Nepal, Tibet & Bhutan Trip

funkey_monkey

As per the title has anyone done any or all of these countries in a trip?

I'm aware that Bhutan have a surcharge of $250USD and that group travel is the encouraged method of travel.

Apart from that I've not much idea - has anyone on here been and got any recommendations?

I'm grasping around for ideas for a solo holiday and looking for inspiration.


Thanks.

Muahahaha

Been to Nepal three times so any questions just ask. Havent been to Bhutan or Tibet. Bhutan works out very expensive I believe, the visa to travel there is $250 per day. That does include a car with driver, food and accommodation. A two week trip there would cost $3,500 which is far from affordable for most people, at least in comparison to Nepal which is one of the cheapest countries on earth in which to travel. You could of course just go for four or five days but tbh I doubt you'd get much of a sense of the place in that time. You'd really want a minimum of 10 days there, more if you can afford it.

Regards Nepal to Tibet there are some travel companies in Kathmandu who can sell you a 5 day tour from there to Lhasa. Cost was about $500 a few years back but might have gone up since. If planning to do this route check in advance as it is subject to political whims by the Chinese on the other side, theyve been known to shut it down in the past for no major reason. The route itself is over very high Himalayan mountain passes so it not open all year round either, do your research in advance.

funkey_monkey

Thanks - that is great to know someone who has been multiple times before.

I'm interested in culture and maybe some fair/moderate hikes (as long as they don't eat up too many days).

What is the best way to travel there? Most I've seen so far is Dublin > Istanbul > Kathmandu with a 13hr layover in Istanbul. I would nearly consider taking /3 days to explore Istanbul on the way back if I thought the stopover would be long.

I'd like to get out into Nepal out of the big towns and cities and see what the actual country is like. My only problem is my diet which means I can really only eat vegetables and some fruit - meat and dairy is a no go for me. Would it suit my diet?


Thanks.

Yurt2

funkey_monkey wrote: »

Thanks - that is great to know someone who has been multiple times before.

I'm interested in culture and maybe some fair/moderate hikes (as long as they don't eat up too many days).

What is the best way to travel there? Most I've seen so far is Dublin > Istanbul > Kathmandu with a 13hr layover in Istanbul. I would nearly consider taking /3 days to explore Istanbul on the way back if I thought the stopover would be long.

I'd like to get out into Nepal out of the big towns and cities and see what the actual country is like. My only problem is my diet which means I can really only eat vegetables and some fruit - meat and dairy is a no go for me. Would it suit my diet?


Thanks.

If you're doing a trek, it's likely you'll be at altitude and the diet up there isn't all that varied. Dal Bhat is what you'll be chowing on, rice and lentils Not much in the way of fruit at all, bar bananas.

The Annapurna Circuit (10-12 days from start to the town after the high-pass) is probably the most varied and well-trodden trek in the country. Lots of bang for your buck. Of medium difficulty - anyone should be able to do it providing you're somewhat fit. Tip: Don't put too much in your day pack - you'll feel every gram of weight when you get past 3500m.

Bhutan is significantly more expensive than Nepal but a much more serene country with beautiful scenery and culture. They've gone for high-value tourism there; and to be honest, it's a lot nicer than the crowded trails and hawkers in Nepal.

Haven't been to Tibet but it's on the bucket list. Most specifically, the far west.

Muahahaha

funkey_monkey wrote: »

Thanks - that is great to know someone who has been multiple times before.

I'm interested in culture and maybe some fair/moderate hikes (as long as they don't eat up too many days).

What is the best way to travel there? Most I've seen so far is Dublin > Istanbul > Kathmandu with a 13hr layover in Istanbul. I would nearly consider taking /3 days to explore Istanbul on the way back if I thought the stopover would be long.

I'd like to get out into Nepal out of the big towns and cities and see what the actual country is like. My only problem is my diet which means I can really only eat vegetables and some fruit - meat and dairy is a no go for me. Would it suit my diet?


Thanks.

Istanbul is a great city to stop over in and if you can do that then do so. Another option is Dubai, an airline called flydubai.com had direct flights to Kathmandu a few years back and likely still do. But over the two Id take Istanbul any day. Not sure if airarabia.com are still flying the route but check them too as they are the Ryanair of the Middle East.

Regards Nepal outside of Kathmandu and Pokhara and the main trekking areas tourism is not all that developed. You can of course go to remote areas but the roads are in a very poor state.
For treking Id agree with Yurt and say the Annapurna Circuit is a great way to go. Anyone with moderate fitness can complete it. If you're even fitter then consider the Everest Base Camp trek which can be done in about 11 or 12 days from Lukla. There are shorter 4-5 day treks available but tbh while they are good they are not the world class trekking that the Annapurna Circuit and Everest Base Camp treks offer. If you want to see the best of Nepal then a 10-14 day trek is the way to go. Another option might be the Tsum Valley, it has only opened up to tourists in the last few years and Im hearing it is spectacular.

