Help needed - first trip to Nepal

[Lee & Vicki]

My wife and I will be arriving in nepal in April/May 2006 on the last leg of our world tour and Nepal is the most exciting part for me.

We will have between 3-4 weeks in Nepal.

I am really stuck as to which trek to do.

Annapurna Circuit or EBC + Gokyo or ABC?

I do not want to leave Nepal without seeing Everest even if we trek Annapurna, we could take a flight?

I also want to fit in a short trip to Tibet.

We would ideally prefer tea house treks rather than camping.

Can you help with any recommendations or even better proposed itineraries?

Thank you in advance

Lee

[Sharon]

It depends on how developed you want the tea houses to be. Langtang Gosaikunda is a little quieter and beautiful. You could have 2 weeks there. About 5 days in Kathamndu seeing all the sights. Bodnath, Monkey Temple, Durbar Square etc. Take the flight around Everest and book the earliest flight so you have a better chance of clear skies. Then maybe a couple of days around Pokhara.

[yakshaver]

First, if you have 3 weeks in Nepal, or if you have 4, is important in deciding what you want to do.
If it is your first trip to Nepal, it doesn't much matter what you do, whether the Everest/Gokyo bit or the Annapurna Circuit, or even Langtang/Helambu. All of these can be done sleeping in lodges.

EBC+Gokyo will take you about 19-20 days (assuming you fly in and out of Lukla), and the AC is about the same, although some people do it in 16-17 days from Besisahar to Naya Pul or Beni.
There are "cultural differences" between the two treks: in Khumbu you are amongst the Sherpa people, while on the AC you cross about 4-5 different ethnic and religious groups, from the Hindu Bahuns in the lower parts, to Managis, Mustangis, Gurungs, Thakalis. From the cultural perspective the AC is a smorgasbord compared to the Khumbu region.
From the feeling/views/spectacular factor perspective all treks, including Langtang/Helambu offer about the same thing: amanzing stuff!! One might argue about the "intensity" of the scenary and the time/lenght of this intensity in various places, but this is all subjective stuff. Everywhere is just amazing to me.

Sharon mentioned something very important: Nepal is not just spectacular mountain scerey. The Kathmandu valley is worth spending at least 2-3 days, of not more. You would be silly not to take the time and see at leasure such things as Baktapur, Patan, KTD Durbar Square, Boudanath, Swayambunath, Dakshin Kali etc...
Hence if you just have three weeks my sugestion is maybe just do the Annapurna Sancutary Trek (9-10 days) or Gokyo (12-13 days) and the Kathmandu valley, with maybe some time to go to Chitwan for a change of pace. If you have 4 weeks than you can do whatever trek you want at leasure, and still have time for the KTD valley and Chitwan if you want.

There is also a difference in they way you'll feel for the first few days: flying to Lukla and spending your second night in Namche Bazaar (3500m) is a shock to the system. You need to be careful in Khumbu and take your time to aclimatize. On the AC it is easier as you start low (Besisahar is at 800m altitude), and go up gradually.

Going to Tibet from KTD is possible; you can either drive and fly (either direction) or just drive or just fly in and out of Lhasa. The important thing is for you to get the Tibet visa in your country, not in KTD. In KTD is very cumbersome, it can take a week or two, or you may not get it at all.... Bear in mind that just a general China visa is not good enough to go to Tibet. You need to specify you will visit Tibet, and also your customs entry point (if you fly it will be Lhasa).

Finally, yes, you can take a sight seeing flight to Everest. It takes 2-3 hours, and it will cost you about 120 USD per person. They fly every day early in the morning, depending on the visibility in the KTD valley.

Ah... and finally (really now), if you fly to Lukla allow for 1-2 extra days, as there are sometimes delays in flying out of Lukla due to cloud conditions. No visibility at the around the airstrip, no flight...

[Lee & Vicki]

Thank you for your input. I think we will go with EBC + Gokyo, trek from Jiri and fly back from Lukla.

How is the best way to do this - independant guide and porter or a tour company?

Any recommendations on who to use?

How is the best way to find either of the above, before we arrive or in KM?

How long will this trek take?

Approximate costs (guide, porter, flights accomodation etc)?

Who would organise the tea houses and flights?

Thanks

Lee

[Unregistered]

Lee, the guide "Trekking in the Nepal Himalaya", printed by Lonely Planet, has lots of the useful info you are looking for. Just have to update the costs.

I going this year to Nepal, do the EBC-Gokyo, from Jiri, and got pratically all the info I needed from this guide.

I going without guide or porter or travel agency. At last is what I´m planning... but I will have some time (+- 40 days) for the trek. But if you don´t have that much time, maybe porters and guide and agency is something for you.

[]'s

Hendrik

[Linwood]

I've only been twice, so I can't claim the kind of experience others here have, but if it was me, I'd plan on the extra days in Kathmandu at the end of the trek rather than the beginning for two reasons:

1. You don't want to get sick before your trek. So far, of the approximately 20 days I've spent in Kathmandu, I've been sick no less than half the time I've been there, either respiratory from the air pollution, or some mysterious stomach bug, even though I think I exercised reasonable caution about food and water. I can tell you it is not fun, lying in the hotel in Kathmandu, sick as a dog, wondering how long you'll be sick, and trying to decide if you should take a chance and fly AWAY from help (drugs, docs, etc...). Yakshaver will probably bust my American chops for saying that, but that's how I felt. As it turned out, I took a chance and got on that plane with my own barf bag, but recovered by the time we got to Namche, thanks to garlic soup, I think. And I was d*mnn glad I did. But man, that climb from Phakding to Namche was a tough day.

2. If you decide to go somewhere that you need to fly to (like Lukla), you can get socked in due to clouds, and planes get delayed, even for days. Having extra days planned in to the end of the trip helps to buffer any weather delays you may experience.

Sorry to be so long-winded... just having a little trip down memory lane.... have a great time!!

[James]

I would recommend using an agency and getting the plan set somewhat in advance. While it is possible, and less expensive, to arrange an independent guide and porter after arriving, I found it really nice to have made my arrangements in advance. It was great having a friendly face and a familiar voice, meet me at the airport and take me to my hotel. Outside the airport will be a swarm of pushy yet well meaning touts and cabbies (even at 1am in the morning). While you pay for the service, for me it was money well spent. You'll find that once you are beyond Lukla it would be near to impossible to get lost, but having someone to shepherd you through Kathmandu and your flight to Lukla and back is priceless. Your agent will also arrange for sightseeing and any other side trips you might take. Again, its nothing you can't do yourself, but Kathmandu can be imposing (it was for me) and it is nice having one contact you can trust. Making your arrangements with an agency in advance will also give you a great resource for your endless questions (still no substitute for the travel guide).

There are many, many agencies to choose from. I used Thirdpole this past fall and was very satisfied with their service. If you have any specific questions, please feel free to email me.

[yakshaver]

Lee & Vicki

I have written you a private message with some details.
The guide will look after organising your flights, accomodation in KTD and on trek etc.
A good guide might cost about 20 US per day, and a porter about 10. This includes their meals and accomodation. You would pay separately for your accomodation and meals. Or the guide or agency can quote you a full package. However Gokyo/EBC treks are at higher average altitude so expect the higher end of the range. For an independent guide/porter you would pay their flights out of Lukla, but they cost about half price for Nepalis. If you trek with an agency these cost would be hidden in the price the agency quotes you.

Jiri-Gokyo-EBC-Lukla, could be 24-25 days. It pretty intense. You need to be mentally prepared for that. It's no joke.

[Sharon]

As with yakshaver you can email me and I will give you my guide's details. You can organise a trip from home, not pay as much while the guide and porter earn more. View the info at www.hec.org

[Hendrik]

Hello!

The departure day is getting closer and closer (only a litlle more then 3 months) and we´ll need to know some updated info about the costs meals and lodges, in Kathmandu and on the trek (EBC trek), from Jiri till EBC and Gokyo, Namche, etc.

Anything helps, so we can review our budget (what is very tight).

Thanks for any help!

