KrabiDivers asked:


“What is there in Krabi to do?” There is a crazy lot of adventures and fun that Krabi offers travellers of all ages. Krabi in Thailand has much more to offer to visitors than any other place in the Kingdom, and one might even add, than in most places in South East Asia. With a good combination of adventure, relaxing, shopping and food, you will not find yourself lacking great activities. Plus, the newly built Krabi International Airport is wonderfully clean and efficient. Read on to find out more about just a few of the many things that Krabi offers the traveller.

Scuba diving – Undoubtedly Krabi is the gateway to the Andaman Sea of Thailand. From Krabi, you can launch off into the various dive locations : Phi Phi, Similans, Phuket, Hin Daeng & Hin Muang, Lanta. Apart from colour marine life, sightings of whale sharks, mantas, leopard sharks and sting rays, also expect to have some fun weaving through the caves and caverns which make Krabi and its surrounding areas such a great adventure. We have of course the full range of dive courses for you to choose from. Our experienced instructors have at least 7 years’ each of diving instruction in many parts of the world. Simply book your dives and courses with us and we’ll take care of the rest for you.

Snorkeling – Untainted hard and soft corals are found just off the shorelines of Krabi, making it the perfect residence of marine fish life. Some of the best snorkelling in Thailand is found just off Krabi. At KrabiDivers.com, we will take you to explore the crevices and caverns just off our shores, offering an exciting day out for all snorkellors!

Rock climbing – Krabi is enveloped by many limestone and hard rock mountains, making its terrain ideal for both experienced rock-climbers and those who want to try out this sport. Afraid of heights? Don’t worry, there are many levels of rocks and we can help you book your rock-climbing lessons with a reputable and reliable instructor.

Sea Kayaking & Canoeing – Amidst the many rock islands that surround Krabi are many waterways which twine through water pools that are perfect for kayaking. Even those who have not tried it before will easily do so under the guidance of your experienced leader. Take half a day out and explore the ravines that surround the Krabi region. KrabiDivers.com will help you arrange a great day out for you and your family and friends.

Jungle Trekking – Krabi region is surrounded by fabulous mountains and hills that makes your holiday a complete adventure.

Elephant Trekking – What a novelty! Imagine mounting one of these gentle giants, and let them take you on a hour-long trek through the jungles of Krabi.

Emerald Pool & Crystal Pool – Believe it or not, there are some natural water pools filled with cool spring waters from the surrounding mountains tucked in the middle of the forests in Krabi. Take a tour with KrabiDivers.com, and visit some of these natural spots and have a dip in the cool shallow water. Great especially for kids.

Spas & Massage – You cannot visit Thailand without going for one of the local Thai massage. Choose between an oil massage and non-oil, and let the skilful hands of the experienced masseuse rub away all your aches and pains. Wonderful especially after a day of diving or trekking. Something that everyone gets pretty hooked on!

Large variety of hotels and resorts – From budget to luxury, Krabi has it all. Coupled with the hospitable service of the friendly Thais, you can pick from a wide selection of resorts and hotels according to your requirement. KrabiDivers.com is a privileged partner with many of the hotels and resorts to offer priority booking for rooms in high season (Nov to Apr) and preferential rates for our guests. Let us help you with your booking.

Krabi has so much to offer the adventurous visitor. At KrabiDivers.com, we believe in giving our guests a total experience of what Krabi can offer. If you are interested in any of these, simply drop us a request – and we are pleased to recommend to you some of the best Krabi has to offer. There is simply so much to do.

Morten Svenningsen asked:


 

Whether you’re into rock climbing or bird watching, on a tight budget or have money to hire porters and guides, you can always find a suitable trekking route in Nepal. A trip to the Nepal Himalayas is a fantastic experience for most of us, offering views of snow-capped mountain peaks and a chance to meet indigenous mountain peoples who live almost cut off from the rest of the world.

