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Trekking is the highlight of a visit to Nepal. On
account of the wide range of geographical features, the
country natures a variety of vegetation and landscape.
In addition to the natural endowments is the rich
Himalayan culture. Thousands of visitors trek to
different parts of Nepal every year to experience its
rustic charm of nature and culture. Most treks go
through area, between 1,000 to 3,000 meters, although
some popular parts reach over 5,000 meters.
Protected regions along the Himalayans, like
Shey-Phoksundo National Park, Annapurna Conservation
Area, Manaslu Eco-Tourism Area, Langtang National Park,
Sagarmatha National Park, Makalu Barun National Park,
and Annapurna Conservation Area provide excellent
trekking options. For group trekkers can find night rest
and good halt as small lodges and tea houses that dot
the main trails. Independent should be self sufficient.
In remote areas like Makalu, Kanchanjunga in East Nepal
or Jumla, Dolpa in West Nepal, one self sufficient in
terms of food and water.
When to Go Trek:
The beauty of trekking is that is always possible
to find a destination to suit the times when you can
take your holiday. Different mountain ranges have
different seasons, and our aim is to trek when condition
are favorable. Please refer to our World trekking
holiday index, choose a trek that fits in with when you
can as long as conditions are normal for that time,
you can be sure that the trekking will be rewarding.
We basically arrange two types of Treks:
1) Tea House Treks:
You will be
spending overnights in lodges (applicable only for
places where lodges /tea houses are available), while
being accompanied by our experienced mountain local
trekking guide.
2) Organize (Camping) Treks:
All our treks are managed by an official team with the
Sirdar (Trek guide) responsible for not only your well
being, but also that of his staff and porters.
The day starts at around 6 a.m. with a cup of
tea. Soon a bowl of warm water is provided for washing.
After that you will have breakfast with
tea/coffee/chocolate is served.
The days treks starts around 7:30-8:30 a.m. The
reason for this early start is to take advantage of the
cool morning when walking is easiest, also the morning
air is very clear, allowing a better view of the
mountains than at other times of the day.
Porters or pack animals carry all camp equipment,
food fuel and duffel bags. All you need to carry in your
small daypack are water bottle, light jackets and other
small items you may need on the trail. All trekkers walk
on their own place.
The morning walk to the lunch spot takes about
three hours. The cook and his kitchen staff walk ahead
to prepare lunch to be ready by the time the group
arrivals. In Nepal we usually serve hot lunches whereas
in Tibet treks, picnic lunches are provided. Camp is
normally reached between 3 and 4 p.m. water to freshen
up with tea/ coffee available while the staff pitches
camp. One is then free to rest of explore the nearby
surroundings according to ones wishes till the evening
meal.
Usually the evening meals are served around 7
p.m. in the dining tent furnished with a lantern, table
and camp stools. Food on trek is plentiful, healthy and
varied, prepared by cooks trained in kitchen and table
hygiene. Enough staple products are carried for the
entire outing. Fresh supplies of vegetables, eggs, meat
etc., are purchased locally wherever and whenever
available.
The day to day routine is designed for trekkers
to have time to see, photograph, explore and enjoy the
countryside.
Trek Grading:
Grade I: Trekking
in altitudes less then 3,000meters, but involving
considerable up and down-hill walking on trails for 5-6
hours a day.
Grade II: Moderate
trekking altitudes between 2,000-3,500 meters, possibly
including brief excursions or pass crossings up to about
4,500meters.
Grade III: Moderate
trekking to altitudes of 3,000-4,000 meters, possibly
including strenuous excursions or pass crossings up to
about 5,500 meters.
Grade IV: Rigorous
trekking to altitudes predominantly about 4,000 meters
with excursions, pass crossings or peak climbing.
Elementary knowledge of the use of crampons and ice axe
is desirable. Some climbing experience may be required
for peak climbing.
Nepal and its Trek Seasons:
The summer monsoon: The monsoon rains last from
mid-June until mid September. The three months of the
rainy season are characterized by clouds, slippery
trails, humid heat at lower altitudes, and an abundance
of leeches. However, rainfall may not be continuous, but
the general absence of any views of the high mountains
(one of the main attractions of a trek) makes monsoon
perhaps not the best time to be afoot in Nepal.