Theres also Chitwan National Park. Lots of elephants but the tigers are a lot rarer due to poaching and you might not see one.

If its culture you're after then make sure to visit Durbar Sq in Kathmandu as well as nearby town Bhatakupur which is only about 30 miles away and well worth an overnight stay. Also a very big Tibeatan stupa in Kathmandu that is worth a visit as are the cremations at Pashupatinath- its a holy river where people cremate the dead and put the ashes into the river. Its a sombre experience seeing lots of people get cremated but is well worth it. In advance do research on Nepalese festivals, they are very colourful events and a photographers dream. They happen very often with the Hindu calendar. The big one would be Diwali which is October or November every year. Also do research on the Kumari (Living Godess who is a young girl) in Kathmandu. They have a festival for her specifically every year and it is a huge event.

Regards diet well Hindus see the cow as holy and are vegetarians so you won't have a problem there. As Yurt said dhal bat is the national dish and available everywhere. Its not bad but I did tire from eating it day after day. In Kathmandu you'll find lots of western restaurants who will have more mainstream veggie options.

funkey_monkey

I did do the Inca trail but tbh I found that at times it was more like a procession or pilgrimage due to the numbers then a hike.

I'm not sure that trekking for 2 weeks is my ideal

Muahahaha

Yeah the Inca Trail is completely over touristed at this stage and no longer an enjoyable trek.

With Nepal there are crowds but also ways to avoid them. The main trekking seasons there are October and May. In these months you are virtually guaranteed good warm weather and blue skies everyday. As a consequence these months are when all the big tour companies trek to Everest and the Annapurna Circuit. Way to avoid this is aim to set out between Sept 20th and 25th. Last time I treked to Everest we departed Lukla on Sept 22nd and on that day only 15 trekkers began the walk so you largely had the trail to yourself. When we were finishing the trek 10 days later there was easily 150+ trekkers beginning it every day. We were walking past all of them on the way down the valley whereas they were walking up huffing and puffing. By going slightly earlier than peak season we avoided these crowds except for the last 2 days but they were all heading in the opposite direction so it didnt bother us.

Another way to avoid trekkers on the EBC is to go up the Goyko Valley and over the Cho La pass from where you drop down back onto the main trail. None of the organisaed groups do this route and you would have it largely to yourself. Its a spectacular route as you get to see the sacred lakes of Goyko which are stunning. If going this way you will need a guide to get over the Cho La pass as it is not marked and easy to get lost. We paid a guide $20 for the day and he got us over it in a few hours before pointing the way forward which was obvious by that point.

As for trekking for 10 days its actually not all that bad. Im not the fittest and had fears about it first time out but found my fitness getting better and better by the day. The great thing about treking in Nepal is that there is no need for tents or cooking, you have teahouses all along the way and while they are not luxurious they are more than adequate for dinner and a bed for the night. I doubt I would be up for a 10 day camping and cooking trek but with Nepal none of that hassle is necessary in the way it is on the Inca and other places. You walk for 3 hours, stop for lunch in a teahouse then walk another 2 hours and then stop for the night in a teahouse, its real simple stuff as far as treking goes and not having to pitch a tent and dismantle it on a cold morning is a massive bonus. Its what makes Nepal easily the best place in the world for independent trekkers.

If you want to see the best of what Nepal has to offer then it will involve a 10 day trek as these areas simply have no roads, only trails. As I said before there are 4-5 days treks available but while they are good you really would be missing out on the best stuff.

pavb2

I'm thinking of going in September me and wife in mid fifties reasonably fit so would the Annapurna trail be ok for 10 days? What is the best way to arrange this in a group or independant or are there organised tours once you get there.

Any help appreciated.

Muahahaha

pavb2 wrote: »

I'm thinking of going in September me and wife in mid fifties reasonably fit so would the Annapurna trail be ok for 10 days?

If you've got good fitness then the Annapurna trek is a good one for sure. Just be aware that the top of it at the Thorong La pass is at 5,400m so some people experience mild altitude sickness such as headaches, shortness of breath, etc. You're not at that altitude for long but research the symptoms and risks before you undertake it.

What is the best way to arrange this in a group or independant or are there organised tours once you get there.

Any help appreciated.

You can do it all of those ways.
Very easy to do it independently as there are teahouses all along the route with beds and food for sale. No need for tents/cooking equipment which means it is possible to pack lightly and carry no more than 12kg on your back.

Other options are to hire a porter who will carry your packs. Many people start the trail without a porter but their packs are too heavy and they end up hiring one on day two or three, they're available by just asking in any village along the route. If hiring a porter it is your responsibility to ensure they have the right gear on them, some of these lads would go up a high mountain with sandals on if you let them.

