Trip Planning

Want to go on a trip to Nepal with a group of friends but don’t know how and where to start? Want some good and honest recommendations? Let me know your budget, your interests, your time available, your endurance/fitness level and I’ll be able to plan a trip that suits you and your friends.

More as a hobby than a business, I havebeen organising successful and highly enjoyable Himalayan treks since 2002. Together with my Nepalese associates, we are confident that we can plan and design for you, a trip that is memorable for the right reasons.

Short Treks
Let’s face it. Leave and holidays are not easy to come by in Singapore. Most working people can only go on short one-week treks.

With new roads opening up in the mountains, these short treks are now possible. Treks in the Langtang Valley are probably the most economical treks in Nepal (about $800 exclude airfare). Those who are fitter, richer and want to see Everest can opt for a one-week trek to Tengboche (about $1800 include domestic airfare only). Those who want to go to Kala Patar would be looking at a tough 2-week trek (about $2000 include domestic airfare). Annapurna base camp is one trek that can be done in about 10 days (about $1200) for those who are fit and acclimatise quickly.

Do note that these are not “student” or “backpacker” rates. You can expect to stay in reasonably good hotels and lodges. During trekking, you can expect an above average standard of guide and porter support. It’s for people who just want to rough it out a little.

For those who wish to push physiological limits, I can provide hypoxic training for a small fee. To be on the safe side, we can compress a 14-day Everest trek to 10 days for pre-acclimatised trekkers who have undergone hypoxic training. A high level of physical fitness is required to trek at “Sherpa speed”.

Buddhist Circuits
The birthplace of the Buddha has been a Hindu country for centuries, but Buddhism is slowing gaining influence with more temples being built in Lumbini. Monasteries which conduct meditation and Buddhist studies courses in English have also been established in recent years. We can do a meaningful and informative one-week trip to visit these learning centres and explore historical sites here (about $1500 exclude airfare). No trekking required and senior citizens should have no problems on such trips.

Thailand Full Moon Parties
These parties won’t be as happening as those held on Koh Phangan and they probably won’t be held on full moon nights, but for pure indulgence for the more mellow folks, I can arrange for groups to be brought up to a mountain resort at Mae Wang (on 4WD). The views are superb and it’s cold and dry from November to February. Accommodation will be in wooden “bungalows”. Class reunions and even company trips can be held here. There is electricity, hot showers, proper toilets and a meeting room where presentations can take place. Bring your DFS booze. I can get the folks at the resort to provide seafood, meat and tubers for the BBQ. With a sizeable group of 8 or so, We can do it for as little as $250 per pax (exclude airfare).

If you and your friends are interested in any of the trips mentioned, just join my Yahoo Group mailing list (link below) and post a message there. If you want a private trip, I shall respond to you directly. Otherwise, a posting to the group may help you get more people to join the trip. If we have a big group (especially on full moon parties), I may go along to ensure that everyone is well taken care of.

I will try my best to arrange for a trip that suits your needs. Don’t feel obliged if you have other plans or recommendations.

Everest Trek, Nepal