I see there are two dates up for this tour in 2017 and it's one I might consider, depending on what else JY come up with over the next few months!  Can you tell me, did any of the dates run in 2015/16 or were they cancelled after the earthquake?  If they did, could you tell what feedback was like for the tour - regarding the difficulty of the walks?  I can't see any reviews for this tour and I suspect that it has not run any dates so far but I could be wrong!

Best wishes,

Bob

It looks like such an amazing trip doesn't it?!

We had one departure in March 2015, but after the earthquake we decided to cancel the dates for the remainder of 2015 and the whole of 2016. In regards to the difficultly of the walks, a moderate level of fitness is required as you could be walking for over 5 hours some days, which may be quite strenuous. Some walks will include steep uphill walks and rough ground - just bare this in mind.

There was someone in their mid-70's on the March 2015 trip, so it's certainly doable for all ages.

Kindest regards,

Monty

Thanks for the info and yes it does look wonderful!  I've read the itinerary carefully and it looks like there is only one strenuous walk lasting five hours with a long and pretty arduous uphill section.  I've looked at reviews of the park and trails there on Trip Advisor and it does sound fairly tough going.  The other two walks sound much more manageable.  My problem is that I have fallen arches which can make a lot of walking challenging when they are playing up (I can never predict when this will happen!).  On all my JY tours so far I have managed without any great difficulty.  So my question is that, if I did go on this tour would it be ok to opt out of the Shivapuri NP hike on day four?  As far as I can see it's not a travelling day and we stay at the hotel in Kathmandu/Patan that night again before heading off to Chitwan the next day.  If I did opt out, I reckon the tour group would be back at the hotel after lunch in any case.  Would the TM/local guide be able to make some suggestions for a walk I could do in the area that morning?  I wouldn't want to journey too far but it might be nice to have a wander in the vacinity of the hotel and if one of them could give me some help with this it would be great.  What do you advise?

Best wishes,

Bob

That's correct. Day four is not a travelling day, so if you want to opt out of the walking excursion then you're more than welcome to. The walking group will be having lunch whilst out on the excursion, if you do chose to opt out, you will miss out on this lunch unfortunately.

Regarding suggesting a walk, unfortunately the TM or the local guide will not be able to help due to health & safety reasons. If you're feeling adventurous though, this would be perfect timing for you to explore the area individually.

I hope this helps.

Kindest regards,

Monty

Thanks for the info, it is very helpful.  I will wait and see what new tours are in the May and Sept brochures before I make up my mind!

Best wishes,

Bob

You may have read on another thread I'm looking at this trip for 2017. Glad you asked about any previous trips - I had been wondering about that too. Just waiting for the new brochure and what it may bring before deciding.

I still keep humming and hawing about this trip concerned about the effect of the earthquake but in the end think why wait - I don't want to let the chance of walking in Nepal be lost. Tourist numbers are down so another good reason to go soon to get things quieter. I think I'm convincing myself.

For the first time I think I would splash out and do the add on with a view to trying some short walks round about.

Angie

Yes I had an idea that you were interested too.  Since I wrote that thread I've discovered JY have brought back Russia for this Sept and I'm hoping it will run in Sept next year - if so I will most probably do it then instead of Nepal in November.  All this holiday planning is very complicated!!

Cheers,

Bob

I'm so excited to be going in March 2017 ... my first possible opportunity!

Jenny

Looking at this trip too, also am concerned about the fitness needed for the hard walking day, up hill may be a problem (mild asthma) especially if this is higher than sea level.  Also no details about the add on, any info please.

Jenny

Hi Jenny,

Walks include basic walk to moderate trek.

Shivapuri Day Hike ( 2330 m) and Dhampus Day hike(1750 m) are moderate hike. The activity level is fairly easy. Guests should be moderately fit, used to some regular exercise and enjoys walking. In terms of climbing technicalities, it is a moderate uphill hike  with gentle & gradual climb up through the forest including climb up with stone staircases. No need to worry about altitude as both hike don't go above 2,500 meter.

Kind regards,

Elisa

I booked the March Walking in Nepal trip a week or so ago. I am also doing the Antarctica trip over Christmas and the New Year.

I see that the Nepal visa application documents have to be with JY a couple of days after I get back from S America. Would it be possible to send me the paperwork for the Nepal visa in mid December before I leave for the Antarctic so that I can at least get most of the info together and have it ready to send to you as soon as I return.

I obviously can't send it before I get back as the Penguin Border Force will want to inspect my passport!

The visa will only take 2 -3 weeks to process so there will be plenty of time to process the visa after your trip at Christmas.

The paperwork is all automated now so will go at 15 weeks if you're having paper copy or at 10 weeks if by email.

All you need to make sure you have in advance is a passport size photo.

The form is just personal details so quick & easy to complete.

Kind regards,

Elisa

I'll be getting some passport size photos shortly as my paper driving licence expires soon and I will need to apply for a photo one in the next month or so.