Nepal and cooking

R

Radrunner

Joined
Mar 6, 2006
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234
Okay, so i'm gearing up for my Nepal trip here, and a few questions...

I managed to trek through south america fine without a stove, cooking utensils, or anything beyond clothes and a sleeping bag. However given i'm planning on being in Nepal for (a) significantly longer, and (b) significantly more back-water (or such is the hope), I had two questions...

1) is it worth getting a backpacking stove in light of extensive trekking in the back of beyond (i was leaning toward "yes", but i've heard that hostels and tea houses are so abundant there isn't much need)... and...

2) If so, what type of fuel? Reports i've read all scream out kerosene, with some mention of white gas canister as a second (avidly not quite as common) option.

Thoughts?

Much thanks!
 
I spent some time in Nepal with Peace Corps. Here's my two cents:
You don't need your own stove in most of the country, especially if you'll be near any trekking routes. There are plenty of tea shops and hotels that cater to tourists.

Outside the trekking routes are many villages with generally warm and hospitable people. It shouldn't be a big deal to get some food and tea from the locals. Learn a few phrases and local manners and you'll be good.

You might want a stove if you are going tent camping, maybe someplace like Dolpa, that is very sparsely populated. In a place like that it might still be a good idea so you can make yourself a snack or quick breakfast.

As far as fuel goes, kerosene is available in the villages. Can't comment on other fuel types as I never packed a stove.

I'd check Nepalese online news sources, the US Department of State, and CIA for any updates on the political situation. Could be some changes with the recent elections and the Maoists gaining control of the parliament.

Where exactly are you going?
 
I've been keeping an eye on the politics, particularly of late. It isn't looking *too* bad as long as you aren't in the SE.....

As for where i'm hoping to go... anywhere and everywhere. Descriptive i know. Hoping to do Kathmandu, Everest base camp, a few other treks i can't remember the name of right now, and spend about 5 months or so doing volunteer work (which the rest of the trip will be organized around). Still don't know where that work will be taking place though.
 
Vargo Outdoors
"Titanium Mug/Triad Combo"

works great, weighs nothing, and you get a Ti mug when not useing the stove
 
Just looked at that. A few problems:
1) Triad combo stove is an alcohol burner
2) It is apparently difficult to come by alcohol to burn in Nepal (or so i've read)
3) Alcohol has problems burning at high altitudes.

At present, i'm looking at the Primus omnifuel and the Optimus Nova Multifuel stoves. Can anyone comment on either? Both can burn pretty much everything under the sun (i simply want something that can burn white gas and kerosene). The single largest difference between the two (at something other than an aesthetic level anyway), is that the Optimus multifuel cannot use cannisters, while the Primus can. The optimus also only has one fuel attachment, meaning you have less to loose, but may not have as good a fit for your fuel. That said, weight and cost are comparable, the Optimus packs smaller.

Thoughts?
 
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