Linda_solo

Travel to Nepal/Tibet & to Everest base camp has been #1 on my bucket list since I was a child. Now at 60 ish I can afford it. I went to Tanzania a few years ago in February, and due to air quality/pollution, allergies went into hyper-drive caused mostly by lots of smoke and traffic congestion in populated areas in and nearby Arusha. Surprisingly the Hospital there was very nice & helpful. (Yeah, it was that bad) I was good in the Serengeti. This was an issue I never seen addressed on the forum on either of these places - Africa or Asia (except for cities in China) . "Dusty" is expected and manageable.

FYI - The only other place I cannot go is inside any of the "Las Vegas" casinos for the same reason. Otherwise, life is good everywhere else.

In general, I do not expect the greatest of air quality in Asia. But, this is a costly trip to go on and really don't want to end up being sick like before. Can anyone who has been to Nepal &Tibet provide any insight on this issue? How bad is it - or do I have to settle on Nat Geo on the TV

Kathie

I've spent a total of almost 4 weeks in the Kathmandu Valley over two trips. When I was there the first time in 1994, there were lots of particulates in the air (due to the tuk-tuks). We couldn't see the mountains from the city. When I returned in 2008, the air was much better. We could see the mountains easily. Yes, there is air pollution, but at least when we were there (Nov) it was ok. The Kathmandu Valley is really a worthwhile destination. There are something like 10 world heritage sites in the valley, every one of them worth a visit.

Let me suggest you choose a trek to somewhere other than the EBC. There are many gorgeous treks/walks in Nepal, EBC is not one of them. Since you are also going to Tibet, I expect you plan to drive to the base camp from the Tibet side.

To be honest with you, while I have not been to Tibet, I would not go. The things I am most interested (Buddhist sites) in were destroyed by the Chinese during the cultural revolution. Instead, we visited Sikkim, which is now part of India. It has many Tibetan Buddhist monasteries, some have been there for centuries, some were established after the Chinese invasion of Tibet.

Sikkim is lovely. You are in the Himalayas and you have the gorgeous mountain scenery. The locals have done a lot to preserve the environment. Nepal was mostly clear-cut due to the demands for firewood. While some forests have been replanted. it is still a pretty degraded environment, though less so than in 1994. Sikkim is different.

I have trip reports here on both trips: http://www.fodors.com/community/asia...mandu-2008.cfm
http://www.fodors.com/community/asia...p-to-india.cfm

Our photos: www.marlandc.com

ChinaDave1

Both times I have been to Tibet, last being two years ago, the weather was perfect with blue skies. Altitude was a bit of a problem but no pollution at those times, once being in October and the other in November.

rkkwan

There is no or little air pollution in Tibet. If you have a very sensitive respiratory system, caution should still be taken as there are particulates in the air - mainly from dust from dirt roads, as well as soot from domestic burning of yak dung as fuel for heat and cooking.

Tibet is still an extremely interesting place. Chinese rule/occupation cannot and will not destroy all their culture. Also, the destruction of some of their sites and artifacts is unrelated to the Cultural Revolution. Instead it was and is deliberate policy from the highest level in Beijing. Very different from what happened in the rest of China in the 60's to early 70's.

harrybridges

tibet's air condition is very good, no pollution, but as it is plateau section， you better take care of your self

gonepal

i came last night from Kathmandu , Nepal it was great flight as soon as nice trip in Nepal , we had a Everest Base Camp Trekking , A local people of Nepal was fantastic as soon as help full ,weather was nice , there was no problem of weather too and i had tibet trip on 2009 what a beautiful place , "Natural beautiful " it was really really unforgettable,have safe trip !

karenclang

If you're concerned about air quality, spend as little time in Kathmandu as possible and get out hiking in the countryside in Nepal. Lhasa is one of very few cities in China with decent air quality. But it can get dusty in the dry season and there are a few factories now just outside Lhasa that do generate some pollution. Despite the heavy Chinese security presence, the Potala and Jonang temple are still worth seeing but it's best if you can go in December when the old city is full of Tibetan pilgrims from the countryside and not tourists. In the summer the city is crowded with traffic and tourists (99% Chinese). Temples and monasteries around have been reconstructed (to be cynical this is more for the benefit tourist $$ than Tibetan Buddhists). You can see some original art work in the Gyantse Kumbum and in temples outside Shigatse (Zhalu and Jonang).

But for the best air quality and a more relaxed Tibetan Buddhist experience, visit Bhutan (or the grasslands and mountain areas of Kham and Amdo) instead of either Nepal or central Tibet.

harrybridges

i dont think it is much safe airplane in nepal, cos they use many old planes fly to tibet, you better choose take the bus

julies

We're in Nepal now. I thought there was a lot of pollution in the Kathmandu area, and we say many, many people with protective masks. Outside of the capital it is much better.

However, my husband did start using his super strength allergy medicine shortly after we got to Nepal. I do not know if it is the pollution or the fact that it is spring here, and he typically has the worst time at home with the spring pollens.