Nepal Handbook (2nd Edition) [Paperback]

Kerry Moran (Author)

Book Description

Series: 2nd Edition | Publication Date: July 1996

The author has lived in Nepal for ten years, and shares insider's advice about lesser-known destinations, such as Patan and Bhakapur, as well as alternative trekking routes that bypass the main tracks led by touring companies. The book includes a detailed trekking guide for novice and seasoned trekkers to help them prepare to conquer the heights of the Himalayas. It also contains information on other outdoor activities, for example, mounting biking, elephant safaris and river rafting.

Editorial Reviews

Review

(Lonely Planet's) Nepal: A Travel Survival Kit has dominated its competitors for years but it may have to retrench (or be rewritten), for Nepal Handbook blows it out of the water. It covers the same ground, but there's a lot more meat, and a lot more insight. -- Nepal Traveler, March/April 1992

. . . the author's depth of understanding, sheer intelligence and fine sense of humor . . . set this book apart. The book's vast glossary, useful organization and forthright writing style breed confidence for the potential traveler. -- Lowell Thomas Travel Journalism Award judges, April 1992

An enterprising, curious traveler simply could not find a better guide to this fascinating country. -- The Small Press Book Review, March 1992

Nepal Handbook seems to contain almost all the practical information a traveler might need for a short or extended trip to this beautiful land. -- The Bloomsbury Review, March 1992

With this excellent new paperback, Kathmandu author Kerry Moran covers Nepal so thoroughly and entertainingly that the book should be indispensable for anyone who wants to know anything about the country. -- The Independent, May 1992

From the Back Cover

Closed to outsiders until 1951, Nepal's exotic reputation comes from its incomparable blend of high mountains and rich culture. Lush jungles, broad valleys, and rolling hills are crowned by the frozen peaks of the central Himalaya, including eight of the ten highest mountains on earth. Whether you're planning a week in Kathmandu or months out on the trail, Nepal Handbook will take you into the heart of this Himalayan jewel. Plan a day-trip or mountain trek north and meet the people of the Hills-artisans, sadhus, Gurkhas, Sherpas, and dozens of other ethnic groups, each with its own language, customs, and beliefs. Nepal Handbook unveils the rich and ancient civilization of the Kathmandu Valley, and lovingly explores lesser-known destinations like Swayambunath, Patan, and Bhaktapur.

Longtime Nepal resident Kerry Moran offers an appreciative and literate portrait of Nepal's kaleidoscopic personality, including:
*A detailed trekking guide for both novices and seasoned trekkers, plus useful information on mountain biking, river-rafting, elephant safaris, and pony treks.
*One-page mini-guides to Nepal's art treasures and crafts, with tips on selection and bargaining.
*Money-saving recommendations for accommodations and dining: the best trailside lodges, a survey of Kathmandu's surprisingly reasonable luxury hotels, plus practical help with visas, transportation, packing, and getting around.
*A savvy and thought-provoking introduction to Nepal's fascinating culture, geography, history, and social structure, with a wealth of entertaining details that make for great armchair reading as well. *Over 40 detailed maps of Nepal's diverse regions, including hiking trails, air routes, and out-of-the-way villages.
*A carefully selected Nepali glossary, with useful phrases and tips for picking up the language.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 466 pages
• Publisher: Moon Travel Handbooks; 2nd edition (July 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1566910412
• ISBN-13: 978-1566910415
• Product Dimensions: 7.2 x 5.1 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #5,912,933 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

20 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars If you are going to Nepal you need this guidebook, November 30, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Nepal Handbook (2nd Edition) (Paperback)

This may be the best guide book I have ever used. I think I should write Kerry Moran a fan letter for helping me to have an amazing and wonderful time on my six-week trip to Nepal without always feeling like a clueless tourist. This guide is so well written and interesting that I read it cover to cover during the trip-- even the sections about places we weren't planning to go. The cultural descriptions are informative and sensitively written, but not unrealistically rose-colored. The guides to towns and trekking routes give you an accurate and practical idea of what to expect when you get there without being overdetailed or bossy about telling you what do. The Nepali vocabulary and grammar in the appendix really came in handy and Nepalis, even when they could speak English, seemed genuinely pleased that I was trying to speak Nepali. The maps are not especially good, but then even with maps you would still have to ask directions. This is a great guide for anyone whose itenerary is not set in stone and who wants to get some genuine insight into Nepali culture.

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Take this book with you!, October 20, 2001

By 

"travlindave" (Honolulu) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Moon Handbooks: Nepal (3rd Ed.) (Paperback)

Being a traveller who usually swears by Lonely Planet guides, I have to admit that when it came down to taking one or the other, the Lonely Planet book stayed at home and this one made it into my backpack. It's just plain good. I will be sure to check out other Moon Guides in the future. Their series might soon be alongside my LP and Footprint Guide collections.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars If you are going to Nepal, you need this book., November 24, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Nepal Handbook (2nd Edition) (Paperback)

This may be the best guidebook I've ever used-- I read it cover to cover during my trip, and feel like I ought to write Kerry Moran a fan letter. The advice and information in this book helped me to have an amazing and wonderful experience Nepal without always feeling like a clueless tourist. The descriptions of Nepali culture and customs are sensitively written and indespensible for a mystified first time visitor. The guides for trekking routes and towns are right on the mark but not overdetailed, so you get an accurate idea what to expect without being told exactly what to do. The Nepali vocabulary and grammar in the appendix were very handy and I really had fun trying to speak the language. This book does not have good maps, but I was able to get pretty good maps in Nepal.