help with itinerary 8 days

Hi all the helpful people.

We are struggling to put together a 9 day itinerary for Nepal and I am sure you have good ideas how to make the best out of this short stay.

We will are at th emoment considering:

day 1 arrival,overnight Kathmandu

day 2 Kathmandu overnight in Kathmandu or Nagargot?

day 3 if overnight in Nagargot trek down towards Kathmandu to Bhaktapur or towards nala and Banepa? Is it possible? Is it a good idea? Overnight in Kathmandu

But we would also like to go to Bouthanath nad Kopan monastery. Will we have time in these days?

day 4 fligh or drive to Pokhara for the Gorepani-PoonHill trek

(Or rather fly to Lukla or Jomsom or Manang? (To get some mountain air as someone suggested). We have not been in higher mountains and find it very tempting - what would you suggest?)

Then days/nights 5-7 we would be somewhere trekking

but we have to back in Kathmandu on day 8 not to mis sthe flight in the morning of day 9.

So - we are looking for suggestions. Any advice highly welcomed.

help with itinerary 8 days

Thank you for the answer!

Some more questions :)

How long it would take to trek to Poonhill from Pokhara?

Why would you suggest Pokhara over Jomsom? (Concerning nature and mountains )

Of the Kathmandu hotels, would you suggest Courtyard, Shanker or some other for the first time visitors?

What is the best way to get to Nagarkot? Taxi?

Is our itinerary what you would suggest or should we adjust it more and spend more time in Kathmandu before departure?

is it nessesary to book in advance hotel in Nagarkot in the end of September?

Thank you in advance!

help with itinerary 8 days

We are planning to stay in Nepal in the end of September. Is there any festivals in that period that we should not miss?

Hi there,

Namaste(A local form of greetings)from Nepal..

It%26#39;s nice to know that you are heading to nepal on winter and of course the time you have been choosed is absolutely wonderful and best.

In fact, I would be very appreciate to reply you properly as your questions and hope your kind understanding.Thanking you.

You Wrote:

How long it would take to trek to Poon hill from Pokhara?

I Write:

Generally,trekking up to Poon Hill will take 2 or 3 days and it is depend on your walking ability because on the first day of your walk would be maximum 4 to 5 hours and will be stop at Tikhedhunga(1600m)and rest at the lodges. Similarly, second day is little bit hard walk compare the day first.

So, yeah you will be able to be at the Poon Hill on the third day morning and should be at the top(3,210m,Poon Hill)little early(5.30am)

You Wrote:

Of the Kathmandu hotels, would you suggest Courtyard, Shanker or some other for the first time visitors?

I Write:

Here are many hotels and among them courtyard hotel is still nice and wood carving windows,looks traditional and typical Nepalese style but administration management is little bit non professional but more or less nice.And while you arrive here in Kathmandu you may have more chances to see other hotels as well.

You wrote:

What is the best way to get to Nagarkot? Taxi?

I Write:

The best way to get to Nagarkot by car.

You Wrote:

Is our itinerary what you would suggest or should we adjust it more and spend more time in Kathmandu before departure?

I Write:

Well, spending time in Kathmandu is still good decision but as you know the city is really dust,pollutions that%26#39;s why split your holiday out of Kathmandu but I think still you are staying in Kathmandu for a day or two to departure your next destination right? So, it will be enough.

You Wrote:

is it nessesary to book in advance hotel in Nagarkot in the end of September?

I Write:

Well, it depends up on the quality of hotel because if you are looking for nice and comfortable hotel in Nagarkot like Kathmandu, you should arrange a head because there won%26#39;t be enough space or room available at that time but please don%26#39;t be disappointed that if you book the room early cost will be high, it%26#39;s not true. or if you like to stay normal hotel you may get room and can reserve after you arrive here.

So, finally I think I have written those informations which will meet with your needs and please write here for further assist or send pm.thanks

N.D

Hi there again,

Yeah you will be in festival time if you are heading to nepal end of sept. and it is call ';Vijaya Dashain'; and most of the people go to village to get the bless from their elders and parents.And another beautiful festival right after 15 days later which is call ';Deewali'; and you may enjoy with lots of light around Kathmandu and all over nepal as well as India too.

cheers

N.D

Thank you for all the very informative answers! Your help is highly appreciated!

Dashain, the major Nepalese festival starts in September 30. It is a ten day long festival with major days starting from the seventh day. So, the festival starts in earnest from October 6.

If you want to know in detail about the festival, please check on http://www.exoticbuddha.com/english/calendar and look for the events in October.

Hope you will find this helpful.

Given your limited time I%26#39;d suggest that if going to Pokhara it%26#39;s much better to fly there from Kathmandu (25 minute flight, with superb views, particularly if you sit on the right on the ktm - Pokhara flight: the alternative is around 6 hours by bus, an experience, but one that is probably worth avoiding !)

I%26#39;ve also found that a night spent in Bhaktapur is a great experience - compared to the noise and pollution of Kathmandu the centre of Bhaktapur is delightful, and a much more Nepalese experience than Thamel. The central squares of Bhaktapur are spectacular, with wonderfully restored buildings, and are virtually traffic-free, and once dusk settles over the square, and the butter lamps are lit in front of the many temples,the atmosphere is magical. I can recommend the Bhadgaon Guest House, comfortable, friendly, inexpensive, and right in the middle of things.

I%26#39;ve visited Nagarkot a couple of times:I%26#39;m not certain that I%26#39;d see it as an essential part of an eight-day trip.The views are pretty good, but you%26#39;ll get better ones from the plane ! A three-day trek is more problematical - it%26#39;s not easy to get into the mountains and back in a short time. Poon Hill from Pokhara involves quite a bit of ascent, ok if you are fit, and the views from Ghorepani are spectacular.