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Indian Sub-Cont. From Kathmandu to Colombo, and Islamabad to Dakha, one billion smiles, treck in the Himalayas, bathe in the Ganga, dance to Hindi pop ! Namaste !

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Old 12-13-2005, 02:28 PM   #1
mermaidnz
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planning our honeymoon, and want to spend 3-4 days in kathmandu,nepal. lonely planet doesnt seem to have much info online, and damned if im paying $30 for a whole book when ill only use a few pages from it!

has anyone been to nepal in the past year or so?

is there any links to info about nepal....hotels,what to expect etc...food...shopping...day trips out of kathmandu etc?


thanks
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Old 12-13-2005, 03:55 PM   #2
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where's Atchoum when you need her? i think she's been there a few times...
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Old 12-13-2005, 05:45 PM   #3
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Finally, someone asking about Nepal !

Actually, I've been there only once, but for four months, mostly spent in Kathmandu. It was almost two years ago, so not much must have changed since then, beside the political situation. On that point, I would think it is still quite safe for travellers, despite all the saying around the country. Use this link to find out more from people who have been there recently : situation in Nepal. (for lodging and trecking infos on the site, be careful, they are spams, so can't trust them...)

You plan on only staying 3-4 days in Kathmandu, or also afterwards treck in the country ?

Ok, so infos :
for food and lodging, you can count as low as $10-$15 dollars per day, or more of course, depending on how much comfort you need. It is not rare to find hotel rooms for as little as $3-$5 dollars per night ! In Kathmandu, the tourist district is called Thamel, this is where you likely stay. It is maybe touristic, but also convenient and the feeling of Nepal is there also. Plus it is safe and lively, especially at night, where the rest of the city is asleep. There, hotels, from all ranges, and good restaurants you'll find. You don't need to book ahead, BUT if you don't, at the airport, some "agent" will try (and they are convincing) to bring you to "their hotel", where they receive a commission. You are still free to refuse from the airport, or take a look at the rooms and walk out if you don't like. There a tens and tens of hotels, no worry to find a nice place. And both staff and travellers in Kathmandu are very friendly.

Good restaurants, like I said, plus you'll find 2 or 3 grocery stores, or if you like the real nepal experience, you'll just walk a bit south of Thamel, and buy from locals in the street market. Better ask in advance to the hotel staff how much you're supposed to pay for food, because the communication with the vendors will be difficult...

There are also travel and trecking agencies everywhere in Thamel. Really hard to know which ones are good, and which aren't (even I couldn't know). On that point, I strongly suggest you borrow from you library a guide book on Nepal (best solution, if you don't want to pay).

There is a moonsoon, from around May to August I think. Don't forget this when planning your time there. And the winter, from late December until mid-February is dry but cold at night and in the morning. Afternoons, smooth and sunny - 15-20 degrees Celsius. With the Himalayas in the far background, you can imagine how beautiful it is !

I could go on for a long time like that. I'll first wait your confirmation on actually going there, then I'll write more.

Oh, and it is a wonderful place where the culture is definitely worth knowing. One of the best country for the outdoors too !

And... congratulations !

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Old 12-14-2005, 06:58 PM   #4
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wow thanks for the informative reply! much appreciated!

we are planning sometime around october 20th..give or take a day or two.probably stay somewhere 3 star-ish. cos are not planning on backpacking, just visiting.id LOVE to spend longer there, but as it is im lucky to convince my partner to go for just a few days!

ill do a bit more googling to find out details, btu its great to have the first hand info on the place.

im already getting excited!!
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Old 12-18-2005, 07:52 PM   #5
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What was I thinking ?! For a honeymoon, hotels in Thamel... not sure... not romantic enough.

This hotel here Sherpa Hotel is a four-star hotel, perfect for you. When I was in Nepal, I lived a few months with a family, and this is the place where the father worked. He said he was doing security, but I think he meant he was doorman, or something similar. Anyway, this is high quality, a few minute walk from the Royal Palace, same to two casinos (great free indian buffet and indian dance shows every night !), and about 10-15 minutes away from Thamel and other interesting districts and places to visit - you'll sure go to Durbar Square, and walk in and around Thamel.

I suggested this hotel, but all hotels in the Durbar Marg district are high rated.

For day trips out of Kathmandu, it depends on your interests. Here are some ideas :
Nagarkot, very romantic short trek with spectacular sunset on the Himalayas;
Bhaktapur, considered to be the most beautiful city of the Kathmandu valley, medieval, no car allowed, but a $10 fee entry;
Godavari, a botanical garden, nice village and beautiful view on the valley from the road;
Bungamati (half a day at the most), very pretty village and area, newari minority, no tourist around (I loved it there!).

By the way, October is probably the best time to go, with September. Right after the moonsoon, so everything is green, and the weather is still warm (around 25 degrees Celsius).
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Old 12-21-2005, 04:20 PM   #6
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wow thanks for that link! the hotel looks like a palace!

ive googled some of the places and activities you mentioned- kathmandu seems to have more to offer then i first thought- might have to convince my partner to stay much longer now
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Old 12-21-2005, 05:36 PM   #7
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I just put up a photo album on the travelpunk photo gallery. You'll see a picture of Bungamati, the village I was telling you about, and "Rani Pokhari", a temple that is a couple of minutes away from the hotel Sherpa. Here is the link : Nepal pictures

And yes, there is sure enough to keep busy for a good week and more in and around Kathmandu. Those were just a few examples. I know you leave in almost a year from now, but if you have any more questions, I'll be pleased to help. In fact, you please me by letting me talk about Nepal !
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