Nepal
 

Hey,
I'm planning on staying in Nepal for a month - probably around Kathmandu. I'm off by myself.. has anyone here done something similar before? Also, how much should you expect to pay for things like meals, beer, accomodation, in-country travel?

Also, Via Via Cafés have really - REALLY - good rates for accomodation - hence me being a bit cautious about them :D anyone used them before? In any location?

I had lots of meals at the Via Via in Copan, Honduras, but it was full so I couldn't stay there -- very nice place.

I stayed at Khatmandu Guest House, but that was 10 years ago.

You need to start by reading a guidebook. Also, take a look at Lonely Planet's thorntree discussion group. Nepal has been less popular lately, but it used to be a very big tourist destination.

As you may know, it appears that Nepal's political situation is finally stabilizing, with the accord signed by the government and the Maoists.

It's been years since I was last in Nepal, but Kathmandu has the most polluted water and air of anyplace I had ever visited. While you might want to spend a few days in Kathmandu itself, you may prefer to out of town for a good part of your time.

Kathie, by polluted air do you mean smokey or industrial pollution(don't know if they have any industry). I've always dreamed of Kathmandu as being a serene, clean place. Guess I'm in for a rude awakening.

Aloha!

HT, you are in for a rude awakening. The pollution is vehicular (tuk-tuks that spew smoke) buring of garbage, dung fires, not really industrial. It's the only place I've visited where I got sick from the air pollution. The water pollution is also awful. You can smell the water when you take a shower (really). And when you read about all the diseases carried by the water in Nepal - well, it's appalling.

Nepal is a desparately poor country. I remember that our driver told us (proudly)that Nepal did not have the highest incidence of TB in the world, that was Afghanistan. Nepal was only #2 in incidence of TB. Part of the reason nepal has so many disease problems is that they do not have basic sanitation in most areas.

After reading all this you are no doubt wondering why I would consider returning. Many things about Nepal are magical. I would return... staying only a few days in Kathmandu itself, and spending time outside the city.

Hi,
There are several guest houses in the backpackers' area, known as Thamel. Narrow, noisy streets, (every pedestrian needs his/her own toot of drivers' horns). BUT is is a gorgeous place to wander in the back streets. The Kathmandu Guest House is still going, bu is popular with groups, so has a price to match.
The polution is man-made, but is better than it was, with some electric tuk-tuks. Look at the various guide books, which will have fairly good descriptions.
I lived there for 5 years, and lived to tell this tale!