Original post
Bonjours,
j'aimerais savoir qui sera en inde( dans le sud)entre le 25 sept et le 15 oct.
merci de vos reponse
I LOVE MY INDIA
Inde du Sud entre le 25 septembre et le 15 octobre 2010
by Surya28
This discussion is in French, the community’s main language.
bonjour du kerala
et que vous répondre..... moi-même, je serai 😉 ! ce sera avec plaisir que je vous inviterai pour une tasse de thé! à part moi, il y a plein de touristes indiens, quelques touristes étrangers.....
quel sera votre itinéraire? bonne journée! monique de kochi
et que vous répondre..... moi-même, je serai 😉 ! ce sera avec plaisir que je vous inviterai pour une tasse de thé! à part moi, il y a plein de touristes indiens, quelques touristes étrangers.....
quel sera votre itinéraire? bonne journée! monique de kochi
rêve ton rêve intensément jusqu'à sa réalisation! (bertrand piccard, à la fin de son tour du monde en mongolfière)
je toujours serai en inde 🙂
bonjour du kerala
et que vous répondre..... moi-même, je serai 😉 ! ce sera avec plaisir que je vous inviterai pour une tasse de thé! à part moi, il y a plein de touristes indiens, quelques touristes étrangers.....
quel sera votre itinéraire? bonne journée! monique de kochi
ben voyons ! Tu as décidément le sens de l'humour, ou... du commerce ! mais tu pourrais un peu changer de méthode, non ?
et que vous répondre..... moi-même, je serai 😉 ! ce sera avec plaisir que je vous inviterai pour une tasse de thé! à part moi, il y a plein de touristes indiens, quelques touristes étrangers.....
quel sera votre itinéraire? bonne journée! monique de kochi
ben voyons ! Tu as décidément le sens de l'humour, ou... du commerce ! mais tu pourrais un peu changer de méthode, non ?
Bonjour,
je dois partir en Inde (Paris-Bombay, Bombay-Paris) du 1 octobre au 29 octobre 2010, soit un mois environ. Je ne sais pas si je dois ou non partir car la personne qui devait partir avec moi s'est désistée. J'ai trente ans, fonctionnaire de Police à Paris, je parle très correctement l'anglais et le chinois, j'ai un budget de 1000 euros environ pour un mois et souhaite surtout visiter le sud (Goa, Kerala, etc). Si je peux me joindre à vous, ce serait fantastique, sinon je pense que je ne partirai pas....
répondez vite, c'est urgent :
Christophe.
je dois partir en Inde (Paris-Bombay, Bombay-Paris) du 1 octobre au 29 octobre 2010, soit un mois environ. Je ne sais pas si je dois ou non partir car la personne qui devait partir avec moi s'est désistée. J'ai trente ans, fonctionnaire de Police à Paris, je parle très correctement l'anglais et le chinois, j'ai un budget de 1000 euros environ pour un mois et souhaite surtout visiter le sud (Goa, Kerala, etc). Si je peux me joindre à vous, ce serait fantastique, sinon je pense que je ne partirai pas....
répondez vite, c'est urgent :
Christophe.
je serai surement dans le coin en octobre je par pour l'inde du 29 oct au 12 dec et je veu faire le sud
tu connai deja?
bonjour du kerala
et que vous répondre..... moi-même, je serai 😉 ! ce sera avec plaisir que je vous inviterai pour une tasse de thé! à part moi, il y a plein de touristes indiens, quelques touristes étrangers.....
quel sera votre itinéraire? bonne journée! monique de kochi
ben voyons ! Tu as décidément le sens de l'humour, ou... du commerce ! mais tu pourrais un peu changer de méthode, non ?
Mauvaise expérience ? 😉
et que vous répondre..... moi-même, je serai 😉 ! ce sera avec plaisir que je vous inviterai pour une tasse de thé! à part moi, il y a plein de touristes indiens, quelques touristes étrangers.....
quel sera votre itinéraire? bonne journée! monique de kochi
ben voyons ! Tu as décidément le sens de l'humour, ou... du commerce ! mais tu pourrais un peu changer de méthode, non ?
Mauvaise expérience ? 😉
Eh oui, Monique pour les uns, Monica pour d'autres (car je ne suis pas seul à avoir vécu une mauvaise expérience), est un agent de voyage. Monique est une businesswoman. Elle a le droit de gagner sa vie, comme tout le monde, mais alors qu'elle se présente comme telle et cesse de jouer la conseillère, la gentille expatriée qui rassure et réconforte les pauvres touristes affolés par la vie en Inde, la bonne amie, qui vous "invite" à boire un thé ou à prendre une collation ou un repas chez elle, qui "guide", afin de mieux piéger les gens et les attirer dans son business. Ses conseils sont rarement (peut-être jamais ?) désintéressés. Et si, par extraordinaire, elle ne vous facture pas le thé qu'elle vous a offert, c'est qu'elle aura réussi à vous fourguer un taxi, un hôtel, un circuit, pour lequel elle touchera une bonne commission (qui vous sera facturée à vous, bien sûr). Elle ira même jusqu'à vous dire que les adresses qu'elle indique n'ont pas de site propre et qu'il vous faut passer par elle pour réserver. Ce qui est faux bien entendu. A part ça, elle est charmante et très gentille, mais surtout très maligne...
merci!
ton message n'est pas méchant, mais diffamatoir! je prie la modération de VF de prendre les mesures du cas!
ton premier pseudo yannick a duré quelques heures, ton deuxième pseudo darshan a duré quelques jours, te voici avec ton troisième pseudo, manapa. le pseudo a changé, mais pas ton aggressivité. dommage!
bonne journée quand-même! aujourd'hui, nous avons tous à faire face aux innondations les plus importante de plus de 50 ans. je pense qu'à palluruthi ça ne doit pas être bien différent qu'à kochi.
monique de kochi
ton message n'est pas méchant, mais diffamatoir! je prie la modération de VF de prendre les mesures du cas!
ton premier pseudo yannick a duré quelques heures, ton deuxième pseudo darshan a duré quelques jours, te voici avec ton troisième pseudo, manapa. le pseudo a changé, mais pas ton aggressivité. dommage!
bonne journée quand-même! aujourd'hui, nous avons tous à faire face aux innondations les plus importante de plus de 50 ans. je pense qu'à palluruthi ça ne doit pas être bien différent qu'à kochi.
monique de kochi
rêve ton rêve intensément jusqu'à sa réalisation! (bertrand piccard, à la fin de son tour du monde en mongolfière)
le message de Manapa n'a rien de diffamatoire; j'ai moi-même eu affaire à la soi-disant générosité de Monique.
Il y a trois ans, j'ai longtemps échangé des mails avec cette "grande amie" qui, a aucun moment, ne m'a averti de sa véritable activité; ce n'est qu'en arrivant à Cochin que je me suis aperçu qu'elle prenait des commissions (exhorbitantes) sur : la guest house, le taxi qui est venu me chercher à l'aéroport, et même sur le rikshaw qui me conduisait chez elle boire ce chai qui a failli me revenir très cher....
Je lui ai dit d'ailleurs à l'époque ce que je pensais ce ses manières et je lui redis à nouveau que si je trouve très louable qu'elle travaille et gagne sa vie, je pense que le fait de se faire passer pour une gentille copine prête à aider gracieusement le pauvre voyageur (et ce même dans les messages privés) tient de la petite escroquerie.
Je n'en n'avais jamais parlé sur le forum car je n'aime pas la délation , mais devant la réaction de l'intéressée (elle avait eu la même à l'époque quand je l'avais démasquée) et son agressivité envers Manapa qui n'a fait que dire tout haut ce que pas mal pensaient tout bas, je ne peux plus me taire.
Monique, devant l'évidence des faits, tu aurais pû, au moins, faire profit bas.
Il y a trois ans, j'ai longtemps échangé des mails avec cette "grande amie" qui, a aucun moment, ne m'a averti de sa véritable activité; ce n'est qu'en arrivant à Cochin que je me suis aperçu qu'elle prenait des commissions (exhorbitantes) sur : la guest house, le taxi qui est venu me chercher à l'aéroport, et même sur le rikshaw qui me conduisait chez elle boire ce chai qui a failli me revenir très cher....
Je lui ai dit d'ailleurs à l'époque ce que je pensais ce ses manières et je lui redis à nouveau que si je trouve très louable qu'elle travaille et gagne sa vie, je pense que le fait de se faire passer pour une gentille copine prête à aider gracieusement le pauvre voyageur (et ce même dans les messages privés) tient de la petite escroquerie.
Je n'en n'avais jamais parlé sur le forum car je n'aime pas la délation , mais devant la réaction de l'intéressée (elle avait eu la même à l'époque quand je l'avais démasquée) et son agressivité envers Manapa qui n'a fait que dire tout haut ce que pas mal pensaient tout bas, je ne peux plus me taire.
Monique, devant l'évidence des faits, tu aurais pû, au moins, faire profit bas.
" Monique, devant l'évidence des faits, tu aurais pû, au moins, faire profit bas."
Un lapsus ?...😛
Un lapsus ?...😛
Balades autour de la boule : Inde, Bangladesh, Turquie, Népal, ..
Récit Bangladesh
Récit Inde 2001
Monique, devant l'évidence des faits, tu aurais pû, au moins, faire profit bas.
J'aime beaucoup ! 😛 C'est énorme en tous cas, j'espère que le tchaï était bon 🤪
J'aime beaucoup ! 😛 C'est énorme en tous cas, j'espère que le tchaï était bon 🤪
j'espère que le tchaï était bon
😛
😛
Bonjour,
ce que vous écrivez-là me choque!
J'ai eu l'occasion de suivre depuis 2005 les conseils prodigués par Monique à tous les voyageurs désireux de se rendre au Kérala . Conseils intéressés dites-vous? Je ne vois pas comment. Ne mélangez pas les conseils qu'elle donne sur vf avec son "activité" à Kochi.
J'ai eu l'occasion de faire la connaissance de Monique au Melting Meeting Point en janvier 2009. Cet endroit est un lieu de passage et de rencontre de voyageurs de tous horizons. On y discute, on y échange des bouquins et des bons ou mauvais plans. On peut y manger aussi et y boire un thé et il me semble normal de devoir y payer les repas!
Monique agent de voyage? Peut-être et je lui souhaite d'en devenir un! Mais pour l'instant ça se résume à vous mettre en contact avec un chauffeur si vous en voulez un, de vous réserver vos billets si vous ne savez pas comment faire....Elle m'a mis en contact avec un chauffeur pour les 4 semaines de mon circuit et m'a réservé mes 3 premières nuits mais c'est ce que je lui avais demandé.
Je suis retournée au Melting Meeting Point en septembre 2009 ( j'avais besoin que Monique me prête une clé wifi) et j'y ai dégusté un fabuleux repas que j'ai bien sur payé!
Quant-aux personnes que j'ai rencontré sur place, ce sont des voyageurs qui viennent régulièrement . Ont-ils le sentiment de se faire arnaquer pour reprendre le terme que vous avez utilisé sur un autre post.
Comme quoi chaque expérience est différente!
Bonne soirée,
Patricia
"rester c'est exister, mais voyager c'est vivre" (Gustave Nadaud)
Bonsoir,
Comme je l'ai précisé à Manapa, ne mélangez pas les choses.
Monique sur VF donne depuis des années des conseils désintéressés aux voyageurs.
C'est vrai qu'à Kochi elle a monté une structure où les voyageurs peuvent se retrouver , échanger leurs plans et y prendre un repas mais ce n'est pas une philanthrope!
