Korean Job Discussion Forums

JustJohn · Joined: 18 Oct 2007 Location: Your computer screen

I want to visit them during the summer, do some hiking or even serious climbing. I will see the cultural stuff in whatever country I go to but I'm most interested in what place has the best hiking/climbing/scenery. So:

1.What country should I go to?

2.Which would be cheapest, and

3. Which do you think would have the best opportunities for hiking/climbing?

soviet_man · Joined: 23 Apr 2005 Location: Seoul

If I recall last year Korean Air launched 1 flight per week operating Incheon to Kathmandu (Nepal) non-stop.

So that would be a good starting point.

There would be a lot of local tour outfits in Kathmandu to organize accommodation and equipment (plus they would have a better idea of local conditions).

JustJohn · Joined: 18 Oct 2007 Location: Your computer screen

No other ideas? Anyone else done a trip like this?

mellinger · Joined: 21 Jan 2007

I did a trip like that.

I went to Nepal over Christmas. I got a flight through Korean Air to Kathmandu for like $1100 (they fly 3 or more times a week now), but I think you can get them cheaper through Qatar Airways or Thai. Also, I think there are a few others as well. They all fly into Kathmandu.

From there, you have quite a few options. I decided to go to Pokhara and do some trekking in the Annapurna Region. I did the Annapurna Base Camp trek combined with the Jomson trek. I took me about 15 days trekking total and was definately worth it. Trekking in Nepal isn't too hard if you're resonably fit and you can stay in guesthouses along the way.

As for cost there, once you start trekking, it's really only about $30-40 a day for all your food, guide, and lodging. For a little more, you can hire a porter to carry your bag, but I didnt' find that necessary.

The trek took me to the base camp of Annapurna at about 14,000 feet.

If you want to go higher and see Everest, you could do the Everest Base Camp trek. It's a bit more expensive though as you have to do a flight to get to the start of the trek and it general is more expensive for lodging, etc.

Best times to go though make it a bit tough to be there in the summer. During the summer you can go and trek, but you are risking being in a lot of rain with it being monsoon season. You can possibly trek in part of the rain shadow in the Annapurna Region.

If you have more questions, just ask. I have photos up of my trip at : http://www.flickr.com/photos/theworldismycanvas/sets/72157604511575989/

It was one of the most beautiful places I've ever been.

Mike

shanti_shanti · Joined: 05 May 2008 Location: Seoul

Well as far as Nepal goes. The summer time is the rainy season which will be a problem. As I remember anything South of the Himalayan range will be wet. I would suggest Tibet. or Xinjang both in China. Pakistan is amazing during that time of year.
I have hiked in India, Tibet, Nepal and Pakistan. As far as hiking, scenery, cost. Nothing comes close to Pakistan. I know it sounds scary but you'll be rewarded for your bravery. I'm an american by the way and i traveled solo into pakistan and afganistan. Pakistani's are some of the most hospitable people in the world.

Northern Pakistan is a no-brainer for me.

JustJohn · Joined: 18 Oct 2007 Location: Your computer screen

Very interesting. How safe do you think it is? Hard to get a visa? Any advice on setting up a trip?

shanti_shanti · Joined: 05 May 2008 Location: Seoul

The area you'll be in is very safe. Honest. I was there fairly recently march 2007.

Mountain people are very chill. I'm telling you it's the trip of a life time. You can travel up the Karakorum highway into china and do some trekking in xinjang as well.

Visa's were a piece of cakes. I'm not sure where your from but for me i had to get a consent letter from my embassy. With the letter i went to the Pakistani embassy and within 3 days had my visa. You can get your Chinese visa in northern Pakistan.

Just pick up a lonely planet and once your in the area there will be tour guides that can accommodate you.

If your new to backpacking this is a great way to start. It doesn't get much better than this.
Best of luck

JustJohn · Joined: 18 Oct 2007 Location: Your computer screen

Hmm, I think I might be convinced. If ticket prices compare favorably with other places I think I might just go.

I'm curious about how you got a Chinese visa while in Pakistan. Did you do it at Islambad before you went off hiking? Also, as long as I've got you, will I be able to just show up at the embassy in Seoul and get it done? (As in, they speak English, and you don't need to fill out stuff ahead of time? ... The site I just checked didn't say anything about a letter of authorization.)

shanti_shanti · Joined: 05 May 2008 Location: Seoul

Yes youll have to get the visa prior to your journey. There is an Chinese consulate/embassy in Northern Pakistan. You can get the Chinese Visa in Islamabad as well. But I heard it's a lot easier up north. I'm a US citizen and they asked for this a consent letter, I also know the UK asks for this as well. It would be safe to just call the Pakistani embassy in Seoul and ask what they need. Pakistanis can speak English very well.