Nepal roads

MeCasa

Has anybody travelled the road that enters western Nepal at Royal Birdia National Park and traverses the length of Nepal?

Is this road open in Nov? , I'll be cutting up north to Kathmandu mid country.

Thanks
MeCasa

-m2-

It will all become clear when you get your roadmaps -- the east-west highway crosses Nepal south of the mountains in the tropical part of Nepal: you will see the distant mountains on your left and your elevation probably less than 1000ft. If you are planning to cut north to Pokhara and cross the central route to Kathmandu, this road will be no problem in November either as it basically follows river grades and has no passes on it. Nepal gets very little precipitation in the winter and it is extremely unlikely you will see snow at anywhere near the 3-4000 ft levels you will be travelling. You can camp by the lake in Pokhara and go swimming in November.

As I mentioned once before, the problem driving in western Nepal is potential political problems which might close the portal from Uttaranchal. There have also been times this past year when the normal route you would take to get to Darjeeling on the eastern side has been closed. You will have to make some decisions as you go along -- no one here will be able to help much as we aren't 'on the ground'. You can get current Nepal news off the web, as well as talking to travellers you meet along the way.

MeCasa

Thanks -M2-, one of my maps was back ordered (despite telling me everything was in stock), so they held the whole order which is ticking me off but....

I do my best to stay on top of the political climate and it's not too, too bad. The maoists are taxing everybody 1,000rs, but they are treating people decent. They give you a receipt and that receipt will be accepted by the next merry band of rebels. Although there is some confusion as to if the reciept works in every state, the total cost should not exceed 100US. The bandits are pretending to be Maoist patrols and don't generally get violent, they will barter down their tax and they are genuinely afraid that the maoists will catch them, so it's best to mention that minor fact when bartering, however as in all these kinds of situations there is no guarantee and final decisions will be made on the ground.

Thanks for the info on the topography, at the very least I can continue working on my itinerary until the maps come in.

PS I should have said "despite telling me they were in stock and accepting my money for a two day delivery", however they assured me that when the map finally comes in (whenever) they will still ship the entire order by two day delivery, you almost have to laugh.

ananda2193

I did that route from Pokara to India in end of May 1991. I was in Pokara and heard that the border there had just opened the month before so I thought it would be cool to be 1 of the first to do it. Left Pokara around 5 p.m. and arrived in Nepalganj at 6 a.m. the next day. I was told there was only 1 bus a day going west at 5 a.m. so I was stuck in Nepalganj for 23 hours. Next day at 5 a.m. left for Mahendranagar. Crossed a huge river on a pontoon kind of bridge that they pulled across the river by cables. On the other side was a primitive village where we ate lunch. Arrived in Mahendranagar at 8 p.m. Got a cheap hotel as there were no other. Couldn't sleep because of the heat and mosquitos. Next morning took a minibus to a bordertown where I went to immigration and got an exit stamp. Walked across the border into India and waited for the immigration officer to come back from lunch. Got my entry stamp. Walked awhile. Crossed a river to where the buses were, and caught a bus to Ranikhet. Arriving in Ranikhet at about 8 p.m. In total a 3 day journey! Very little people and towns along the way. Though alot of the scenery was breathtaking! But you are in the Terai area of Nepal, so there are no mountain views.

-m2-

MeCasa: the Maoists may be taxing trekkers, but the highway situation is what you should be concerned about. For example, if you Google 'Nepal Mahendra Highway' (using Google News) you get stories such as this one from a week or so ago:

http://news.webindia123.com/news/sho...240&cat= Asia

It is quite possible that highways and borders can be closed by the government if a situation gets out of hand, hence the need to keep up with news and developments.

MeCasa

So much for not needing the malaria pills

Those are serious articles, made even worse by the fact that I have always intended to continue as far as possible into northern Nepal. Now that I have the name of the southern highway I will monitor that situation a little closer.

I waited my whole life to come to these mountains, in my younger days I was a good climber, probably not good enough to take on the likes of K2 but with a little more finances, practise and experience I would have been ready; and I never stopped believing that someday I would have the time, skill and expertise. But like most of us, family and business ate up a lifetime, I am older, weaker and mellower now and I know I will never climb mountains like K2, but damn, I at least ought to have the opportunity to see them. I realize the situation is terse, especially when travelling on a bike and solo, which is why I have tried not ro disscuss this part of my itinerary on the forum. But the thought of being so close and not making a strong attempt is not exactly a prideful thought in itself.

I intend on monitoring the situation closely and if anybody hears anything please post it here

Thanks -M2-
MeCasa