Trekking
in Nepal
Trek: To make a slow and arduous journey on foot.
Trekking
in Nepal means a tough or easy walking trip following well
developed trails. Interestingly, most of these trails have
been used for communication and trade for centuries!
The
main factors that make trekking in Nepal so unique and popular
are the scenery, the people, the diverse culture and the flora
and fauna.
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| Trekking
Seasons |
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Trekking
in Nepal can be undertaken throughout the year depending on
where you are going. There are 4 seasons in Nepal each of, which
has its distinct attraction to offer.
Autumn
(Sep-Nov)
Autumn is the best season for trekking in Nepal. This season
offers excellent weather and tantalizing mountain views.
Winter
(Dec-Feb)
This season is noted for occasional snowfalls only at higher
altitude. So, it's ideal for trekking at lower altitude, generally
below 3000m.
Spring
(Mar-May)
The temperature is quite moderate in this season. Varieties
of wild flowers, especially the rhododendrons are in complete
blossom. The mountain views are excellent. This is the second
best trekking season in Nepal.
Summer
(June-Aug)
Summer months sometime continue up to September and making
travel in this season can be wet and warm. This is the favorite
season to trek in the rain-shadow areas north of the Himalaya
like Mustang, Upper Manang and Dolpo. These places are out
of reach of the rain clouds because of the huge mountains
and are unaffected by the monsoon. This season is also recommended
for forest researchers and botanist as the higher valleys
and meadows blossom with flowers and lush vegetation. Raincoats
and insect repellents are essential to trek in this season.
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| Types
Of Treks |
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A
fully organized camping trek
Includes the arrangement of all camping gear including
sleeping tents, kitchen and mess tents, toilet tents, dining
tables and chairs, mattresses, all kitchen gear and food stuff.
A number of porters to carry the foodstuff, camping and kitchen
gear, Sherpas to look for the camping sites and fix the tents,
Sardar and kitchen crew have to be hired. This kind of
arrangements is rather expensive but is only way to experience
the trekking in real sense. The evenings in camping sites are
full of fun. You can join the kitchen crew to make the food
of your taste or just stretch your legs inside the tent for
relaxation.
Teahouse
or lodge trek
Arrangement is possible in Annapurna, Langtang and
Everest Regions, which provide lodging and fooding facilities.
We offer you the package that includes lodge, meals, guide,
porters, national park fees and transportation. Although many
hotels in the hills are reasonably comfortable, the accommodation
in some places may be dirty, often smoky. Home chimneys are
rare, so a room on the 2nd floor of a house can turn into
an intolerable smokehouse as soon as someone lights the cooking
fire in the kitchen below. Often it is possible to sleep on
porches of houses, but your gear is then less secure.
Backpacking
This approach of a light pack, stove, freeze-dried food and
a tent really is not an appropriate way to trek in Nepal.
So much food is available in hill villages that it doesn't
make much sense to try to be totally self-sufficient while
trekking. This is true throughout Nepal except in the high
mountains above 4500 metres. Backpackers violate two cardinal
rules for travellers in Nepal. Because they are self-sufficient,
they do not contribute to the village economy. Also, they
must do so many camp chores that they do not have the time
or energy to entertain the villagers that will gather to watch
them.
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| Permits
& Formalities |
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A trekking
Permit is required to visit the interior of Nepal except the
Annapurna, Everest and Langtang regions. If you want to trek
two areas, you will need two permits. Each permit requires details
for the route and region. Police checks points are set up in
some areas so do not venture off the set route unless you carry
cigarettes for officers. It can be obtained at the immigration
offices located in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
With effective
from 22 May the government of Nepal and King Mahendra Trust
have decided to increase National Park and National Conservation
fees to Rs 2000 instead of Rs. 1650, which is applicable for
all region including Annapurna, Everest and Langtang.
