Recommended Route

[Johnno]

Hello,

I arrive in Nepal next week. I had planned to do a 3 week trek but due to unforseen circumstances have to cut my trip short. This basically means that I have to be back in Kathmandu 8/9 days after I leave for trekking. This means I will not have time to complete the circuit. Has anyone got any recommendations for the best trek for me to do in that space of time? I have never been on a long trek before, but am quite fit. Thanks.

[yakshaver]

Hello,

I arrive in Nepal next week. I had planned to do a 3 week trek but due to unforseen circumstances have to cut my trip short. This basically means that I have to be back in Kathmandu 8/9 days after I leave for trekking. This means I will not have time to complete the circuit. Has anyone got any recommendations for the best trek for me to do in that space of time? I have never been on a long trek before, but am quite fit. Thanks.


I suggest Annapurna Base Camp (Annapurna Sanctuary). It is an 8 day trek. If you have more money than time, then fly to Pokhara on an early flight, take a taxi to Naya Pul, and start trekking to Ghandruk the same day. ABC itself is an amazing place and you want to spend a night there.

Similarly, for the return you can taxi to Pokhara from Naya Pul, and possibly fly the same day out to Kathmandu. This may even leave you with a day to spare, to visit some of Kathamndu valley's fantastic sites...

The other option is Langtang, which is about 7-8 days, but you spend 2 more days in trafic, one day to the trek and one day back.
So ABC might be better in terms of logistics, and give you an extra day.

[Johnno]

I suggest Annapurna Base Camp (Annapurna Sanctuary). It is an 8 day trek. If you have more money than time, then fly to Pokhara on an early flight, take a taxi to Naya Pul, and start trekking to Ghandruk the same day. ABC itself is an amazing place and you want to spend a night there.

Similarly, for the return you can taxi to Pokhara from Naya Pul, and possibly fly the same day out to Kathmandu. This may even leave you with a day to spare, to visit some of Kathamndu valley's fantastic sites...

The other option is Langtang, which is about 7-8 days, but you spend 2 more days in trafic, one day to the trek and one day back.
So ABC might be better in terms of logistics, and give you an extra day.
Thanks so much for that yakshaver. Think I'll go with the ABC alright. Any idea how much the flight to Pokhara and taxi to Naya Pul should cost? Also, should I book a flight in advance (I arrive on 14/5), or at this stage try and arrange one on arrival?
Again, thanks for your help.

[Oli]

Alternatively, if you dont want to be rushed then I'd suggest considering spending your time in the Kathmandu valley - there is plenty to see. I recommend a few days in Bhaktapur, and/or hike over Shivapuri and into Helambu for a few days hiking and get a bus back to town from Melamchi Bazzar.

Or a bus up to Dunche / Syabru Besi and the hike up to Gosaikhunda or a trek on the ("new") Tamang Heritage Trail.

If you are planning on the ABC trek then be aware that rain in the low hills will probably be snow on the high peaks on Hiuanchuli above the Modi Khola, and consequently there may be a significant avalanche risk on the trail and that may thwart your plans for getting to the ABC/Sanctuary. But it'd be good if you do make it, of course.

[yakshaver]

Hm, what Oli says is also interesting... Something to do in Langtan and Tamang area...

Flight to Pokhara is about 65 USD one way. Taxi from Pokhara to Naya Pul, well, I don't know... I have done it in the past and have no idea... But I would say, 20 USD or some such... Maybe less.

[Andrew]

Taxi Pokhara to Naya Pul: I paid 1,200 rupees back in October from Pokhara to Naya Pul and 1,100 rupees back from Naya Pul to Pokhara, so a little less than USD20. Be prepared to haggle!

[thesilvertops]

A gangmaster controls the taxis at Nayapul and he used to start at 1000 NRs. With a lot of hassle including walking away we could usually get a ride for 600 or 700 NRs. There is usually one driver who is willing to do it for less than 1000 NRs so he can get back to Pokhara.

An alternative is to start/finish at Phedi which is about 30mins from Pokhara. You then head in to ABC via Pothana, Landruk, Chhomrong, etc., (3 days to Chhomrong) as opposed to 2 days from Nayapul/Birethanti. Fare to Phedi 300/400 NRs.

[yakman74]

Well shoot, Ill bite too, flying to Lukla, hiking up to Namche, and exploring around there, getting as far even as Tengboche or Panboche and Ama Dablam base camp, could be a great trip and gets you into the high Himalayas...

The other treks mentioend here are also amazing, cant really go wrong.

[yakman74]

Oops, I should pay closer attention to post dates...

[yakshaver]

Oops, I should pay closer attention to post dates...


It's ok, the information is still relevant. I think there is somethign wrong with the dating system, so disregard it for now. I will bring it to the attention of webmaster...

And yes, provided you don't get stuck in Lukla due to the weather, a few excellent days can be spent around Namche, Tengpoche, Kumjung etc. Absolutely fantastic.