Il est normal quand vous lui demandez qu'un taxi vienne vous chercher, qu'elle vous le facture.
Quant-à aider les gens gracieusement, je peux vous dire qu'elle l'a fait à maintes reprises. J'ai rencontré des voyageurs que Monique a hébergé chez elle, ou qu'elle a sorti de mauvaises passes. Et que pensez-vous de son investissement auprès de Machu et de sa famille puisque vous êtes allée là-bas?
Voilà, juste pour dire que je ne comprends pas pourquoi tant de haine envers quelqu'un qui s'investit autant.
Bonsoir,
Patricia
"rester c'est exister, mais voyager c'est vivre" (Gustave Nadaud)
je crois que tu n'as pas compris le sens de notre intervention; il n'est aucunement question de condamner les activités de Monique (qui tient une agence de voyage et une guest house), mais de regretter qu'elle ne le signale à aucun moment de ses nombreuses interventions.
J'ai échangé avec elle de nombreux mails privés sans qu'elle ne me laisse soupçonner un seul instant qu'elle prendrait des commissions sur la guest ou le chauffeur qu'elle m'a proposé "gentiment" de réserver. Quand je suis arrivé à la guest house, le propriétaire m'a donné ses tarifs : 500rps pour une double que Monique m'avait annoncé à 1000rps; pareil pour le BB Retreat, une guest sur les backwaters, où elle prend allégrément des commissions de 40 à 50%; Des français rencontrés à Cochin m'ont également confié que sur ses conseils et son insistance ("venez de ma part, vous aurez de meilleurs prix") ils ont appris d'un commerçant de Matancherry qu'elle se faisait verser des commissions très importantes.
Il est évident qu'elle n'est pas avare de conseils gratuits, ne serait ce que pour continuer à avoir des contacts sur ce forum;
Il y a trois ans, quand après 3 mois d'échanges de mails "sympathiques et chaleureux" sur nos maisons et jardins respectifs et nos petits enfants, j'avais vraiment l'impression d'avoir trouvé une amie qui m'aiderait à découvrir l'Inde.....quelle déception de tomber sur une femme uniquement affairée à me vendre son chauffeur (elle n'avait pas encore sa guest), un séjour sur les backwaters ou je ne sais quel hôtel au nord du Kerala....
C'est sans doute une femme chaleureuse et compétente, mais ses méthodes sont trop 'indiennes' (dans ce qu'il y a de pire) pour moi
J'ai échangé avec elle de nombreux mails privés sans qu'elle ne me laisse soupçonner un seul instant qu'elle prendrait des commissions sur la guest ou le chauffeur qu'elle m'a proposé "gentiment" de réserver. Quand je suis arrivé à la guest house, le propriétaire m'a donné ses tarifs : 500rps pour une double que Monique m'avait annoncé à 1000rps; pareil pour le BB Retreat, une guest sur les backwaters, où elle prend allégrément des commissions de 40 à 50%; Des français rencontrés à Cochin m'ont également confié que sur ses conseils et son insistance ("venez de ma part, vous aurez de meilleurs prix") ils ont appris d'un commerçant de Matancherry qu'elle se faisait verser des commissions très importantes.
Il est évident qu'elle n'est pas avare de conseils gratuits, ne serait ce que pour continuer à avoir des contacts sur ce forum;
Il y a trois ans, quand après 3 mois d'échanges de mails "sympathiques et chaleureux" sur nos maisons et jardins respectifs et nos petits enfants, j'avais vraiment l'impression d'avoir trouvé une amie qui m'aiderait à découvrir l'Inde.....quelle déception de tomber sur une femme uniquement affairée à me vendre son chauffeur (elle n'avait pas encore sa guest), un séjour sur les backwaters ou je ne sais quel hôtel au nord du Kerala....
C'est sans doute une femme chaleureuse et compétente, mais ses méthodes sont trop 'indiennes' (dans ce qu'il y a de pire) pour moi
Bonjour,
ce que vous écrivez-là me choque!
J'ai eu l'occasion de suivre depuis 2005 les conseils prodigués par Monique à tous les voyageurs désireux de se rendre au Kérala . Conseils intéressés dites-vous? Je ne vois pas comment. Ne mélangez pas les conseils qu'elle donne sur vf avec son "activité" à Kochi.
J'ai eu l'occasion de faire la connaissance de Monique au Melting Meeting Point en janvier 2009. Cet endroit est un lieu de passage et de rencontre de voyageurs de tous horizons. On y discute, on y échange des bouquins et des bons ou mauvais plans. On peut y manger aussi et y boire un thé et il me semble normal de devoir y payer les repas!
Monique agent de voyage? Peut-être et je lui souhaite d'en devenir un! Mais pour l'instant ça se résume à vous mettre en contact avec un chauffeur si vous en voulez un, de vous réserver vos billets si vous ne savez pas comment faire....Elle m'a mis en contact avec un chauffeur pour les 4 semaines de mon circuit et m'a réservé mes 3 premières nuits mais c'est ce que je lui avais demandé.
Je suis retournée au Melting Meeting Point en septembre 2009 ( j'avais besoin que Monique me prête une clé wifi) et j'y ai dégusté un fabuleux repas que j'ai bien sur payé!
Quant-aux personnes que j'ai rencontré sur place, ce sont des voyageurs qui viennent régulièrement . Ont-ils le sentiment de se faire arnaquer pour reprendre le terme que vous avez utilisé sur un autre post.
Comme quoi chaque expérience est différente!
Bonne soirée,
Patricia
Bonjour Patricia, je ne fais pas de la diffamation et je ne suis pas là pour faire le procès de Monique mais sa réaction et la tienne me conduisent à des précisions que j'aurais préféré taire. Tu as été abusée, comme tant d'autres, par son jeu sur ce forum et chez elle également. Oui, Monique est bien agent de voyage internet. Je te signale que pour avoir un permis de séjour permanent en Inde, il faut y travailler. Et elle le fait sur son ordinateur dans son bureau du "Melting Meeting Point", sa raison sociale est "Visita-Kerala, tourism and hospitality services pvt.ltd" (www.visita-kerala.com). Et elle ne se contente pas de mettre les voyageurs en contact, comme tu le dis, avec taxis ou hôteliers. Comment dénommerais-tu une personne qui effectue des réservations de train, d'avion, d'hôtels, qui élabore et propose des circuits, etc contre de fortes commissions, comme Monsieur Jourdain qui "donnait des tissus à ses amis... pour de l'argent" pour ne pas reconnaître qu'il était drapier et fils de drapier. Elle est même agent de voyage international qui draine sa clientèle sur divers forum européens car elle la chance, en tant que suissesse de parler couramment français, allemand , italien et anglais. Et tant mieux pour elle, et elle aurait tort de ne pas profiter de son multilinguisme pour sa profession. Ce que j'ai décidé de dénoncer ici c'est sa façon de "travailler". Je ne vois pas pourquoi d'une part elle profiterait gratuitement de Voyage Forum pour drainer sa clientèle sans payer la moindre participation à voyage forum alors que d'autres y paient leur publicité ni d'autre part tromper les forumistes sur ses activités en se présentant comme une bonne amie. Enfin, pourquoi dénigrer et mettre en garde sans cesse sur ce forum de voyageurs les petites roublardises des commerçants et hôteliers indiens et fermer les yeux et la bouche au sujet d'une ressortissante européenne. Oui, Monique n'a pas une façon correcte de se faire des clients et il faut en finir avec cette méthode et avertir les gens de ses combines qui n'ont que trop duré. Tu as vu d'après les autres témoignages que cela dure depuis des années. J'ajouterai que je reçois divers messages privés en plus des témoignages publics qui me parlent des agissements de Monique. Je passerai sous silence certaines autres magouilles avec des commerçants locaux. Sache que certains indiens de Cochin et Ernakulam la surnomment la "businesswoman" et n'ont pas une très haute opinion d'elle et de sa façon de procéder en dehors de ce dont j'ai parlé ici. Sur voyageforum les voyageurs renseignent et donnent des conseils gratuitement. J'ai moi-même réservé GRATUITEMENT des places de train pour des forumeurs qui ne parvenaient pas à le faire avec leur propre carte de crédit, et d'autres l'ont fait également. Quant aux voyageurs dont Monique prend soin, il s'agit pour la plupart du temps de personnes fragiles psychologiquement qui ont eu ou ont des soucis dans leurs premiers contacts avec l'Inde et qui ne se sont pas rendu compte de sa roublardise, parce qu'ils ne savaient pas tout de ce qui se pratique derrière leur dos au niveau des commissions. Quant à ses actions "sociales" locales, je préfère me taire sur ce sujet. Je clos ce débat pour ma part avec ce dernier message
Bonjour Patricia, je ne fais pas de la diffamation et je ne suis pas là pour faire le procès de Monique mais sa réaction et la tienne me conduisent à des précisions que j'aurais préféré taire. Tu as été abusée, comme tant d'autres, par son jeu sur ce forum et chez elle également. Oui, Monique est bien agent de voyage internet. Je te signale que pour avoir un permis de séjour permanent en Inde, il faut y travailler. Et elle le fait sur son ordinateur dans son bureau du "Melting Meeting Point", sa raison sociale est "Visita-Kerala, tourism and hospitality services pvt.ltd" (www.visita-kerala.com). Et elle ne se contente pas de mettre les voyageurs en contact, comme tu le dis, avec taxis ou hôteliers. Comment dénommerais-tu une personne qui effectue des réservations de train, d'avion, d'hôtels, qui élabore et propose des circuits, etc contre de fortes commissions, comme Monsieur Jourdain qui "donnait des tissus à ses amis... pour de l'argent" pour ne pas reconnaître qu'il était drapier et fils de drapier. Elle est même agent de voyage international qui draine sa clientèle sur divers forum européens car elle la chance, en tant que suissesse de parler couramment français, allemand , italien et anglais. Et tant mieux pour elle, et elle aurait tort de ne pas profiter de son multilinguisme pour sa profession. Ce que j'ai décidé de dénoncer ici c'est sa façon de "travailler". Je ne vois pas pourquoi d'une part elle profiterait gratuitement de Voyage Forum pour drainer sa clientèle sans payer la moindre participation à voyage forum alors que d'autres y paient leur publicité ni d'autre part tromper les forumistes sur ses activités en se présentant comme une bonne amie. Enfin, pourquoi dénigrer et mettre en garde sans cesse sur ce forum de voyageurs les petites roublardises des commerçants et hôteliers indiens et fermer les yeux et la bouche au sujet d'une ressortissante européenne. Oui, Monique n'a pas une façon correcte de se faire des clients et il faut en finir avec cette méthode et avertir les gens de ses combines qui n'ont que trop duré. Tu as vu d'après les autres témoignages que cela dure depuis des années. J'ajouterai que je reçois divers messages privés en plus des témoignages publics qui me parlent des agissements de Monique. Je passerai sous silence certaines autres magouilles avec des commerçants locaux. Sache que certains indiens de Cochin et Ernakulam la surnomment la "businesswoman" et n'ont pas une très haute opinion d'elle et de sa façon de procéder en dehors de ce dont j'ai parlé ici. Sur voyageforum les voyageurs renseignent et donnent des conseils gratuitement. J'ai moi-même réservé GRATUITEMENT des places de train pour des forumeurs qui ne parvenaient pas à le faire avec leur propre carte de crédit, et d'autres l'ont fait également. Quant aux voyageurs dont Monique prend soin, il s'agit pour la plupart du temps de personnes fragiles psychologiquement qui ont eu ou ont des soucis dans leurs premiers contacts avec l'Inde et qui ne se sont pas rendu compte de sa roublardise, parce qu'ils ne savaient pas tout de ce qui se pratique derrière leur dos au niveau des commissions. Quant à ses actions "sociales" locales, je préfère me taire sur ce sujet. Je clos ce débat pour ma part avec ce dernier message
Bonjour,
Pour mettre un terme à ce débat, je vous signale que Monique a été exclue du forum.
