 meal was ard Rp 300 for me(1 main course, 1 soup, 1 drink) , and we ate at cafes, which is mid range. to me, that%26#39;s quite cheap. eating at roadside stalls would be cheaper.

3. in kathmandu, it%26#39;s ok in the day but turns a little chilly at night(maybe ard 20oC?) . a light sweater was enough for me. but pls consider the fact that i%26#39;m from singapore where it%26#39;s hot so perhaps you%26#39;ll be well adjusted with the climate.

4. many of the locals whom i spoke to speak good english! even in some of the villages where i passed through on my trek, some of the locals spoke english. basic conversational english should be fine for them.

don%26#39;t worry! most of the nepalese i%26#39;ve met are very friendly and helpful!

hope this helps, hamster03

Nepal (Kathmandu information)

Thank you for you great response and it was reassuring to read as I am a little worried about going alone to a foreign country where I dont speak the language。

Thank you

i have planned an indian holiday in march 2009 with my wife just at a slow pace . no treking. just looking around .we had planned on a four day visit to kathmando after delhi. kathmando, being a place i have wanted to visit. of course lhasa tibet is my first choice but i have been put off with reports of

alltitude problems ,and also political troubles.

after deciding that kathmando is second best, i now read on a government site, of recent bombings and other troubles right in the centre of kathmando.

has anyone been here and experienced any problems

d woodland

bristol england

Hi we love Nepal , we are going back for a month , taking 2 kids 14 n 11 - we didnt wear masks ( you really took like a tourist then ) just use a scarf they are handy for the sun , coldness and act as a cover for your pillow at night - you will fall in love with the place and be always drawn back like us - it does take a few days to get used to sensory overload but hey Thats what life is about %26lt; it will be cold in dec at night - we took Thermals when we did India last Jan and were really great full for them - Have a great time - not long before we go back 3 months and counting Yippieeeeeeeeee

Lonesoul,

I live in Kathmandu, I am a native here.

If you do not travel that often and staying in Kathmandu, then the air pollution might not be a problem. If your job is to travel around with a lot of walking on the streets, then you might want to consider using a mask.

The weather from September to January varies from pleasant to cool to cold. Expect some rain in September, then from October to November the weather will be pleasant with night temperatures being cooler in November. From December to January, the weather will be cold, especially during the night.

For the weather averages, this link might be of some use.

exoticbuddha.com/english/…

As mentioned by the previous contributor, Nepal is safe to travel. The bombing incident that was mentioned happened quite a long time ago, during the constituent assembly meeting when the country was declared republic. It was an isolated incident and not a security threat to travelers. Many travelers are coming to Nepal and in October, a record number of travelers visited Nepal.

exoticbuddha.com/blog/…