Leeches on EBC above Lukla/Weather in August

[ns0588]

Hi there

First time trekker here!

Im wanting to do the Everest Base camp trek next August 08 - 5th to 26th (i know, i know, it will be raining but i am in university and only holidays at this time), and the plan is to fly to Lukla and trek from there.

What's the leech situation around/above Lukla? Never experienced leeches before, but have read some interesting stories!

Also, what will the weather be like? Ive read on here that in June/July is the bulk of the monsoon, but will it be just as bad in August? Also, will the views be completely obscured-or will there be times where I will get views?

Thank you!

[Per]

Im wanting to do the Everest Base camp trek next August 08 - 5th to 26th (i know, i know, it will be raining but i am in university and only holidays at this time), and the plan is to fly to Lukla and trek from there.

— hmm, flights are very often cancelled in August.



What's the leech situation around/above Lukla?

The trail from Jiri to Namche is a large trail, as long as you are moving and keep your eyes open you will not be bitten by leeches. If one gets you, you simply pull it off. Unlike ticks they don´t leave any bits behind.


Also, what will the weather be like?

http://www.lowdin.nu/Treks/Khumbu/Khumbu0021.jpg

Actually, August is regarded as the peak monsoon season in Nepal. We hiked in to Khumbu in July and out in late August and had a splendid time. Sometimes the mountains are obscured by clouds. Nevertheless we had great views, and in my opinion mountains are more beatiful when mists and clouds adds a dimension of mystery. Some dress is often more sexy than stark nudity. An additional good thing is that it is comparatively warm at high altitudes.

One thing is important: there are occasional bad torrential rains, every monsoon there are couple of days when it is best to simple stay put, you have to plan so you can do so without missing a flight back home or where ever. More photos on http://www.lowdin.nu/Treks/Khumbu/Khumbu0021.jpg

[yakshaver]

— Actually, August is regarded as the peak monsoon season in Nepal. We hiked in to Khumbu in July and out in late August and had a splendid time. Sometimes the mountains are obscured by clouds. Nevertheless we had great views, and in my opinion mountains are more beatiful when mists and clouds adds a dimension of mystery. Some dress is often more sexy than stark nudity.

I love your work... Spoken like a true connoisseur... In all areas...

[Sharon]

I experienced leeches for the first time- In the Sanctuary in mid October. Luckily I only found the bloody sock remainder. Not fun but pay attention to where you walk.

[Per]

I experienced leeches for the first time- In the Sanctuary in mid October. Luckily I only found the bloody sock remainder. Not fun but pay attention to where you walk.

Yes, lots of leeches on that trail, it is not a broad widely used trail, essentially it is only there for the tourists, narrow with a lot of underbrush and grass that is really close to the trail brushing agains your legs. When we did it in September we soaked our socks in khaini (Nepalese snuff) and water of night. We had droves of leeches die in our socks.

On other trails there is much less. We managed to hike into Khumbu and out during during July and August and not one got us.

[Linwood]

We did Lukla-Tengboche in Sept/Oct 2004 and caught the tail end of the monsoon... did not see a single leech.

Just did Dhunche-Gosainkund-Apra (southern edge of Langtang NP) this June 2007 and ran into lots of leeches between Gosainkund-Apra. This trail is not a regular trekking trail either... it's narrow with plant growth on or near the trail, which is leech haven. We had very good luck with golf-ball sized handfuls of salt tied into a little ball with a bandana. Just touch the leech with your little sack of salt and it will fall off. Also a very small spray bottle of salt water works OK too... especially if your socks & boots are already soaked and you don't care anymore... or if your boots are waterproof and you catch the leeches before they get into your socks.

Agree about the mists in the mountains, though... really extraordinarily beautiful and magical.

[yakshaver]

I use a good insect repellent, in Australia there is Rid Tropical Strenght or some such, when I go to areas which are leech infested. Australia has plenty of places like this. Nepal, even in the monsoon, is a baby in this regard.

[yakshaver]

Well, why not some more pics at this stage...

[Per]

I think Macapucare looks best from the SW

http://user.tninet.se/~ipg289h/fu99/Trekking/machapuchare.jpg

[Escher]

All personal sites have recently been blocked in my office so I can't look at any of those pictures or post any of my own. :(

[Suginami]

Leeches are OK. If you knock them they disgorge the contents of their stomach and so you may get something ugly. Don't burn them or salt them just move them with your fingernail. Also you can use good citronella on socks and on limbs to deter them.

I had them in my hair which is really really lovely

[yakshaver]

All personal sites have recently been blocked in my office so I can't look at any of those pictures or post any of my own. :(

Change jobs!! What cheek! I would not stay in that job, move on.

Per, yes that's the most spectacular view.

Here's Tent Peak.

[yakshaver]

Leeches are OK. If you knock them they disgorge the contents of their stomach and so you may get something ugly. Don't burn them or salt them just move them with your fingernail. Also you can use good citronella on socks and on limbs to deter them.

I had them in my hair which is really really lovely


You make it sound almost apealing... Nice pic. What is it!

[Per]

You make it sound almost apealing... Nice pic. What is it!

Annapurna South and Hiunchuli, shot from somewhere south east, possibly Naudanda. Another:

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