NEPAL
When to go: the monsoon season runs from June to August. The best time to go is November through to February when you will see some spectacular views. Even at the warmer times of the year the temperature can drop quite suddenly at night because of the high altitude.
What to see: Lake Phewa in the city of Pokhara. Chitwan National Park, with one of largest remaining populations of Asian Rhino. You may also see the Bengal Tiger. Game viewing is often by elephants. There are a large number of important temples in the central Kathmandu valley and Bhaktapur, a medieval city famed for wood carvings, is stunning.
What to take: good walking shoes that you have broken in and a good-quality fleece or micro-fibre jacket. Also take sun block.
Preparations: you should be reasonably fit to enjoy the trip. It is a good idea to go walking in the UK for a few weeks beforehand to get your body up to a basic level of fitness.
Accommodation: don’t expect luxury accommodation but, equally, you do not have to rough it. Many tours offer accommodation in lodges where you will get a decent meal and a good sleep.
Health precautions: there are no mandatory jabs but inoculations against hepatitis A, polio, tetanus and typhoid are recommended, along with malaria tablets.