My partner and I will be in Kathmandu late October and I have a few questions.
1. Should we be worried about the political situation there? Is it serious enough to cancel plans?
2. Should we take a flight or a bus from Varanasi? And if we do get a flight, are we anywhere in the vicinity of Everest and will we be able to see it? Are either option easy to organise once in Varanasi?
3. Any good day trips from Kathmandu? We don't have time for a trek but any ideas about how to spend our five days in and around KTM would be fantastic.
Thanks!
ttwo
1
assok
Hello there,
First let me assure that despite the recent political shift, no substantial security problem has arised. Particularly for tourists, it is always safe - even during the last ten years of armed conflict. This time the apparent change is centered around the upcoming elections and has no implications for travel safety.
About arrival, I personally suggest flight as compared to bus travel.
The next thing... here I have some ideas for short trek that may appeal to you.
1. Shivapuri National Park: This is best fit if you are a nature enthusiast. A few hours trek takes you to the Shivapuri peak at 2730 m from where mountain panorama valley view are excellent. Oportunities for wildlife view is also prevalent.
2. Phulchoki: This is another hill top very much similar to Shivapuri.
3. Dhulikhel or Nagarkot: These are an hour and half drive away from the valley. They a re both famous for panoramic views of mountains and the valley.
4. Walks into villages: If you prefer mingling with village people there are so many places all at only a few hours walk from the city centre of Kathmandu.
5. Mountain biking: Geared modern bicycles are available for hire and ride around and beyond Kathmandu.
6. Fast trek to Langtang: This is my favourite trek destination. On average it takes 4-9 days depending on how far to trek along the so beautiful mountain region.
Finally about myself... I'm a public health professional based in Kathmandu. I go on frequent treks in different parts of Nepal. There I support local communities by doing small health projects.
Hope this information will be of some use for you. If you're interested to the above ideas please drop an email at asok@iom.edu.np or asok_21@yahoo.com.
Wishing you nice journey,
Ashok
Institute of Medicine
Kathmandu
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