Trekking in February - advice/suggestions needed

[sunshine]

Hi, we are travelling to Nepal for the last three weeks of February. We haven't decided on a route to trek yet and would be really appreciative of any suggestions. Fitness is medium, used to flat walking but no trekking experience. Is it very cold in February? Which routes would you suggest for this time and new to trekking? Thinking of about 10 days trekking...
Thanks

[Escher]

I would suggest the Annapurna Sanctuary. It is cold that time of year but on that trek you aren't very high for very long so you don't have much to worry about as far as low temperatures. Feb is a great time to visit Pokhara, Chhomrong, Ghandruk etc. After arriving in KTM, get yourselves to Pokhara (I recommend flying but bus if better if on a budget) and you can set off on the trail after a shortish taxi ride from Pokhara. There is lots of climbing straight away on that trek, but that is unavoidable in Nepal. You will pass through some fascinating villages and rhododendron jungle lower down and right up in the Sanctuary you will be rewarded with one of the greatest mountain panoramas on the planet. It ticks all the boxes for Nepal trekking. Get yourself a guide book, and read the FAQ/trekking hints at the top of this forum and you will be all set.

Good luck.

[Per]

Yes, the ABC is a nice short trek. Stunning views, and if you break it up to a sufficient number of days not particularly strenuous. We did it years ago, via Dhampus. As a rule of thumb it takes less than half time in decent.

http://www.lowdin.nu/Treks/Modikhola/Film0363.jpg

Hiunchuli and possibly (Annapurna I lurking behind) in morning glow

More photos on http://www.lowdin.nu/Treks/Modikhola/Modikhola83.html

Be prepared that it can be bitterly cold on altitude.

[yakshaver]

Good morning sunshine,

I agree with the Annapurna Sanctuary (Annapurna Base Camp) suggestion for a 10 day trek. When you decide please let us know and some of us can give you more details as to variations on that trek which will alleviate the need to retrace your steps for the whole trek, and therefore make it more interesting.

Also, if you are interested in how to spend the rest of the time in Nepal (you may already have other plans...) people on this forum will have plenty of suggestions.

[Oli]

You will pass through some fascinating villages and rhododendron jungle lower down and right up in the Sanctuary you will be rewarded with one of the greatest mountain panoramas on the planet.
Another nod from me for the Sanctuary/ABC trek. As for what else to do to fill 3 weeks - hanging out in Pokhara is the obvious choice.

[sunshine]

Thanks so much for the tips. My trekking companion has done the Sanctuary ABC a good few years ago so we are thinking of alternatives. The Jomsom route was one but have caught hints on this site that there has been a road built or some such change that makes this not so great. Are there other options in Annapurna or should we go to Langtang?

[Oli]

Returning to ABC is as fine an idea as visiting somewhere different. Dont let the road put you off the Kali Gandaki, it will remain a beautiful valley. Langtang (maybe with Gosiankhund) would be a good option if you choose somewhere other than Annapurna. Or you could walk Jiri to Namche & fly back from Lukla.

It's all good. With just 10 days trekking you'll finish wanting more. Go to ABC. :D

[yakshaver]

Another suggestion for a 10-11 day trek is to do the AC up to Jomsom, and fly out of Jomsom. Start in Kudi (I think) the next village up from Besi Sahar, and go up the Marsyangdi valley, cross Thorung La, and end up in Jomsom. Very nice.
I also suggest that Jomsom down the Kali Gandaki is still a great trek, despite the portions where there is somewhat of a road now. Do it now, before it becomes completely ruined. It is awesome.