bandiroot

My husband and I are visiting Kathmandu first week of March for 4 days. We have booked day trips already to Bhaktapur and around the Kathmandu valley. We are considering taking the Himalayan mountain tour via Buddha Air or Yeti but we are kind of concerned about safety riding a small plane. Would appreciate any advise from experienced Fodorites especially those who have taken this tour. Is it worth it and therefore a must do?

Kathie

I did this flights many years ago. It is a dramatic flight, you fly along a ridge toward Everest.

Is it a must-do? I guess that depends on you. You may get a great view of the mountains on your flight into Kathmandu.

Don't miss visiting Patan. There is a gorgeous museum often cited as the best in the sub-continent, right on the Durbar Square.

Kathie

PS I don't know how you are booking tours, but it will be MUCH less expensive to book anywhere you want to go once you get there. Indeed, on both of my trips to the area, we engaged a car and driver once we got there. That way, you can go where to want to go, stay as long as you want. There are official guides at all of the world Heritage sites who are very good and the price is quite reasonable - a few dollars an hour.

If you haven't read my trip report, you might find it helpful: http://www.fodors.com/community/asia...mandu-2008.cfm

Photos at www.marlandc.com/Nepal/index.html

thursdaysd

It was a must-do for me since I wasn't trekking, and I th ought the views were fantastic. However, I did it BEFORE a couple of crashes.

My blog entry for the flight is here: http://mytimetotravel.wordpress.com/...and-mountains/

bandiroot

Kathie, I read your trip report. Very informative, thanks for sharing it. I printed it so can refer to it during the trip(!). We are also staying at the Hyatt, thankfully. We arranged for a car and driver for 2 days from the hotel. The only thing we cannot decide on is taking that mountain flight.

bandiroot

thursdaysd, I read the Nepal entry in your blog. Thanks for sharing this. We will mull over taking the mountain flight. Btw, I have bookmarked your blog for future reference re future travel plans. Very interesting!