My girlfriend and I are thinking of a trip. It's very early in the planning stages at present, but doing some "trekking" in the Indian Himalaya or the Nepal Himalaya are options. In India the areas that appeal are Darjeeling/Sikkim area and/or Ladakh area (although I'd be open to other areas). In Nepal I don't really know - I'm interested in the some of the classics like Annapurna circuit and Everest Base Camp but not so interested in the crowds.
According to Lonely Planet trekking in India is like trekking in Nepal in the 60s or 70s.
I'd be interested to hear people's thoughts on pros and cons of each option. We're flexible in terms of when we'll go - it seems trekking season for most areas is Sep - Nov although other times are possible (and less busy)
Some initial thoughts are:
India
- Cheaper to fly to (Air Asia to Calcutta return for around $600 or $700)
- Cheaper day to day expenses
- Less crowded hikes
- Perhaps less infrastructure for trekkers, i.e. not really any "teahouse" trekking. This is both a pro and a con depending on how you look at it
- Sounds like you need to take/rent tent, stove etc.
- Perhaps a better destination to do some other sightseeing as well as trekking - like a couple of weeks exploring Rajahstan.
Nepal
- Easier to organise independent walks, walking village to village and staying in teahouse accommodation
- Busier
- Must be good to be so popular!
- Don't have to take a tent, stove etc
Cheers,
Drew