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The monsoon in Nepal has ended, the days are mostly sunny, and mountain trekking is as good as ever in those areas spared from earthquake damage, especially in the Everest and Annapurna regions. In the Kathmandu valley things look quite normal though a second look will reveal some demolished buildings. Bhaktapur was harder hit than most parts of the valley and whole neighborhoods are still digging out of the rubble. Although half of the residents have left the city, most return each day to rebuild and work in the shops.
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Taumadhi Square, Bhaktapur
October 2015
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Though dozens of major World Heritage sites have fallen, most are still intact. It’s not the same here as before the quake but it is still a vibrant, fascinating place. While is now possible to enjoy trekking again in most regions of Nepal, there is a fuel shortage that has made transportation difficult, especially around the Kathmandu valley and Pokhara.
Ironically this problem was brought on by one of the greatest triumphs in modern Nepali history. After eight years of failed efforts to deliver a new constitution, the earthquake spurred a spirit of cooperation and the Nepal parliament approved one of the world’s most progressive democratic constitutions. Unfortunately a large constituency along the Indian border has disputed some of the constitution’s provisions and has blocked the Indian border in protest. The restriction of fuels and other critical supplies has been a major problem for most Nepalese and an annoyance for many tourists. It should also be noted that while there has been some violent protests along the border this area is very far from Kathmandu which remains very safe.
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Fortunately the Bhaktapur Paradise Hotel where most ITrekNepal guests are staying has an ample supply of cooking gas and our drivers have a good stock of fuel so it is still a pleasant environment here. With the inauguration of the new government intent on remedying these political problems, the shortages are expected to ease in the next couple weeks and life should back to normal for everyone fairly soon.
In the meantime the Kathmandu valley and Pokhara are exceptionally peaceful. Similarly, the relative lack of tourists has made the popular treks even more enjoyable since there are no crowds to contend with.
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Trekking Outlook
The April earthquake in central Nepal had a devastating impact on two of the most popular trekking regions in Nepal. The Langtang Valley trek was the victim of a massive landslide that has closed that trekking route, at least for tea house trekking. A new trail has been cut through the landslide area which will make it possible to do camping treks there until the lodges are rebuilt sometime next year.
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ITrekNepal trekkers near Mt. Everest - October 2015
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The Manaslu region was also severely affected although not as badly as Langtang. The Manaslu Circuit and Tsum valley treks are closed for now for regular trekking but should reopen for organized tea house treks in the spring.
The Everest region had some quake damage but reconstruction of the trails and lodges was very quick and the region is back to normal. We have already had a several groups enjoy successful treks to Everest Base Camp and crossing some of the high passes.
The Annapurna region was minimally affected by the earthquakes and all the major routes including the Circuit and Base Camp treks are in good shape. We have already had several groups complete treks to Annapurna Base Camp this season. All other parts of Nepal are open for trekking, including the Kathmandu Valley, Makalu, and Rara Lake.
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ITrekNepal guest from Denmark on Annapurna Circuit Trek - October 2015
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With the help of the New Hope Society and donations from many of our friends around the world, the ITrekNepal has helped the families of our guides and porters to build shelters in their villages where they will reside while their homes are being rebuilt. The ITrekNepal guides and porters are now safe and secure, and are looking forward to the opportunity to start trekking again.
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Volunteering
ITrekNepal and our affiliated charity the New Hope Society have been actively assisting with the rebuilding of schools in the Bhaktapur area that were damaged in the earthquakes. Many of our recent trekking guests have joined us in these projects, lending a hand for a day or sometimes for a week or more.
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ITrekNepal guests and staff with school children in their new uniforms provided by New Hope Society
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We encourage anyone who is coming to Nepal for a trek to schedule some extra time here to help with our rebuilding and educational support efforts. We can arrange low cost accommodations and food for you during your extended stay and you will have a very unique, fulfilling experience helping those most in need.
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Lodging and Transportation
Most of the hotels in Kathmandu, Bhaktapur and Pokhara were not seriously damaged by the earthquakes. When the fuel shortage abates the level of comfort and services in these areas should return to the previous standards. The major roads in the Kathmandu valley and to Pokhara and Chitwan are also in good shape with buses running on limited schedules.
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View from the terrace at Bhaktapur Paradise Hotel in October
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All domestic flights are on their regular schedules. If you are planning to arrive in Nepal this year you can check with us on the current fuel and transportation situation.
Our guests who have already completed treks with us this fall have enjoyed the traffic-free cities and peaceful solitude in the mountains. In many ways this is the best time ever to visit Nepal.
Please feel free to contact Andrew or Shree by email, skype or phone any time if you have any questions or would like to have us arrange a Nepal trek, volunteer assignment or tour.
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iTrekNepal
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