Nepal precious advices required

[Looper]

Thinking of trekking in Nepal for a few weeks. Maybe Annapurna circuit?

Might hang out in Kathmandu/Pokkara for a few days.

Any advices on what to do, where to stay, what to bring, etc.

I am sure some punter on TD said they go for 3 months every year but cannot remember who it was.

[Albert Shagnastier]

^Just go mate - fvcking blinding.

[Dillinger]

Betty loved it there, watch your back mate

[terry57]

Well loopy,

Ive done Nepal and its not a case of just go. You need to go when the season is correct for trekking and that is prime time September October.

If you just want to piss around Katmandu it don't matter really but if want to trek plan your trip carefully.

I suggest you go in September, get your arse down to Pokara and tackle the Annapurna circuit from there.

Pokara is a cracking place and the views of the mountains are out standing in September.

I might even see you there Loopy as I'm planning to go this year in September.

[JayZee]

Don't want be a damp squib, but NAC have just crashed yet another Twin Otter inbound to Pokhara (Monday, I think) - no survivors apparently. I would be circumspect about travelling by air in anything less than clear skies....

[withnallstoke]

Don't be frightened of the Yeti.

[kingwilly]

I disagree Terry, I hiked the Annapurna trek in December/January. Bloody brilliant and hardly any tourists. Full trek is about 2 weeks or so. Everest basecamp is another popular route, but has less variety.

most of these places can be walked alone, but a guide and porter are inexpensive. Kathmandu is good for a few days.

[Latindancer]

You might like to strengthen your legs too before you go, Looper. I used to be a great hiker but got a bit slack over the years, then did a climb. On the way up I was fine but at the top I realized I'd strained my knee. Had to go down with a stiff painful leg.

[withnallstoke]

You might like to strengthen your legs too before you go, Looper.

Good advices there Looper.

You might like to leave your high heels at home as well.

[terry57]

Well Willy,

Thats Correct but for the clearest time of the year for the best views its September.

Regards trekking the Annapurna circuit. One must bear in mind that if you break an ankle or do any real damage to your legs or knees one is seriously in the shit.

Donkeys can carry you part of the way down but porters must carry you the rest of the way. I've seen trekkers being carried in baskets by porters, its quite a confronting sight and depending where you are its can go on for days and at considerable expense and discomfort.

Taking a shit wont be much fun if you cant walk to the shitter.

Only other way down is evacuation by Helicopter and they require payment up front.

Be sure to have Insurance for Helicopter Evac before tackling the Annapurna.

I have my trek on hard copy. I'll get around to scanning and posting them up one day as I have some blinding memories and pics of Nepal.

[kingwilly]

I have my trek on hard copy. I'll get around to scanning and posting them up one day as I have some blinding memories and pics of Nepal.

Likewise.

Be sure to have Insurance for Helicopter Evac before tackling the Annapurna.

Excellent point.

Thats Correct but for the clearest time of the year for the best views its September.

There was nothing wrong with my views. It was just cool.

[Looper]

Thanks fellas

I hiked the Annapurna trek in December/January

You kept that quiet Willy. Good effort!

Be sure to have Insurance for Helicopter Evac before tackling the Annapurna.

Good tip Terry - Thanks.

I might even see you there Loopy as I'm planning to go this year in September.

I read up about the climate seasons thingy but I am looking at an earlier trip - before the monsoon - April/May which should still be OK I think.

[Mid]

Pokhara, lying on the bank of the lake under the bananas looking UP at Annapurna .

Paradise


industryclub.com.au

[kingwilly]

Thanks fellas

I hiked the Annapurna trek in December/January

You kept that quiet Willy. Good effort!

.

oops, I should clarify, I dont mean last December.... approx 10 years ago.

[terry57]

^^

Mid's pic of the Annapurna's from lake fewer is exactly how it is. It simply mind blowing and that's why I'm banging on about going at the right time of the year.

Once the clouds roll in you will see fuk all except clouds. In September you have that view everyday.

Awesome stuff.

[Albert Shagnastier]

Pokhara, lying on the bank of the lake under the bananas looking UP at Annapurna . Paradise

It simply mind blowing. Awesome stuff.

What they said. 100%

[kingwilly]

In December/January I had that same view everyday, minus the tourists banging on about how great September was.

[withnallstoke]

minus the tourists banging on about how great September was.

Ooooooooooo

[terry57]

^ ^

Willy,

I have not been there in Jan Feb so I'm going to roll over and say fair enough.

But I wont be there then as I will be renting a gaff in Chaing mai as that's the best time up there innit.

[kingwilly]

Aye, fair enough and I havent been there in September so I don't know much about that either, just pointing out that he shouldn't dismiss the notion just because it's not high season.

[nepaltourmaker]

Best time for annapurna circuit that we suggest October - November. you can find equipment list in the internet to bring during the trekking.

[Lostandfound]

I trekked Annapurna circuit years ago in April. You will need a warm sleeping bag 4 season ideally, for the higher parts.

Some Israeli commando wannabes passed by playing Rambo as they dashed along. hey all got stretchered down trying to get over Thorung La. Take your time and its much more rewarding, I reckon 25 days to to circuit about right.

Also did Annapurna Base camp and Everest base camp 7/6 years back. Preferred the Annapurna circuit. great ganje up there btw.

[Lostandfound]

FWIW I reckon the bus or surface transport to Pokhara / Besi Sahar is far more dangerous than the flying into Pokhara. The real bastard airport is at Lukla if you are going to Everest.....

The food up there is shite. I found taking up plenty of stock cubes and buying the occasional chicken off villagers was best and good PR to share with the host family or porters. It also pisses off the veggie lotus eating tie die tossers no end

Hire a porter to carry your stuff, cheap as chips. he will go ahead and wait for you at next village etc if you don't wanna make small talk with them.

I took a guide, two porters and a cook on my last trip to Annapurna base camp booked tru a UK outfit called Himalayan Kingdoms. Pricey but was v well looked after. basked guide to sort some ganje - I guessed 40us would cover it. He came back with almost half a kilo of organic premium finest.

[Phuketrichard]

one trek that is seldom mentioned is up to gossunkund lakes, ( head north of Kathmandu) fucking fantastic and very few tourist unlike being on the Annapurna trek which is full during the prime season ( oct/nov, Late march early may)

I lived up there in 1984-86 and ran mtn bike tours part time. Beautiful country, great people ( out of the cities)

Kathmandu city is getting bad thou with smog and traffic and the government is really bad

Carry a 3 season bag ( easily rented in Ktm or Pohkara) an make sure your shoes are broken in before you head out. Outside of that u can do tea houses each night.
Bear in mind the further u get from Pohkara and Ktm the more expensive cokes and chocolate are, but they sure taste good after 5 -8 days!!!