Bonne journée,
Patricia
"rester c'est exister, mais voyager c'est vivre" (Gustave Nadaud)
Et peut-être que l'auteur du post souhaiterait que l'on en revienne à son message 🙂
Désolée de ces dérapages! Tout va rentrer dans l'ordre....
"rester c'est exister, mais voyager c'est vivre" (Gustave Nadaud)
bizarre cette affaire, j'avais bien remarqué que monique ne vivait pas d'amour et d'eau fraiche, je m'étais bien douté qu'elle avait un bisness mais bon, quand on le pense, on agit de sorte...
mais c'est sûr, certaines personnes ont dût croire qu'elle faisait du bénévolat aux touristes " perdus".
Pour ma part, je pense qu'elle a pris la fibre indienne en ce qui concerne " gagner sa vie".
Je me demande quand même pourquoi le forum ne lui a rien dit, on ne nous dit pas tout.
Je me demande quand même pourquoi le forum ne lui a rien dit, on ne nous dit pas tout.
BOM BOLENATH
et moi, je suis très déçue. j'aime beaucoup la gentillesse.
je me souviens d'une fois où monique avait volé au secours d'une fille qui avait des problèmes avec sa carte bancaire. j'avais vraiment été très impressionnée et je lui avais écrit. tant pis pour elle, c'est dommage.
je suis loin d'être aussi bonne, je n'invite personne pour boire un thé. mais bon, on ne sait jamais...si vous passez dans le coin...😉
tartinnette
bonjour,
en glanant sur le forum, je tombe sur votre proposition d'une tasse de thé et ma foi, nous sommes bien tentés. Nous serons à cochin fin octobre début novembre, est-ce possible ? nous serions ravi de vous rencontrer
alf&cat
http://9moisoff.blogspot.com/
Dans ton profil :
auteur-blagueur-blogueur (ça ce sera une nouveauté)
blagueur, je suppose en ce qui concerne ce post ? 😛
auteur-blagueur-blogueur (ça ce sera une nouveauté)
blagueur, je suppose en ce qui concerne ce post ? 😛
"Nous ne sommes plus une communauté d'être humains qui se parlent mais un conglomérat de grappes de consommateurs en niches, séparés les uns des autres par des obsessions diverses et innombrables. Nous sommes de l'ère de la désintégration." Marc Moulin (1942-2008) in Humoeurs
Bonjour !
Je viens participer à ce "débat" qui pour moi n'a clairement pas lieu d'être . Je ne comprend définitivement pas où est le problème. C'est vous qui êtes faible si vous avez la sensation de vous être fait avoir de la sorte. Personnellement j'ai passé des moments géniallissime avec Monique dans le Kerala, j'ai découvert des endroits merveilleux et je crois même pouvoir affirmer que c'était la meilleure partie de mon voyage , de plus , elle était à l'écoute . Une vraie amie en soi . Jamais il n'y eu de relation d'argent. Si je désirais quelque chose je le payais point . J'adore la compagnie de Monique et je trouve ça légitime qu'il y ait une part de business la dedans , bien que je sais que c'est une personne avant tout HUMAINE . Elle aide les locaux , elle aidera aussi certains touristes. et je la félicite car elle a quand même ouvert des endroits géniaux où l'on s y sent bien ( melting meeting point et sa guesthouse)
Nathalie
je vous signale que Monique a été exclue du forum.
T'inquiètes, elle reviendra sous un autre pseudo ...
et que vous répondre..... moi-même, je serai 😉 ce sera avec plaisir que je vous inviterai pour une tasse de thé!
M'a l'air d'être une drole de "mariole" ... 😏 Sacrée Momo va !
T'inquiètes, elle reviendra sous un autre pseudo ...
et que vous répondre..... moi-même, je serai 😉 ce sera avec plaisir que je vous inviterai pour une tasse de thé!
M'a l'air d'être une drole de "mariole" ... 😏 Sacrée Momo va !
Bonjour à tous
c'est fou que sur ce forum ou en général on rencontre plus des routards que des clubbistes on assiste à un tel linchage franco français sur la place publique.
oui la miss monique fait du business à l'indienne et alors ! ne vous a t elle pas envoyé à tous et toutes dans des endroits somptueux loin des masses touristiques à des coûts qui franchement ne sont pas plus excessifs. Ne vous a t elle pas rencardé sur les sites, les guest houses, les visites, les événements, la culture, les coutumes ... vous avez été déçus et bien n'allez plus au Melting Meeting Point!
pour les autres, n'hésitez pas le chai est offert et ce point de rencontre (qui porte bien son nom) permet de partager des infos sans obligation d'achat
L'important n'est pas de convaincre, mais de donner à réfléchir
Stef
pour les autres, n'hésitez pas le chai est offert et ce point de rencontre (qui porte bien son nom) permet de partager des infos sans obligation d'achat
L'important n'est pas de convaincre, mais de donner à réfléchir
Stef
la vie est un mystère qu'il faut vivre
L'important n'est pas de convaincre, mais de donner à réfléchir
RÉFLÉCHIR! c'est que j'ai fait lorsqu'elle m'a proposé un taxi pour aller de l'aéroport au centre de fort cochin pour 1200 roupies alors qu'avec quelques recherches supplémentaires, sur ce forum, j'ai trouvé un prépaid taxi pour 700 roupies, même trajet, même heure ( les prépaid taxi se trouvent juste avant la sortie de l'aéroport sur la droite).
Et après quelques autres recherches, toujours sur ce forum et toujours en réfléchissant, juste pour me convaincre des différences de prix annoncées par quelqu'un qui fait du
"business à l'indienne"
(c'est bien mal formulé de votre part), eh bien j'ai trouvé une voiture avec chauffeur au prix de 1500 roupies par jour, sur 15 jours, alors qu'elle me proposait pour la même voiture sur le même nombre de jours, un tarif à 2300 roupies par jour.
Elle met la barre très haut, ils ne tarderont pas à se dire "si elle vend 2300 roupies, pourquoi pas moi?". Ils se le disent déjà, probablement et certains le font.
D'où les déçus de l'inde.
Je trouve qu'il est dommage de faire du business sur ce forum. Elle n'est probablement pas la seule!
Faire partager ses expériences, dévoiler ses envies et ses rêves et apprendre des autres c'est voyage forum.
RÉFLÉCHIR! c'est que j'ai fait lorsqu'elle m'a proposé un taxi pour aller de l'aéroport au centre de fort cochin pour 1200 roupies alors qu'avec quelques recherches supplémentaires, sur ce forum, j'ai trouvé un prépaid taxi pour 700 roupies, même trajet, même heure ( les prépaid taxi se trouvent juste avant la sortie de l'aéroport sur la droite).
Et après quelques autres recherches, toujours sur ce forum et toujours en réfléchissant, juste pour me convaincre des différences de prix annoncées par quelqu'un qui fait du
"business à l'indienne"
(c'est bien mal formulé de votre part), eh bien j'ai trouvé une voiture avec chauffeur au prix de 1500 roupies par jour, sur 15 jours, alors qu'elle me proposait pour la même voiture sur le même nombre de jours, un tarif à 2300 roupies par jour.
Elle met la barre très haut, ils ne tarderont pas à se dire "si elle vend 2300 roupies, pourquoi pas moi?". Ils se le disent déjà, probablement et certains le font.
D'où les déçus de l'inde.
Je trouve qu'il est dommage de faire du business sur ce forum. Elle n'est probablement pas la seule!
Faire partager ses expériences, dévoiler ses envies et ses rêves et apprendre des autres c'est voyage forum.
On est tous esclave de nos actes, pourquoi en vouloir aux autres?
Si tu ne connais pas ton chemin, ne demande pas à quelqu'un qui le connait, car tu ne pourrais plus te perdre.
Si tu ne connais pas ton chemin, ne demande pas à quelqu'un qui le connait, car tu ne pourrais plus te perdre.
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Hello, we’re planning a trip to Kerala, in South India, in January/February 2027. We’ve chosen our cities but we’re looking for a French-speaking driver to take us from one city to another: Kochi - Athirappily - Munnar - Kumarakom - Marari - Kochi.
If you have any leads, please don’t hesitate.
Best regards
Hi everyone!
I’m planning a short visit to Pokhara around mid-February 2027 (it’ll be my 4th time in Nepal 😊, over 40 years!). I’d like to book a room in advance rather than looking when I arrive. I’ve checked a bit on Bxxking.com and see lots of options. I’m used to scoping out the surroundings of places listed, just to avoid ending up in areas that are either unappealing or far from everything.
So, I see quite a few offers around the lake (Lakeside?), but every time I check what it looks like, the streets seem really uninviting. It’s kind of like a construction site with buildings everywhere… Nothing like Bhaktapur (for example) or even Thamel, where the streets seem way more pleasant.
Could anyone give me some advice?
Also, I don’t really get the impression that Pokhara is worth a visit of several days. The lake, sure, but once you’ve seen it—what else is there?
I’m planning a short visit to Pokhara around mid-February 2027 (it’ll be my 4th time in Nepal 😊, over 40 years!). I’d like to book a room in advance rather than looking when I arrive. I’ve checked a bit on Bxxking.com and see lots of options. I’m used to scoping out the surroundings of places listed, just to avoid ending up in areas that are either unappealing or far from everything.
So, I see quite a few offers around the lake (Lakeside?), but every time I check what it looks like, the streets seem really uninviting. It’s kind of like a construction site with buildings everywhere… Nothing like Bhaktapur (for example) or even Thamel, where the streets seem way more pleasant.
Could anyone give me some advice?
Also, I don’t really get the impression that Pokhara is worth a visit of several days. The lake, sure, but once you’ve seen it—what else is there?
Hi there.
I’m used to traveling around Asia, especially India, and I’d love to explore Nepal for about two weeks, stopping in Calcutta.
Backpacking trip, local transport.
Departing from Lyon.
If you’ve got an adventurous spirit and don’t mind taking it slow, get in touch!
I don’t do treks, but I’m a strong walker.
See you soon
Hi there,
After a false start in March 2026 due to my Qatar flights being canceled, I’m rescheduling a trip to Kerala for November. Back in March, I’d booked and paid for the 2-day/1-night trek: Tiger Trail in Periyar National Park. Then I read some terrible reviews about the park. On VF, the reviews are old and don’t mention the Tiger Trail. So, before I book again (I’ve got time), has anyone done it recently and can share their experience and impressions? I’m specifically talking about the Tiger Trail, not the park’s jeep/boat activities, which seem more like an amusement park. Thanks
After a false start in March 2026 due to my Qatar flights being canceled, I’m rescheduling a trip to Kerala for November. Back in March, I’d booked and paid for the 2-day/1-night trek: Tiger Trail in Periyar National Park. Then I read some terrible reviews about the park. On VF, the reviews are old and don’t mention the Tiger Trail. So, before I book again (I’ve got time), has anyone done it recently and can share their experience and impressions? I’m specifically talking about the Tiger Trail, not the park’s jeep/boat activities, which seem more like an amusement park. Thanks
Hi everyone,
I’m heading to Assam and I’d like to know what type of electrical adapter I need—is it M or D, or both?
