I am in the early planning stages of a trip to Nepal. and have loads of questions. I've bought a guide and been checking out web sites but wanted to ask some questions from people who have been. Family of 3 nan.Mum and teenager- all expereinced travellers.
1. Flying from manchester - can anyone recommend the easiest route?
2. How easy is it to book a trip to Tibet from KMD? Also how much roughly would it cost ( family of 3)
3. We are not treckers but would like some easy walks ( my Mum will be nearly 70)
4. Time of Year. Obvioulsy July - August us when we have the most time cos of school holidays - I know it rains then but is it all day or just a few hours a day? We can cope with some rain ( We live in UK) but permenant rain would getr us down. Our other option is 3 weeks at easter.
5. My initial instincts tell me to fly to KMD and check it out and surrounding areas then decide on the rest of the trip once there. We don't like elephant treks and have been to many national parks - is the chitwan a mustn't miss?
6. If you only had 3 /4 weeks would you stay in Nepal or add Tibet too?
7.. If you were going what wouldn't you miss?
8. are the flights over everest worth it?
Thanks for any help. I'm desperately trying to get more / work and save to fund this trip. Am already very excited.
Philippa
Check British airway London-Delhi-Kathmandu and London-Bangkok-Kathmandu by Thai airway.
It is easy to book Tibet tour whilst you are in Kathmandu but no different even if you book from UK with some local agency in Kathmandu via internet corresponding. The cost of Tibet is depending on private trip and group joining basis and length of trip.
Regarding Nepal there are so many light hiking opportunity around Kathmandu and Pokhara. Don't miss tour of heritage site of Kathamndu valley such as Bhaktapur,Patan Like, Kumari Ghar, Monkey temple etc. Nagarkot and Dhulikhel hill stations are best for Himalaya's views and day hiking surrounding village. There excellent hill resort hotel where you can overnight for peace and calm environment. Don't miss these places as well Pokhara also.
Everest viewing flight is really worth. It is offering wonderful views of high Himalayas of the world.
However if you need further info about same we had good experience with Yala Tours and Travels in Kathmandu. They provided us with great service, care and a safe trek in Nepal. Always flexible and willing to help, also in stages where things were dawn to go wrong due to weather condition or political scramble. Yala Tours
Thanks
Rmon
Some good info above. I would suggest either Qatar Airways or Gulf Air - both fly out of Healthrow through the UAE and into Kathmandu.
You asked about the Monsoon season - July is the heaviest month of rain - in Kathmandu it seldom rains all day - but will rain every day or at night for breif, heavy periods. Biggest problem is that it can be difficult to travel about the countryside because of landdlides and flooding. This year it was particularly bad - better some years than others. Getting mountain views can be a big problem - the Himalaya tend to hide behind heavy cloud banks during July and August.. Have you thought about the possibility of coming to Nepal during the Easter vacation or even over Christmas and the New year school break - you would get some good views then!
Or - maybe you could consider having your child skip school for a couple of weeks and bring along some special assignments from the Teacher to complete....travelling in Nepal would probably teach him/her more than the school days that were missed.
It is possible to take overland trips into Tibet/Lhasa in the summer - the Tibetan plateau is in a rain shadow and much less affected by the monsoon
And, yes, the Everest flight is worth it - but you would not likely be able to do this during the summer season.
If you want to do it all - including Lhasa, I strongly recommend trying to set something up with your child's school to accommodate essential assignments that would be missed and the consider coming to Nepal in say, late April or late October/early November time if you really want to see the country and experience the culture.
Thnaks for the advice. I think you are right about the Summer and will plan for next easter or Christmas. Manchester to Doha - KMD looks good too. Have taken son out of school loads already ( 9 months in 2004/ 5) I shall probably do a 3 week trip and miss Tibet - do that another time. Thanks for your help. Happy travels. Philippa
Hi
I usually fly to Kathmandu with Gulf, They usually work out the cheapest of the “Quality” airlines and have good flight times with an evening flight out and a morning return, admittedly out of Heathrow, but you could either train down or take an internal flight
It’s easy enough to book a Tibet trip from Kathmandu, Approximate cost of $800 per person, Go and see Nirmal at H.M.C. – details on the link below, see transportation tips
Go to Pokhara fro a few days – Plenty of easy day walks for there, The Peace temple and Sarangcot to name two.
Eater would be the better option to go, The weather would be good then, mainly dry and warm and sunny too -- July / August is monsoon season.
As for the rest of your questions, please brows
My Nepal Pages
Check out the tips at the bottom of the page, Especially Things to Do and Transportation and if you still have questions, please feel free to email me
Happy Travels
Rob
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