Suggestions for Free Days

[Ciaran33]

Hi,

We're doing the ACT in March this year and have 4 or 5 days left over at the end.

Any suggestions on what we could do would be most appreciated?

I think a stay-over at a monastery might be interesting - maybe even taking in a course on meditation, yoga, throat-singing or whatever!!

Cheers...

[Escher]

March is a fantastic time to see wildlife. I went to Chitwan for 3 days after I did the AC in 2002 and saw 22 rhino. Almost the highlight of the whole trip. You can organise a bus or flight and accomodation in Pokhara really easily.

Escher

[Weka]

Yes, Chitwan. I went down for a couple of days and stayed 10. I stayed at the Rhino Lodge and would recommend it. Just don't get stuck there during a strike if you have a flight to catch out of Kathmandu :-)

[Oli]

How about extra rest days on the trail
1) Braga - beautiful gompa, and an extra day here is good for acclimatisation
2) Marpha - lovely village
3) Tatpoani - hot springs & delicious cake. hhhmmm :)
4) ABC - the views are awesome

And if you've still got any spare after that then just relaxing in Pokhara.

Or you could try white water rafting. I did that last time I needed a break from Kathmandu, and 2 days on the Bhote Khosi was great fun.

[yakshaver]

Indeed, extra days spent in Pisang (very nice side walks to some lovely hanging valleys), Braga - the 600 year old gompa already mentioned, Manang itself - with the walk to the glacier view point, Marpha etc.
However it is quite understandable to want to chill after the trek. I found the 3 days I spent in Pokhara very relaxing, just reading in one of the many lakeside garden restaurants while sipping on an excellent cup of organic Nepali coffee... A special mention here for Caffee Chez Caroline. An exceptional place with a small garden by the lake, where the food and the drinks are of exceptional quality and presentation. Everything they do is tops.
Three, four days in Chitwan is also worth it. Especially if you spend it at one of the lodges inside the National Park. However I would not discount Sauraha, if one's intetion is to lay in a comfy chair on the beach and imbibe while watching the beautiful sunset over the park. Depending on the substances and quantities you imbibe, inhale, inject or insert - the colours on the sunset can be quite sartling....

[Ciaran33]

Thanks for the feedback folks - we have been considering Chitwan but might like to dig deeper into the cultural side of Nepal. I reckon we'll make our minds up towards the end of the trek what to do with the free days.

Thanks again.

[Hendrik van Dingenen]

Hum... what about bungee jumping? if you like, there is a nice resort where to stay and do the jumps from a awesone suspended bridge. A little expensive, but it's nice. Only the way to there, by bus, is a little tiring.

[]'s

Hendrik