Nepal

Description

Annapurna Trek, Manang - Pisang, Gangapurna - by Henk

What is it about Nepal that makes it one of the very best hiking destinations? The reasons are numerous. Nepal is home to the world's highest mountains. Apart from Mount Everest it has seven other mountains over 8000 m high. Thanks to the excellent facilities, and the friendly Nepalese who speak excellent English, these giant mountains are brought amazingly close to the average hiker. Long distance walking in Nepal is simple and always rewarding. Landscapes are diverse and exotic, ranging from tropical rainforest to alpine extremes and everything in between: barren plateaus, rice terraces, spectacular rhodondendron forests in full bloom. Many treks pass through several different biotopes. Nepal's population is a colourful patchwork of a multitude of peoples, each with their own language, religion and customs. As a result you will come across fascinating towns and villages, meet interesting people and get the opportunity to make beautiful pictures.

Some areas are popular for hiking. Starting from the west towards the east these are:

  • Humla and Mt. Kailas (Tibet) – restricted, pelgrimage to Tibetan holy mountain, partly in China
  • Rara NP – Largest lake, paradise for birdwatchers
  • Dolpo – Inner Dolpo restricted
  • Annapurna – One of the most popular hiking areas on earth, but nowadays there is a road
  • Mustang – restricted – Tibetan  kingdom
  • Manaslu Himal – restricted
  • Lantang and Helambu – close to Kathmandu and very diverse
  • Everest – Trek to Everest Base Camp
  • Makalu – Trek to Makalu Base Camp
  • Kangchenjunga – Giant (8586 m) on the border with Sikkim

One hiker, upon returning to Nepal after 10 years, lamented: such a petty that all those ingeniously fabricated rope bridges have been replaced by cold steel cables. Someone else went along to remark: too bad people don't dress traditionally anymore as they used to 20 years ago. Where upon another complained about something else which had disappeared since 30 years ago, etcetera. It is useless to mope about change; Nepal is not a museum, but a country where people dream of progress as they do in any other country. The Nepalese watch television, read newspapers, access internet and use mobile phones, and are no less well-informed on what's going on in the world around them than you and I are. Change may cause some areas to become less interesting for hiking, whereas by contrast other areas may gain in interest as a result of change and development.

The differences between various treks and hiking areas are vast. Some treks, for instance in Mustang, are only possible in a fully organised way, taking along the whole lot including porters, tents, guides, provisions, etc. Other treks, like hiking up to Everest Basecamp, can be done on your own in a relaxed way, walking from one teahouse to the next. In between are a range of hikes requiring more or less preparation.

Nepalese authorities require hikers to register before setting out. This registration is checked regularly while you are walking, in so-called checkpoints. If you are unable to produce a permit, you are not allowed to continue. It sounds like a hassle, but in reality it's all part of the fun. To make things even more complicated: several red-tape systems exist side by side:

  • To enter a restricted area you need an old-fashioned trekking permit. These are expensive, linked to a maximum number of visitors, and only issued in combination with an organised group tour;
  • For other trekking areas you will need to pay a modest entrance fee in return for a permit, which will be checked regularly along the way;
  • On top of all this you should get yourself registered at the Trekking Information Management System (TIMS), in return for which you will receive a Certificate, which is also checked regularly along the way.

The first type of trekking permit must be applied for well in advance. The second type and the TIMS Certificate are often also available at checkpoints, although you will pay less if arranged in advance.

Annapurna Trek, Chame - by Henk

Climate in Nepal is defined in terms of wet and dry seasons. The wettest monsoon season is in June, July and August, when hikers are few. Mountain tops will be hidden behind clouds and paths are muddy and teeming with leeches. In the months before, from March until May, heat and humidity are slowly building up. Deep into the Himalaya, towards Tibet, this is a great time for hiking and what's more, the  rhodondendron forests will be in full bloom in March and April. In the months after the monsoon, from September to November, the weather is most stable and clear, with views at their most magnificent. As a consequence this is when the country is invaded by tourists. From December onwards you will meet fewer hikers. The north face of the Himalaya suffer a winter monsoon characterised by low temperatures and snow, making it hard and uncertain to cross high mountain passes. The south and east of the Nepalese Himalaya are not affected by this. In short: except in the wet summer months, you can always go hiking somewhere in Nepal, and some even refuse to be held back by the wet monsoon.

