Nepal - Kathmandu

[belgarathc]

I'm also thinking of going in Nov. Looking at 13 Nov to 6 Dec. Most likely flying on MH.

What's your dates and plan?

I'll probably be going alone though my cousin said better not to (alone).

I just started having the idea so have not done much. Will need to get a new backpack (looking at the Osprey Sirrus 36).

Sirrus 36 is a woman's model? If you are female, then probably a better idea to go with a friend or with a reputable guide. Of course, end Nov/early Dec will be cold.

 

[dilphinus]

Sirrus 36 is a woman's model? If you are female, then probably a better idea to go with a friend or with a reputable guide. Of course, end Nov/early Dec will be cold.

Why will it be better to go with a friend or guide? Shouldn't it be relatively safe?

I've done the Teams Siberian rail, and went to Central Asia alone. Have done quite a few solo independent trips including biking long distance. I never felt unsafe or in danger as long as I've used common sense and don't put myself in compromising situations.

 

[belgarathc]

I feel Nepal is generally safe. If you have been travelling alone and have the confidence, then I think it is fine. Problem most people encounter at ABC or EBC should be altitude sickness. Know its symptoms and what to do. If going for a guided tour, beware of cheap tours that run heli evacuation insurance scams. Nothing further to add, enjoy the beautiful hike.

 

[dilphinus]

I feel Nepal is generally safe. If you have been travelling alone and have the confidence, then I think it is fine. Problem most people encounter at ABC or EBC should be altitude sickness. Know its symptoms and what to do. If going for a guided tour, beware of cheap tours that run heli evacuation insurance scams. Nothing further to add, enjoy the beautiful hike.

Thank you!

I'll be back with more specific questions once I've done sufficient research!

 

[dilphinus]

Is the AC much tougher than the ABC?

 

[zhenyuan_2000]

Hi all,

A few questions abt Nepal visa, tims and trekking permit application (hope this info is correct and updated)

Can anyone verdict if correct?

For VOA, I just need
40 usd ,
1x photo and
1x VOA application form

For TIMS
2000 NR
1 copy of passport
2x photos

For trekking permit
2000 NR
1 copy of passport
2x photos

Thanks

 

[maumu]

Is the AC much tougher than the ABC?

Although I've not been to ABC, I would think the AC is considerably tougher with the longer distance and days it will take.

ABC is basically trekking to a specific location and then back. Right?

 

[dilphinus]

Is it a good/bad idea to do the ABC in December? Say from 22 Dec to 2 Jan.

 

[kitkat2]

Is it a good/bad idea to do the ABC in December? Say from 22 Dec to 2 Jan.

not a bad idea. cold but might be crowded due to year end.

if i were you i would do the mohare-kopra trek. might go there this december and finish before christmas.

 

[zhenyuan_2000]

Hi

Is it true that we can exchange our SGD for the Nepali rupee?

Is the rate good?

 

[kitkat2]

Hi

Is it true that we can exchange our SGD for the Nepali rupee?

Is the rate good?

yes, the money exchangers there accept sgd. best rates in kathmandu's thamel.

 

[zhenyuan_2000]

Thanks

What Abt Telco? Nepal Telecom , is it good for AC?

yes, the money exchangers there accept sgd. best rates in kathmandu's thamel.

 

[kitkat2]

Thanks

What Abt Telco? Nepal Telecom , is it good for AC?

didn't go to AC but was nearby though. used NT. got voice coverage of the trail most of the time but data was kinda hit and miss. get both NT and Ncell if staying connected is important to you.

 

[zhenyuan_2000]

Okie thanks for the advice

didn't go to AC but was nearby though. used NT. got voice coverage of the trail most of the time but data was kinda hit and miss. get both NT and Ncell if staying connected is important to you.

 

[SpeedingBullet]

Thanks

What Abt Telco? Nepal Telecom , is it good for AC?

NT is better in the mountains than NCell (coverage)
Ncell is better in city areas (speed)

I went up to the Kang La glacier (you will pass beneath it during ur AC trek between Manang and Pisang) using NT, basically no coverage unless you head down to a col or a gully with a line of sight of maybe a village like Humde or Ngawal to get basic reception.

 

[maumu]

Hi all,

A few questions abt Nepal visa, tims and trekking permit application (hope this info is correct and updated)

Can anyone verdict if correct?

For VOA, I just need
40 usd ,
1x photo and
1x VOA application form

For TIMS
2000 NR
1 copy of passport
2x photos

For trekking permit
2000 NR
1 copy of passport
2x photos

Thanks

just back yesterday. if you're doing AC/ABC the permit is now 3000 NPR instead of 2000 NPR...

and it's much better to pay in NPR instead of USD because they will ask for 30 USD if you don't have NPR. now the rate is around 1 USD = 116 NPR. so change first in thamel before going to apply for the permit.

TIMS is still 2000 NPR.

 

[maumu]

Thanks

What Abt Telco? Nepal Telecom , is it good for AC?

NT is supposedly better for AC, I managed to get signals up till Manang (and after Muktinath). I heard NCell completely no signal for AC...

but - this is the surprising part - in every village now they have Wifi. and I mean every village, even at high camp. how they have Wifi without telco signal? I think they used satellite internet... it's amazing... but they seem to only work in the day. once they close their shop/dining area, the Wifi always stop working.

 

[zhenyuan_2000]

Thanks!

It is true that we must change money in Kathmandu for the best rate.

At Kathmandu it is 112. At Pokhara, it is 109.

One of the guide that I met told me WiFi works cos they lay lines... Unlike HP signal ...

Been paying 100 for room when I buy dinner and breakfast.

Also keep asking them for hot water to fill up my 1 litre thermos.

Everyday I drink min 2 litre of tea( from thermos) save quite a bit on water. So far till pisang I only bought 1 bottle of water( actually was a gift from my first guesthouse owner)

People here are super friendly.... Brought some dried nuts and shared with them and that starts the conversation.

Love this place. But v cold I feel.

And thanks to all the previous post at least I am more prepared.

NT is supposedly better for AC, I managed to get signals up till Manang (and after Muktinath). I heard NCell completely no signal for AC...

but - this is the surprising part - in every village now they have Wifi. and I mean every village, even at high camp. how they have Wifi without telco signal? I think they used satellite internet... it's amazing... but they seem to only work in the day. once they close their shop/dining area, the Wifi always stop working.

 

[ah_leetw]

I just return from ABC a weeks ago...

 

[rootz]

Hijack this old thread cause am looking to go to Kathmandu from 20 to 25 Mar.

Yes, very short trip but 2 guys can only afford this period.

Appreciate any feedback on places to go to. Thanks!