What to do in Nepal?

[NFF]

Lonely Planet's guide to Nepal says that Khumjung Monastery has a sign outlining the different types of yeti. The apelike dre-ma and tel-ma cause calamity, while the chu-ti preys on goats, sheep and yaks. Worst of all is the mi-te which is a man-eater, 6 feet to 8 feet tall, with "a very bad temperament".

 

[cmon0005]

Morning all, for those who have done the mountain flights what is the best time to depart, our hotel has booked us on 6:30am flight.
There are also 7:30am & 9:00am flights. When would be best based on visibility,light. Etc?
Thanks!

 

[ronnie66]

Usually the early mornings give the best chance to have clear visibility. I would have opted for the earliest flight too. Less change of it getting canceled. Morning light with a bit of sunrise gives beautiful views. Having said that on a good , clear day timing doesnt make a huge difference, but I noticed that visibility is best early morning.

 

[DrA]

Morning all, for those who have done the mountain flights what is the best time to depart, our hotel has booked us on 6:30am flight.
There are also 7:30am & 9:00am flights. When would be best based on visibility,light. Etc?
Thanks!

My experience was that even if you're booked on the 6.30am flight, it's unlikely you'll depart before 8. Fog in Kathmandu prevents the small planes from departing. And honestly, even if you're booked on the first flight, you'll probably be shuffled around anyway. The mountain flights (and the flights to Lukla) all more or less leave at the same time. Kind of like "weather's clear, go, go, go!".

 

[loungepax]

Just want to say a huge thankyou to everyone who provided advice in this thread.

cmon0005 and I had a fantastic trip in Nepal.

One of us will do a proper trip report with photos soon, but some highlights:

Ambassador Garden Home as suggested in this thread, was definitely a hidden gem, great little place with extremely helpful and friendly staff.
Mountain flight was fantastic, plane left 30mins late, however we were greeted with perfect weather.
Went to Pokhara for a day trip with guide organised by our guest house, flew up early morning drove through the scary mountain roads from Pokhara back to Kathmandu at night, wow that was an experience.
Tried some of the restaurants that were mentioned in here, actually was surprised by the breadth and quality or restaurants in Thamel, Third Eye Restaurant was amazing.

 

[ronnie66]

Glad to know you enjoyed it. Giving tips is always tricky (different perspectives) - but good on you that it was to your liking.

 

[NFF]

Is it safe to walk the streets of Kathmandu and other cities at night ?

 

[ronnie66]

It is safe with the normal precautions. However you do have to realise that it can be pretty dark (lack of street lighting and power cuts/load shedding). Quite often nights without any power. I have been coming to Nepal
since 2004 and go there 2-3 times a year. I feel safe but not always pleasant due to it being pitch dark. Even in touristic Thamel in Kathmandu it is darker after 10-11 pm. Common sense and you ll be fine.

 

[cmon0005]

The only thing I didn't like was walking through thamel and getting asked if I want to buy hash by dodgy looking characters. Generally I just shake my head and keep walking, kind of detracts from the otherwise good trip I had, but I guess you get shady characters anywhere you travel.

 

[NFF]

Everest Journey

http://everestavalanchetragedy.com/mt-everest-journey.html

 

[tomo69]

What is your suggestions to fly to KTM from east Coast Aust. ?

 

[ronnie66]

I would suggest via KL with Malaysian Airlines. Is also competitively priced. You can also fly via Gulf but more expensive.

 

[lovetravellingoz]

I would suggest via KL with Malaysian Airlines. Is also competitively priced. You can also fly via Gulf but more expensive.

I currently have redemption booked for Dec with them in J.
Checked the other night and you can still buy fares on this routes. So hopefully will survive the current cull.

 

[cmon0005]

QF to HKG then KA to KTM. thats what I did.

 

[tomo69]

I would suggest via KL with Malaysian Airlines. Is also competitively priced. You can also fly via Gulf but more expensive.

thanks for that advice, yes I'll be doing that ex MEL but will Position to MEL from BNE with QF. No huge layover either.