Some friends and I are thinking of travelling to Kathmandu in 2006 for a two-week stay. Whilst were there we would like to see the sights including Everest from a distance. Maybe do some light walking, see some monasteries etc.
The only problem is none of us have any trekking experience whatsoever. Are we being foolish to assume we could get by in Nepal or are there lighter routes we could take that aren’t so demanding?
Would it be best/easiest to go to Nepal or Tibet?
Is the trek to Everest base camp extremely difficult or could this be a possibility?
I have been to Nepal and have travelled around the area a bit. A few things you should know if you are planning on going in 2006 (I went in 2005). In Nepal there is a civil war going on at the moment and at any given time a "strike" can occur. When this happens shops are shut down indefinately and roads are closed to all non-emergency or military vehicles. (this makes for very difficult transport, as in my own experience a strike occured while I was flying from Katmandu to the jungle and instead of meeting my van I was met with a horse and cart). Be prepared to be searched quite often although most of the time they are good with tourists. Also Katmandu is not the city to have late nights in so plan to be back in your hotel by around 8 or 9 (which, when I was there, was the government cerfew anyways).
In terms of hiking the everest base camp is not a short walk in the park. Consider it one of the more challenging hikes you will go on. I believe it takes around 4 days and costs a chunk of change also.
In order to go into tebet you can not just go backpacking accross the border. You must obtain government permission to enter the area and even then it must be with a designated tour company. Quite expensive.
Otherwise it is a beautiful place to be, a bit of a culture shock if you've never been to a 3rd world country before (I had been but for someone who hadn't). CHeck the political circumstances prior to going and hope for the best!
I am heading to Nepal in April as part of the work i do. The situation seems to be ever changing however many people seem to go about their every day life as usual. I plan to go back during the summer for a month. I tend to check the Foreign and Commonwealth Office website, which gives advice on travel to troublespots!
Well i made it back from Nepal! The situation was not too good as the limited news coverage has shown. Travel was disrupted and I was not able to make my proposed visit to Pokhara. However I am due to return at the end of July and live in hope that things will improve. Following the King's proclamation and the reinstatement of parliament only time will tell.
For those who are interested there is going to be a protest outside the Royal Nepalese Embassy in London this Saturday:
