Hotel or Flat in Patan, Nepal ?

Jxlot

Hello,
I am not sure if this is the proper place for this or if it will be allowed to stay but I dont know of any other place to ask. I will be volunteering in Nepal at the Refugee Centre for Tibetans (I think the place is called Patan in Kathmandu) and i was wondering if anyone knew of a nice play to stay for 2 months ? Any advice or suggestion as to where I could find more info or if anyone has any ideas I would truly appreciate your assistance. Thanks and i apologize Mike if this is out of line.

Josh

__________________
"Reality is merely an illusion, albeit a very persistent one"
- Albert Einstein

-m2-

I think you would be ok by just going, getting a place for a few days, and checking around -- with other workers at the Centre and looking around the area that would be most convenient for the long-term stay.

SoulSearcher

Hello:
I understand your feelings. I also went to Ahmedabad to work for four months on a research trip this year and tried very hard to find a place to stay before I left. Not a lot of choices on the internet. I was so stressed becaused I had to eventually go there without any final booking. Finding a rental property was difficult because I needed to stay in the city and needed full AC as it gets quite hot there. All the rental apartments had no AC although prices were reasonable so I finally gave up and moved into a 3 star hotel that had everything I needed (AC, fridge, clean room, nice bathroom, 24 hr hot water, security, walking distance to work etc.). I started paying 895 Rs per day for a room but learned to bargain for what I wanted and eventually they agreed to accept 700 Rs per day as I was staying long term. Could have found one for half price but not with everything I wanted. I'm fussy and don't like bugs.

My advice: Visit several available rental places and hotels, and immediately ask for long term stay discount. Ask what services are included in that price (take into account you may pay extra for laundry, cleaning, cooking etc. in an apartment unless you do it yourself.) My hotel charged extra for laundry and meals so I averaged about $17 per day including laundry and a few meals. Take or buy locally a small electric kettle (to make hot tea/coffee) and an iron to save you money. I took my favourite packaged foods too (tea, cereals, decaf instant coffee etc.). Locals were amazed at my herbal teas I drank each day.

Get there a little early and give yourself plenty of time to look around for a good place to live. It is important you are comfortable and enjoy your temporary home. I made friends there and after a while, several offered me a room at their homes plus meals but I declined graciously. It costs them money and resources to feed you etc. Asking other volunteers is a great idea. They have already done the searches and can save you lots of time. There were hostels too that were cheaper (one room with meals included) but I found that too confining and liked my security and personal services at the hotel (clean daily towels, daily room service, phone in room, TV etc.). I knew my limits and felt happy returning to my little privacy each day after a hectic day in the field. Decide what you can live without in advance and be patient. Everything has a way of working out in India as people are very helpful once they know what you need. My research assistant was a local woman and wonderful at bargaining on my behalf. Make local friends and you will save yourself a lot of worries and enjoy their company.

Good luck,
Peace