Thanks
Hello,
I’m heading to Sri Lanka for 3 weeks in July with my two 11-year-old kids, and I’m wondering about how to organize the trip. We’re used to traveling on the go, staying 1 to 2 or 3 nights per place depending on how we feel.
Do you recommend planning the itinerary and booking accommodations in advance to save time once we’re there? Or is it pretty easy to organize everything as we go without any issues?
Same question for activities: Should we book safaris and tours ahead of time, or can we arrange them easily on the spot? Is there a risk of not getting a spot, for example, to visit a park since we’ll be there in July?
We’ll be using local transport (train, VTC via PickMe, tuk-tuk) to get from one place to another.
In short: Are there any must-book things we should reserve now? So far, I only have the flight tickets!
Thanks in advance for your help! 😊
I’m heading to Sri Lanka for 3 weeks in July with my two 11-year-old kids, and I’m wondering about how to organize the trip. We’re used to traveling on the go, staying 1 to 2 or 3 nights per place depending on how we feel.
Do you recommend planning the itinerary and booking accommodations in advance to save time once we’re there? Or is it pretty easy to organize everything as we go without any issues?
Same question for activities: Should we book safaris and tours ahead of time, or can we arrange them easily on the spot? Is there a risk of not getting a spot, for example, to visit a park since we’ll be there in July?
We’ll be using local transport (train, VTC via PickMe, tuk-tuk) to get from one place to another.
In short: Are there any must-book things we should reserve now? So far, I only have the flight tickets!
Thanks in advance for your help! 😊
Hi there, I think you're on the right track—you plan the itinerary and book the rooms in advance, and that’s it.
Not only do you save time, but you also know where you’ll be staying each night. Choosing well on Booking (or elsewhere) is actually a pleasure!
For safaris, given the number of jeeps with drivers available, it’s unlikely you’ll be turned away... the real issue is more about the concentration of jeeps around the animals.
I travel like you do—train, bus, tuk-tuk, and sometimes taxi. Ride-hailing apps like PickMe and other VTCs are mostly in big cities.
For the mountain train, due to severe flooding, service was interrupted on the line between Kandy and Ella. Check ahead, because reservations for this train are very complicated, if not impossible.
For the Colombo/Kandy train, you reserve your seats by buying the ticket before boarding. In the south, no need to book in advance for trains.
In Sri Lanka, there’s always a solution for getting around—just ask your hosts. They have trusted contacts at their fingertips. But still, compare prices—😏 smart move!
I stick to booking my nights and keep pre-planned activities to a minimum.
For reservations you can’t skip, it’s the beach stays you’ll want to secure.
Hi there,
I’m trying to find out if it’s still possible to travel from Mumbai to Goa by ferry or any other sea route. My search results aren’t very clear, and if it *is* possible, I can’t figure out where to book... If anyone has any info, I’d really appreciate it—thanks in advance!
Have a great day,
Virginie
I’m trying to find out if it’s still possible to travel from Mumbai to Goa by ferry or any other sea route. My search results aren’t very clear, and if it *is* possible, I can’t figure out where to book... If anyone has any info, I’d really appreciate it—thanks in advance!
Have a great day,
Virginie
It seems there’s a ferry from Nagapattinam to Jaffna in India. Has anyone here taken this ferry before? My main question is how to get to Nagapattinam—by train, bus? And from which town further south, of course.
Thanks, friends!
Gaston
Gaston
Hi there.
We’re spending a month in Sri Lanka in March, and we’ll have one week left after leaving Polonnaruwa.
We’re torn between spending it in the Jaffna region or on the east coast between Batticaloa and Trincomalee.
We’re divers, so the east coast appeals to us for snorkeling, beaches, and lagoons—but it seems like late March might not be the best time for that coast. What do you think?
As for Jaffna, the culture of the region, its more authentic feel since it’s less touristy, and the offshore islands all appeal to us too—but it seems far from the rest of the country and harder to access.
We have to choose because we won’t be able to visit both sides, and I’d love to hear your thoughts.
Thanks, Marie
Hi there,
We just got back from a 2-week trip to Sri Lanka as a couple, and while planning the trip, we found plenty of info on the itinerary, places to see, and transportation, but much fewer clear reports on the actual budget to expect once there. Yet, that was an important point for us because we like to plan ahead a little before traveling.
So, we took the time to break down our complete budget after the trip. In our case, we spent around **930 € per person** for 2 weeks, being careful without depriving ourselves, mixing guesthouses, more comfortable hotels, quite a few activities, and even a private driver for part of the stay.
What we found interesting when crunching the numbers is that in Sri Lanka, it’s not necessarily meals or short trips that blow the budget, but rather flights, certain accommodations, cultural activities, and all those little expenses we sometimes forget, like tips.
If this can help other travelers get a better idea, we’ve put everything together on our blog with our experience, a detailed breakdown of expenses, and practical info on money while there, withdrawals, and tipping:
https://aventures-sans-mesaventure.com/budget-sri-lanka-pour-un-voyage-de-2-semaines/
Happy travels and enjoy your adventure! !
Happy travels and enjoy your adventure! !
Hi everyone,
We’re a group of 5 heading to the Everest Base Camp trek in early April. We won’t have a porter or guide—we’re used to hiking independently and have already done the Langtang trek and the Annapurna Circuit (back in 2003!).
I’d love to know if it’s necessary to book lodges in advance or if we’ll easily find availability during this busy season. Also, will we find lodges all along the route between the main stopover villages, or only in those villages? I remember there were plenty everywhere on the Annapurna Circuit. We want to stay as flexible as possible.
Thanks for your feedback!
We’re a group of 5 heading to the Everest Base Camp trek in early April. We won’t have a porter or guide—we’re used to hiking independently and have already done the Langtang trek and the Annapurna Circuit (back in 2003!).
I’d love to know if it’s necessary to book lodges in advance or if we’ll easily find availability during this busy season. Also, will we find lodges all along the route between the main stopover villages, or only in those villages? I remember there were plenty everywhere on the Annapurna Circuit. We want to stay as flexible as possible.
Thanks for your feedback!
Hi there,
We’re heading to India in March 2026 and had planned to visit the parts of the Meenakshi Temple that are open to non-Hindus. However, the temple is currently undergoing major renovations—with all the towers covered in scaffolding—which might really take away from the experience and our stop in Madurai.
After some frustrating and vague online searches, and before we reshuffle our itinerary, I’d love to know—if possible—the most accurate expected completion date for the renovation work.
Thanks in advance.
We’re heading to India in March 2026 and had planned to visit the parts of the Meenakshi Temple that are open to non-Hindus. However, the temple is currently undergoing major renovations—with all the towers covered in scaffolding—which might really take away from the experience and our stop in Madurai.
After some frustrating and vague online searches, and before we reshuffle our itinerary, I’d love to know—if possible—the most accurate expected completion date for the renovation work.
Thanks in advance.
Hi there,
We’re planning a trip to Nepal and would love to do a helicopter tour to Everest with Namche Heli Service. Has anyone here used this agency? I can’t seem to find any reviews online. Thanks in advance!
Kloki
We’re planning a trip to Nepal and would love to do a helicopter tour to Everest with Namche Heli Service. Has anyone here used this agency? I can’t seem to find any reviews online. Thanks in advance!
Kloki
Hey fellow travelers,
I’m spending two weeks studying Hindi in the mornings in Delhi, in the Hauz Khas neighborhood. What spots should I check out in this area? Any cafés to chill at? How do I get to other parts of Delhi? By rickshaw? Is it easy to negotiate the price upfront?
Thanks in advance. 😊 Marlène
I’m spending two weeks studying Hindi in the mornings in Delhi, in the Hauz Khas neighborhood. What spots should I check out in this area? Any cafés to chill at? How do I get to other parts of Delhi? By rickshaw? Is it easy to negotiate the price upfront?
Thanks in advance. 😊 Marlène
Hi,
I’m leaving this Saturday for Northern India from 15/02 to 27/02. I’m planning to visit New Delhi, Agra, Chand Baori, Jaipur, Ranthambore, Bundi, Udaipur, and Jodhpur.
What’s the best way to get around? I was thinking of doing everything by train. Maybe taking the bus for some stretches?
As for renting a car with a driver, it seems expensive, so I’ve pretty much ruled that out. Unless someone’s got space for the same dates?
Thanks for your insights!
What’s the best way to get around? I was thinking of doing everything by train. Maybe taking the bus for some stretches?
As for renting a car with a driver, it seems expensive, so I’ve pretty much ruled that out. Unless someone’s got space for the same dates?
Thanks for your insights!
Hi everyone,
We’re heading out in March for this trek. We’re used to hiking and long-distance treks, but this’ll be our first time in Nepal.
QUESTION: People from Nepal are telling us it’s MANDATORY to have guides! Is this true, or is it just agencies trying to get work for their staff?
The Lonely Planet says: "In April 2023, the government announced that every trekker would need to hire the services of a porter or a licensed guide to obtain the TIMS permit. The law isn’t enforced, and by 2025, there were no longer any obligations for teahouse treks."
What do you think? What’s your experience? Thanks for your feedback.
We’re heading out in March for this trek. We’re used to hiking and long-distance treks, but this’ll be our first time in Nepal.
QUESTION: People from Nepal are telling us it’s MANDATORY to have guides! Is this true, or is it just agencies trying to get work for their staff?
The Lonely Planet says: "In April 2023, the government announced that every trekker would need to hire the services of a porter or a licensed guide to obtain the TIMS permit. The law isn’t enforced, and by 2025, there were no longer any obligations for teahouse treks."
What do you think? What’s your experience? Thanks for your feedback.
Hi,
I’d like to arrive in India at New Delhi Airport with some cash. I was wondering if the exchange rates at the airport are any good or if it’s best to avoid them (and exchange in the city instead?).
Thanks for your help.
Thanks for your help.
