Trekking in Nepal
Trekking in Nepal Himalaya, specially Everest, Annapurna and Langtang attracts several thousand international trekkers each year. Eight out of world's ten highest mountains lie in Nepal , and the foot hills of these mountains are the places for some of the best trekking tours in the world.There are dozens of trekking trips to choose in Nepal, one better than other. Some treks take you to the lovely ethnic settlements in th remote mountains, some take you to the base camp of these very mountains and some are just off trail, wilderness treks .For many, a trekking in Nepal Himalaya is a dream since long ago, a story heard in childhood or in school days.In this page we would try to give you basic background information necessary for planning a trekking trip in Nepal.
Trekking areas of Nepal
The important trekking areas in Nepal are the Everest region, Annapurna region and Langtang region. The Upper Mustang , Dolpo and Manaslu are exotic trekking areas to see preserved nature and cultural heritages. The rara lake region in western Nepal and the Makalu and Kanchenjunga regions in eastern Nepal are two other important areas .
Most popular trekking in Nepal
The Everest and Annapurna are two most popular regions. Recently Mustang and Dolpo trekking are also getting more popular for their cultural heritage.But this may not be a very useful information for you if you want to know the single best trek and do it.Each treks are unique, different and often not comparable to other.But we can definitely suggest that an Everest trekking or an Annapurna trekking will be the most satisfying experience for first time visitors.
The best trekking in Nepal
The most popular does not mean the best one. Also what is best is a personal choice. There are many treks famous for their own reasons.Some are famous for great mountain views, some for the natural beauties along the route, some for remote and exotic Tibetan villages and some for amazing wildflowers.So the best trek for you depends on what is your interest.Though the Annapurna and the Everest are two most popular regions for trekking , however , there are some other regions with unique treks.Also, there are many exotic,unexplored areas .See our home page for a detailed list of trekking areas .
The best trekking season
The time without snow and without rainfall is the best time to visit mountain trail. That said October to early December and
March to May are the best seasons for trekking in Nepal. This again depends on which area you want to visit.For example there are some very good treks that are done on relatively low altitudes and they can be done even in January(as there will be no snow there). Likewise wildflower treks and also Mustang trekking and Dolpo trekking in rain shadow zones are best done during summer days of July and August.
Trekking styles(Tea house or Camping trek)
The popular trekking routes of Everest, Annapurna and Langtang have lodges at frequent stops .We can have lunch or stay for night in these lodges.A trek in which we use these lodges for our food and accomodation is called tea house trekking.Originally, before trekking was introduced in Nepal, there were small tea shops in the place where we have lodges now, serving tea and snacks for the local villagers travelling from one place to otheres , hence the name " tea house." Unlike this , a fully supported trek in which we carry all our foods and equipments is called camping trek or an organised trek.In such a trek our sherpa crew will make the tents for you and our cook will prepare all the meals .
A typical trekking day
Your trekking day starts at around 6 am with a cup of tea or coffee at your tent. You wash your face with warm water and prepare yourself for breakfast at around 7.30 . The trek starts after breakfast, you walk at your own pace frequently stopping to enjoy good views and take photographs .You carry a small bag containg your personal goods that you need during the day. The porters and Yaks will carry the rest.After a walk of about 3 hours we stop for lunch .It lasts for about 1.5 hours .With another session of walking for 3 to 4 hours we reach our camp , which is often a scenic spot.While you rest , the trekking crew will fix the tents for you.You relax or walk around the camp, enjoy tea/coffee. Around 6-7 PM you will have your dinner, talk about the day's experience with other members or enjoy the Himalayan solitude yourself.
Equipments and clothing
The equipments and clothing list below is for a relatively longer trek involving a cold high altitude destination. If you are doing a short trek to a relatively lower alritude you may not need all these. The list below is for a guideline alone , you may have your own check list as well.Please note that most of the trekking items are easily available for buying or renting in Nepal and you are suggest not to bring unnecessary items with you.
For Head
Cap for sun protection during trek
sunglasses/goggles
sunscreen lotion/sun balm
For Body
T-shirts and long sleeved shirts
fleece or thermal shirts for colder areas
fleece jumper/sweaters
Down jacket
wind /water proof outer garment
For leg and hand
Casual troussers for walking
Water proof trouser
Thermal legging for colder areas
Hand gloves
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For foot
woolen and cotton socks
Trainer or casual shoes
Waterproof hiking boot
Gaiter for rain and snow
others
Rucksack /duffel bags
Day sack to carry personally
personal medicines and first aid kit
water bottle and iodine tablets
Torch (better head torch)
Film rolls and camera
toiletries and towel
Large hankerchief
Optional items
compass , binoculars , altimeters
Playing cards , books, guide book |
Trekking Permit:
Everest, Annapurna, Langtang and Rara regions do not require a trekking permit but require a national park fee of respectively of USD 31, 15 and 15 . However, these following special areas do require a trekking permit:
- Lower Dolpo and Kanchenjunga trekking - Equivalent to US$ 10 per person for the first four weeks and US$ 20 per week thereafter.
- Manaslu and Narphu valley trekking – US$ 90 per person per week for trekking during Sept- Nov and US$ 75 per week during December- August.
- Humla trekking - US$ 90 per person for the first seven days and US$ 15 per day thereafter.
- Upper Mustang and Upper Dolpo trekking - US$ 700 per person for the first ten days and US$ 90 per person per day thereafter.
An entrance fee is levied for visits to all National Parks and Conservation Areas. There is no charge for children under 10 years
Altitude sickness while trekking in Nepal
Higher altitude have lesser oxygen in the air. If you ascend the mountains quickly, your body is not adjusted to that low level of oxygen which results with symptoms of loss of appetite, nausea , bad dreams , lack of sleep etc. In serious cases vomitting and other symptoms appear and results in immediate death.There is no medicine to cure altitude sickness.
Generally altitude sickness attacks from an altitude of 3000 m.If you do not ascend much height in a single day from 3000 m onward, if you give proper attention to rest , you are unlikely to have any problem. Incase you have the symptoms of altitude sickness , the best and only treatment to do is immediately descend down.You will be perfectly ok.Each and every cases of altitude sickness is preventable, if you just inform your guide as soon as you experience some of the symptoms. However, if you neglect , altitude sickness may even kill you, it is fatal.In many cases people simply do not care or just hide the symptoms for the fear that their group member will find him/her unfit , or for a mistaken wish to continue together.
People of every age groups are succeptible , while people having heart and breadthing problems need more precaution.
In all our treks we give first priority to safety. All our trekking guides have good knowledge of altitude sickness and brief you well before the trek starts. They will frequently check if you have any symptoms and you can best help them informing in time. In serious cases after descending down to required height they will request for the company for helicopter rescue and you will be evacuated to Kathmandu. In all the longer treks we have acclimatisation days , which are the days to relax and adjust the body to the new height. If you just care these points, you will enjoy and complete your trekking in Nepal successfully.
Other useful pages for trekking in Nepal
