Road conditions

Hello,

Can anyone tell me what the current road conditions are like around Kathmandu, Pokhara, and Australian Camp? Thanks! Guylaine

Hello Does "actuellement" mean "nowadays"? The road linking Kathmandu to Pokhara is one of the oldest in Nepal. Having been to Nepal 12 or 13 times since 1972, I haven’t seen it change much, except that it’s getting busier and it takes longer to get to Pokhara now than it did 30 years ago. That said, it depends on the season. During the monsoon, it can be flooded and also cut off by landslides. That could happen tomorrow or in three months. As for going to the Austrian base camp near Dampus (it was the Austrians, not the Australians, who named it that), you still can only get there on foot, and that’s a good thing!

Hello, and thank you so much for your reply. We’ll be in Kathmandu on November 1st for 12 days. There are two couples in our group, and we’ve booked a driver/guide. Let’s just say that landslides and the rain, which seems to still be falling, aren’t exactly reassuring. But we’ll see how it goes. Nepal really needs tourism, and if we can’t follow our planned route, we’ll figure things out once we’re there. Have a good evening, Guylaine

We’ll be in Kathmandu on November 1st for 12 days. There are two couples, and we’ve booked a driver/guide.

In November, the monsoon is over—it’s one of the best months to visit Nepal. It takes about 7 to 8 hours to get from Kathmandu to Pokhara, but you can make stops pretty much anywhere along the way. Where did you get the idea about the "Australian" camp? Are you planning to trek?

Yes, we're thinking of doing some hiking.

I’ll admit, I’m always surprised to see people asking for very general practical info while at the same time hiring a driver and/or guide. They should be able to inform you—if they can’t, that’s a problem. And if they *do* inform you but you don’t trust them, that’s also pretty problematic. So here’s a real question: why, when it comes to general info, do you feel the need/desire to go beyond what the professionals you’ve hired can tell you? :)

Anyway, to answer your question: the road is in good condition for 95% of your KTM-Pokhara-Kande route (you’ll need to walk from Kande to reach Australian Camp afterward). The roads are usable and already well-traveled, and this will be even more the case in early November. Some sections are damaged and, let’s say, "bumpy," but there’s nothing particularly concerning on your route right now. The chances of it being even better in early November are high. Enjoy your trip!