We are considering a 2 week guided tour to the Himalayas. If you had 14-16 days, who would you sign on with and where would you go?
I would appreciate input from anyone with experience with a tour company.

been to nepal 16 times, and married 2 diff girls from there, at diff times of course. dont use a company. just go for it, lots cheaper. go to ktm, visa on arrival, spend 2 days max, it sucks, fly over to pokhara, where my wifes from, pleasant home hotel in lakeside is decent and $7/nite double. hike up sarankot and peace pogoda, but your time is way to short. id hike to annapurna base camp if only that much time. no need for guides, lotsa hotels/food along way and everyone speaaks english. you could hire a porter in lakeside for about $5-10 a day to carry stuff, they're usually nice and no worrys.

Hi Worthydog,

I've ridden East to West along the route ( May to July 2010 ) and it has some of the most amazing scenery.

In Bhutan you need to engage a tour company, I can recommend the one I used that specialises in bike type travelers, the other places you can be basically free-range BUT note there are security issues in Nepal that don't make it to the media.

I'd be happy to pass the info I have including the travel journal, email bergrider@hotmail.com .

Cheers and safe travel.
Frank.

Thanks Guys. Wildlands, unfortunately, I have about 2 weeks and that's it. I have travelled without guides before and that's great but with the short time I have and the delays that could come from paperwork issues, hassles with local authorities, and security, I am interested in getting a guide to handle details and make the most of my limited time.

Bergrider, I will email for more info, thanks

Can anyone give me some input on what part of the area would be the most memorable? Bhutan? Nepal? Tibet? Kashmir? where would you go with 14 days in country?

Hi Wdog,

I've been to Tibet and Nepal (about 5 years ago). Both are spectacular, they are quite different in terms of scenery. I think given the limited time, you are best to go to Nepal. Tibet is a bit more of a challenge to get to, both in terms of flights, and in terms of bureaucracy, I've also heard the chinese have imposed some restrictions on travelling in Tibet (although you would probably be ok in a tour).

Nepal would be easier to get to, most people speak english, there are loads of tour companies, and its really really cheap!!

In two weeks you would probably have time for a couple of nights in Kathmandu (It is pretty crazy, but I loved my time there!!), if you want to go trekking in the Himalayas then one option would be to head to Pokhara and do the Annapurna Santuary - that would probably take about a week, 8 days or so trekking. You can just stay in Teahouses along the way - take a sleeping bag with you, they have all the food in the teahouses.
You could also head to Chitwan National park, which is quite fun and laid back. Go on some river cruises, elephant rides to see the rhinos, and jungle walks - you might see a tiger - one of our friends did and also got charged by a rhino!
We did a rafting trip up near the Tibet border (on the friendship highway) which was also brilliant. We organised that in Kathmandu.

I agree with Wildlands1, it is easy to do most things independently. Another option is to fly to Kathmandu and organise something there with a local agency. Otherwise someone else might have some suggestions for tour companies. Shame you don't have longer, its a wonderful country with lovely people and the Himalayas are absolutely stunning!!

If you do go to Kathmandu, I would reccomend booking your first nights accom and get them to come out to the airport to pick you up or get them to tell you how much it will be - you will get mobbed...

Have fun!

__________________
Ness | two turkeys and a rope | www.greenturkey.co.nz

Pardon me for asking, but are you looking for a riding tour? Or one which helps you trek, shop, see the sights, etc.? Surely answers will be different for motorcycle tour operators, if any....and you seem to be attracting answers which assume you want to go trekking.

Mark

You are right Mark, we are going to moto tour, not trek. Unfortunately, we have 14-16 days total. It's always time and money. At this point, time is in shorter supply, unfortunately. maybe it will be different one day.

I have been reading around and it appears tours can be obtained in 3 basic areas:
1. Bhutan/Sikkim
2. Tibet/Nepal
3. Ladakh/Kashmir

which of the 3 would you experienced hands pick for 2 weeks?