h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

I will be revisiting Nepal in May this year

As i was last there in '96 if anyone has any up to date information on where to eat and drink in Katmandu and Pokhara, it would be much appreciated.

Also, if anyone is thinking of doing the Annapurna circuit i would be happy to share my experiences.

Cheers, Linus

The most totally relaxing place in Pokhara (especially after an Annapurna Circuit) may be the Paradise Garden restaurant, situated directly at the lake. It makes for excellent romantic evenings, and is possibly the most inspirational location ever to play a good game of chess.
I could also bring attention to the fact that dutch friends of mine occasionaly organize small treks in the Barpakh area, which is somewhat off the beaten path and therefore an extraordinary experience (yet not as expensive as the Mustang area!).. Contact me if you'd like to know more.. Happy hiking!
Chris

I am actually going to Mustang and yes it is costing me a fortune, but due to the impending birth of our child I will not get much of a chance to go anywhere for a number of years after this so what the hell.

I will be travelling with Tashi Tensing who is the grandson of Tenzing Norgay. We are going for the Teje festival which is the celebration of the triumph of Buddhism over B'on so there should be some amazing sights and besides i have always wanted to go there ever since i went to Kagbeni and could go no further.

Is the paradise gardens on the main tourist road? I remember a pretty cool place at the right end of the tourist area (as you face the lake) but would have to look in my diary to remember what it was called.

How long ago were you there?

Tell me more !!!!!

Cheers, Linus

I'm a lucky bastard and have been able to visit 3 times, last in 1997.
I did the Annapurna circuit twice(even once *without* taking the lazy plane in Jomsom), and liked it thoroughly. Though it got me blisters the size of the larger Himalayan foothills.. remember to pretrain those shoes!
I've 'lived' in the Barpakh area I mentioned for 3 months, during which I got the chance to do some English teaching at the local elementary school.. a great experience, which showed me just how communicable the Nepalis can be! (and hospitable, the first Nepali word I actually learned was 'Pugjo!', meaning 'that's enough!', after continuing offers of the local brew)
Paradoxically enough, I have always liked Kathmandu a lot, too. Most tourists I know got bored there rather quickly. Though the noxious fumes can be trying, I find nothing more relaxing than strolling to Thamel on an early morning, settle down for a donut and a doodh chia in a garden café, and while away the noon meeting interesting people and reading pulpy SF.. Ahh.. sweet memories!
I also went and saw Chitwan, where I nearly saw a tiger (OK, I didn't). I combined that with a wild water raft, which can be fun too, in the tourist season(rapid water)..
Well, there is so much to tell, I guess I have to stop for now as I'm getting very little sleep as it is.
I'm sure that if you posted to one of the busier (travel-related)forums, you'd get lots of replies from people who have been there recently. Anyway, I hope you have a wonderful trip, and maybe I'll see you around on h2g2!
Chris

i didn't take the plane either, couldn't see the point really when Marpha, Tatopani etc is luxurious compared to the other side of the pass.

What you did sounds fantastic. I never had a problem with Katmandu, there is too much to see and do, although i did get a cough from the polution.

It's hard to stop talking once you start remembering things isnt it? I've had to stop myself on numerous occasions at the pub, parties etc before i bore everyone to death...........

I will probably put something on the lonely planet site at some stage, but i never seem to leave h2g2.

See you out there

Linus! This nearly slipped me by! I hope that you will keep a journal/ make notes on your impending trip! I would love to feature Nepal in the Post... not to mention an interview with the Sherpa would be soooooooooooooo coooooooooooooool!!
If you take any pictures out there, you can send them to Pastey who will pop them in our h2g2Post gif site
I am really excited about this
shazz

Yes, i had visions of a photo of some monks blowing the huge trumpet like things during the Teje festival, but not to be

Oh well! Maybe next year you can pack-back your little treasure and all go there!
shazz