NAMASTE NEPAL! PRACTICAL INFO AND EXPERIENCE FEEDBACK
Stay from March 25 to April 16, 2025
· Flight tickets Air India (via Delhi) (via Skyscanner) = 1130 € per person · Planned budget (and respected without too many restrictions and while buying a few small gifts) = 2000 € for the stay for two. Buses, taxis, and entrance fees to various sites represent a budget to consider. Meals are cheap. Drinks like beer/Coke, however, are not cheap and cost the equivalent of a meal. · Exchange rate of the rupee during our stay = 0.0064 € (the exchange rate is almost identical everywhere, including at the airport). · At the airport, purchase of two SIM cards (phone) = 1000 NPR x 2 for 28 days. · Kathmandu: we had booked the hotel upon arrival: Kathmandu Boutique Hotel (+977 015 357 446 – email: booking@kathmanduboutiquehotel.com), very well located in a quiet alley off the street, south of Thamel, a 10-minute walk from Durbar Square. A hotel like Nepal knows how to do, where tall people will have to duck. Night + breakfast = 18 € for two. Very warm welcome, great location, excellent value for money. · Bhaktapur: we had also booked a hotel for the end of our stay because the chance of the year 2025 made the Nepali New Year and Bisket Jatra particularly festive in Bhaktapur: Manju Baha Hotel School (+977 976 7234014 – email: manjubahahotel@gmail.com) located in an old monastery. "A social enterprise transforming an old monastery into a charming hotel, offering professional hospitality training to underprivileged Nepali youth." Night + breakfast = 32 € for two. Beautifully decorated room. Very warm welcome. Don’t miss the Changunarayan site (near Bhaktapur), it’s amazing. And if you’re lucky enough to be in Bhaktapur in mid-April for 3 days, there’s the Bisket Jatra festivities (Newari festival), joyful, noisy, fun, and wild… · Pokhara (hotel recommended by the Kathmandu hotel): Hotel Green Tara, Lakeside, 10th street, set back, quiet (Tel. +977 61 462698 – email: greentara_67@hotmail.com) · Trek permit (Lower Mustang, no need for an agency or guide, permits checked at Ghasa and Jomsom) = 2000 NPR per person (2 ID photos) · Bus Kathmandu/Pokhara and return = 2000 NPR per person · Bus Pokhara/Jomsom, 2 one-way tickets = 2800 NPR. · Taxi: negotiation with a driver we recommend, Vicky (+977 984 075 599). You explain what you want, negotiate the price, and he waits for you during the visit. Very charming, we used him several times. For example: departure from our hotel at 10 AM -> Boudhanath/Pashupatinath/Patan return at 5 PM to the hotel = 6500 NPR – Swayambhunath (round trip) = 1200 NPR · Site prices: https://ntb.gov.np/plan-your-trip/before-you-come/heritage-site-entry-fees o Visitor Pass for Kathmandu Durbar Square (for the duration of the stay, show your visa) = 1000 NPR per person (1 ID photo) o Bhaktapur Durbar Square (old town) = 1800 NPR per person o Patan = 1000 NPR per person o Swayambhu Stupa = 200 NPR per person o Boudha Stupa = 200 NPR per person o Pashupatinath Temple = 1000 NPR per person (interesting to take a guide) o Changunarayan Temple (6 km north of Bhaktapur) = 400 NPR per person o Mountain Museum in Pokhara = 750 NPR per person · E-cigarettes: e-cigarettes are banned in India and confiscated whether they’re in carry-on or checked luggage. On the way there, we had kept them in our carry-on, they were confiscated in Delhi. On the way back, learning from our previous experience, we put them in our checked luggage. Someone came to get us to take them out of our bags and confiscate them… You can find e-cigarettes and products in Kathmandu.
* * *
I’m 74 years old. I went to Nepal in 1982, 1983, and the last time in 1986. I wanted to introduce this beautiful and endearing country to my husband, and it was… now or never. So we decided it was now.
I knew the trek starting from Pokhara: Naudanda/Birethanti/Ghorepani/Tatopani/Kalopani. There was no way I was going to do that trek, especially the 1000-meter staircase to reach Ghorepani… You have to stay humble with age.
Back then, the road didn’t exist. I didn’t consider, with the construction of this road (NH48) along the western bank of the Kali Gandaki, doing a trek along a windy and dusty road. Was there an alternative hiking trail on the eastern bank? No one answered my question on VoyageForum, so I did my research online. And I found this site: "Andrées de Ruiter and Prem Rai - Trekking the Annapurna Circuit, including the new NATT trails that avoid the road - A guide to one of the most beautiful trekking regions in Nepal and the world (2011) - NATT = New Annapurna Trekking Trail".
Phew! A solution was emerging. This circuit from 2011 wasn’t fully marked. The idea was to go from Jomsom to Tatopani, so we needed to make sure the path was well-marked all the way, which we did, and the path exists, marked in red and white!
So, with the walking times information, we built our 8-day circuit:
· Jomsom/Thinigaon · Thinigaon/Chimang · Chimang/Saura · Saura/Kokhetanti · Rest day or, if in good shape: loop to Sekong Lake · Kokhetanti/Jhipra Deurali · Jhipra Deurali/Kopchepani · Kopchepani/Tatopani
It’s a senior trek, after all. So the walking times noted on the sites indicated 3 hours or even 4 hours for the two longest stages. That pace suited us fine.
On March 29, we left Kathmandu (1400m), after visiting the must-see sites, by bus to Pokhara: 200 km and 8.5 hours on a chaotic road under construction. I had a memory of Pokhara where it was the first city where you could see the Himalayan range, especially Machhapuchhare. But the pollution is such, the dust raised by traffic and construction, that no horizon is visible except the first hills around Pokhara.
We stayed 24 hours in Pokhara (820m), and on March 31, we left our luggage at the hotel and set off with our lightest backpacks: change of clothes, toiletries, first aid kit, anti-chafing cream, water bottle, sleeping bag liner, and light shoes for the stages.
We took the bus to Jomsom: 160 km/7.5 hours including stops for bathroom breaks, tea, and lunch. The road is nothing but a chaos of potholes, landslides, construction, dust, rebuilding, and mudslides. In Ghasa, the bus stops, and we’re told we’re at a checkpoint and that the two foreigners in the bus, my husband and I, need to have our permits checked, which takes a few minutes. The driving is rock-and-roll, surprising, and courteous. The drivers have their codes, and on these improbable roads, they’re virtuosos.
We could have chosen the plane, but several reasons dissuaded us: if there’s too much wind, the planes don’t take off; personally, I wasn’t reassured about landing in Jomsom, and this transport has a cost.
We arrived around 2 PM in Jomsom (2720m), and despite the early wake-up, the nearly 8 hours on the bus, and the altitude, we decided to head straight to Thinigaon (2840m). At the Jomsom checkpoint, they told us it was a 30-minute walk. Great! Except we took an hour and a half on an uphill road, bent over to fight a strong wind. But the Himalayan range is there! The Dhaulagiri, the Nilgiri, the Annapurnas as a reward.
In Thinigaon, we found a room at the "Nilgiri View Hotel" run by a didi (big sister in Nepali). From the lodge’s roof, she proudly showed us the different peaks surrounding the village and told us, worried, that it hadn’t snowed here for 3 years. She said there are very few tourists, that the season is rather in September/October/November. It seems there’s not a soul in this village, yet mules pass through the narrow street paved with large flat stones, their bells ringing. We dine at 6 PM and go to bed… Room = 1200 NPR and dinner, breakfast, and drinks = 2560 NPR.
On April 1, we set off at 9 AM, not for Chimang as planned but for Marpha! The didi from the Thinigaon lodge had said it was a 3-hour walk. The first part of this stage is attractive, the mountains are magnificent and imposing, the landscape is superb, there’s no one around, a feeling of being "alone in the world." We follow Dhumbra Tal, this small green lake. The path is a rocky track that climbs steeply. Then, around a hill, we start the big descent that joins the Kali Gandaki. We face the wind head-on, and the violent gusts take our breath away, throw us off balance, and envelop us in dust. We see the road on the other side of the Kali Gandaki. We arrive in the village of Chhairo at 2 PM, completely exhausted and with blistered feet, after 5 hours of walking instead of the planned 3.5 hours.
We’re welcomed by the village nurse, who tells us there’s a lodge in the village. Chhairo is a Tibetan village, a 20-minute walk from Marpha (according to the locals, multiply by 2 or even 3 for us…). We’re going to revise our trek plan and, first of all, spend the night in Chhairo.
The lodge is quite pleasant, and Karma, the hostess, is very friendly. She asks about our plans and suggests we stay in Chhairo the next day, from where we can visit Marpha and also Chimang, a 1-hour walk away, in light mode, meaning without backpacks. She invites us to participate in a village ceremony the next evening.
We immediately accept the proposal, as our feet need rest and the welcome is so warm… Dinner and bed!
We reworked our trek plan, which was too ambitious for our untrained bodies and, let’s face it… no longer in our first youth. In the initial plan, we thought there wouldn’t be too much elevation gain following the Kali Gandaki, but checking the map, we realize there might be significant elevation changes between Sauru and Sirkung. So we plan:
· Tomorrow: visit Marpha (2670m) and Chimang (2744m) · April 3: bus from Chhairo (2700m) to Kalopani (2530m) and continue on foot to Ghasa (2010m) · April 4: Ghasa/Pairataplo (1940m) · April 5: Pairatapla/Gadpar (1580m) · April 6: Gadpar/Narchyang (1510m) · April 7: Narchyang/Tatopani (1190m) · April 8: return to Pokhara.
Normally, it’s all downhill…
April 2, a rest day then… We set off in the morning to explore Marpha. We have to take a temporary bridge because the suspension bridge is closed due to road construction. We join the road and arrive in Marpha, a village famous for its apple orchards, brandy, cider, and apple juice production. This village is magnificent with its stone houses and monastery clinging to the hillside. The road construction spared it. There are people, but very few Western tourists.
We have lunch in Marpha and go back through Chhairo to take the path to Chimang. We cross a fragrant pine forest and find the rocky path; the landscape is splendid. We walk quietly, passing peaceful buffaloes and cows, and arrive at the foot of a stone staircase… 275 steps (which we counted on the way back) leading us to the village of Chimang. Chimang is an isolated Newari village that seems a bit desolate. Despite the slopes, there are crops on every little bit of land. Thankfully, we changed our initial program because there’s no lodge in this village, contrary to what we saw on a map… We wander through the village, which seems very deserted, have coffee in a house from another world, and then head back to Chhairo.
A rest day? = 5 hours of walking!!
Dinner and village ceremony. From what we understand, this ceremony is in honor of the Dalai Lama. Men, women, and children in traditional costumes gather twice a month; they dance, make, and offer small sweet cakes with Tibetan tea (made from tea, yak butter—often rancid—water, and salt). Surprising for first-timers…
Around 10 PM, we leave the ceremony; tomorrow morning, we need to be on the roadside by 7 AM to catch the bus to Kalopani…
This village of Chhairo is very pleasant and welcoming, no tourists, just two motorcyclists who arrived in the evening, one of whom participated in the ceremony and discreetly poured his Tibetan tea outside.
Lodge: "Norsang Tibetan Guesthouse and Restaurant". Total bill for 2 nights, 2 dinners, 2 breakfasts, and drinks = 8000 NPR.
April 3: bus from Chhairo to Kalopani, about 1.5 hours for the 20 km (200 NPR per person). We descend on the right bank of the Kali Gandaki. We find the red and white markings to resume the trek toward Ghasa. We’re in a fragrant pine forest, the Dhaulagiri on one side and the Annapurnas on the other, magnificent, and the path is pleasant and easy. We get a bit lost in this forest, always looking for the markings. Near Lete, two trekkers pass us, and we meet them again a little further on with two very young children, to whom we give the 2 hard-boiled eggs I didn’t eat this morning. They accepted them without hesitation.
We arrive in a village and ask for directions to Ghasa. The young girls point the way. But we come across a forest being logged, trees cut in all directions. We turn back and ask for confirmation. They confirm… But the two young girls catch up with us and clear the way. We have to step over, go around, and cross the felled trees, with no indication at all. Through this pick-up sticks of felled trees, the girls lead us to the top of a stone staircase, indicating that was the path. It’s the only place where we saw rhododendrons in bloom.
We descend the staircase. At the bottom, to the left, there’s a bridge to go toward Choyo, and to the right, a path to Ghasa. We take the right path and join the road. We should normally find the red and white markings, but we don’t… So we continue on the western bank road of the Kali Gandaki.
A little before the village of Misi, we see fumaroles on the opposite bank that seem to come from the ground. We don’t understand. We stopped to eat in the village of Misi (noodle soup = 600 NPR), but it’s hard to communicate with the elderly people running the guesthouse.
We continued on the road, not finding the marked path parallel to the road. Landslides, both on the left and right banks, seem to have taken over the marked routes. It’s a place where the Kali Gandaki gorge narrows, and on the opposite bank, the mountain smokes more and more, and we now hear the crackling of fire. Across from us, the mountain is burning… Our initial plan had us passing on that burning bank right now…
We arrive in Ghasa at 3:30 PM, a 6.5-hour stage but with a 1-hour stop at noon. We’re at the "Florida Guesthouse and Restaurant." From our room, we see the mountain smoking on the other side of the river, and at night, we see the flames. In this village, posters show Himalayan eagles and vultures that seem to be protected species. Indeed, we saw (and heard) 3 eagles circling today.