[]'s

Hendrik

[yakshaver]

Hendrik,

A westerner's budget is never very tight in Nepal...
So you'll have plenty of options in KTD for accomodation and food:
a) Cozy Corner Lodge (right in the heart of Thamel) still offer rooms for 300 rupees, with common bath.
b) Hotels Utse or Norling would accomodate you nicely for 13-15 US per room per night, and you'll have your own bath.
c) Kathmandu Peace Guest house (edge of Thamel very peaceful and good views of Swayambu, Kathmandu and the hills) will charge you 10-12 US per night for the same.
your choice is endless in this price range
d) Hotel Dwarika charges you 100 US per night, and is probably worth 300 US per night, so it's exceptional value for money if you want to splash out in a typical Newary Palace with all the luxury - at the end of the trek.

On trek, for your food and accomodation you should budged 10-20 US per day. The higher you go, the more expensive. Also, the better lodges, as the Hotel Namche in Namche Bazaar, are a bit more expensive. The difference in spending 10 US per day to spending 20 US per day is quite great in terms of the quality you get. Nepal is like everywhere else in most cases: you get what you pay for.

[Trekking in nepal]

Dear Handrik,
If you are looking for more information about trekking in everest area. Such as guide, Porter, Food during trek, and more we are giving now all the detail about your need.
The guide if you took from kathmandu even you took independent guide or company guide the price is almost same, For the guide you can pay per day US$ 15 and for the porter You can pay US$ 10 for the Porter if you are able to pay their ticket is extra from lukla kathmandu. But their bus tiekct from kathmandu - jiri they willpay by themselves. If you per day US$ 15 for the guide and US$ 10 for porter they will pay their food accomodation, trekking equipment, accomodation etc. well about you may be you can spent per day US$ 20 to 30 its up to the place more higher place is more expensive then lower place. If you make your mind around that budget it will be sufficient for your trek. This budget money is your per day expences such as food, hot drinks, Accomodation etc.
Regarding about kathmandu Hotel if you are planning to stay in Tourist standard hotel you just pay US$ 10( double) which includes Attach bath room, Clean and safety room with balcony, hot shower or if you are looking for deluxe hotel US$ 30 in (BB) plan. The hotel is 4 star deluxe hotel. Breakfast, hot & cold shower in room, comfortable bed and room, Nice kathmandu valley view from room. Swmming pool and other many activities.
Finally if you would like to book in Package in some Trekking agency Please let us know in detail how many days you are travelling in Everest area. then we will give you all the package tour plan in detail.
Kind Regards
Asian Journey Treks

The departure day is getting closer and closer (only a litlle more then 3 months) and we´ll need to know some updated info about the costs meals and lodges, in Kathmandu and on the trek (EBC trek), from Jiri till EBC and Gokyo, Namche, etc.

Anything helps, so we can review our budget (what is very tight).

Thanks for any help!

[]'s

Hendrik[/QUOTE]

[Lars]

... costs meals and lodges, in Kathmandu and on the trek from Jiri till EBC and Gokyo, Namche, etc.

From Jiri to Lukla Junction prices are very reasonable for a westerner,
but once you come into the area where the real tourists are, prices go
up quite a bit and there is also a lot more ripping off or taking chances with people.
It will do you well to check out the menu in more than one
lodge before moving in.

I particularly recall passing up the first, big and nice looking lodge in
Monjo. Prices were surprisingly high and the whole vibe of the place was
unpleasantly screaming for money. We went 20 meters further up and
had a terrific stay with a sweet old lady in a slightly less fancy lodge.
A guy I came to know well later on had stayed in the first place and
hated it thoroughly.

If you meet trekkers going the other way ask them where they stayed
and if they were happy with it. Fresh info beats any guide book.

