Well, what to say. Couchsurfing is the way to travel when you are a budget
traveler. Though, now I really wander is it worth couchsurfing Kathmandu, where
accommodation can cost as little as 250 rupees a day (2,5 EUR). Yes, it's still
worth it if you want to have someone to show you around for the first couple of
day since Kathmandu can be really chaotic. Plus, it's a very nice introduction
to Nepali culture if this is your first time Nepal. So Couchsurfing is worth
for cultural experience part, but not worth if only trying to be
economical.
However, there is one thing to keep in mind
when couchsurfing Kathmandu. It's apparently common knowledge, but in my
experience, I didn't know it at the time. Couchsurfing is business in Katmandu.
Of course, it's not a rule, but it's quite common. Many of the host own some
kind of "trekking agency". Which is not necessarily "western
type agency", but they are still able to offer you very unorganized
trekking, rafting, kayaking, various day-trips etc. Therefor, after spending
couple of days at your couchurfing host's house (sleeping, eating, touring with
them, drinking) one will eventually feel very grateful towards the hosts. This
is the time, if your about to chose an agency for trekking or some kind of
tourist activity where you will rather choose your host's agency then some
other. This is at least the way I felt at the time, but talking to some other
travelers I've found out that is quite common mistake. In this situation you
are in no position to bargain or set conditions, after all they've been so kind
to you in last couple of days. I end up overpaying, taking agency for sth
I did not need, and cancelling all of that with quite high cancellation fee.
Let's put it this way: use couchsurfing, but do not take advice when it
comes to any kind of tourist activities. If you need advice, find other
travelers which are everywhere around Thamel and ask someone who did it very
recently ( ask couple of them ). Most of the ppl will be more than ready to
help you. Asking Nepali ppl, I haven't found very useful, since they are
not the one who use tourist services, and they look at Westerns as someone who
is able to pay high prices (read: price is not a problem).
First time, first day Nepal, you will most likely end
overpaying for something, so try avoiding any bigger shopping in the first
week. Ask around, and never admit to shopkeepers that you've just arrived (and
they WILL ask you). Newcomers are like a goldmine for shopkeepers and tour
operators. Here are some prices you want to be paying: cheap hotel - 250 - 300
rupees (2,5 - 3 EUR) per person for a room without bathroom ("Annapurna
guest house" and "Pilgrims" are good rate of price and quality),
400 rupees(4 EUR) for a taxi from airport to Thamel (tourist area), 80 rupees
(0.80 EUR) for one hour of internet ( you can find cheaper, but this is good
price), 600 rupees yak wool blanket...etc. These are just examples, but
remember, keep bargain until you get it your way. Don't bother walking away to
find price and offer which fits you, and don't be discouraged putting the first
price in half or even less. It's simply the way it works.
These are just couple of tips I wish I knew when I first arrived in Kathmandu.