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Annapurna, Everest OR
Langtang - FREE as of July 11, 1999 |
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Rara and other areas
- US$ 5.00 per week (US$ 10 per week after 4th week) |
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Dolpa and Kanchanjunga
- US$ 10 per week (US$ 20 per week after 4th week) |
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Manaslu - US$ 75.00
per week |
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Mustang and Upper Dolpa
- US$ 700 (US $10 per Day after first 10 days) |
Permit fees
are quoted in US$ but payable in Nepali Rupees. Trekking Permits
will not be extended past your Visa Expiry Date. 2 Passport
photos (black/white) are required.
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| Preparing
For A Trek |
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You
will be required to walk for 5 to 6 hours daily on uneven
land in all kinds of trekking in Nepal, which demands
physical fitness as well as mental preparedness. |
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On the basis
of trail condition, altitude, glaciers and passes, trekking
routes have been classified from 1 to 5 grades. 1 stands
for an easy route where as 5 for hard. |
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One with cardiac and pulmonary history is required to
take the advice of a physician before he decides to participate
on a trekking program but they are definitely not recommended
to trek in high altitude and strenuous treks. |
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It's recommended
that you should have some knowledge about altitude sickness,
its symptoms, prevention and remedies. |
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Your
insurance policy should cover for helicopter evacuation
expenses in the eventuality of serious illness or accident
or in the case you are stranded in any remote area due
to inclement weather conditions. |
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You will be provided tents, mattresses, dining table food
and all kitchen equipment but you have to bring your personal
trekking gear. |
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| Trekking
Checklist |
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Jeans or
Slacks |
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Towel &
Toilet-kit |
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Underwear |
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Gloves
or mittens |
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Sleeping
Bag, warm to 20°F, either down or fiberfill (or you
can rent one in Kathmandu) |
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Parka,
down or fiberfill, or a Ski Jacket |
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Sweater,
Woollen Shirt or Acrylic-pile Jacket |
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Duffel
Bag, canvas or nylon, without a frame (for porters to
carry) |
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Daypack
or Rucksack, waterproof, for you to carry |
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Water
Bottle 1 liter or 1 quart; be sure that it does not leak. |
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Flashlight
(Torch) or Headlamp |
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Walking
Shoes |
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Hats,
one with a brim for sun; one woollen for cold weather |
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Sunglasses
or Goggles |
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Shorts |
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Socks
-- two or three pairs, thick wool or artificial fiber |
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Shirts
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Pocket
Knife |
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Rain
Gear |
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Slippers
or sandals for campsite wear. |
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An
Altimeter & Compass are interesting additions |
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| Useful
Tips |
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When trails
become narrow, walk in a single file. Safety is more important
than continuing conversations face-to-face. |
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To cross
a river without bridge or stepping-stones, ascend upstream
until a recognized crossing becomes apparent. Otherwise
cross at the widest point where the river flows less fiercely.
Always wear footwear and use a stick for balance. |
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After traversing
difficult terrain or upon completion of particularly demanding
ascents, wait for all personnel to arrive before going
on. |
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Where
the trail is unclear and there are no locals to advise,
take the most trodden route. Groups should never separate…many
trekkers have become lost by wandering off alone -- stubbornly
choosing their own way over the majority's voice. |
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Do
not openly display large sums of money or other signs
of wealth. |
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Avoid
dispute with large groups of local people, most particularly
when you are alone. Avoid drunkards and lunatics. |
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Do
not become intoxicated and be very careful of accepting
unknown intoxicating liquors. |
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Take
care of your cameras and other valuable articles and do
not leave them unattended. |
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Be
most economical with all fuel. |
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Report
to the nearest Police Post, or any responsible person,
e.g., a school master or village Headman/ officials, and
fellow responsible trekkers of any unpleasant incident
or loss. |
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Make
sure your urine is clear and regular! If you are not urinating
regularly, you are drinking too little. Drink more until
you urinate regularly until it changes from darker to
clear up. |
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Always
carry a lighter, even if you don't smoke! |
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Pneumonia
and hypothermia are the main causes of death for lost
trekkers. |
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Do
not encourage beggars by giving them money or other articles.
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Taking
Vitamins help you to enrich your stamina. |
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