DESTINATION: NEPAL
Most travelers dream of visiting Nepal. Come on admit it! We all fantasy about those snow peaked mountains, meeting sherpa's, eating dahl bhat and seeing a yak... Nepal is still a shangri-lal where the romance and danger of Everest awaits along with age-old temples, ancient culture, beautiful rice terraces and friendly people. The best time of year for a trek is from October to early December and March/April. That doesn't mean you can't hike at other times. In fact the off-seasons allows you to avoid heavy crowds and enjoy cheaper prices. Jan/Feb offers crisp uninterrupted mountain views but it can be very cold and/or snowy. May-September is hot on the plains but the monsoon rains bring the temperature down in the hills. Steer clear of the leeches and you'll appreciate good views when the clouds clear.
Mt Everest base camp: This 15-day round trip is without doubt THE walk of Nepal simply because it allows you to stare gob-smacked up at the world's tallest mountain (29,035 ft). You will feel kind of small! But you certainly won't be lonely as the trek is second only to the Annapurna Circuit in popularity, drawing people from all over the world. Most people fly to Lukla and acclimatize at Namche Bazar, the biggest village in Sagarmatha National Park. You can pick up discarded trekking equipment and other bargains in the markets. From here you journey up the Imja Khola and Lobuche Khola valleys, past little towns and Buddhist temples until you reach the massive Khumbu Glacier and the Base Camp shelters (17,192 feet). A final push up the steep trail to the rocky summit of Kala Pattar (18,192 ft) gives you an amazing 360 degree view of three peaks - Nuptse (25,790 ft), Lhotse (27,940 ft) and the reason you've come this far... Everest!
Annapurna circuit: Together with the trek to the Mt Everest base camp this is one of the classic treks of Nepal. The circuit takes about three weeks of 7-8 hour days so you'll want some fitness before you begin! You can do a one week trek from Pokhara to Jomson (the only walkable part in monsoon) and fly back to Pokhara. The route passes through a variety of different landscapes, from lush sub-tropical rainforest, deep valleys and cultivated fields, to wooded alpine and high desert. It also visits different villages and there are frequent spectacular views of massive Himalayan peaks, including the Annapurna's and Manaslu. The Thorong La pass (5,416m) is the highest point on the route and a challenging ascent. You start and finish the trek near Pokhara.
Kathmandu: Most travelers to Nepal arrive here in the capital - a good spot to orient yourself and prepare onward itineraries while losing yourself in the city's delights. Kathmandu is a real mix of old and new. There's history, rose-brick temples littering the streets, pungent markets, beggars and the odd tourist. Surprisingly most town sights can be reached on foot. The old part of town from Kantipath west towards the Vishumati River is the most interesting with the Durbar Square, the traditional heart of old Kathmandu with courtyards, temples and palaces. The tourist centre Thamel is 20 minutes walk north of Durbar Square where you can get cheap souvenirs, jewelry, statues and local handicrafts. Or wander three kilometres west of the centre to Nepal's most recognised site, the Swayambhu Stupa. It's one of the holiest Buddhist sites and about two thousand years old. There are also some excellent day trips out of the city including the abandoned cities of Patan and Bhaktapur which are both World Heritage sites. Ngarkot is another easy day trip, 32km east of Kathmandu through pleasant forests and rural villages from where you can see Mt Everest on a clear day.
Pokhara: lies a days bus ride to the north-west of Kathmandu. It's the gateway to treks on the Annapurna circuit you could also willow away a few days at the lake-side town paddling boats, cycling around town, dining out and filling your suitcases in the markets. The Devi Falls are a short distance from Pokhara where the outflow of water from Phewa lake drops suddenly down a hole in the ground and disappears. The Tashiling Tibetan village is within walking distance of the falls where women weave traditional carpets. The pleasant walk up to Sarangkot provides breath taking, uninterrupted views of the mountains. If you want views of Pokhara hire a boat and paddle across to the large Buddhist temple on the hill above.
Royal Chitwan National Park: This park is located at the foot of the Himalayas in the Terai region with one of the last populations of single-horned Asiatic rhinoceros and also one of the last refuges of the Bengal tiger. An elephant safari is an unforgettable experience spotting rhinos, deer, monkey and numerous birds.
Stop drooling about Nepal and start making your plans. You've come to the right place. Use our website to book your hostel, get a VIP card for savings on tours and services and make use of our city packages. | VIP NEWS:
TRAVEL WARNINGS FOR NEPAL Travelers to Kathmandu should keep up to date with the latest information regarding the government/Maoist conflict and to avoid demonstrations. The Department of State has issued a Travel Warning advising U.S. citizens to defer non-essential travel to Nepal. On September 10 2004 two bombs exploded at the American Center compound in Kathmandu.
Here's a few safety ideas:
- Limit your trekking to the Annapurna and Everest regions (north of Lukla).
- Don't trek alone. Always travel with a companion or a reliable guide.
- Be prepared for strikes and bandhs when shops are closed and no vehicles drive on the roads (rickshaws operate from airports).
- Plan to eat early in Kathmandu. Most places close by 9 pm.
- Register with your embassy and follow their travel advice. Avoid the areas they say are unsafe.
NEPALI CUSTOMS
Like many countries Nepal has its own traditions and customs that should be respected. Some go back to Hindu and Buddhist traditions. Here's a few:
- People greet each other by saying Namaste and putting their palms together in prayer - they may not be used to shaking hands.
- Nepali's use their right hand to eat and deal with food so do the same. The left hand is to wash after defecating - you don't necessarily have to do this! Mostly people eat with their fingers.
- If your lips have touched a food item or its container, it is considered Jutho (polluted) for others. Don't eat off someone else's plate or offer anyone food you have taken a bite out of.
- Major Hindu temples are usually off-limits to foreigners. Don't enter them or take pictures without permission.
- Always walk around Buddhist shrines in a clockwise direction.
- Men should not be bare-chested and both men and particularly women should cover their legs as much as possible.
- Public displays of affection between men and women is frowned upon.
- Things in Nepal happen slowly so keep cool as impatience doesn't help.
- Bargaining is common so be prepared to try it! You might find you like it.
- Bakshish is commonly practiced. It means gift but it's really a bribe for special consideration and it goes a long way in Nepal.
ROAD TRIPPING AROUND EUROPE WILL NEVER BE THE SAME!
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The vans sleep two, have unlimited miles, a bed/table, kitchen, CD player, camping chairs and an ice box and start from as little as £30 a night. To book a Wicked van phone 0808 243 8461 (www.wickedcampers.com). The operations depot is in Derby, north of London, but will expand to other centres. |