Reaching the hiking area of your choice can be a challenge. Areas near the capital Kathmandu, like Lantang or Helambu, are easily reached by public bus. If you are heading further out, a journey by bus may take several days. There are flights to many of the more popular trekking regions. Plan at least two weeks for any serious long distance hike in Nepal. You need time to reach your final destination, and to hike back down again. In some cases you can hike in a circle (Annapurna), or take a return flight from your final destination. Time is needed to acclimatise at high altitude. You cannot cross a 4000 m high mountain pass  on any Sunday afternoon, so allow for some time and spare days for the unforeseen. Two weeks is a minimum, but three or four is more realistic.

In general, facilities are excellent. In popular hiking regions you will find marvellous teahouses or lodges, not only in the villages but also in between. Staying overnight is cheap, but as a guest you are expected to take meals too. During peak season, in October, it can be difficult to find a place for the night, and you may have to settle for a second choice hotel. This is the general picture of course; in the remote west and east of Nepal, where hiking hasn't boomed yet, quantity and quality of lodges is less. In most restricted area's, when hiking with a group, setting up camp every night is the rule.

Can you hike alone in Nepal? Yes, definitely. Not in restricted areas, where you need to join a group tour. But particularly the popular hiking regions are quite safe, also for the individual hiker. Exceptions are the high mountain passes, but more about these later. Whether or not to hire a porter is mainly your personal choice. If you prefer someone to show you the way, to help you find a place for the night, and to carry the bulk of your luggage, do not hesitate to hire a porter/guide. No need to feel embarrassed, it is an ordinary profession, and many of these young guys will later have a career as guide or entrepreneur. Dozens, even hundreds of travel agencies are eager to organise your trek. Prepare yourself well by reading good quality travel guides.

Annapurna Trek, Jomsom - Kagbeni - by Henk

Above we wrote Nepal is safe for the individual hiker. Of course, safety is a relative notion in any country in the world. But probably Nepal is safer than your home country. Are communist rebels dangerous? No, they never were, and now they have even joined government, adding the occasional fireworks to Nepalese politics. Can women safely travel alone? Yes, Nepalese treat all tourists, and women in particular, with respect. Many women hiking alone will hire a guide/porter anyway, for a safe feeling if not for convenience.

Concerning your health, to minimize risk:

  • Do not ever drink water from taps or streams. Filter your water, or buy it at a so-called "Safe drinking water station". If you buy bottled water elsewhere in any obscure little shop, always check the date and if it is sealed properly.
  • Eat vegetarian. Stick to the national dish: Dal Bhat (rice and lentils). Don't eat fresh salads. Don't eat ice cream.
  • Altitude sickness can be prevented: do not climb too much per day (400 – 800 m), and once you reach higher altitudes, walk much slower than you normally would, drink a lot and breath consciously. Never push yourself to the limit, not even to keep up with your companions. Nausea and headaches do not mean immediate danger, but are a warning to take a rest. Drowsiness and a “drunken” gait mean danger: serious altitude sickness is exceptional, but acutely life-threatening.
  • Bring your own medicine-kit.
  • The cold at high altitude is life-threatening. Bring a down-filled jacket, a warm cap and gloves. Wear sturdy, high mountain boots.
  • If you plan to cross a high pass, don't go alone. Leave as early as possible and walk slowly at a steady pace. Bad weather is dangerous: do not head out, but wait for weather to improve. Keep in mind: many passes rise up well over 5000 m. We're not talking about an ordinary hike! 

Other practical issues: Maps of hiking regions are available in Kathmandu and other large towns. Though not always very detailed and precise, most are adequate for the popular hiking trails. These trails are never marked, but to lose your way is virtually impossible because you will walk from one village to the next. From the moment they can walk, every Nepalese can show you the way.

