Elen Turner
I'm a writer and editor based in Kathmandu, Nepal. I ended up here by a rather circuitous route, through my post-grad studies on India, which then led to a job at a Kathmandu-based South Asian studies magazine, and then on to freelance writing about the region.
I can usually be found either half-way up a mountain, or on/beside one of Nepal's beautiful rivers (or chasing Wifi around Kathmandu).
What places and activities do you specialize in?
"Nepal, India"
How did you get involved in travel?
"I've been travelling all my life, as my parents were keen travellers. But after a foray into a career in academia I knew my real passion lay elsewhere, and so I became a travel writer!"
Please share a unique travel experience you will never forget.
"Many people trek to Everest Base Camp, but the most unforgettable experience of my life was flying over it in a helicopter. "
Featured trips & expertise
The Best Long-Distance Trekking Trails in the World
If you’re after the adventure of a lifetime, have weeks (or even months) at your disposal, and are ready to leave civilization behind for a while, undertaking one of the world’s longest treks might be just what you’re looking for.
Tamang Heritage Trail
On this moderate seven-day trek just North of Kathmandu Valley in Nepal, get up close with the Tamang people while trekking amid green valleys and snow-capped mountains. The Tamang Heritage trail has the added benefit of providing sustainable economic benefit to the local community.
Arun Valley to Everest Base Camp - 23-Day Itinerary
The Arun Valley and Everest Base Camp trek provides superb views of both Mt. Everest and Mt. Makalu. It is located between the Sagarmatha and Makalu-Barun National Parks. While it follows some of the traditional Everest Base Camp trekking route, there are also enough differences to keep return trekkers in Nepal interested.
Best Places To Eat in Kathmandu
Kathmandu is a big city. There are many dining options to suit all budgets and palates. Traditional Nepali food served street-side or with silverware; backpacker hangouts for home comforts when you tire of lentils and rice; casual modern restaurants serving affordable international cuisine... You’ll never go hungry in Kathmandu!
Best Cafes in Kathmandu
There’s not a single Starbucks (or other Western chain) in Kathmandu, and that’s good news for finding unique, atmospheric places to sit and enjoy a cup of coffee or tea. While Nepalis still prefer sweet, milky, heavily spiced chiya (tea) or Nestle instant coffee when relaxing at home, there’s a growing cafe scene in the capital where you can get a good mug of whatever you prefer, with a tasty slice or cake or sandwich on the side. Here are some suggestions for places to seek out. Most will have Wifi.
How to get from Kathmandu to Pokhara
Although Pokhara doesn't look far from Kathmandu - the cities are only 204 kilometers/ 126 miles apart - the Nepali terrain and road quality mean it can seem like a much longer distance than it is if you drive. That's why many travelers opt to fly. Here are your options for traveling between the two cities, either by air or road.