[dendi sherpa guide]

Hello,lee & vick
Maximum altitude : 5545 meters
Duration of trek : 20 days mountain lodge
If you do not wish to fly in to Lukla and you have the time, you may want to consider this trek, in fact the extra seven days spent trekking into Lukla through the Solu Khumbu region are a delight.Commencing overland to the roadhead of Jiri (six hours), we follow the original route of the early expeditions through some truly beautiful alpine scenery.This region is relatively undeveloped compared to the trail from Lukla onwards, the trek provides an insight into the many traditional aspects of the lives of the different ethnic groups of the area. Including Tamang, Kami, Brahmins, Kshetri & Sherpa.One of the highlights on the way to Lukla is the overnight stop at Junbesi, the oldest Sherpa settlement in the Solu Khumbu. An hour above Junbesi lies the monastery of "Tupten Chholing" with the villages of Mabung and Pangkarma good places to visit on route. The journey from Jiri to Lukla is up and down a lot of the way....people usally arrive in Lukla in very good shape for what is to come. From Lukla we follow the the itinerary as described in our Lukla to Lukla tour.
Day 01 : Drive Kathmandu / Jiri
Day 02 : Jiri / Deorali
Day 03 : Deorali / Sete
Day 04 : Sete / Junbesi
Day 05 : Junbesi / Nunthala
Day 06 : Nunthala / Khari Khola
Day 07 : Khari Khola / Lukla
Day 08 : Lukla / Phakding (2640 m.)
Day 09 : Phading / Namche Bazaar (3446 m.)
Day 10 : Namche / Thyengboche (3867 m.)
Day 11 : Tengboche / Dingboche (4343 m.)
Day 12 : Dingboche / Lobuche (4930 m.)
Day 13 : Lobuche / Gorak Shep (5140 m.)
Day 14 : Excursion to Kalapatter (5545 m.) you see then Everest then back to Gorekshep
Day 15 : Gorekshep / EBC (5364 m.) / Lobuche (4930 m.)
Day 16 : Lobuche / Pheriche (4240 m.)
Day 17 : Pheriche / Tyengboche (3867 m.)
Day 18 : Tyengboche / Kumjung (3789 m.)
Day 19 : Khumjung / Phakding Day 22 : Phakding / Lukla
Day 20 : Flight Lukla to Kathmandu flight
I would like to have your comment my cost. If you like this program with cost then please 20 days full board trekking estimate program cost is $38 per person per day.
Maximum Altitude : 5416 meters
Duration of Trek : 21 days mountain lodge
A trek considered by many to offer all aspects of trekking in Nepal. Green forests, tremendous mountain scenery and a mosaic of cultures not too mention a good work out !.
The trail leads northwards initially, crossing fields of paddy before dissecting the Marshyangdi river gorge, it passes through various interesting villages on route. The journey initially comprises of a fairly steady ascent which eventually emerges (with a dramatic change of scenery) in to the arid Manang valley, this region is much more Tibetan in outlook and lifestyle. The following delightful few days are spent traveling through the valley which affords some tremendous views and some fascinating settlements.
A day is taken for side trekking for acclimatisation purposes before continuing on to our crossing of the the Thorang-La (5,416 mtrs). This is a long but very rewarding day with splendid views of Nilgiri, Dhaulagiri and Dhampus Peak amongst others. From the pass a steep descent (2-3 hours) leads to Muktinath, a holy pilgrimage site for both Hindus & Buddhists situated in the region of lower Mustang.Our return follows the Kali Gandaki via many interesting lower Mustang and Thakali villages. We rest up for some great food and a day at the hot springs in Tatopani before a further two days trekking to Ghorepani.
The following morning we are up early for the trek to Poon hill and sun rise over the Himalayays. On our return we rest up on our final night in the beautiful large Gurung village of Ghandruk.Our last day is an easy descent to Nayapul where transport awaits for the one & half hour journey back to the hotel in Pokhara.
Itinerary:
Day 01 : Drive to Besisahar (7 hours) - trek Bhubhule
Day 02 : Bhulbhule / Syange (1100m)
Day 03 : Syange / Tal (1707m)
Day 04 : Tal / Danaque (2082m)
Day 05 : Danaque / Bhratang (2850m)
Day 06 : Bhratang / Pisang (3200m)
Day 07 : Pisang / Manang (3540m) Day 08 : Rest at Manang (for acclimatization)
Day 09: Manang / Yak Kharka (3980m)
Day 10 : Yak Kharka / Throng Phedi (4450m)
Day 11 : Throng Phedi / Thorang-La (5416m) / Muktinath (3810m)
Day 12 : Muktinath / Kagbeni (2800m)
Day 13 : Kagbeni / Marpha (2670m)
Day 14 : Marpha / Kalopani (2530m)
Day 15 : Kalopani / Ghasa (2010m)
Day 16 : Ghasa / Tatopani (1190m)
Day 17 : Tatopani rest (hot springs)
Day 18 : Tatopani / Chitre (2390m)
Day 19 : Chitre / Ghorepani / Poon Hill (2750m)
Day 20 : Ghorepani / Tikhedhunga
Day 21 : Tikhedhunga/ Birethanti (end trek) - drive Pokhara - transfer hotel
Day 22 : At leisure
Day 23 : Flight to Kathmandu (30 mins) transfer Hotel
I would like to have your comment my cost. If you like this program with cost then please 23days full board trekking estimate program cost is $33per person per day.
For further information regarding this tour please e-mail me crocodile_dendi77@hotmail.com,crocodile_dendi77@ya hoo.com