Map

Nepal

Trails

Regions

Mountains

Books

Bol.com
Netherlands
  • Trekking the Tamang Heritage Trail of Nepal
  • INCLUDES LANGTANG & HELAMBU The Tamang Heritage Trail lies west of the Langtang Valley. The scenic route passes through mainly Tamang villages in the mid-hills that receive considerably fewer tourists than the traditional, adjoining Langtang trek. Himalayan panoramas and village vistas are sensational and home stay enables a deeper cultural... Read more
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  • Bol.com, Belgium
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Bol.com
Belgium
  • Trekking the Tamang Heritage Trail of Nepal
  • INCLUDES LANGTANG & HELAMBU The Tamang Heritage Trail lies west of the Langtang Valley. The scenic route passes through mainly Tamang villages in the mid-hills that receive considerably fewer tourists than the traditional, adjoining Langtang trek. Himalayan panoramas and village vistas are sensational and home stay enables a deeper cultural... Read more
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Bol.com
Netherlands
2017
  • Te gast in pocket - Te gast in Nepal
  • In deze vernieuwde editie van TE GAST IN Nepal wordt stilgestaan bij de aardbeving die in april 2015 het middelgebergte van Nepal trof. Behalve veel slachtoffers was er veel schade aan het culturele erfgoed. Vanwege de bureaucratische rompslomp komt de wederopbouw vrij traag op gang. Ook de Great Himalaya Trail, een lange-afstands-trek dwars... Read more
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  • Bol.com, Belgium
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Bol.com
Belgium
2017
  • Te gast in pocket - Te gast in Nepal
  • In deze vernieuwde editie van TE GAST IN Nepal wordt stilgestaan bij de aardbeving die in april 2015 het middelgebergte van Nepal trof. Behalve veel slachtoffers was er veel schade aan het culturele erfgoed. Vanwege de bureaucratische rompslomp komt de wederopbouw vrij traag op gang. Ook de Great Himalaya Trail, een lange-afstands-trek dwars... Read more
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Bol.com
Netherlands
  • Backpacker Business
  • Written on chicken buses, trains, boats and in beach bars all across Southeast Asia, this is the story of how a 23-year old English backpacker set up the first print magazine for independent travellers in Southeast Asia.From inexperienced backpacker in Nepal to established publisher in Thailand, via business deals in Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos,... Read more
  • Also available from:
  • Bol.com, Belgium
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Bol.com
Belgium
  • Backpacker Business
  • Written on chicken buses, trains, boats and in beach bars all across Southeast Asia, this is the story of how a 23-year old English backpacker set up the first print magazine for independent travellers in Southeast Asia.From inexperienced backpacker in Nepal to established publisher in Thailand, via business deals in Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos,... Read more
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De Zwerver
Netherlands
2018
  • Reisgids Trotter Nepal | Lannoo
  • Een reisgids voor alle individuele reizigers, jong of ervaren, die op een persoonlijke manier willen reizen. Voor de reizigers due houden van een pak betrouwbare informatie én een kritische noot. Voor de reizigers die niet alleen geinteresseerd zijn in traditionele bezienswaardigheden, maar ook in de complete cultuur van een land of streek.... Read more
Bol.com
Netherlands
1996
  • Langtang with Gosainkund and Helambu
  • A guidebook describing 5 main treks of up to a week in the Himalaya's Langtang National Park region in Nepal, also Gosainkund and Helambu. There is no finer way of getting to know Nepal than by discarding the burdens of Western society, wandering her trails and growing receptive to her charms. Trekking holds the key to a wealth of experience,... Read more
  • Also available from:
  • Bol.com, Belgium
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Bol.com
Belgium
1996
  • Langtang with Gosainkund and Helambu
  • A guidebook describing 5 main treks of up to a week in the Himalaya's Langtang National Park region in Nepal, also Gosainkund and Helambu. There is no finer way of getting to know Nepal than by discarding the burdens of Western society, wandering her trails and growing receptive to her charms. Trekking holds the key to a wealth of experience,... Read more
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De Zwerver
Netherlands
2018
Bol.com
Netherlands
  • Nepal
  • Nepal: Guide to Independent Trekking and TravelThis book was written by the author who traveled to Nepal and visited its most interesting, famous and beautiful places! The book describes the possibility of an independent trip to Nepal (without a travel agency and guides). This book will help you in planning a personal trip to Nepal or simply be... Read more
  • Also available from:
  • Bol.com, Belgium
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Bol.com
Belgium
  • Nepal
  • Nepal: Guide to Independent Trekking and TravelThis book was written by the author who traveled to Nepal and visited its most interesting, famous and beautiful places! The book describes the possibility of an independent trip to Nepal (without a travel agency and guides). This book will help you in planning a personal trip to Nepal or simply be... Read more
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The Book Depository
United Kingdom
2013
  • Trekking in the Himalaya
