Himalayas

[feliciachua]

Hey,

I'm really interested in a trip to the Himalayan region. Just wondering if anyone has been there, where specifically and what the experience was like?

Thanks!

[sierra2469alpha]

Hi Felicia - did Chengdu-Lhasa-Kathmandu overland back in 2005. It took about 2 months, and was perhaps one of our greatest trips, culturally. The Tibetans are a fantastic people - very warm and friendly. Some points to be aware of:

1) In the Tibetan plateau so think from Lhasa to the borders with Nepal and India, you are at high altitude. Allow a good 5 or so days in Lhasa to acclimatise.

2) If possible, stay of the main highways - go the back roads.

3) You MUSt travel with an authorised group in Tibet - but this is easily arranged both on the ground and also from aborad. We used Intrepid Travel.

4) Ensure you have a good medical kit and are properly trained. Many parts you will not be near medical services.

5) Preparation. Preparation. Preparation. And I mean everything! It's a harsh climate at the best of times, but ensure you have good contingencies.

6) Photos. Again, this is also partly 5). Ensure your gear is fully serviceable and you have plenty of batteries - do NOT rely on local power.

7) if you are planning on going on the Nepalese or Indian side, then the same roughly applies.

8) Innoculations. Some may disagree, but get them all.

9) Travel insurance. Full on, best you can afford. Had one of our party evecuated out, and the cost was well over $45,000 AUD.

Let me know if this is too broad and if you need some more detail.

Kind regards, P.

[nutmeg]

Hi Felicia,
I've been to the Indian Himalayas. You can fly to Delhi, then travel by car to Manali (250km north of Delhi) then either go trekking or take a 2-3 day drive across the Great Himalayan Range to Ladakh. Or you could fly from Delhi to Leh and go trekking there or visit monastries. You can also go from Manali to Shimla, a quaint little town on a hill with cobblestone streets which was the old British summer capital. This route is a little more treacherous in my opinion - roads are not as good and bridges aren't repaired quickly enough - but if you like an adventure, it could be interesting ! The Manali - Leh highway has better roads as it is maintained by the Indian army.

[feliciachua]

Hi guys,

Thanks so much for all the comprehensive information! It's really helpful.

I'm think I'll probably be going to Tibet and Nepal. I really wanted to go to Ladakh, but I guess that will have to be postponed due to the recent floods.

Thanks once again for your help!

[granator]

Hi guys,

Thanks so much for all the comprehensive information! It's really helpful.

I'm think I'll probably be going to Tibet and Nepal. I really wanted to go to Ladakh, but I guess that will have to be postponed due to the recent floods.

Thanks once again for your help!

Did you go to the Himalayas yet?
I'm going this Nov. to Nepal, to climb a peak called Mera Peak (6500m)

[angel9]

Hi!

I lived in Nepal for a while. It is GREAT! The people are great, the view is stunning. Imagine waking up and brushing your teeth right next to the waterfall with water flowing down form Everest! The rivers there are sky blue and crystal clear... It's so amazing there. End of the year is definitely the best time to go. Definitely do the Annapurna! And Pokara... oh I wish I was back there. We stayed with the villagers in the mountains. It was just so awesome! And try the chai lattes there! Authentic to the max... and buffalo meat. It's delish! They don't eat cows there but they eat buffalos... And the fresh yoghurt is amazing too! The pros are endless... There are a few cons of course... better pack the below zero sleeping bags and jackets!

Have fun! And tell us how it goes! Will you be going by yourself or with a tour?