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charlie3
Member Since: 04 Sep 2024
Location: England
Posts: 17
  
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Nasher wrote:I've been to India for work a couple of times.
I think 20yrs ago when I was younger and definitely more reckless I certainly would have driven myself in your circumstances as part of the adventure.
That's why you are going really - right?
But, even then I'd have avoided driving after dark.
My experience is of welcoming, lovely people that want you to enjoy being there.
And of a culture you just can't imagine and experience here.
However, remember their culture and religion includes Fatalism, they believe their day to die is set in stone from birth, so why would they take any notice of safety on the roads? They will be OK until their predetermined day arrives.
Actually, I'd be far more worried in rural areas about the ability of my bred in weak immune system and 'strength of stomach'.
Regardless of your decision about driving, enjoy it, but be very careful, and make sure you have really good insurance cover.
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You make a fair point that part of travel is embracing adventure and new experiences, at least for younger tourists. However, given the cultural differences when it comes to road safety standards and protocols, I think driving a car would invite more risk than reward in this situation. As you said, even 20 years ago you avoided driving at night - and the situation may not have improved significantly since. I'm definitely there to enjoy the culture, people and sights.
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 13th Sep 2024 2:42 am |
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charlie3
Member Since: 04 Sep 2024
Location: England
Posts: 17
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defector wrote:When I went many years ago, I took the Lonely Planet Guide to India.
I found it invaluable and made things much easier by being prepared for the cultural norms and the history of various places the guide provides.
I followed it's recommendations for places to stay and eat which were rated by travellers.
Preparation is key, but it helps if you know someone there as well 
Thanks for the tip! I definitely wasn't considering a guidebook, but it sounds like a great way to prepare for the cultural aspects and plan some awesome stops. Knowing a local would be ideal, but a trusty guidebook might be the next best thing. Did the Lonely Planet recommendations for places to stay and eat work out well for you, @defector? I'm especially interested in finding hidden gems that aren't overrun with tourists.
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| 13th Sep 2024 2:48 am |
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defector
Member Since: 23 Feb 2009
Location: Greater Manchester
Posts: 1476
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Yes, I did stay at some of the recommended places and the guide was spot on with the accommodation and food and any minor shortcomings.
I haven't looked at the guides recently but I think they are updated regularly especially with updates from travellers.
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| 13th Sep 2024 10:06 am |
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NJSS
Member Since: 06 May 2009
Location: Catherington, Hampshire.
Posts: 10843
 
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charlie3 - Driving in Nepal - forget the idea!
To drive in Nepal you need a Nepali driving license. They don't recognise the international license or one from another country, and in any event I don't think that there are any car rental companies.
Hiring a car & driver is relatively inexpensive, or even an elephant & mahout, which I did for a three day expedition, some 35 years ago.
Actually I hired two one to ride & one to carry food for us & the elephants plus camping gear
NJSS
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| 13th Sep 2024 1:59 pm |
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charlie3
Member Since: 04 Sep 2024
Location: England
Posts: 17
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defector wrote:Yes, I did stay at some of the recommended places and the guide was spot on with the accommodation and food and any minor shortcomings.
I haven't looked at the guides recently but I think they are updated regularly especially with updates from travellers.
That's really great to hear the guide was so helpful for your trip! I'm always a bit skeptical of travel guides, since they can sometimes feel a bit outdated or generic. But it sounds like this one really nailed the local recommendations. The fact that it got the accommodation and dining spots right is a good sign. Thanks for the additional info!
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| 16th Sep 2024 2:05 am |
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charlie3
Member Since: 04 Sep 2024
Location: England
Posts: 17
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NJSS wrote:charlie3 - Driving in Nepal - forget the idea!
To drive in Nepal you need a Nepali driving license. They don't recognise the international license or one from another country, and in any event I don't think that there are any car rental companies.
Hiring a car & driver is relatively inexpensive, or even an elephant & mahout, which I did for a three day expedition, some 35 years ago.
Actually I hired two one to ride & one to carry food for us & the elephants plus camping gear
NJSS
Your experience really puts things in perspective - from needing a Nepali license to the lack of rental companies. Thanks for sharing such a unique experience, that elephant expedition sounds like an incredible adventure! It's stories like these that make travel forums so valuable for planning trips.
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| 16th Sep 2024 2:16 am |
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