Dendi sherpa
post box no 23927
kathamndu nepal

[Unregistered]

hahahahah..................................
Hello,lee & vick
Maximum altitude : 5545 meters
Duration of trek : 20 days mountain lodge
If you do not wish to fly in to Lukla and you have the time, you may want to consider this trek, in fact the extra seven days spent trekking into Lukla through the Solu Khumbu region are a delight.Commencing overland to the roadhead of Jiri (six hours), we follow the original route of the early expeditions through some truly beautiful alpine scenery.This region is relatively undeveloped compared to the trail from Lukla onwards, the trek provides an insight into the many traditional aspects of the lives of the different ethnic groups of the area. Including Tamang, Kami, Brahmins, Kshetri & Sherpa.One of the highlights on the way to Lukla is the overnight stop at Junbesi, the oldest Sherpa settlement in the Solu Khumbu. An hour above Junbesi lies the monastery of "Tupten Chholing" with the villages of Mabung and Pangkarma good places to visit on route. The journey from Jiri to Lukla is up and down a lot of the way....people usally arrive in Lukla in very good shape for what is to come. From Lukla we follow the the itinerary as described in our Lukla to Lukla tour.
Day 01 : Drive Kathmandu / Jiri
Day 02 : Jiri / Deorali
Day 03 : Deorali / Sete
Day 04 : Sete / Junbesi
Day 05 : Junbesi / Nunthala
Day 06 : Nunthala / Khari Khola
Day 07 : Khari Khola / Lukla
Day 08 : Lukla / Phakding (2640 m.)
Day 09 : Phading / Namche Bazaar (3446 m.)
Day 10 : Namche / Thyengboche (3867 m.)
Day 11 : Tengboche / Dingboche (4343 m.)
Day 12 : Dingboche / Lobuche (4930 m.)
Day 13 : Lobuche / Gorak Shep (5140 m.)
Day 14 : Excursion to Kalapatter (5545 m.) you see then Everest then back to Gorekshep
Day 15 : Gorekshep / EBC (5364 m.) / Lobuche (4930 m.)
Day 16 : Lobuche / Pheriche (4240 m.)
Day 17 : Pheriche / Tyengboche (3867 m.)
Day 18 : Tyengboche / Kumjung (3789 m.)
Day 19 : Khumjung / Phakding Day 22 : Phakding / Lukla
Day 20 : Flight Lukla to Kathmandu flight
I would like to have your comment my cost. If you like this program with cost then please 20 days full board trekking estimate program cost is $38 per person per day.
Maximum Altitude : 5416 meters
Duration of Trek : 21 days mountain lodge
A trek considered by many to offer all aspects of trekking in Nepal. Green forests, tremendous mountain scenery and a mosaic of cultures not too mention a good work out !.
The trail leads northwards initially, crossing fields of paddy before dissecting the Marshyangdi river gorge, it passes through various interesting villages on route. The journey initially comprises of a fairly steady ascent which eventually emerges (with a dramatic change of scenery) in to the arid Manang valley, this region is much more Tibetan in outlook and lifestyle. The following delightful few days are spent traveling through the valley which affords some tremendous views and some fascinating settlements.
A day is taken for side trekking for acclimatisation purposes before continuing on to our crossing of the the Thorang-La (5,416 mtrs). This is a long but very rewarding day with splendid views of Nilgiri, Dhaulagiri and Dhampus Peak amongst others. From the pass a steep descent (2-3 hours) leads to Muktinath, a holy pilgrimage site for both Hindus & Buddhists situated in the region of lower Mustang.Our return follows the Kali Gandaki via many interesting lower Mustang and Thakali villages. We rest up for some great food and a day at the hot springs in Tatopani before a further two days trekking to Ghorepani.
The following morning we are up early for the trek to Poon hill and sun rise over the Himalayays. On our return we rest up on our final night in the beautiful large Gurung village of Ghandruk.Our last day is an easy descent to Nayapul where transport awaits for the one & half hour journey back to the hotel in Pokhara.
Itinerary:
Day 01 : Drive to Besisahar (7 hours) - trek Bhubhule
Day 02 : Bhulbhule / Syange (1100m)
Day 03 : Syange / Tal (1707m)
Day 04 : Tal / Danaque (2082m)
Day 05 : Danaque / Bhratang (2850m)
Day 06 : Bhratang / Pisang (3200m)
Day 07 : Pisang / Manang (3540m) Day 08 : Rest at Manang (for acclimatization)
Day 09: Manang / Yak Kharka (3980m)
Day 10 : Yak Kharka / Throng Phedi (4450m)
Day 11 : Throng Phedi / Thorang-La (5416m) / Muktinath (3810m)
Day 12 : Muktinath / Kagbeni (2800m)
Day 13 : Kagbeni / Marpha (2670m)
Day 14 : Marpha / Kalopani (2530m)
Day 15 : Kalopani / Ghasa (2010m)
Day 16 : Ghasa / Tatopani (1190m)
Day 17 : Tatopani rest (hot springs)
Day 18 : Tatopani / Chitre (2390m)
Day 19 : Chitre / Ghorepani / Poon Hill (2750m)
Day 20 : Ghorepani / Tikhedhunga
Day 21 : Tikhedhunga/ Birethanti (end trek) - drive Pokhara - transfer hotel
Day 22 : At leisure
Day 23 : Flight to Kathmandu (30 mins) transfer Hotel
I would like to have your comment my cost. If you like this program with cost then please 23days full board trekking estimate program cost is $33per person per day.
For further information regarding this tour please e-mail me crocodile_dendi77@hotmail.com,crocodile_dendi77@ya hoo.com

