Scott
14th February 2004, 12:56 AM
Hi Bob,
I completed the Jiri to Namche Bazar then onto Everest base camp over the Cho la pass and into Gokyo route in Sept/Oct last year and I would definately recommend the journey.
Yes, we ran into the Maoists a couple of times between Jiri and Namche. The exchanges were always very cordial and after some negotiations we each ended up paying 500 rupee (I believe they are asking for more now, but play the poor traveller and negotiate hard).
Once we paid our "donation" we were given an oficial receipt of the Maoist party which we were informed was good for nonpaying passage throughout Nepal for one year. I also did the Annapurna circuit and Sanctuary treks following Everest and when approached by the Maoists in this region simply showed my receipt and was on my way - no hassles.
My recommendation is to simply not to get angry or upset with them, let them say their piece, negotiate hard but friendly for a small donation and carry on. They really are not intent on hurting travellers and mostly want people to listen to their cause plus of course some money.
Of note: The bus ride from Kat to Jiri took us 11 hours to go the 140km I
rode most of the way on the roof of the bus I would recommend
same.
Get yourself in great shape! I live in the Canadian Rockies and
hike every weekend and the Jiri trek still kicked my ass it is
grueling but very worth it.
Any other help I can provide feel free to e-mail back
Vagabond Scott
I completed the Jiri to Namche Bazar then onto Everest base camp over the Cho la pass and into Gokyo route in Sept/Oct last year and I would definately recommend the journey.
Yes, we ran into the Maoists a couple of times between Jiri and Namche. The exchanges were always very cordial and after some negotiations we each ended up paying 500 rupee (I believe they are asking for more now, but play the poor traveller and negotiate hard).
Once we paid our "donation" we were given an oficial receipt of the Maoist party which we were informed was good for nonpaying passage throughout Nepal for one year. I also did the Annapurna circuit and Sanctuary treks following Everest and when approached by the Maoists in this region simply showed my receipt and was on my way - no hassles.
My recommendation is to simply not to get angry or upset with them, let them say their piece, negotiate hard but friendly for a small donation and carry on. They really are not intent on hurting travellers and mostly want people to listen to their cause plus of course some money.
Of note: The bus ride from Kat to Jiri took us 11 hours to go the 140km I
rode most of the way on the roof of the bus I would recommend
same.
Get yourself in great shape! I live in the Canadian Rockies and
hike every weekend and the Jiri trek still kicked my ass it is
grueling but very worth it.
Any other help I can provide feel free to e-mail back
Vagabond Scott