April 4 – Today, heading to Pairothapla or Kopchepani depending on our feet, accommodation options, and simply our desires.
No more smoke on the mountain this morning. It’s chilly, 7:45 AM, the sky is clear, just a smell of smoke outside.
Price of the lodge = 1000 NPR for the night + 3580 NPR for meals.
We cross Ghasa, which stretches over more than a kilometer. We have a drink at the last guesthouse in the village, and the didi, when she learns our destination, tells us to be careful because the villages we’re going to aren’t safe. Should we distribute our rupees in different pockets? Nah, we kept going.
At the exit of Ghasa, we find the red and white markings and take the suspension bridge to cross the boiling waters of the Kali Gandaki. The passage is impressive because the river is tumultuous. Lots of climbs and even more descents. We’re back on the eastern bank. It’s hot! On the narrow path, we meet a group of buffaloes. Who has the right of way? We decide to stick as close as possible to the rock wall and move forward calmly. The buffaloes look at us, chewing placidly, with no intention of jumping on us. Phew!
After a 5-hour stage (including stops), we arrive in Pairothapla, with hot feet and firm thighs, and decide we won’t go any further. It’s a good thing because there’s a lodge, the most basic so far, but with a great welcome. We have a meal and a short nap. The buffaloes we met on the way belong to this house. They come to drink at the fountain by the path.
Our host, very pleasant, doesn’t know what to do to please us and is very attentive. He wants to chat. He has two children, a 4-year-old girl and a 7-year-old boy. Where do they go to school? Do they go? He tells us that the fires in the mountain are caused by people, but for what reason? We won’t find out, but it’s illegal. From here, we can still see smoke rising in the distance. The wife is a bit less friendly. Corn kernels dry on a woven straw mat on the ground, and the mom sorts them.
From where we are, we overlook the valley and see the road under construction winding along the mountainside on the other bank.
Dinner on the terrace of the house overlooking the path, windbreaker and fleece on: dal bhat chicken for me and chicken curry for my husband: "organic" products, at least local production. There are small vegetable gardens everywhere with all sorts of vegetables.
April 5 – While we’re having breakfast on the terrace of our lodge, 5 porters, straps on their foreheads, heavily loaded, pass by on the path. A few minutes later, a group of 9 people appears. It must be said that since the beginning of our journey, we’ve met very few hikers. Two backpackers in Chhairo, the two hikers near Lete, two female hikers passed us before Pairothapla, a solo female hiker passed us…
The lodge in Pairothapla is called "Bimala Lodge & Thakali Kitchen" – Price for night + 4 meals + 2 breakfasts = 3000 NPR.
The descent toward the Kali Gandaki involves climbs whose steps we didn’t count. Clearly, the landslides on the mountain cause changes to the official ACAP trek marked in red and white, and the marking updates can’t keep up with the pace of these landslides. It’s almost always by chance that we find the markings. Fortunately, we can follow the power line that guides us somewhat.
Drink stop in Kopchepani, the legs are fine, but the feet don’t like being tightly enclosed. A group of trekkers with porters passes on the path. We met buffaloes that we kindly let pass; the path was wide enough, but it was a staircase going up, and we didn’t want to take any risks.
Across, a view of the magnificent Rupse Waterfall on the other bank of the Kali Gandaki, at the bottom, lots of vehicles and people.
Arrival in Gadpar after crossing a rather unwelcoming small village and cultivated gardens between dry stone walls, each better built than the last.
First lodge spotted, first lodge adopted to answer the call of our feet, and a very warm welcome from the owner. Since we hadn’t eaten at noon, we had Tibetan bread/jam. 6-hour stage including 1 hour of stops. Night + dinner + breakfast + drinks = 5060 NPR
April 6 – Today, heading to Narchyang.
For several days, we’ve seen banana trees with their bunches of fruit and even a prickly pear with large fruits ripening.
This stage is quite peaceful and pleasant. We take a suspension bridge to cross a tributary of the Kali Gandaki. While we’re resting for a moment before crossing the bridge, a couple of porters, a man and a woman, arrive and start across the bridge with their wood load in a basket held by a strap on their forehead, making them bend. We set off too… lighter than them.
On the other side of the bridge… a stone staircase, and it climbs steeply. The porter couple didn’t take this staircase; they went right on the path.
At the top of the staircase, we arrive in Narchyang after a 4-hour stage. A magnificent waterfall overlooks the village. We get lost in this fairly large village looking for a lodge. After wandering around for a while, we ask for directions, and an 84-year-old man takes us through the whole village and accompanies us to a very nice lodge run by a woman.
We chat with our hostess, who asks where we’re from and where we’re going. We explain that we want to reach Tatopani the next day and then return to Pokhara. She tells us there are 4x4s going directly to Pokhara and that it would probably be easier than taking a bus that might be full in Tatopani. After a quick consultation, we decide to return to Pokhara the next day by 4x4. She finds us a 4x4 with 2 seats left, departure at 8 AM – 5 hours on the road and 1500 NPR per person. A charming didi who does everything to be pleasant and helpful.
Narchyang community lodge = night + snacks + dinner + breakfast = 3000 NPR.
There you go, our trek ends tomorrow. Many necessary changes and adaptations to our initial trek, but no regrets, it was superb and a great experience that, for my part, I won’t be able to repeat. Always this encounter with the endearing, welcoming, curious, and very kind Nepali people. It was now or never, and we did it!
* * *
In conclusion, 3 full weeks in Nepal is a duration that allows visiting Kathmandu, Patan, and Bhaktapur, enjoying the various sites, and soaking in the atmosphere and urban Nepali life.
The trek, even revised and corrected, allowed us to get close to the impressive Annapurna and Dhaulagiri peaks. One or two acclimatization days might be necessary to get the body in tune with this magical and extraordinary land.
Stay from March 25 to April 16, 2025
· Flight tickets Air India (via Delhi) (via Skyscanner) = 1130 € per person · Planned budget (and respected without too many restrictions and while buying a few small gifts) = 2000 € for the stay for two. Buses, taxis, and entrance fees to various sites represent a budget to consider. Meals are cheap. Drinks like beer/Coke, however, are not cheap and cost the equivalent of a meal. · Exchange rate of the rupee during our stay = 0.0064 € (the exchange rate is almost identical everywhere, including at the airport). · At the airport, purchase of two SIM cards (phone) = 1000 NPR x 2 for 28 days. · Kathmandu: we had booked the hotel upon arrival: Kathmandu Boutique Hotel (+977 015 357 446 – email: booking@kathmanduboutiquehotel.com), very well located in a quiet alley off the street, south of Thamel, a 10-minute walk from Durbar Square. A hotel like Nepal knows how to do, where tall people will have to duck. Night + breakfast = 18 € for two. Very warm welcome, great location, excellent value for money. · Bhaktapur: we had also booked a hotel for the end of our stay because the chance of the year 2025 made the Nepali New Year and Bisket Jatra particularly festive in Bhaktapur: Manju Baha Hotel School (+977 976 7234014 – email: manjubahahotel@gmail.com) located in an old monastery. "A social enterprise transforming an old monastery into a charming hotel, offering professional hospitality training to underprivileged Nepali youth." Night + breakfast = 32 € for two. Beautifully decorated room. Very warm welcome. Don’t miss the Changunarayan site (near Bhaktapur), it’s amazing. And if you’re lucky enough to be in Bhaktapur in mid-April for 3 days, there’s the Bisket Jatra festivities (Newari festival), joyful, noisy, fun, and wild… · Pokhara (hotel recommended by the Kathmandu hotel): Hotel Green Tara, Lakeside, 10th street, set back, quiet (Tel. +977 61 462698 – email: greentara_67@hotmail.com) · Trek permit (Lower Mustang, no need for an agency or guide, permits checked at Ghasa and Jomsom) = 2000 NPR per person (2 ID photos) · Bus Kathmandu/Pokhara and return = 2000 NPR per person · Bus Pokhara/Jomsom, 2 one-way tickets = 2800 NPR. · Taxi: negotiation with a driver we recommend, Vicky (+977 984 075 599). You explain what you want, negotiate the price, and he waits for you during the visit. Very charming, we used him several times. For example: departure from our hotel at 10 AM -> Boudhanath/Pashupatinath/Patan return at 5 PM to the hotel = 6500 NPR – Swayambhunath (round trip) = 1200 NPR · Site prices: https://ntb.gov.np/plan-your-trip/before-you-come/heritage-site-entry-fees o Visitor Pass for Kathmandu Durbar Square (for the duration of the stay, show your visa) = 1000 NPR per person (1 ID photo) o Bhaktapur Durbar Square (old town) = 1800 NPR per person o Patan = 1000 NPR per person o Swayambhu Stupa = 200 NPR per person o Boudha Stupa = 200 NPR per person o Pashupatinath Temple = 1000 NPR per person (interesting to take a guide) o Changunarayan Temple (6 km north of Bhaktapur) = 400 NPR per person o Mountain Museum in Pokhara = 750 NPR per person · E-cigarettes: e-cigarettes are banned in India and confiscated whether they’re in carry-on or checked luggage. On the way there, we had kept them in our carry-on, they were confiscated in Delhi. On the way back, learning from our previous experience, we put them in our checked luggage. Someone came to get us to take them out of our bags and confiscate them… You can find e-cigarettes and products in Kathmandu.
* * *
I’m 74 years old. I went to Nepal in 1982, 1983, and the last time in 1986. I wanted to introduce this beautiful and endearing country to my husband, and it was… now or never. So we decided it was now.
I knew the trek starting from Pokhara: Naudanda/Birethanti/Ghorepani/Tatopani/Kalopani. There was no way I was going to do that trek, especially the 1000-meter staircase to reach Ghorepani… You have to stay humble with age.
Back then, the road didn’t exist. I didn’t consider, with the construction of this road (NH48) along the western bank of the Kali Gandaki, doing a trek along a windy and dusty road. Was there an alternative hiking trail on the eastern bank? No one answered my question on VoyageForum, so I did my research online. And I found this site: "Andrées de Ruiter and Prem Rai - Trekking the Annapurna Circuit, including the new NATT trails that avoid the road - A guide to one of the most beautiful trekking regions in Nepal and the world (2011) - NATT = New Annapurna Trekking Trail".
Phew! A solution was emerging. This circuit from 2011 wasn’t fully marked. The idea was to go from Jomsom to Tatopani, so we needed to make sure the path was well-marked all the way, which we did, and the path exists, marked in red and white!
So, with the walking times information, we built our 8-day circuit:
· Jomsom/Thinigaon · Thinigaon/Chimang · Chimang/Saura · Saura/Kokhetanti · Rest day or, if in good shape: loop to Sekong Lake · Kokhetanti/Jhipra Deurali · Jhipra Deurali/Kopchepani · Kopchepani/Tatopani
It’s a senior trek, after all. So the walking times noted on the sites indicated 3 hours or even 4 hours for the two longest stages. That pace suited us fine.
On March 29, we left Kathmandu (1400m), after visiting the must-see sites, by bus to Pokhara: 200 km and 8.5 hours on a chaotic road under construction. I had a memory of Pokhara where it was the first city where you could see the Himalayan range, especially Machhapuchhare. But the pollution is such, the dust raised by traffic and construction, that no horizon is visible except the first hills around Pokhara.
