Trekking in Nepal

Frank Riley’s article on trekking in Nepal (“Colorful Nepal Is Still a Favorite Spot for Treks,” Oct. 22) is preceded by a small heading: “Adventure Travel.” From our experience, his descriptions should be classified as “Adventure Travel For People With Money to Burn.”

It is completely unnecessary to book Nepal treks from home because trekking companies are plentiful throughout Katmandu and Pokhara, and the rates are roughly half those quoted in the article.

It does take a day for the trekking company to obtain trekking permits and food, but most travelers would probably appreciate a day to recover from the long flight before setting out on a trek.

Trips to Chitwan National Park are also very inexpensive ($45 per person for a three-day trip, including bus transportation) for people willing to put up with rustic accommodations and no electricity. For us, this price included food, accommodations, an elephant ride, a jungle walk, bird watching and a canoe ride, as well as the biggest adventure of all: a nine-hour ride on the roof of a bus with 50 other people and a goat, to return to Katmandu.

For some people, this may be a bit too much of an adventure!

TARA and PETER COOPER

Long Beach