New fodorite here and am looking into trekking in Nepal, either Annapurna (18-21days) or Manaslu in March/April 2006; I don't plan on going through an American company but any info/advice/suggestions about tour companies, must-see places, things to pack, and extra money needed would be very much appreciated. This is my first time traveling alone so I would like to go with a group. Also any info on camping vs teahouse treks would be good. Thanks.

Trekking in Nepal is a wonderful experience. You will love it. I have trekked there a few times. The first time was a short unguided trek where we stayed in tea houses. I loved it. However now having done a few camping treks I would always choose camping. The main reson being some of the guest houses can get pretty smoking from the open cooking fires etc and that felt bad to me. They can also be a little noise if there are noisy guests. That is not to say that dropping sponteneously into a tea house along the trail in the middle of your trekking afternoon or morning for a cup of tea or pick me up noodles is not a good idea, it most certainly is. I have done a group treks also but have booked them through out of Nepal companies. There is probably a lot more info avail on line now for finding a Nepalese operator. Your op should give you a good list of things you will need. You also want to make sure you have an operator that is up on safety and health two vital factors in a healthy happy trek! If you have anymore questions I can help with I would be happy to. If you have the time spend some time wandering the back streets of Kathmandu to get a feel for it there are so many hidden treasures!
Happy New Year! J

Thanks jules, yeah I would actually prefer the camping. It is a bit difficult though because most annapurna treks are teahouse treks. That's partly why I'm also looking at Manaslu. But you are right, there are quite a few ops online now so I'm really exploring my options. The out of Nepal companies are offering the most reasonable prices and I trust that they are knowledgable. I know about the Maoist conflicts and the reinstatement of the govt. but I still have to find out the general atmosphere there. And I'm always ready to explore the back streets so thanks for the info! Happy New Year 2006!

travel22
I am glad you are thinking camping. I did a trek in the Anapurna region (a few years ago now I admit!) but it was not the much trekked Anapurna circuit rather a less trekked route and so it was all camping. That trek was in March/April time. I think I waould try and avoid the circuit. Mind you I have never done it so this is all second hand but I get the impression it is a bit "crowded" so try and find a route in the area that is a bit more off track. You will still get to go through villages and no doubt part of the start or end of outr trek will join the well trampled route so you will get to see it. I think Mansulu would also be stunning. There are some beautiful areas over near Everest also that can be a bit off the beathen track. I am glad you are aware of the safety issues and keep them in mind. Nepal is stunning and I have always found the people to be just fantastic so I hope this wins out in the end.When you are out there trekking rmember it is not a competiion to see who gets ot camp first. Take it "easy" and smell the roses you may never pass that way again so enjoy it!
Happy trip planning!
J

Hi jules
On planning...I've found out that camping is offered even on the circuit, but it's still the circuit so I'm curious as to the exact itinerary I get from the Nepal ops. I also looked at some paths by Everest with Gokyo Lakes--I get the feeling that I will make more than one trip to Nepal in the future. So far, I've heard some good things about the Lonely Planet guide. Any suggestions on travel guidebooks for Nepal? I'm pretty familiar with India so I don't expect a complete culture shock, but I will need a good map and other info. for trekking, and also for Kathmandu. I'd really like to get in some reading. Thanks again.