We stayed 24 hours in Pokhara (820m), and on March 31, we left our luggage at the hotel and set off with our lightest backpacks: change of clothes, toiletries, first aid kit, anti-chafing cream, water bottle, sleeping bag liner, and light shoes for the stages.
We took the bus to Jomsom: 160 km/7.5 hours including stops for bathroom breaks, tea, and lunch. The road is nothing but a chaos of potholes, landslides, construction, dust, rebuilding, and mudslides. In Ghasa, the bus stops, and we’re told we’re at a checkpoint and that the two foreigners in the bus, my husband and I, need to have our permits checked, which takes a few minutes. The driving is rock-and-roll, surprising, and courteous. The drivers have their codes, and on these improbable roads, they’re virtuosos.
We could have chosen the plane, but several reasons dissuaded us: if there’s too much wind, the planes don’t take off; personally, I wasn’t reassured about landing in Jomsom, and this transport has a cost.
We arrived around 2 PM in Jomsom (2720m), and despite the early wake-up, the nearly 8 hours on the bus, and the altitude, we decided to head straight to Thinigaon (2840m). At the Jomsom checkpoint, they told us it was a 30-minute walk. Great! Except we took an hour and a half on an uphill road, bent over to fight a strong wind. But the Himalayan range is there! The Dhaulagiri, the Nilgiri, the Annapurnas as a reward.
In Thinigaon, we found a room at the "Nilgiri View Hotel" run by a didi (big sister in Nepali). From the lodge’s roof, she proudly showed us the different peaks surrounding the village and told us, worried, that it hadn’t snowed here for 3 years. She said there are very few tourists, that the season is rather in September/October/November. It seems there’s not a soul in this village, yet mules pass through the narrow street paved with large flat stones, their bells ringing. We dine at 6 PM and go to bed… Room = 1200 NPR and dinner, breakfast, and drinks = 2560 NPR.
On April 1, we set off at 9 AM, not for Chimang as planned but for Marpha! The didi from the Thinigaon lodge had said it was a 3-hour walk. The first part of this stage is attractive, the mountains are magnificent and imposing, the landscape is superb, there’s no one around, a feeling of being "alone in the world." We follow Dhumbra Tal, this small green lake. The path is a rocky track that climbs steeply. Then, around a hill, we start the big descent that joins the Kali Gandaki. We face the wind head-on, and the violent gusts take our breath away, throw us off balance, and envelop us in dust. We see the road on the other side of the Kali Gandaki. We arrive in the village of Chhairo at 2 PM, completely exhausted and with blistered feet, after 5 hours of walking instead of the planned 3.5 hours.
We’re welcomed by the village nurse, who tells us there’s a lodge in the village. Chhairo is a Tibetan village, a 20-minute walk from Marpha (according to the locals, multiply by 2 or even 3 for us…). We’re going to revise our trek plan and, first of all, spend the night in Chhairo.
The lodge is quite pleasant, and Karma, the hostess, is very friendly. She asks about our plans and suggests we stay in Chhairo the next day, from where we can visit Marpha and also Chimang, a 1-hour walk away, in light mode, meaning without backpacks. She invites us to participate in a village ceremony the next evening.
We immediately accept the proposal, as our feet need rest and the welcome is so warm… Dinner and bed!
We reworked our trek plan, which was too ambitious for our untrained bodies and, let’s face it… no longer in our first youth. In the initial plan, we thought there wouldn’t be too much elevation gain following the Kali Gandaki, but checking the map, we realize there might be significant elevation changes between Sauru and Sirkung. So we plan:
· Tomorrow: visit Marpha (2670m) and Chimang (2744m) · April 3: bus from Chhairo (2700m) to Kalopani (2530m) and continue on foot to Ghasa (2010m) · April 4: Ghasa/Pairataplo (1940m) · April 5: Pairatapla/Gadpar (1580m) · April 6: Gadpar/Narchyang (1510m) · April 7: Narchyang/Tatopani (1190m) · April 8: return to Pokhara.
Normally, it’s all downhill…
April 2, a rest day then… We set off in the morning to explore Marpha. We have to take a temporary bridge because the suspension bridge is closed due to road construction. We join the road and arrive in Marpha, a village famous for its apple orchards, brandy, cider, and apple juice production. This village is magnificent with its stone houses and monastery clinging to the hillside. The road construction spared it. There are people, but very few Western tourists.
We have lunch in Marpha and go back through Chhairo to take the path to Chimang. We cross a fragrant pine forest and find the rocky path; the landscape is splendid. We walk quietly, passing peaceful buffaloes and cows, and arrive at the foot of a stone staircase… 275 steps (which we counted on the way back) leading us to the village of Chimang. Chimang is an isolated Newari village that seems a bit desolate. Despite the slopes, there are crops on every little bit of land. Thankfully, we changed our initial program because there’s no lodge in this village, contrary to what we saw on a map… We wander through the village, which seems very deserted, have coffee in a house from another world, and then head back to Chhairo.
A rest day? = 5 hours of walking!!
Dinner and village ceremony. From what we understand, this ceremony is in honor of the Dalai Lama. Men, women, and children in traditional costumes gather twice a month; they dance, make, and offer small sweet cakes with Tibetan tea (made from tea, yak butter—often rancid—water, and salt). Surprising for first-timers…
Around 10 PM, we leave the ceremony; tomorrow morning, we need to be on the roadside by 7 AM to catch the bus to Kalopani…
This village of Chhairo is very pleasant and welcoming, no tourists, just two motorcyclists who arrived in the evening, one of whom participated in the ceremony and discreetly poured his Tibetan tea outside.
Lodge: "Norsang Tibetan Guesthouse and Restaurant". Total bill for 2 nights, 2 dinners, 2 breakfasts, and drinks = 8000 NPR.
April 3: bus from Chhairo to Kalopani, about 1.5 hours for the 20 km (200 NPR per person). We descend on the right bank of the Kali Gandaki. We find the red and white markings to resume the trek toward Ghasa. We’re in a fragrant pine forest, the Dhaulagiri on one side and the Annapurnas on the other, magnificent, and the path is pleasant and easy. We get a bit lost in this forest, always looking for the markings. Near Lete, two trekkers pass us, and we meet them again a little further on with two very young children, to whom we give the 2 hard-boiled eggs I didn’t eat this morning. They accepted them without hesitation.
We arrive in a village and ask for directions to Ghasa. The young girls point the way. But we come across a forest being logged, trees cut in all directions. We turn back and ask for confirmation. They confirm… But the two young girls catch up with us and clear the way. We have to step over, go around, and cross the felled trees, with no indication at all. Through this pick-up sticks of felled trees, the girls lead us to the top of a stone staircase, indicating that was the path. It’s the only place where we saw rhododendrons in bloom.
We descend the staircase. At the bottom, to the left, there’s a bridge to go toward Choyo, and to the right, a path to Ghasa. We take the right path and join the road. We should normally find the red and white markings, but we don’t… So we continue on the western bank road of the Kali Gandaki.
A little before the village of Misi, we see fumaroles on the opposite bank that seem to come from the ground. We don’t understand. We stopped to eat in the village of Misi (noodle soup = 600 NPR), but it’s hard to communicate with the elderly people running the guesthouse.
We continued on the road, not finding the marked path parallel to the road. Landslides, both on the left and right banks, seem to have taken over the marked routes. It’s a place where the Kali Gandaki gorge narrows, and on the opposite bank, the mountain smokes more and more, and we now hear the crackling of fire. Across from us, the mountain is burning… Our initial plan had us passing on that burning bank right now…
We arrive in Ghasa at 3:30 PM, a 6.5-hour stage but with a 1-hour stop at noon. We’re at the "Florida Guesthouse and Restaurant." From our room, we see the mountain smoking on the other side of the river, and at night, we see the flames. In this village, posters show Himalayan eagles and vultures that seem to be protected species. Indeed, we saw (and heard) 3 eagles circling today.
April 4 – Today, heading to Pairothapla or Kopchepani depending on our feet, accommodation options, and simply our desires.
No more smoke on the mountain this morning. It’s chilly, 7:45 AM, the sky is clear, just a smell of smoke outside.
Price of the lodge = 1000 NPR for the night + 3580 NPR for meals.
We cross Ghasa, which stretches over more than a kilometer. We have a drink at the last guesthouse in the village, and the didi, when she learns our destination, tells us to be careful because the villages we’re going to aren’t safe. Should we distribute our rupees in different pockets? Nah, we kept going.
At the exit of Ghasa, we find the red and white markings and take the suspension bridge to cross the boiling waters of the Kali Gandaki. The passage is impressive because the river is tumultuous. Lots of climbs and even more descents. We’re back on the eastern bank. It’s hot! On the narrow path, we meet a group of buffaloes. Who has the right of way? We decide to stick as close as possible to the rock wall and move forward calmly. The buffaloes look at us, chewing placidly, with no intention of jumping on us. Phew!
After a 5-hour stage (including stops), we arrive in Pairothapla, with hot feet and firm thighs, and decide we won’t go any further. It’s a good thing because there’s a lodge, the most basic so far, but with a great welcome. We have a meal and a short nap. The buffaloes we met on the way belong to this house. They come to drink at the fountain by the path.
Our host, very pleasant, doesn’t know what to do to please us and is very attentive. He wants to chat. He has two children, a 4-year-old girl and a 7-year-old boy. Where do they go to school? Do they go? He tells us that the fires in the mountain are caused by people, but for what reason? We won’t find out, but it’s illegal. From here, we can still see smoke rising in the distance. The wife is a bit less friendly. Corn kernels dry on a woven straw mat on the ground, and the mom sorts them.
From where we are, we overlook the valley and see the road under construction winding along the mountainside on the other bank.
Dinner on the terrace of the house overlooking the path, windbreaker and fleece on: dal bhat chicken for me and chicken curry for my husband: "organic" products, at least local production. There are small vegetable gardens everywhere with all sorts of vegetables.
April 5 – While we’re having breakfast on the terrace of our lodge, 5 porters, straps on their foreheads, heavily loaded, pass by on the path. A few minutes later, a group of 9 people appears. It must be said that since the beginning of our journey, we’ve met very few hikers. Two backpackers in Chhairo, the two hikers near Lete, two female hikers passed us before Pairothapla, a solo female hiker passed us…
The lodge in Pairothapla is called "Bimala Lodge & Thakali Kitchen" – Price for night + 4 meals + 2 breakfasts = 3000 NPR.
The descent toward the Kali Gandaki involves climbs whose steps we didn’t count. Clearly, the landslides on the mountain cause changes to the official ACAP trek marked in red and white, and the marking updates can’t keep up with the pace of these landslides. It’s almost always by chance that we find the markings. Fortunately, we can follow the power line that guides us somewhat.
Drink stop in Kopchepani, the legs are fine, but the feet don’t like being tightly enclosed. A group of trekkers with porters passes on the path. We met buffaloes that we kindly let pass; the path was wide enough, but it was a staircase going up, and we didn’t want to take any risks.
Across, a view of the magnificent Rupse Waterfall on the other bank of the Kali Gandaki, at the bottom, lots of vehicles and people.
Arrival in Gadpar after crossing a rather unwelcoming small village and cultivated gardens between dry stone walls, each better built than the last.
First lodge spotted, first lodge adopted to answer the call of our feet, and a very warm welcome from the owner. Since we hadn’t eaten at noon, we had Tibetan bread/jam. 6-hour stage including 1 hour of stops. Night + dinner + breakfast + drinks = 5060 NPR
April 6 – Today, heading to Narchyang.
