The
Himalayan Kingdom of Nepal has large varieties of trekking routes, immovable
peaks and mountains to make the treks, expeditions and mountaineering a
memorable experience in one’s life.
Containing eight of the world’s ten tallest mountains, the mountainous
and hilly regions in the country present some of the most marvelous trekking
sites in the world. The immense contrasts in altitude and climate found in
the different parts of the country support an equally striking mix of life
styles, vegetation types and wildlife. Land sandwiched between India and
Tibet, Nepal features some of the world’s most diverse and beautiful
landscapes ranging from the splendid peaks of the Himalayan chain in the
north, high-altitude plains and remote mountain passes, subtropical forests
and national parks, terraced farmland hills and rice paddies, to the fertile
plains of the Terai in the country’s southern region.
Trekking in Nepal takes one through a country that has seized the
imagination of trekkers for more than a century. During trekking one meets
people in remote mountain villages whose lifestyle has not altered in years.
Best Season for Trekking
Trekking in Nepal can be undertaken throughout the year where there are
four seasons. Each season has its distinct attraction to offer. The seasons
are classified as follows
Autumn (Sept- Nov.) : This season offers excellent weather and
splendid mountain views.
Winter (Dec- Feb) : This season is noted for occasional snowfall
only at higher elevations, thus trekking at lower elevations are
recommended, generally below 3000 meters.
Spring (Mar-May): Different varieties of wild flowers, specially the
rhododendrons make the hillside above 5000 meters a paradise during this
season. It is warm at lower elevations and higher elevations over 4000
meters the mountain views are excellent and temperature is quite moderate.
Summer
(Jun-Aug) : Summer months, continues up to mid September making travel
wet and warm. These times are blessed for the keen botanist as the higher
valleys and meadows blossom with flowers and lush vegetation. It is
recommended to carry insect repellent when trekking during summer months.
Kinds of Trekking in Nepal:
Camping Trekking : During a camping trip one gets to see various
cultures, societies and the nature of the place along which one treads. Here
one has to carry one’s own daypack and camera which gives one plenty of
time to enjoy the nature, relax and think.
On a camping trek one gets to sleep in tents and there is an efficient team
of guide, cook, Sherpa and porters carry all treks gears.
Teahouse Trekking : A tea- house or Lodge trek is local run
guesthouse, but standardwise its enormous. In popular areas such as
Annapurna, Everest and Lantang tea-house are more like hotels, with hot
shower western food, and private rooms, as compared to remote areas. They
are for simple and genuine Nepalese, are less expensive than Camping and
suitable for both small and large groups.
Major Sites for Trekking
Annapurna Region Treks : Takes one through some of the most splendid
sceneries on the earth where one treads through ‘Rhododendron forests’
at the foothills of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. The Kali Gandaki
gorge, the deepest in the world is also stationed here adding to the
charisma of the place. Treks to the Annapurna region start from Pokhara
region and the maximum elevation covered on the trek is 3939 m.
Khumbu Area Trekking : The Khumbu area, known for Everest area
trekking is one of the selected for trekking trials of Nepal. The way to
Everest starts from Kathmandu to Jiri by coach.
Area Trekking : The trekking area of Langtang is preserved by
Langtang National Park and the route is famous for the view of Dorjelakpa,
Ganesh Himal and Langtang.
Kanchenjunga Area Trekking : Situated in the northeastern part of
Nepal this area is marked by different hill ethnic groups from those in the
central and western regions, the Gurkhas, the soldiers recruited for service
in the British army traditionally came from four ethnic groups, two of which
the Rai & Limbu are concentrated in this region.
Mustang
Trek Upper Mustang " Lomanthang " : The Government of Nepal
has fixed a “number of trekkers” as quota every year on this
trekking route depending upon the season and has laid down special rules
and regulations to obtain the permit for this region.
The people of this region are completely overwhelmed by Tibetan culture and
the treks to Lomanthang are almost treeless with barren landscape, steep
rocky trails up and down the hill which present eye-catching views of Mt.
Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, Nilgiri to mention a few.
Equipment for Trekking
List of Clothing Equipment & Personal items:
Clothing:
* Lightweight walking boots. Also bring spare laces.
* A pair of track-shoes. To wear in the camp at night or when boot is wet.
* Warm Jacket. Fiber fill or down should be adequate (necessary during
winter).
* Woolen shirt or thick sweater. A rain proof jacket with hood or a poncho.
* A pair of lightweight/heavyweight trousers. Jeans are unsuitable to wear
on treks.
* Thermal underwear (excellent to sleep at night). A track -suit.
* 1-2 pair of loose fitting shorts/skirts.
* 2-4 cotton shirts.
* A woolen hat to wear in the morning and at night.
* A pair of gloves, leather with lining and woolen are best.
* 2 pairs of thick woolen socks.
Equipment :
* Duffle bag or kit bag to carry gear while trekking.
* Day pack, this is a small rucksack to carry personal requirement for the
day e.g. toilet items, camera, film, towel , soap etc.
* Water bottle.
* Snow glasses and sunglasses.
*
Small head lamp or torch.
* Snow gaiter essential during winter.
* An umbrella, can be used as a walking stick.
* Reading materials, camera & film, note books, diary, pen/pencil,
small air pillow for head rest.
* Thermal rest (optional) an inflatable sleeping mat, trekking map,
adequate quantities of passport photograph.
* Personal medical supplies.
Health and Physical fitness
Though trekking in Nepal is not an unsafe task but certain preventive
measures like a thorough medical check up and inoculations before starting
the trek can save one from unexpected dangers. Since the remote places of
Nepal are not supplied with necessities that are essential for modern
medical facilities and the rescue and evacuation are measured in days, it
is necessary to carry a complete “First Aid Box” containing basic
drugs and accessories for trekking.
Since trekking is a strenuous task, the best preparation for it is,
cycling, swimming, jogging, squash, tennis and long walks involving up and
down hill and besides, good physical conditioning will help for the maximum
enjoyment of the treks.
Trekking and Visa Permits
Visa
Nepal presents an easy issuance of visa to all the citizens worldwide where
Indians do not require visa to enter Nepal at all. The Royal Nepalese
Embassies or Consulates abroad and at entry pint's Immigration Offices
provide a visa upon the presentation of a valid passport, two passport size
photos and payment of Visa fees. Visa can be extended at the Immigration
Office, Pokhara.
Trekking Permit
A trekking permit is required to trek in any part of Nepal. If trekking is
planned in two different areas, two trekking permits are needed. Each
trekking permit details and outlines the trekking route and region and it is
necessary that trekkers do not deviate from the prescribed route and region
boundaries. The Department of Immigration located at Tridevi Marg, Thamel
issues trekking permit for the tourists who intend to trek any part of the
country.
Note: Trekking to Dolpa, Kanchanjunga, Manaslu and Mustang
can be undertaken through registered trekking agencies only.
