Hiking Options in Nepal this coming November

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nycworldtraveler
nycworldtraveler

I am a travel photographer traveling to Nepal from Nov. 15-30. Since I only have 15 days in the country, and would like to see more than just the Himalaya region, I have found a few hikes that could be shorten to 5-6 hike days(not counting the days to get there and out). I'd like to know your feedback on these hikes, which from what I've read are newly opened trails that are less touristy. I am looking for the hike that provides the most stunning views of the Himalayas as well as off the beaten path villages.

Khopra Danda Trek via Ghorepani
Mardi Himal Trek
Pikey Peak Trek
Mohare Danda Trek

I have already contacted a few agencies that came up on my search about these tours. Is it better to contact agencies when in Kathmandu/Pokhara to bargain for a better price? Any agency recommendations would be great.

I have read in some tour descriptions that one will have to pay for charging batteries(per battery) plus hot showers. Is this common practice on the tea houses in these trails? I have a Mavic Pro drone with 3 batteries, 3 camera batteries, phone, laptop, GoPro and a battery pack (I can always connect the last three to the laptop's USB ports, but I wonder if they will charge for that as well).

Also looking to do whitewater rafting in class IV-V rapids, any recommendations will be great. Recommendations on best cell phone company in Nepal?

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willemspie
willemspie

Mardi Himal: on the ridge, there are only lodges, no village or local people.
Pikey Peak, yes you could stay in Junbesi on the way, nice villages. But remote, i don't know about planes to Phaphlu, otherwise a whole day by jeep. No permits.
Khopra, i should go through Tadapani, then descend through Narchyang Lek to Tatopani.
Mohare Danda: community run trek, no permits

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nycworldtraveler
nycworldtraveler
In response to #1

So I guess Mardi Himal not the best one for what I'm looking for. Looks like Khopra and Mohare are what I'm after.
I take it that these treks cannot be done independently? Just hire a reliable porter and a driver to take you in and out?
Would the porter make tea house reservations for me or I would have to contact them? Any more help is appreciated.

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willemspie
willemspie

I have hiked all of those treks alone. Now ... it is up to you.

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igreilly
igreilly

Of course these treks can be done independently, without either a guide or porter. An incredible volume of trekkers are independent, but you do seem to be packing some weight.

The booking system works by turning up at a lodge and enquiring after a room.

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nycworldtraveler
nycworldtraveler

Thanks for all the replies. A porter for this trek is required due to the luggage that I have. I contacted Annapurna Dhaulagiri Community Trek project and they are offering me a 7 day trek for $455 including porter, accommodation(community home-stays and community lodges), 3 meals, tea, 2 permits, private transport in and out of Pokhara and no charge for charging batteries. This is the cheapest price by far of any agency for this trek.
Here is my tentative Nepal itinerary:
Nov. 15 Arrive KTM
Nov. 16 KTM
Nov. 17 Depart to Pokhara
Nov. 18 Trek starts: Pokhara to Tadapani
Nov. 19 Tadapani to Dobato
Nov. 20 Dobato to Swanta village
Nov. 21 Swanta village to Dandakharka
Nov. 22 Dandakharka to Mohare Danda
Nov. 23 Mohare Danda to Nangi Village
Nov. 24 Nangi village to Pokhara.
Nov. 25-28 are open. Should I do on Nov. 25 Phewa Lake, Begnas and Rupa lake? Any other recommendations?
Nov. 29 - Possibly whitewater rafting day trip out of KTM to the Bhote Kosi river, will depend on river flow.
Nov. 30 Fly out of KTM in the afternoon.

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nycworldtraveler
nycworldtraveler

I have been told that a daily tip for the porter/guide is between $5-10USD per day depending on his service. Is this range more or less accurate?

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nycworldtraveler
nycworldtraveler

I'm now looking to go to Lower Mustang in 7 days for 3-4 days. Best central city to stay at is Jomsom, Muktinath or Kagbeni? Is it easy to rent a motorbike in that area and explore?
I understand that there is a direct bus from Pokhara to Jomsom daily.
Any recommendations on guest houses 15-25USD per day?
Aside from the main three towns already mentioned, any other places that I can explore?

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willemspie
willemspie

Many Nepali (and some Indian) tourists come there by motorbike. Avoid staying in Jomosom, other villages are much nicer. In trekking lodges, you only pay 200 rps or so for the room, but food is 500 rps for a meal, and you're obliged to eat there.

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igreilly
igreilly

Marpha is a gem, I usually like to spend time there. So photogenic. There's a nice little place, I can't remember the name, on the side of the path away from the river, just down from the Leaopard lodge, has a lamp post with seemingly all of the neighbours electric supply at the foot of it's entrance steps. I only mention it because of the interesting terraced rooftop that you can explore, with some nice views.

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