 

All that’s required of you is that you like walking in the nature. You don’t have to be super fit for every trek, but the better shape you’re in, the easier your trek will be. The top season for trekking in Nepal is October-November and February-April. In the summer months the monsoon clouds obscure the grand views most of the time and in the winter months the high mountain passes are closed by heavy snow-fall. But with the right knowledge, you can always find a good trek in Nepal. Just browse through this list to get an overview of your options.

 

 

 

Nepal’s Western Region

 

1. Simikot, Humla

You can fly in from Nepalganj and maybe read –Spy on the roof of the world– by Sydney Wignall before you go. Permits are 90$ /person /week.

 

2. Rara Lake

4 days walk from Jumla to this the largest lake in Nepal. Getting to Jumla though is either a plane/helicopter trip or a several days long jeep ride on a mountain road that’s still under construction — and will be for any foreseeable future.

 

3. Upper Dolpo

First of all, see the movie –Himalayan Caravan – L’Enfance d’un chef– (Eric Valli 1999, Oscar nominated). It’s mandatory! Might want to pick up one of his books as well. Having done that, you’ll want to go to the Phoksundo Lake, which you can do in 1 week or as part of either the 15 day Dolpa Experience Circuit or the 20 day Dolpa Heritage Trek, all out of Juphal –airport–. Another couple of one-week’ers are the Sundaha Nature Trek and the Sahartara Tour. Expensive permit are required, as in Upper Mustang it’s $70 /person /day with minimum 10 days. No lodges. Annual number of visitors are in the low hundreds.

 

4. Lower Dolpo

Permits are 10$ /person /week. You might have to fly in from Nepalganj. Don’t expect lodges here, so bring your own camping gear.

 

5. Upper Mustang

10 days. Home to the ancient kingdom of Lo, still in existence – sort of. Hefty permit required north of Kagbeni, $70 /person /day with minimum 10 days.

 

 

 

Annapurna Region

 

6. Dhaulagiri

20-30 days to complete the circle around this 8000+’er. Bring good boots and sleeping bag!

 

7. Annapurna Circuit

2-3 weeks minimum. This is where everyone goes. Except me. In the high season it gets rather crowded and is more appropriately named the Annapurna Circus. Lodges and tea-houses are everywhere. The Thorung La high pass (5400 m) usually closes down in the end of November. If you bring your own camping gear, there’s also good possibilities of doing side trips off the beaten track. ACAP entry fees stand at 2000 rupees.

 

8. Jomsom & Muktinath

You can fly into or out of Jomsom, a days walk from Muktinath, and hike to or from Pokhara in about 1 week. Muktinath is an important pilgrimage site nestled at 3800 m. It’s on the Annapurna Circuit.

 

9. Annapurna Sanctuary & ABC

10-14 days, 2000 rupee ticket. Another popular option, since it’s shorter and a little less demanding than doing the full Annapurna Circuit.

 

10. Ghorepani, Poon Hill

5 days out of Pokhara, it reaches 3200 meters and is accessible all year round. Famous for it’s views of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri and rhododendrons in the spring.

 

11. Panchase Peak & Ghandruk

Another holy mountain, this one a couple of days walk west of Pokhara. Ghandruk is 3 days further and it’s home to the Annapurna Conservation Project and a whole lot of Gurung people.

 

12. The Royal Trek

4 days out of Pokhara. With altitude no higher that 2000 meters it’s open all year round.

 

13. Siklish, Begnas Lake, Lamjung

1 week return trip from Pokhara, 10-12 days through Lamjung to Besisahar. Lodges should be available, 2000 rupee ACAP permit required.

 

14. Manaslu

3 weeks, circle around this 8000+ m twin peak that can be seen all the way from Kathmandu. Pass over Larkya La at 5110 m. There’s no lodges and the mandatory permit stands at almost $100 /person /week.

 

Central Nepal

 

15. Trishuli – Gorkha

The easy way: 4 days along the route that Prithvi Narayan Shah took in 1768. Apparently has village lodges and stays under 2000 m all the way.

The hard way: 2-3 weeks on remote, off the beaten track. Passes over Sing La (3570 m) and by the Jogeshwar kund (4500 m). Camping gear required.