  • An inspirational guidebook to 20 treks along the 2400km Himalayan chain. Includes classics such as the treks to Everest and K2 base camps and the Annapurna Circuit. Also epic glacier treks, ultra-long expedition treks and sacred treks. This is a book to inspire and excite, guaranteed to entice any with an adventurous spirit and love of wild places. Read more
  • Also available from:
  • Bol.com, Netherlands
  • Bol.com, Belgium
  • De Zwerver, Netherlands
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Bol.com
Netherlands
2013
  • Trekking in the Himalaya
  • An inspirational larger format book describing 20 memorable treks in the Himalaya. They include such well-known classics as the treks to Everest, K2 and Kangchenjunga base camps, and the Annapurna and Manaslu Circuits. The ultra-long Lunana Snowman Trek and a kora around sacred Mount Kailash in Tibet are also included. There are epic glacier... Read more
Bol.com
Belgium
2013
  • Trekking in the Himalaya
  • An inspirational larger format book describing 20 memorable treks in the Himalaya. They include such well-known classics as the treks to Everest, K2 and Kangchenjunga base camps, and the Annapurna and Manaslu Circuits. The ultra-long Lunana Snowman Trek and a kora around sacred Mount Kailash in Tibet are also included. There are epic glacier... Read more
De Zwerver
Netherlands
2013
  • Wandelgids Trekking in the Himalaya | Cicerone
  • An inspirational guidebook to 20 treks along the 2400km Himalayan chain. Includes classics such as the treks to Everest and K2 base camps and the Annapurna Circuit. Also epic glacier treks, ultra-long expedition treks and sacred treks. This is a book to inspire and excite, guaranteed to entice any with an adventurous spirit and love of wild places. Read more
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Bol.com
Netherlands
2018
  • The Rough Guide to Nepal
  • Discover this exciting destination with the most incisive and entertaining guidebook on the market. Whether you plan to trek in the spectacular Himalaya region, take a boat ride on Phewa Lake in Pokhara or get up close and personal with rhinos at Chitwan National Park, The Rough Guide to Nepal will show you the ideal places to sleep, eat, drink... Read more
  • Also available from:
  • Bol.com, Belgium
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Bol.com
Belgium
2018
  • The Rough Guide to Nepal
  • Discover this exciting destination with the most incisive and entertaining guidebook on the market. Whether you plan to trek in the spectacular Himalaya region, take a boat ride on Phewa Lake in Pokhara or get up close and personal with rhinos at Chitwan National Park, The Rough Guide to Nepal will show you the ideal places to sleep, eat, drink... Read more
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Bol.com
Netherlands
  • 18 Endless Summers of Sailing
  • 18 Endless Summers of Sailing is a high adventure, true to life story of Bob and Gail's sailing around the world and extensive inland traveling. Tulum111, a Kelly Peterson 44-foot sailboat, and Mother Ocean carried these two voyagers around the globe safely. Come read and enjoy real life happenings from Continent to Continent. Enjoy stories of... Read more
  • Also available from:
  • Bol.com, Belgium
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Bol.com
Belgium
  • 18 Endless Summers of Sailing
  • 18 Endless Summers of Sailing is a high adventure, true to life story of Bob and Gail's sailing around the world and extensive inland traveling. Tulum111, a Kelly Peterson 44-foot sailboat, and Mother Ocean carried these two voyagers around the globe safely. Come read and enjoy real life happenings from Continent to Continent. Enjoy stories of... Read more
» Click to close
De Zwerver
Netherlands
2023
Bol.com
Netherlands
2012
  • Everest
  • Nine treks in the Everest region are fully described step-by-step. They include all the classic treks from Lukla (and Jiri) to Namche, and routes to Thame, Gokyo, Thangboche, Lobuche, Kala Pattar and Everest Base Camp. Two routes in Tibet are covered from Tingri to the Rongbuk monastery and Kharta to the Kangshung Face. The treks vary from 1 to... Read more
  • Also available from:
  • Bol.com, Belgium
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Bol.com
Belgium
2012
  • Everest
  • Nine treks in the Everest region are fully described step-by-step. They include all the classic treks from Lukla (and Jiri) to Namche, and routes to Thame, Gokyo, Thangboche, Lobuche, Kala Pattar and Everest Base Camp. Two routes in Tibet are covered from Tingri to the Rongbuk monastery and Kharta to the Kangshung Face. The treks vary from 1 to... Read more
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Bol.com
Netherlands
  • Also available from:
  • Bol.com, Belgium
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Bol.com
Belgium
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Bol.com
Netherlands
  • Abenteuer Hippie Trail
  • Sie geben in Deutschland alles auf, um sich ihren Traum zu erfüllen und zur Reise ihres Lebens aufzubrechen. Till und Amelie fahren mit ihrem 30 Jahre alten Mercedes Rundhauber, genannt „der Frosch", über den Landweg nach Indien und Nepal.Auf ihrer Fahrt tauchen sie immer weiter ab in fremde Kulturen. Nicht ohne Schwierigkeiten gelangen sie bis... Read more
  • Also available from:
  • Bol.com, Belgium
» Click to open
Bol.com
Belgium
  • Abenteuer Hippie Trail
  • Sie geben in Deutschland alles auf, um sich ihren Traum zu erfüllen und zur Reise ihres Lebens aufzubrechen. Till und Amelie fahren mit ihrem 30 Jahre alten Mercedes Rundhauber, genannt „der Frosch", über den Landweg nach Indien und Nepal.Auf ihrer Fahrt tauchen sie immer weiter ab in fremde Kulturen. Nicht ohne Schwierigkeiten gelangen sie bis... Read more
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More books…

