Talk:Nepal Trekking

Namaste. Trekking is a popular reason for traveling to Nepal, I think it deserves its own page.... clickety-click... and here it is. I hope that it is useful, I shall try to add some more info on the various other trekking related pages. I'm new here so feedback welcomed --(WT-en) Oliphant 17:14, 17 August 2008 (EDT)


 * Looks good to me! The only thing that immediately comes to mind is, well, more please. And maybe some good pictures. ;) --(WT-en) Peter Talk 18:43, 17 August 2008 (EDT)

Pictures - and guides
Someone asked for pictures - I have several on my photoblog, http://picasaweb.google.com/DavidRitchie43

Several postings here and elsewhere suggest you don't need to hire a guide even for a long trek. That is true if you have prior experience in the region and speak at least a little of the language - but in my own experience the guide greatly added to the trip - knowledge of local cultures and cuisines (If you want mountain hiking with a Big Mac or a plate of lasagna every night go to Yellowstone - or the Swiss Alps. If you want to be in Nepal, then eat Nepalese food.  It's part of the experience, and it is actually quite good.)  Also I noticed most of the people I met on the trail who went without guides ended up asking frequently for advice - usually from a guide who was there because someone else was paying him. I would also recommend against going with a large group - I noticed that people in groups larger than about 4 or 5 had little contact with local cultures (or with other trekkers). I went alone with just a guide and porter (didn't really need the porter, but he was nice to have along). It worked out great and I had a fabulous hike, but I missed having a buddy to share experiences with - I'd suggest a group of 2 or 3, with one guide and maybe one porter.

Also note that the guidebooks, including the one I took along, Lonely Planet, may be out of date with respect to prices and other details, and should be taken with a grain of salt.

I would recommend my own guide highly - Raj Nepal, www.rajnepal.com, e-mail raj_18nepal@yahoo.com. Very knowledgable and competent, good companion. If you'd like to consider getting away from the hordes of Europeans and Australians ask Raj about alternatives to the "big three" most popular treks - next time I go to Nepal that's what I plan to do.

Dave