Wednesday, August 8, 2012

New Trekking Rule in Nepal - Follow Up - nepal, treks, himalayas treks and tours, nepal travel, travel to nepal, group travel nepal, namaste nepal

New Trekking Rule in Nepal - Follow Up - nepal, treks, himalayas treks and tours, nepal travel, travel to nepal, group travel nepal, namaste nepal

Remember, I didn't make this rule, the government did and TAAN did, so while I appreciate any comments about things that are within my control, I have to reiterate that I have absolutely no power in either of these institutions.  But feel free to comment on things that are my opinion or suggestion - I value free speech as the most precious part of any democratic society.

Fodder for our next topic - How a certain neighboring country has paid Nepal police to arrest defenders of Tibet and freedom for Tibet.  Is free speech going to be controlled by [neighboring super power] in Nepal?

Tuesday, August 7, 2012

Less Touristy Treks in Nepal - nepal, treks, himalayas treks and tours, nepal travel, travel to nepal, group travel nepal, namaste nepal

Less Touristy Treks in Nepal - nepal, treks, himalayas treks and tours, nepal travel, travel to nepal, group travel nepal, namaste nepal


I recently had an email from a client asking for less touristy treks in Nepal.   And I don’t blame him.  As tourism grows in Nepal, we are seeing popular trekking routes becoming more like super highways than footpaths.  Okay, I exaggerate a bit, but I will be honest, Everest Base Camp route actually gets crowded during high seasons, and unless you book in advance, there may be no rooms in teahouses.
The good news is this, there are at least 30 other treks you could take in Nepal.   Why not get creative?  Here are some suggestions for you to research when looking for an alternative or eco trek in Nepal.   In my opinion you will get the most out of your Nepal experience when doing something different.   TREKT Himalaya arranges all of these treks with a personal guide for you or your group and usually you will stay in a village homestay or maybe camping.  Both are fun, and in either case you connect with locals.
Less Traveled Trek Ideas for your Nepal Trip:

Dolpo & Mustang — Remote and pricey but well worth it!  Dolpo is where the award winning film Himalaya was shot and it lives up to your expectations of exotic beauty!  It is getting more popular, but still authentic.  You won’t see a German bakery in every bazaar like on the more popular routes.    Mustang may be the home of Shangi-La, a lost kingdom where many Nepali Tibetans live.   Mustang has the highest priced trekking permit, at around $500 each.
Chhepang Village Trek is remote in terms of tourist activity but in Chitwan district, primitive and not expensive compared to other treks. Can be done in 1 – 2 weeks depending on your stay in village, and price is about $65 per day.  (For single trekkers going with guide there is a supplement).   Chhepang  people are sometimes called “cave people” by other locals, and there are many caves in the region, but they actually live in villages.    They are considered some of the most primitive of Nepali cultures.
Medical Trek Nepal – Dhading – We are also doing a Medical Trek for 2 weeks to help rural villages, you might be interested in (Oct 12, 2012). Non-medical people will provide support and check in villagers – this is in Dhading District. So that’s a way to trek and help Nepal. $1500.   We have room on each trek for a few non-medical people. So if you have a heart to help, we love to have you along.  It does not take a medical degree to hand out smiles and band-aids to villagers!
Everest Base Camp from Giri —  personally like the trek from Giri that heads up to Everest Base camp. You could go to Deusa. There is a local shaman who lives there that will allow you to sit in on his divination for a small fee which is normal; the villagers who he cures also give him something (200 rupees)… Then you could extend on to EBC. It’s a 3 week trek to EBC.
Tamang Heritage Trail is also a spectacular trek if you like photos. Very colorful local dress and culture. Not a lot of tourists. Medium priced at around $78 per day (may be slightly more for single supplement).

Dhading District Nepal is starting to open up for trekking.  It is still unspoiled and one of my favorite areas.   You have awesome Himalayan views, black skies at night with stars so close you might touch them!   As a side night, just for that particular view, Shreebahn Nature Camp in Dhading is worth a visit.

I love helping people get around Nepal.  So, email me with your question!  sandra@trekthimalaya.com