Internal Flights

[will wijngaard]

Does anyone out there know about the likelyhood of any internal flights ether from Pokhara to Manang or from Kathmandu to Manang (especially next March 05)

Ta

[krish]

Dear friends ,

I suppose that you are reading several news about nepal and maoists problem . As I am a trekking agents , I travel lot in Nepal with my clients but I never had any problem and they were secured all the time . So , please do not hesitate to travel in nepal . Specially , Kathmandu , Pokhara , Chitwan and other toursit destinations have not any problem . If you want to know more - my email - krish1973@hotmail.com

Wish you good luck and have a nice trekking in Nepal .

Krishna Khatri

[yakshaver]

I understand there are now semi-regular flights to Hongde (or Ongde) airstrip near Manang. I believe these are with RNA from Kathmandu. Maybe someone else knows better, but I read posts a few months ago from people who flew in. One thing you want to beware is the strong likelyhood of altitude sickness. You will land at about 3700m and chances of a very bad headache or worse are about 95%. If you are short on time and cannot walk in from Besi Sahar (I am assuming a lot), I suggest you consider some other trek. There are plenty of possibilities for trekking in amazing some amazing areas.

[will wijngaard]

Thanks for the advice about the likely altitude sickness - I'm fully aware of this as I've done the circuit and basecamps several times. This time I'll be doing the Langtang, Gosingkunda & Helambu trek and will have enough time to do the Manang to Jomson trek via Tilicho, hence the request for flight schedules to Manang.

Take care


Will

[Ralph]

Once a week every Saturday Kathmandu-Manang on Yeti Airlines. Cost US$122 one way.

You can make an online booking at http://www.yetiairlines.com/

[yakshaver]

Sounds exciting Will. Send us some pics, especially from Tilicho.

[rich]

Hi Will

yes i think its a weekly flight, unless chartered by a group trek. In any case getting a seat can be difficult at times as there is no tourist quota on the route. often booked out by Manangi's.

Be aware that it may not be possible to cross from Manang to Jomsom via Tilicho during early March (may be possible later in march). The lake will likely still be iced over and navigation and alpine skills required. It can be very unpleasant up there. The trail up to Tilicho Lake itself (and Tilicho base-camp hotel) only open up at about mid-march.

Although I'm sure it is highly variable from year to year, but in my experience of being there mid-march 2001 we only managed to get up to a point from where we could just see the lake, let alone attempting a crossing. way too much snow. also gets mighty cold early as the sun disappears behind the Grand Barrier. Not the ideal time of year but it might be possible if you are prepared and have the weather on your side.

Thorong La on the other hand might be a easier alternative.

good luck anyway

r.

[will wijngaard]

Rich,

Ta - great advice. I'm planning to go over Tilicho 26 March 2005. Sounds like it is going to be touch and go with respect to the weather. Prepared? Well 'yes' and 'no' at the same time. will enlist help from my trusted Nepali friend - he has done this route once before (but not in March). Isn't it typical - when I went over the Pass (Thorong La) in December 2001 there wasn't a flake of snow to be seen.

Will book the flight straightaway to prevent disappointment. Why aren't there more flights if it is so popular with the people of Manang.

I would be grateful for if you (or other trekkers) have any more advice or hints.

Regards

Will

[will wijngaard]

Rich,

Ta - great advice. I'm planning to go over Tilicho 26 March 2005. Sounds like it is going to be touch and go with respect to the weather. Prepared? Well 'yes' and 'no' at the same time. will enlist help from my trusted Nepali friend - he has done this route once before (but not in March). Isn't it typical - when I went over the Pass (Thorong La) in December 2001 there wasn't a flake of snow to be seen.

Will book the flight straightaway to prevent disappointment. Why aren't there more flights if it is so popular with the people of Manang.

I would be grateful if you (or other trekkers) have any more advice or hints.

Regards

Will

[rich]

Will
try these great webpages:
r.

http://www.nepal-dia.de/int__England/EV_Annapurna/EB_Tilicho/eb_tilicho.html
(look for my photo of the Lake mid-march 2001 on this page)

http://www.lowdin.nu/Treks/Mesokantola/Tilicholake.html

http://www.lirung.com/en/annapurna/tilicho/index.html

[will wijngaard]

Rich,

Thanks for all your help. Good links & great picture. Unfortunately, it has made me even more determined (I laugh in the face of adversity) to do this crossing. I'm sure you know what I mean - no doubt you yourselve have itchy feet.

W