There are 100+ trekking agencies in Thamel in Kathmandu and also lots in Pokhara (nearest big town to the trek) too and any of them can organise a porter or guide or both. Agencies can also organise your trekking permit and national park fees. If hiring a porter or guide in advance Pokhara is the place to do it, just make sure you get to meet them beforehand and get a sense of them, their knowledge of the trail and communications.

If going September try to land in Kathmandu around the 20th-25th. Early September is still the monsoon in Nepal so it can be very wet and the skies won't be clear. Try to avoid late October though, it is peak season and the trail will be crowded with people almost racing to get the best accommodation.

funkey_monkey

Okay. Got my new passport so I'm seriously thinking about this now.
Bhutan sounds more like my cup of tea even though of the expense.
Some questions:
1. What is the recommended to duration to make it worthwhile?
2. Can I combine any two of the the countries?
3. Is there a recommended or best itinerary?
4. On the Annapurna trail do you pass through many villages or towns? If so, are they traditional or overrun with tourism?
5. What is personal safety like in these countries?
6. Solo trip or via a group? Any recommendations?
7. Any recommendations on which of the countries to visit first?


Thanks.

Thesiger

funkey_monkey wrote: »

4. On the Annapurna trail do you pass through many villages or towns? If so, are they traditional or overrun with tourism?

You'll pass through loads of villages which these days seem to exist soley to cater for the trekking industry. Nepal has been receiving tourists since the 60s, so don't be expecting complete isolation or untouched gems, although some say west Nepal is relatively less visited. The Annapurna Circuit is well set up for mass tourism. How busy the guest-houses and villages are depends on the time of year you go and their location on the trail. Some of them are located at bottle-necks which get really crowded. I did the Circuit in late November/early December which is considered a quiet time, but even so the guest house I stayed in the night before going over the Thorong La pass was overwhelmed with trekkers. Can't imagine how they handle it at the height of the season in October and March. Manang, a day or two before the pass, is another place that gets very busy as many people stay there an extra night to acclimatize before Thorong La. And the Bob Marley guest-house I stayed in after coming down from the pass was pretty busy as well.

Muahahaha

funkey_monkey wrote: »

Okay. Got my new passport so I'm seriously thinking about this now.
Bhutan sounds more like my cup of tea even though of the expense.
Some questions:
1. What is the recommended to duration to make it worthwhile?
2. Can I combine any two of the the countries?
3. Is there a recommended or best itinerary?
4. On the Annapurna trail do you pass through many villages or towns? If so, are they traditional or overrun with tourism?
5. What is personal safety like in these countries?
6. Solo trip or via a group? Any recommendations?
7. Any recommendations on which of the countries to visit first?


Thanks.

Id say you would want at least 10 days in Bhutan, more if you can afford it but at $250 per day the costs quickly rack up. I know the likes of Trailfinders do organised tours there and Ive seen prices in the €3k-€5k per person bracket.

With Nepal if you plan on trekking the Annapurna Circuit then allow 10/11 days in total which includes a day preparing for it and another when its finished for resting up. Aside from that the sights of Kathmandu and surrounding historic towns like Bhaktupur and Patan are worth 3-5 days. You might also want to spend a few days in Pokhara after the trek as its a nice place to relax by the lake. Chitwan National Park is another option to see elephants and possibly tigers. Perhaps about 3 weeks in Nepal in total to get a good sense of the place.

funkey_monkey

Hi,

Am I too late in trying to organise Nepal for this year? I presume that I'd want to be going in mid September?
It seems 3 weeks is the optimum amount of time to spend.

In terms of itinerary, what about this one:
1. https://www.dreambigtravelfarblog.com/blog/3-week-nepal-itinerary
2. https://www.wanderlust.co.uk/content/how-to-plan-your-trip-to-nepal-5-great-itineraries/
3. https://www.lonelyplanet.com/nepal/planning/itineraries/a/nar/b11c4bdc-9301-4aa7-806e-830356a963bb/357105?lpaffil=lp-affiliates&awc=4217_1562506656_e0b3460868f6c6fe74a1575db6b2e6ee

I'll need to recheck flights as now it seems that both legs have ~15hr layovers which will eat up a large chunk of my time.

Muahahaha

You're not too late but obviously the later you leave it to buy flights the more it is likely to cost. Try to avoid a 15 hour layover if you can. Check flydubai.com and airarabia.com both of them fly to Kathmandu from UAE

Any of those itineraries you posted are decent, it just depends on what you are into as they vary a bit. If you're hiking the Annapurna that would take up almost 10 days so with 21 in total you could still get to see a good few other places. If you've time and like adventure then a days white water rafting trip from Kathmandu is a really fun thing to do- Nepal has some of the best rafting in the world, it is right up there with New Zealand and Colorado.