Maps

Stanfords
United Kingdom
  • Damodar Kunda
  • Damodar Kunda, sheet no. 2984-13, in the topographic survey of Nepal at 1:50,000 published by the Nepali Government in the late 1990s and early 2000s and produced from remote sensing data by Finnish cartographers as part of that country’s international aid program. The maps cover 15’ x 15’ quadrangles.IMPORTANT – PLEASE NOTE BEFORE ORDERING:... Read more
Stanfords
United Kingdom
  • Muktinath
  • Koban, sheet no. 2883-07, in the topographic survey of Nepal at 1:50,000 published by the Nepali Government in the late 1990s and early 2000s and produced from remote sensing data by Finnish cartographers as part of that country’s international aid program. The maps cover 15’ x 15’ quadrangles.IMPORTANT – PLEASE NOTE BEFORE ORDERING:... Read more
Stanfords
United Kingdom
  • Chala Bhanjyan
  • Chala Bhanjyan, sheet no. 2983-06, in the topographic survey of Nepal at 1:50,000 published by the Nepali Government in the late 1990s and early 2000s and produced from remote sensing data by Finnish cartographers as part of that country’s international aid program. The maps cover 15’ x 15’ quadrangles.IMPORTANT – PLEASE NOTE BEFORE ORDERING:... Read more
Stanfords
United Kingdom
  • Taplejung
  • Taplejung, sheet no. 2787-11, in the topographic survey of Nepal at 1:50,000 published by the Nepali Government in the late 1990s and early 2000s and produced from remote sensing data by Finnish cartographers as part of that country’s international aid program. The maps cover 15’ x 15’ quadrangles.IMPORTANT – PLEASE NOTE BEFORE ORDERING:... Read more
Stanfords
United Kingdom
  • Dunai
  • Dunai, sheet no. 2882-04, in the topographic survey of Nepal at 1:50,000 published by the Nepali Government in the late 1990s and early 2000s and produced from remote sensing data by Finnish cartographers as part of that country’s international aid program. The maps cover 15’ x 15’ quadrangles.IMPORTANT – PLEASE NOTE BEFORE ORDERING:... Read more
Stanfords
United Kingdom
  • Lamabagar
  • Lamabagar, sheet no. 2786-01, in the topographic survey of Nepal at 1:50,000 published by the Nepali Government in the late 1990s and early 2000s and produced from remote sensing data by Finnish cartographers as part of that country’s international aid program. The maps cover 15’ x 15’ quadrangles.IMPORTANT – PLEASE NOTE BEFORE ORDERING:... Read more
Stanfords
United Kingdom
  • Khin
  • Khin, sheet no. 2981-12, in the topographic survey of Nepal at 1:50,000 published by the Nepali Government in the late 1990s and early 2000s and produced from remote sensing data by Finnish cartographers as part of that country’s international aid program. The maps cover 15’ x 15’ quadrangles.IMPORTANT – PLEASE NOTE BEFORE ORDERING:... Read more
Stanfords
United Kingdom
  • Arughat
  • Arughat, sheet no. 2884-16, in the topographic survey of Nepal at 1:50,000 published by the Nepali Government in the late 1990s and early 2000s and produced from remote sensing data by Finnish cartographers as part of that country’s international aid program. The maps cover 15’ x 15’ quadrangles.IMPORTANT – PLEASE NOTE BEFORE ORDERING:... Read more
Stanfords
United Kingdom
