Beta on Katmandu

[Andrew_Pickering]

I found out a week ago that work is shipping me to India...next week. I thought I would extend my trip and fly into Katmandu to experience some big mountains. I'm only there for 8 or 9 days and want to get the most out of it. Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated. I'm not planning on bringing hardly had tech gear as I heard I can rent it there... in the case I get on a climb.

Thanks,

AP

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Andrew Pickering

andy_pick@hotmail.com

[John_Hollett]

You can find some great info at these two sites: http://www.hec.org/info/faqs/climb.htm and http://www.project-himalaya.com/info-trekking-peaks.html. The Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA) has classified 18 peaks in Nepal as 'trekking peaks', a misleading name because all involve climbing. Ranging from 5650-6500m (18,537-21,325ft) some are, however, appropriate heights to combine within a trekking program. "Limited bureaucracy" peaks would be a better name.

You can rent everything you need in Kathmandu in the Thamel district. You can also find great info at the Kathmandu Guest House on guide services/trekking agencies that you need to sign up with. There's tons of scammers walking the streets, trust your instincts and you'll have the time of your life.

ps - Be prepared for the smog in Kathmandu by taking a dust mask or bandana(s) along. It may not bother you, but it did me.

[W]

speaking of kathmandu street scammers:

the Nepalis, like many eastern cultures, have little to no equivalent for the word "no" as it is considered too abrupt or rude.

When someone offers you tiger balm, gorkha knives, sarangis, or anything else you are not interested in, the nepali phrase "Chain Dai Na", which translated means effectively "absolutely not needed", spoken in a quiet voice, will make yourself clear and they will usually stop their sales pitch immediately. Or more likely they may be surprised you know some Nepali and will then want to talk to you (in english) and find out more about you and who you are, where you come from. But saying "no" will only make them follow you, especially if you are abrupt; in nepal if someone thinks they have upset you in any way they will follow you around trying to correct the situation.

this may seem like minor advice but sometimes the whole scene can be overwhelming and in the streets there is nowhere to hide. Also, if I may give a plug for a friend, Hira Dhamala from Karnali Excursions in Thamel is a wonderful man and runs a good hotel (The Excelsior), and his company arranges good transportation and tours for just about anywhere. Check it out, and have a great trip.

[num1mc]

Howdy, With only eight or nine days, you will be hard pressed to even hike to the Solo Khumbu/Kala Patar/Everest Base camp, much less climb a trekking peak. I would foget about any climbing, and try to fly to Lukla. From there start trekking towards Namche, and then either Goykho (sp) or Kala Patar. Go slowly and see how the altitude feels. Or else try some jungle trekking or hiking lower and closer to Katmandu.