For several days, we’ve seen banana trees with their bunches of fruit and even a prickly pear with large fruits ripening.
This stage is quite peaceful and pleasant. We take a suspension bridge to cross a tributary of the Kali Gandaki. While we’re resting for a moment before crossing the bridge, a couple of porters, a man and a woman, arrive and start across the bridge with their wood load in a basket held by a strap on their forehead, making them bend. We set off too… lighter than them.
On the other side of the bridge… a stone staircase, and it climbs steeply. The porter couple didn’t take this staircase; they went right on the path.
At the top of the staircase, we arrive in Narchyang after a 4-hour stage. A magnificent waterfall overlooks the village. We get lost in this fairly large village looking for a lodge. After wandering around for a while, we ask for directions, and an 84-year-old man takes us through the whole village and accompanies us to a very nice lodge run by a woman.
We chat with our hostess, who asks where we’re from and where we’re going. We explain that we want to reach Tatopani the next day and then return to Pokhara. She tells us there are 4x4s going directly to Pokhara and that it would probably be easier than taking a bus that might be full in Tatopani. After a quick consultation, we decide to return to Pokhara the next day by 4x4. She finds us a 4x4 with 2 seats left, departure at 8 AM – 5 hours on the road and 1500 NPR per person. A charming didi who does everything to be pleasant and helpful.
Narchyang community lodge = night + snacks + dinner + breakfast = 3000 NPR.
There you go, our trek ends tomorrow. Many necessary changes and adaptations to our initial trek, but no regrets, it was superb and a great experience that, for my part, I won’t be able to repeat. Always this encounter with the endearing, welcoming, curious, and very kind Nepali people. It was now or never, and we did it!
* * *
In conclusion, 3 full weeks in Nepal is a duration that allows visiting Kathmandu, Patan, and Bhaktapur, enjoying the various sites, and soaking in the atmosphere and urban Nepali life.
The trek, even revised and corrected, allowed us to get close to the impressive Annapurna and Dhaulagiri peaks. One or two acclimatization days might be necessary to get the body in tune with this magical and extraordinary land.
Hi there,
My partner and I are heading to Nepal for 15 days in March—she’s a schoolteacher. We’ll be trekking to Everest Base Camp and then doing the loop via the Gokyo Lakes.
We’d love to set up a fundraiser to donate to a school in Namche, along with visiting the school. It’s something that really matters to us. But it’s been tough to get in touch with a school—any ideas on how to go about this? Thanks!
My partner and I are heading to Nepal for 15 days in March—she’s a schoolteacher. We’ll be trekking to Everest Base Camp and then doing the loop via the Gokyo Lakes.
We’d love to set up a fundraiser to donate to a school in Namche, along with visiting the school. It’s something that really matters to us. But it’s been tough to get in touch with a school—any ideas on how to go about this? Thanks!
Hello my fellow globetrotters, could anyone tell me how to find the French colonial cemetery in Pondicherry? It seems tricky to locate.
Thanks so much for your help! Take care, pace yourselves, and travel far.
Cheers, Régine
Thanks so much for your help! Take care, pace yourselves, and travel far.
Cheers, Régine
I'm looking for a small, not-too-touristy restaurant in Fort Kochi. Do you know one not too far from Jacob Road?
Thanks
Hi there,
My wife and I are getting ready for this tour from March 27 to April 8.
I’d love to know if anyone’s traveled with Salaun Holidays before? How many people are usually in a group? How much cash should we bring?
We’re also unsure about what clothes to pack..... plus sheets and pillowcases?
And if you’ve got any tips to avoid being too bothered by beggars and touts.
Any advice you’ve got would be really helpful.
Thanks in advance!
Hi there,
I’d like to travel to Rajasthan and the Ganges Valley—it’s my first time going on a long-haul trip, and I’m thinking of booking with BTtours from Belgium (or Salaün in France). Has anyone here traveled with this agency before and can share their experience? I was planning to go around November, but some people tell me it might still be pretty cold (around 8°C)—is that true?
Also, what’s the best way to get money there? Can you enter India with cash on you?
Thanks for your help!
Also, what’s the best way to get money there? Can you enter India with cash on you?
Thanks for your help!
hi everyone,
I’m planning a trip to Northern India (Rajasthan, Ganges Valley with Varanasi (Benares)).
My travel agency is offering me two tour operators: Asia with the "Saris and Saddhus" circuit, and Salaun with the "Northern India and the Ganges Valley" circuit. I’ve already traveled to Sri Lanka and Southern India with Asia. The trips went really well.
I don’t know Salaun Holidays. Their circuit seems more comprehensive, with a day of relaxation (16 days on site). Travel with Air France.
Has any member of this forum done the "Northern India and the Ganges Valley" circuit with Salaun? Can I get your feedback on the tour operator Salaun Holidays?
Thanks so much
I’m planning a trip to Northern India (Rajasthan, Ganges Valley with Varanasi (Benares)).
My travel agency is offering me two tour operators: Asia with the "Saris and Saddhus" circuit, and Salaun with the "Northern India and the Ganges Valley" circuit. I’ve already traveled to Sri Lanka and Southern India with Asia. The trips went really well.
I don’t know Salaun Holidays. Their circuit seems more comprehensive, with a day of relaxation (16 days on site). Travel with Air France.
Has any member of this forum done the "Northern India and the Ganges Valley" circuit with Salaun? Can I get your feedback on the tour operator Salaun Holidays?
Thanks so much
Hi there.
We’re heading to India at the end of December for a month.
I planned an itinerary: Delhi, Nawalgarh, Sikar, Jodhpur, Udaipur, Chittaurgarh, Bundi, Jaipur, Bharatpur, and back to Delhi.
Our driver told us it’s not possible because there are no roads.
He’s suggesting the usual tourist circuit, which we don’t want to do.
What do you think of my route?
Any tips?
Thanks, community!
Hello,
We’re a group of 4 looking for a driver and car for our stay in Kerala from November 22 to December 12, 2025. We’ve already planned an itinerary starting from Cochin.
We’ve traveled with a driver before during our trip to Rajasthan.
Thanks for your replies!
Yves
Hi everyone,
we’re heading to Tamil Nadu and Kerala at the start of the year for 30 days. We did Rajasthan 12 years ago, but things change fast.
I’ve read that to get a SIM card, you have to buy it at a shop and then go to the operator to get a number; you’d also need an Indian mobile number. Has anyone here had recent experience with this?
For buses and trains, do you need to book them well in advance?
Any tips are welcome—thanks in advance!
Happy holidays to all,
Philippe
Hi everyone! 🙂
My partner (who’s a teacher—hence the summer holidays) and I are heading to Eastern India for 23 days in July. This is my 5th trip to India, but her first.
We fly into Delhi on July 7th and leave from Delhi on the 23rd (since our flight to Kolkata arrived late at night, and I wanted to show Agra and Varanasi to my partner).
We love getting off the beaten track and meeting people, so we’ll mostly be taking the train.
Here’s what we’re planning:
- **DELHI**: 1 night on the way (short because the plane is supposed to land at 01:55), then we take the train at 13:00 - **GWALIOR**: 3 nights, including a day trip to **AGRA** by train to see the Taj Mahal and the Red Fort (I find Agra too touristy to stay overnight). Otherwise, in Gwalior, the Fort, the temples, the Man Mandir Palace, and the Jai Vilas Palace if we have time. - **ORCHHA**: 2 nights... *maybe skip this to spend more time in VARANASI?* - **VARANASI**: overnight train + 3 nights, the Ghats, temples... maybe a day trip to **SARNATH**. - **KOLKATA**: overnight train + 3 nights. Maybe a countryside excursion to the ashram in Channa. *- Here we’re hesitating over 2 nights: either 2 nights in **SHANTINIKETAN** with a visit to **CHANNA** on the way, or a 2-day excursion to the **SUNDARBAN** nature park. But is it worth it in July during the monsoon?* - **PURI**: overnight train + 4 nights. *We’re planning to do everything from Puri, as it seems nicer than staying in BHUBANESWAR. What do you think?* Visit **KONARK** and **CHILIKA LAKE**. *Is it worth visiting Chilika Lake this season? Another question: can you swim in Puri, or is it too dangerous (waves)?* - Train to **BHUBANESWAR**, then a flight from BHUBANESWAR to **DELHI**, - 2 nights in **DELHI**, visiting Jama Masjid, and *either Humayun’s Tomb, Safdarjung’s Tomb, or Qutb Minar.*
Back to Paris. Total: 23 nights.
What do you think of these choices? What about the options we’re still unsure about *(in bold/italics)*? Thanks so much! 🙂
We fly into Delhi on July 7th and leave from Delhi on the 23rd (since our flight to Kolkata arrived late at night, and I wanted to show Agra and Varanasi to my partner).
We love getting off the beaten track and meeting people, so we’ll mostly be taking the train.
Here’s what we’re planning:
- **DELHI**: 1 night on the way (short because the plane is supposed to land at 01:55), then we take the train at 13:00 - **GWALIOR**: 3 nights, including a day trip to **AGRA** by train to see the Taj Mahal and the Red Fort (I find Agra too touristy to stay overnight). Otherwise, in Gwalior, the Fort, the temples, the Man Mandir Palace, and the Jai Vilas Palace if we have time. - **ORCHHA**: 2 nights... *maybe skip this to spend more time in VARANASI?* - **VARANASI**: overnight train + 3 nights, the Ghats, temples... maybe a day trip to **SARNATH**. - **KOLKATA**: overnight train + 3 nights. Maybe a countryside excursion to the ashram in Channa. *- Here we’re hesitating over 2 nights: either 2 nights in **SHANTINIKETAN** with a visit to **CHANNA** on the way, or a 2-day excursion to the **SUNDARBAN** nature park. But is it worth it in July during the monsoon?* - **PURI**: overnight train + 4 nights. *We’re planning to do everything from Puri, as it seems nicer than staying in BHUBANESWAR. What do you think?* Visit **KONARK** and **CHILIKA LAKE**. *Is it worth visiting Chilika Lake this season? Another question: can you swim in Puri, or is it too dangerous (waves)?* - Train to **BHUBANESWAR**, then a flight from BHUBANESWAR to **DELHI**, - 2 nights in **DELHI**, visiting Jama Masjid, and *either Humayun’s Tomb, Safdarjung’s Tomb, or Qutb Minar.*
Back to Paris. Total: 23 nights.
What do you think of these choices? What about the options we’re still unsure about *(in bold/italics)*? Thanks so much! 🙂
hi everyone, I’m putting together an itinerary for Sri Lanka in September 2026, so I’m focusing on the east side of the island because of the monsoon on the west coast:
Day 1 Kandy: botanical garden, fruit and vegetable market, traditional dance show
Day 2 Kandy-Ella train
Day 3-4 Kumana NP or Lunugamvehera Block 6+5
Day 5-6 Komari / Pottuvi lagoon safari
Day 7 head up the east coast along the beaches to reach Wasgamuwa NP
Day 8 Wasgamuwa NP early morning safari, then Polonnaruwa (temple and palace)
Day 9-10 Sigiriya Lion’s Rock and Dambulla, cave temple
Day 11-12 Wilpattu NP early morning safari, then late afternoon
Day 13-14 Kalpitiya, snorkeling and chilling
Day 15 return to Colombo
Thanks for sharing your thoughts on whether this route is doable—we’ll be traveling with a driver-guide.
Feel free to mention any great tips or good homestay experiences you’ve had, since we prefer those.