Autumn:
The monsoon which
normally ends around the second week of September is
followed by a period of clearing skies with some rain of
showers which can extend into October. The weather
gradually settles offering good conditions for all types
of trekking including high pass crossings and climbing
treks. Guide books have, in the past , led people to
believe the period through to around 15th November is
possibly the vest time of the whole year for trekking in
Nepal and consequently the more popular routes can be
over-crowded. In fact the autumn in Nepal can be
considered to extend until the middle of December, and
normally the true winter does not come before the end of
the month. Subject to local conditions we allow high
pass crossings until 15th December. It gets colder at
high altitudes after mid-November but the weather
pattern from 15th November 15th December is normally
more stable than during the preceding month.
Winter:
As mentioned above,
the true winter often does not start until late
December. Even then periods of bad weather rarely
persist for more than a day or two and late December and
January are good months for lower altitude treks below
about 3,000 m offering pleasant. After shirt-sleeve,
Sunny days with clear skies and good mountain views.
Whilst high pass crossings are off-limits it is still
possible to trek above 3,000 m in the Khumbu (Everest)
or Manang areas but there will often be4 snow underfoot
and night time temperatures will call for thermals and
down jackets. This period does have the advantage of
fewer trekkers being around even in the normally busy
areas such as the Annapurna foothills and the kali
Gandaki valley.
Early spring: February and March mark, according to the
altitude, the coming of spring. Rhododendrons to bloom
at altitudes over 1,800 m. If you want to beat the
spring rush then trek before about the 15th March.
Late spring: April and may are excellent month a high
altitude. Many believe to the best time of year for
mountaineering. Choose a trek that soon reaches the
higher, cooler air. In any case if aiming to visit very
high country or cross high passes starting at this time
is mandatory easier the winter snows will not have
melted (Everest was first climbed in late May 1953).
Clouds tend to build up later in the day and afternoon
rain showers are fairly common but the storms can
sometimes be spectacular and help to clear the air.
What to Wear:
Medium-weight and easy-to-wash cottons can be a good
choice year-round in the Kathmandu valley. From October
to February, woolen are sweaters, Jackets or similar
other warm outfits are necessary. Short or long sleeved
shirts are good during March through May. From June to
September, light and loose garments are advisable.
Recommended clothing and equipment list for Trekking
above 3000m:
Sleeping bag (down
suitable to -15 C)
Jacket - Polar
Fleece/Down/Gore-Tex
2-3 T-shirts
Long-sleeve shirt/sweater
Thermal underwear
(poly-propolene)
Light-weight trousers
(preferably quick-dry)
Wool hat
Sun hat
Cotton/wool socks
Trekking boots
Sun glasses
Small Towel (preferably
quick-dry)
Sunscreen
Personal items
(toiletries, medications, etc・
Flash light
Sandals
Water bottle
Rain/wind jacket
Maps/note
book/sweets/snacks
Day-pack for yourself
Kit or duffel bag
(porter will carry this one)
First aid kit
Trekking Permit:
The area of Everest, the Annapurna , the Langtang & Rara,
trekking permit is not required, but National park
permit / Conservation permit fee is necessary. However,
the following places should be obtained trekking permit
as below:
|
TREKKING AREA |
TREKKING PERMIT
FEES |
|
1. Dolpo
and
Kanchenjunga |
Equivalent to US $
10 per person per week for the first four weeks
and US $ 20 per week thereafter. |
|
2. Manaslu
|
US$ 75(Dec-Aug)
per person per week US$ 90(Sep-Nov) per person
per week. |
|
3. Simikot
|
US$ 90 per person
per week. |
|
4. Mustang
and
Upper Dolpo |
US$ 700 per person
for the first ten days and US$ 70 per person per
day thereafter. |
|
Note:
Trekking to Dolpo, Kanchenjunga, Manaslu and
Mustang can be undertaken through registered
trekking agencies only. |
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