  • Khiratadi (114) (2980 08)
  • Khiratadi, sheet no. 2980-08, in the topographic survey of Nepal at 1:50,000 published by the Nepali Government in the late 1990s and early 2000s and produced from remote sensing data by Finnish cartographers as part of that country’s international aid program. The maps cover 15’ x 15’ quadrangles.IMPORTANT – PLEASE NOTE BEFORE ORDERING:... Read more
Stanfords
United Kingdom
  • Namrun
  • Namrun, sheet no. 2884-08, in the topographic survey of Nepal at 1:50,000 published by the Nepali Government in the late 1990s and early 2000s and produced from remote sensing data by Finnish cartographers as part of that country’s international aid program. The maps cover 15’ x 15’ quadrangles.IMPORTANT – PLEASE NOTE BEFORE ORDERING:... Read more
Stanfords
United Kingdom
  • Nepal IGN Map 85107
  • Un grand nombre d?informations touristiques et routières, pour une carte que vous trouverez très vite indispensable lors de votre voyage. Read more
Stanfords
United Kingdom
  • Nepal Reise Know-How
  • Nepal on an indexed, waterproof and tear-resistant road map, ideal for locating the country`s numerous famous peaks, with topographic and tourist information, and enlargements for Kathmandu, Pokhara, and Chitwan regions, plus Bhaktapur. The map, published by Reise Know-How as part of their highly acclaimed World Mapping Project, is double-sided... Read more
  • Also available from:
  • De Zwerver, Netherlands
» Click to open
De Zwerver
Netherlands
  • Wegenkaart - landkaart Nepal | Reise Know-How Verlag
  • Nepal on an indexed, waterproof and tear-resistant road map, ideal for locating the country`s numerous famous peaks, with topographic and tourist information, and enlargements for Kathmandu, Pokhara, and Chitwan regions, plus Bhaktapur. The map, published by Reise Know-How as part of their highly acclaimed World Mapping Project, is double-sided... Read more
» Click to close
Stanfords
United Kingdom
  • Lamjun Himal
  • Lamjun Himal, sheet no. 2884-09, in the topographic survey of Nepal at 1:50,000 published by the Nepali Government in the late 1990s and early 2000s and produced from remote sensing data by Finnish cartographers as part of that country’s international aid program. The maps cover 15’ x 15’ quadrangles.IMPORTANT – PLEASE NOTE BEFORE ORDERING:... Read more
Stanfords
United Kingdom
  • Nepal Survey 1:25,000 Sheet 2883 11B (Tatopani)
  • Koban, sheet no. 2883-07, in the topographic survey of Nepal at 1:50,000 published by the Nepali Government in the late 1990s and early 2000s and produced from remote sensing data by Finnish cartographers as part of that country’s international aid program. The maps cover 15’ x 15’ quadrangles.IMPORTANT – PLEASE NOTE BEFORE ORDERING:... Read more
Stanfords
United Kingdom
  • Tinje
  • Tinje, sheet no. 2983-10, in the topographic survey of Nepal at 1:50,000 published by the Nepali Government in the late 1990s and early 2000s and produced from remote sensing data by Finnish cartographers as part of that country’s international aid program. The maps cover 15’ x 15’ quadrangles.IMPORTANT – PLEASE NOTE BEFORE ORDERING:... Read more
More maps…

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