 

16. Ganesh Himal

No lodges, rough and remote. But wow, wouldn’t I like to go there! The highest peak is well over 7000 meters, and it’s prominent view from Kathmandu makes it all worthwhile if you like to brag about your adventures when you get back to civilization!

 

17. Tamang Heritage Trail

8 days, lodges still under construction.

 

18. Langtang & Gosaikunda / Panch Pokhari

1-2 weeks minimum. Third most visited in Nepal, after Annapurna and Everest. Fairly easy, not too crowded, especially the Gosaikunda lake area (4400 m) which is arguably the most scenic. Langtang Valley has lodges every hour or so all the way to Kyanjing Gompa (3900 m), the Gosaikunda trail has fewer, but still enough for short days. Gosaikunda features the annual Janai Purniam festival and from there, you can walk back to Kathmandu in 2-4 days. Entry fee 1000 rupees.

 

19. Helambu

½-1 week, more jungle than mountains but still a rough trail. Tea-houses available if you don’t get lost like that Australian guy. Distant, but awesome mountain views before you get too close to the mountain bases. –Walking distance– from Kathmandu, circuit from Sundarijal to Nagarkot (4 days).

 

20. Namobudda

1 day, one of the few quickies you can do when the noise and pollution of Kathmandu starts to get on your nerves. Take the bus to Dhulikel and start walking.

 

21. Rolwaling & Gauri Shankar

2 weeks or so. Get up close and personal with Gauri Shankar (7130 m) and it’s glacial lakes. Good view of Everest etc. Unspoiled landscape, permission still required but check with Nepal’s Tourism Board when you get here. There’s rumors that they’re making this one permission free.

 

22. Chitwan Chepang Hills

7 days in the Middle Hills. No Himalayas and no higher than 2000 meters so it could be a good winter trekking possibility. Good view of the (distant) Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Ganesh Himal, Gauri Shankar, Gurja Himal and Manaslu, but the main attraction is the nomadic Chepang people who live as hunters and gatherers. There’s also a fort, a waterfall and some caves along the route together with 400 bird species. Start in Hugdi on Prithvi Hwy, end Shaktikor in Chitwan. Homestays are on the route.

 

 

 

Everest Region

 

23. Everest Base Camp & Kala Pathar

2 weeks out of Lukla, 3 out of Kathmandu/Jiri with return flight from Lukla. If you don’t have a spare $50.000 lying around for an Everest climb permit, you can just settle for this Base Camp trek. Most people seem to choose the Tengpoche route to KP, which stands at 5630 m.

 

24. Mera Peak

2-3 weeks out of Lukla, 6500 m. A popular expedition/climb that requires some basic mountaineering skills, but without being too technical. Long march in, 2 high camps.

 

25. Island Peak

3 weeks out of Lukla. At 6100 meters, this trek is not for everyone. Although not very technical, it is a demanding snow climb. Views are everything you could ever dream of.

 

26. Gokyo Lakes, Peak & Renjo La

2 weeks out of Lukla. High pass at 5400 m. Lakes at 4800 m, peak at 5500 m. Some lodges along the trail. Great Everest views.

 

27. Pikey & Dudhkunda Trail

1 or 2 weeks in the less -much less- visited southern part of Solukhumbu. Both the Chiwong and the Thuptenchoeling Buddhist Monasteries are world renowned, the former famous for the Mani Rimdu Dance Festival, the latter is the biggest monastery in Nepal.

 

 

 

Nepal’s Eastern Region

 

28. Arun Valley – Makalu Base Camp

3 weeks out of Tumlingtar/Khadbari. You’ll get up to 5000 meters and still be 3500 meters short of the summit! Either go same way back or climb a couple of 6000′ers into the Khumbu region.

 

29. Kanchenjunga

3 weeks out of Taplejung, 3rd highest mountain in the world. Don’t rely on finding any lodges here. Permits are 10$ /person /week.

 

30. Pathibhara

1 week out of Taplejung. The Pathibhara Devi shrine is a pilgrimage site for Hindus and Buddhists alike. There is lodges along the route.