Effect of Dasain festival on organising a trek

[Holy stRoller]

Hi, some advice would be appreciated.
My plan is to arrive in Kat on 26/09/05 and to arrange my own EBC teahouse trek when I arrive, hiring both a guide and a porter. I propose to fly in and out of Lukla. In 02/10/05 out 20/10/05, yes that's allowing a long time for the trek but I'm not in a race I just want to get there and enjoy the experience.
Both 'The Rough Guide' and 'Lonley Planet' guidebooks suggest that it is difficult to hire guides and porters over the festival of Dasain. How difficult/expensive will it be.
The other problem is trying to pin down the dates for the festival. Full moon in Kat Oct 2005 is the 17th or there abouts and web sites are quoting 10/10/05 as the date for Dasain, which is not that helpful as the festival runs over some 15 days.
Any insights/information you can offer would be very welcome.
Ian

[Sharon]

I have been trekking in Nepal 3 times around Dasain. It has never had an effect on organising my treks personally. I wouldn't worry about it especially when you have the luxury of time. I have trekked in Nepal 4 times and the only time I had a problem it was due to Maoists closing a road and I was on a tight schedule for getting back to Kathmandu fo a flight home. I always make sure now I have a few days leeway on either side in case of weather, maoists etc.

[Holy stRoller]

Thanks for the helpful advice Sharon. As you say, I should have plenty of time.
Ian