tibet /nepal question
 

Does anybody have a recommended time of year to visit these areas around Lhasa Kathmandu and Mt Everest .Tour guide suggestions?

Summer is basically the only time to go, because of weather.

Anyways, just two days ago, the Nepalese King dissolved parliament for the 4th time in 3rd year, and declared martial law. All the borders were closed and most communication severed, from what I read on yesterday's newspaper.

Foreign diplomats are feeling more and more worried that the monarchy is losing control of the country, a large part of it controlled by Maoist rebels.

If you're planning a trip to the area this year, you should really keep track of what's going on in Nepal.

[Now, I do know that tourism is a very important industry in Nepal, bringing in huge amount of money. So, chances are things will be okay by the summer travel season.]

Hi Cochin

The best time is Apr-Jul and if you can brave the cold a bit more than Sep-Oct. You can get plenty of tour guides, equipments on hire etc through the many trekking & travel agencies in & around Kathmandu.

The political situation in Nepal is virtually pretty volatile. So keep your options & plans wide open.

If you are the adventurous type, try Lhasa from the Chinese side viz. Hong Kong-Chengdu - Lhasa. Trek to the Everest Base Camp (North Face)via the Rongbuk monastry and then continue onwards on the friendship highway to Kathmandu or back to Chengu-HK - home.

Take my word, The North Face of Everest is one of the most amazing sights in the Himalayas.

Good luck on expedition planning
Rickshawdriver

I visited the Kathmandu valley in December. It was sometimes frosty at night, but warm in the day. However, I wasn't trekking. Some of the lower altitude treks are food in the fall even into November, but the higher altitude treks are inaccessible in the winter.

And yes, do watch the political situation. I've been reading everything I can about it. Not a lot is known at this point, as most communication has been cut off.

Thanks for your suggestions.Which should i go to first Nepal or Tibet , if this what i decide to do?

Cochin,

I presume you must hv figured out that to go to Lhasa (Tibet) you will have to either go to Nepal first or if you want to do it thro China, then Hong Kong - Chengdu - Lhasa - Kathmandu.

The choice is yours.

If Nepal is having trouble with the current situation what other interesting places are close by that are worth seeing.I would rather not have to come back from Everest to Lhasa to fly out again.

I don't think there's an alternative.

thanks. any suggestions for tour companys