Nepal: readers' tips, recommendations and travel advice More advice from readers Women only The 3 (Chhetri) Sisters Adventure Trekking (3sistersadventure.com) trains Nepali women to be porters and guides for female trekkers - I had three wonderful days with my own guide in a low-altitude region of Annapurna and the trek was tailored to suit my fitness and interests. Also recommended is the low ridge walk between Begnas Tal and Rupa Tal, with stunning Himalayan views over these azure lakes. Very few Europeans seem to come to this spot but locals have family picnic parties here (goat in tow): lots of singing and dancing, playing musical games while the (goat) curry cooks. It was a joy and privilege to visit this fascinating country and especially to stay with a wonderfully kind and hospitable Nepali family who looked after and taught this retired grandmother so much. Clare Watson, Fife Mountain museum We thoroughly recommend the International Mountain Museum, near the Himalaya Eye Hospital, in Pokhara. As its name suggests, it covers everything to do with the mountains of Nepal and was inaugurated 10 years ago by two Everest climbers, Junko Tabei and Appa Sherpa. Some of the exhibits are fascinating, particularly the display of clothes worn by some of the first mountaineers, which made us feel very grateful for our warm, state-of-the-art modern gear. Gerard Kelly, London Take to the water You shouldn't miss the white-water rafting on the Trisuli river, three hours from Kathmandu, with Himalayan Encounters (himalayanencounters.com). They will pick you up in Kathmandu and take you to the Trisuli river where, after a safety talk, you spend most of the day rafting, ending at the Trisuli Centre's tented camp on Big Fig Beach. The next day you get more rafting in the morning then return to Kathmandu. Laurie Nash, Cardiff Food for thought In Kathmandu, eat at the Nanglo restaurant in Durbar Marg. Hillary and Tenzing used to have dinner there. Or try the Fire and Ice pizzeria and ice-cream parlour in Tridevi Marg, convenient for the famous Thamel tourist shopping district. In Kathmandu, you can book an elephant safari in the Chitwan National Park (chitwannationalpark.net) to view rhinos, bear, deer, wild boar (sometimes even a tiger) with Tiger Tops (00977 1 411225; tigertops.com). Alternatively, book a stay at their Tiger Mountain Pokhara Lodge (tigermountainpokhara.com). In Pokhara, I also recommend Baba Lodge (61 22064) at Lakeside. If you visit or pass through Hetauda, stay at Motel Avocado (orchidresort.com). Mr Sharma, the painstaking proprietor, is an expert on the wild orchids of the region. Colin Foote, County Durham Go for Gaun Ghar A steep road takes us up to Bandipur. We leave our vehicle outside the village and two women carry our luggage on their backs through the bazaar to the Gaun Ghar hotel (1 421 5431; gaunghar.com), built in traditional Newari style. From its courtyard the views of the Himalayas are quite stunning. The culture shock of the bazaar continues inside the hotel, where doorways are low (the Nepalese are short), windows have carved frames but no glass, and staircases are steep and narrow. The bathrooms have slate tiles, copper basins and floors of red clay; electricity is intermittent and at dusk the hotel is lit with candles and lanterns. Women serve traditional dinner dressed in Newari style (the same women who carried our luggage). The hotel manager is attentive to detail and is the best hotel manager we have met. On departure we are blessed with the customary "namaste," a silk scarf and a spot of red between our brows. Barbara Taylor, address withheld Take it easy We are in our sixties and though we have always wanted to trek in Nepal, felt we had probably left it too late. But last year we did an easy four-day trek in the Annapurna foothills (which meant that the highest altitude we had to tackle was 6,500ft at Ghandruk). We went from Pokhara to Phedi, where the trek began, and each day did an easy walk from village to village, through pretty forests and over terraced hillsides. We stayed in family-run lodges, which were basic but comfortable. On many occasions we looked up at the Annapurnas and marvelled at our good fortune. Anthony McDonald, Somerset Tears at base camp Some years ago, my partner and I completed a five-summit trek (Nankartshang Peak, Chukkung Ri, Kala Pattar, Awi Peak, Gokyo Peak). We are both experienced trekkers and used to walking at high altitudes, but I still found it tough going, so my advice to trekkers would be to get as fit as possible beforehand. There was something so poignant about arriving in Everest base camp, on the Khumbu Glacier, knowing that so many of the world's greatest climbers had passed through, some on their way to their death (thin air always makes me feel rather lachrymose). Sadly, my camera was stolen in Kathmandu but I'll never forget my first sight of Everest. Greta Knowles, London The best-laid plans Don't take anything for granted if you're going on a trek. Changeable weather can wreck the best-laid plans - we had two extra days in Kathmandu as our flight to Lukla was unable to take off. Then when we got to Lukla we had very little time to rest before heading off again. Jay Lawrence, Staffordshire Just relax Don't underestimate the effects high altitude can have on the body. Treks have acclimatisation days built in for a reason and you should never ignore the advice to relax whenever you can. Remember, too, that there are no bins in the mountains and any waste you produce on your trek, including empty plastic bottles, will have to be carried back to Kathmandu. Mary Moore, Norfolk Crowd control I've visited Nepal several times over 30 years and never had any trouble. The locals are friendly and welcoming. However, demonstrations do break out from time to time and the best advice for visitors is to avoid large crowds. And stay vigilant in public places: pickpocketing is fairly common in Kathmandu. Geoff Guard, London Take the tablets Food hygiene isn't perfect in the cities. No need to worry unduly but don't forget the medication for tummy upsets. Paul O'Dwyer, London Reader Offer Telegraph Travel offers a 14-night escorted trip to India and Nepal, operated by Riviera Travel, from £1,999 per person. The offer includes return flight, daily breakfast and five meals, accommodation in three-four- and five-star hotels, plus a full touring itinerary and transfers. To book, or for more information, call 08448 730324 or visittravelshop.telegraph.co.uk/rivp