Last minute change of plans??!!

[cyclingpaul]

Off to Nepal at short notice for just over 2 weeks on Monday. I have 2 rough plans.

1. Helambu/Gosainkund/Tamang Heritage/lower Ganesh area or

2. Fly to Lukla and back, do lower part of Khumbu, e.g. Namche, Thimi, Chukkung.

I want to maximise the trekking time and minimise the time spent in Kathmandu, or travelling to and from the trails.

We have 14 full days in Nepal.

I know the scenery in Khumbu would be more spectacular ( and my son wants to see Mt Everest ) but I'm a bit concerned about the crowds at this time of year, and also the chance of flight delays on the way back.

I can't make my mind up which one to go for. Any advice and comments would be really really appreciated!

PS I will be arriving in KTM late afternoon, can I get a TIMS from a trekking agent in Thamel that evening do you think?

It's all a bit rushed I know!

[Oli]

1. Helambu has the easiest start, just a taxi across Kathmandu to Shivapuri and you are on the trail. Not quite so "mountainous" as the Khumbu but there is an awesome panorama of the himalayas from Lauribina (just below Goainkhund). Less crowded than Khumbu, especially the Tamang trail & Ganesh area - reflected in the quality of the lodges.

2. Views of Everest itself are underwhelming, unless you go to Kala Patar or Gokyo, however Ama Dablam will more than make up for that. You could get to Thame and Tengboche, but Chukkung might be pushing it a bit.

or, just to confuse you.... :confused:

3. Annapurna Sanctuary. If I only had 2 weeks, wanted a good trek with the best selection of villages, hills & mountains, relax in Pokhara for a spare day, etc. Your son wont get to see Everest itself, but he'd get a good view of everything else. Tips: in Ghandruk stay in a lodge at the top (north) end of the village (eg Snowland), aim to spend at least one night at ABC, on the way back visit the hot springs at Jhinu Danda.

If you arrive in KTM in the late afternoon it'd probably be too late for TIMS courtesy of NTB, but perhaps an agency will sell you one. I'd say you can sort your paperwork and bus/flight to the trailhead in the morning of day 1. If you fly to Pokhara in the morning you could get a taxi from the airport to Nayapul or Phedi and get on the trail same day you leave Kathmandu

Whichever trek you end up on I hope it all goes well, have fun