siodhna

Myself and my boyfriend are looking to go on a long haul holiday this year. The two options we have are 2 weeks in Sept or 3 weeks at Christmas. We would like to spend some time taking in the scenery, maybe doing a little hiking ....as well as kicking back to take in the local culture.

We had been looking at 2 destinations; Macchu Picchu and Nepal but recently I've been hearing great things about campervaning in New Zealand.

Re Nepal - Would you need to do an organised trip to get around? Or is it easy enough to plan ourselves? Is 2 weeks enough?

Would the trip to Peru be too short at 2 weeks in September? Is it too much to consider Boliva in that trip?

I know I have quite a mix of ideas here, and it all depends on what we're looking for.... but would very much appreciate any advice you can give on timing/time required or any trips you have doen to these places.

Kathie

I can really only address Nepal. Two weeks in Nepal would be a nice amount of time. You can plan it all yourself, absolutely no need for a tour group.

crosscheck

Even though this is the Asia board, I have not been to Nepal, but have been to both Peru and NZ (though not in a camper van).

Both destinations are wonderful, true travel highlights, but completely different from each other. NZ is an outdoor adventure paradise and Peru offers a mystical encounter with sacred sights, snowcapped mountains and ancient civilizations. I would go back to either in a heartbeat.

However I think you should rule out NZ for now and go to Peru or Nepal because it sounds like you are relatively young. This is the time to expose yourself to a completely different culture and maybe even attempt a fairly rigorous trek.

NZ is spectacularly gorgeous with the full gamut of extreme sports, but you can travel around in a camper van quite comfortably when you are a little older.
The culture is also very similar to the UK, where it sounds like you are from.

Two weeks would be fine in Peru - We spent three (including one trekking). If you do the Amazon as well as Macchu Picchu, you probably wouldn't have time for Bolivia, but could visit Lake Titicaca for a day or two.

siodhna

Great responses - great help with decision. Anyone else??

merckxxx

Nepal. If you really travel, you have to go there eventually anyway. Nepal has had such harsh trouble until recently and they really need the business. They are v. nice people and will do well for you. Look at going on the Annapurna route. You can join a small group with any agency in Kath., but you might ask here or Lonely Planet about a couple of agencies that are best.

Guenmai

I've been to New Zealand twice and loved it. I was there for two weeks...each time... and mostly south island. It's absolutely beautiful and relaxing. I did lots of long walks and mini hikes. I like hiking there because I don't have to worry about snakes. My kiwi friends who were born and raised there and whose ancestors go back to arriving on the first boat over, told me that their were no snakes there. It was great going out with them since they know the history and places like the back of their hand. Happy Travels!

siodhna

I think we're leaning towards a decision. Nepal in Sept. Two things that I'm not 100% about is political situation/safety (any areas to avoid?) and the weather (I hear it might be end of Monsoon) Would like to catch the best month to appreciate scenery. Is Oct better?

jules39

If you could push your trip back to the beginning of Oct you may get a bit better weather. I have been there twice in Oct for a month and had great weather beautiful clear skies. I have never been in Sept but that is the tail end of monsoon. Nepal is a beautiful country I think you will love it. I can't comment on security except to say that things seem to have settled over the past couple of years.
Happy travels
J