"Of temples, mountains and elephants" Nepal by GillianMcLaughlin

Nepal Travel Guide: 4,500 reviews and 10,071 photos

Somewhere different this year please!

With 4 weeks notice and 2 weeks planning I headed off to Nepal with my LP, backpack and return ticket. I had just over a month off work. Those who had been before me told me a month was too long for such a small country - 3 or 4 days would do.

In the event, I used my month to the full, taking in everything from an amazing trek in the Annapurna range to watch the sunrise over the mountains, an elephant ride in the sourthern jungle lands of Chitwan, early morning walks through ancient towns in the Kathmandu valley and just hanging about in the coffee shops of Kathmanu.

I made friends with stall-holders who took me out visiting, and invited me to dinner. I had to go to the dentist somewhere along the line. I had a ball! An absolute ball!

I hope these pages give you a little flavour of what is in store if you decide to visit.

Among the tips you will find an inordinate number of suggestions for avoiding and dealing with tummy bugs... personally my month passed untroubled, but this was not the case for many people I met... don't let it put you off, but do think ahead.

Pokhara - Dipwali

Getting "dressed"

I was fortunate enough to visit during the massive Dipwali festival. This week-long festival cuplimates with a hige family party. The hotel I was staying in invited all of us guests to join them for the party. This included receiving our gift of a Thika, all home made from pastes made from flowers.

Would you get a load of that white skin! It glows in ultra-violet light you know!

Poon Hill: the gay boys got there before me!

A 4-day trek from Pokhara can lead you to a small mountain village, where you spend (a bit of) the night. A couple of hours before dawn you set off on a near-death hike to reach the summit of Poon Hill to watch dawn rise over a 360 degree panorama of 6000m + mountains.

Pros and Cons

Pros:A small country with fantastic people and amazing sights
Cons:Since my visit maybe less secure than it was
In a nutshell:The best of everything. A great introduction to Asia for the first-timer

Last visit to Nepal: Nov 1997
Intro Updated Jan 30, 2004
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Reviews (11)

Pashupatinath # 4 - sites accessible to... Things to Do (4)

There is no doubting the justice in establishing Patupashinath as a World Heritage Centre. Visitors who may be... more travel advice

Pashupatinath # 3 - colourful offerings Things to Do (4)

When you arrive at the Pashupatinath site, before clapping eyes on a temple, you will need to negotiate a walk down a... more travel advice

Pashupatinath # 2 - awaiting rebirth Things to Do (4)

I learned much during my few hours in Pashupatinath, mainly thanks to a guide who had noone else to talk to so early in... more travel advice

Cremation platforms on Bagmati River - Nepal

Pashupatinath #1 - general introduction Things to Do (4)

Pashupatinath is a very beautiful temple, located in the centre of the town of Deopatan, only 5 km from the centre of... more travel advice

Shopping (1)
Thanka
Tourist Traps (1)
Handling street peddlars
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Comments (69)

angiebabe Aug 15, 2008 at 12:38 AM Report Abuse

What a special time - a month in Nepal!Great page and photos thanks Gillian!Somewhere Ive always wanted to go - still ahead of me....!
luckymiffy Jan 4, 2008 at 6:44 AM Report Abuse

I really want to be there. can't help reading more from your pages. thanks for the tips!!
gilabrand Apr 22, 2007 at 5:37 AM Report Abuse

I hope my son knows these things...He's just gone off for a 3-month trek in Nepal & India...Next time he e-mails me, I'll remind him.
nixca316 Mar 20, 2007 at 10:12 PM Report Abuse

Patupashinath looks like an interesting place to visit...Take care! Keep those tips coming!
toonsarah Jan 15, 2007 at 8:31 AM Report Abuse

Excellent tips - beautifully written and equally beautifully illustrated. I will certainly be back to explore the rest of your Nepal pages
calcaf38 May 10, 2006 at 3:21 PM Report Abuse

HI Gillian: Your Nepalese pigment powders were on the front page at 18:15 Eastern Standard Time. Gorgeous picture. I saw similar pigments offered at the Pisac market. See you in Baltimore!
Anchovy56 Feb 22, 2006 at 8:31 AM Report Abuse

Me thinks GM is getting a kickback from said supplier. Dialang was just a cover, right?
topoftheworl Feb 13, 2006 at 7:48 PM Report Abuse

"Early morning in Pashupati." A very moving photo. Thanks.
miso80 Jan 18, 2006 at 7:43 AM Report Abuse

Then you must come along..and allow us to show you around ;) Love ur pages..i'll have to take a good look at them.Maybe you will come here in the fall on that trip brad brown is planning!hihi! Lebanon-Syria-Turkey-Greek Isles :)
roz.van Dec 18, 2005 at 11:29 AM Report Abuse

ur great :) a month off and u dont waste it, u turn i into something special. thanks for yr help..i have just googled indian toilets LOL OMG. i only hope i enjoy it as much as u obviously enjoyed nepal! xxx roz