Dendi sherpa
post box no 23927
kathamndu nepal

[Unregistered]

Dear Travlers !!!
i got your message on site.
April may is the best season in Nepal for trekking.if you want do Annapurna circuit it takes between 16 to 18 days and if you want do Gokyo over chola pass than it taks three weeks and EBC is two weeks.if you want do Annapurna trek the you can do both way by flight or by Bus.you want do Lahsa trip 7 night 8 days and best way you can do Tea Houese Trekking,please for more infomation visit my site www.triphimalaya.com
and late me know more deatails.now i am tavaling in Europe i am going back to Nepal soon.
Best Regards
Lila Gurung

My wife and I will be arriving in nepal in April/May 2006 on the last leg of our world tour and Nepal is the most exciting part for me.

We will have between 3-4 weeks in Nepal.

I am really stuck as to which trek to do.

Annapurna Circuit or EBC + Gokyo or ABC?

I do not want to leave Nepal without seeing Everest even if we trek Annapurna, we could take a flight?

I also want to fit in a short trip to Tibet.

We would ideally prefer tea house treks rather than camping.

Can you help with any recommendations or even better proposed itineraries?

Thank you in advance

Lee

[Nanikumar]

Hi Lee or vikky!
If your guys first trip to Nepal and haven't had fixed your trip plan, Let me know i can make your trip that dream come true.
Thanks
kumar

[Tracey]

Jiri-Gokyo-EBC-Lukla is what I am looking at doing - slowly - over six to eight weeks. What kind of "mental preparation" do you mean, Yakshaver?