trekking in Nepal in August
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Dear contributors to this excellent bulletin board,
There is a 50% chance that I may end up in Nepal in Augusst, at the end of a stint in Boliva - Cordillera Apolobamba, and a second in Romania - the Carpathians, Transylvania, Dracula and the like. I guess it depends how I feel after shaving llamas and bats.
But still, I have never trekked in Nepal in the so called off-season (all my previous trips have been December-January, with the very first one in late November), and I am not in the mood to go Dolpo or Mustang right now for some reason.
I have read all the books (LP, Bezruchka, Collins, Ian's and a few others). Theoretically I think I know what to expect. However nothing beats on-the-ground, at-the-coal-face, in-te-line-of-fire (oops! did not mean it in THAT way...I must be running out of cliches) experience. From the extensive knowledge that some of you guys have accumulated, what do you suggest? I would have about 3 weeks. Classic isnt't it? But that's all I'd have after the other stuff in Bolivia and Romania, before my bloody protestant work ethic (the bills, to be more specific...) will call me back to Sydney relentlessly.
Andrees, Dano, Ian if he's back, Olga, Per, Petrus (in strict alphabetical order), as well as anyone else who has visited Nepal between June and August any year or century, or has passed within 1436.74 km of someone who lived on the same street of someone who did (again in alphabetical order...) - please let me know about your opinion.
For example, is it true that the AC section in the Manang area will be less affected by the Monsoon? This would make it more attractive of course. As would Nicole Kidman or my wife, neither of whom are likely to be there this time, unfortunately...
I guess my attitude is (and always has been) any weather is fantastic if I am in the moutains (especially if there are yaks around... or some nice girl - to shave of course... whadya think!!!). In other words I am not looking for 12 hours a day of sunshine and excellent visibility. Even just 5 minutes every other day will do... I like the rain, and the mist etc. There is a certain mood about them. Living in on the Australian East Coast, you really get sick of too much sunshine sometimes...
Also, I am not so much interested in things like being able to cross Thorung La, or reaching Gokyo or Lauerbina Pass. These are definitely marginal and if I am lucky - fine, if not - no big deal.
I am interested in stuff that people have come accross, things that the books don't tell you, or that are wrong or outdated. Or maybe just confirming that the guide books are right. Whatever.
Any or your info will be much appreciated. I will thank you personally and acknwledge you publicly. Though I am not sure if everyone always appreciates my appreciation :(
Eagarly awaiting your ideas, thoughts, advice. There are no wrong answers (just silly questions).
Cheers