Trekking in Nepal

1. Trekking in Nepal:
Nepal has only been opened to the West since 1951 and despite the veneer of westernization in the cities; by and large it remains a very traditional, religious and tolerant society. As guests, one must respect this and respond sensitively. Whilst the Nepalese will never rebuke for unknowingly offending them, it is always desirable to respect as many of their customs and beliefs as is possible.

Most trekking in Nepal does not require any climbing experience. Anyone with good health and a love for the outdoors can go trekking. Though a day’s trek can involve a fair amount of uphill trails & descents, the trekkers are free to set their own pace walking along well established village paths, enjoy a close contact with mountain people, breathe the crisp mountain air & view the magnificent Himalayan peaks. There are many trails, many of them are old trade or pilgrimage routes, leading through terraced hillsides, forested ridges, river banks, paddy fields, forest covers, connecting picturesque hamlets & mountain villages. This is actually the best way to see and know Nepal.
Most of the trails are well maintained; many trails up steep slopes are often paved with stones by villagers. Trekking in Nepal entails walking up and down countless times. Most treks go through areas between 1,000m-3,000m. The Everest Base Camp & Round Annapurna treks which are the most popular trek routes reach over 5,000m.

I. Best priod for trekking in Nepal.
Although trekking in Nepal can be organized throughout the year, October through May are considered to be the best months for trekking. Summer months of the year, which coincides with monsoon, begins in mid-June and drains in mid-September making travel wet and warm. The mountain views may not be at their best as rain clouds and haze over hang the mountains occasionally obscuring the enchanting views. These times are blessed for the keen botanist as the higher valleys and meadows blossom with flowers and lush vegetation. During monsoon it does not mean that it will rain every day. Besides, some of the most frequented trails will not be crowded and some people like it that way. It can actually be enjoyed in the upper part of the Annapurna circuit around Marfa, Jomsom and Muktinath as the monsoon does not get in this trans- Himalayan are because they fall into rain shadow area. Note: – It is recommended to carry insect repellent when trekking during summer months.

Autumn being the best season for trekking, affronts excellent weather and tantalizing mountain views January and February are noted for cold weather with occasional snowfall at higher elevations. Again, excellent views are common. These months are popular and ideal for trekking for those who are well equipped or who remain at lower elevations below 3,000 meters.

Late February brings spring in Nepal and offers exhilarating trekking for those who are interested in flowers, birds and natural grandeur. Different varieties of wild flowers, specially the rhododendrons make the hill side above 8,000 ft haunting paradise during this season.

April and May are the expedition season and the best time for climbing the high peaks . It is mildly warm at lower elevations but occasional haze mars beautiful view of mountains. At higher elevations over 4,000 meters the mountain views are excellent and the temperature is quite moderate even at night.

II. MEDICAL MATTERS & ADVICE
Trekking in Nepal need not be considered risky affair as far as your health is concerned. But very little medical care along the trail is available, so make sure you are physically fit and healthy before departing. In case of serious illness or injury, prompt evacuation to Kathmandu is the best remedy. Helicopter rescue service is extremely expensive. Neither the Nepalese government, your embassy or the trekking agency ( if you are trekking with one) is responsible for the bill. Therefore, trekkers are requested to insure for rescue operation also.

Altitude sickness: – Often known as Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) is particularly a important medical consideration while trekking in Nepal. Altitude sickness means the effect of altitude on those who ascend too rapidly to elevation above 3000 m. The initial symptoms of AMS are as following: Nausea, vomiting; Loss of appetite; Insomnia / Sleeplessness; Persistent headache; Dizziness, lightheadedness, confusion; Disorientation, drunken gait; Weakness, fatigue, lassitude, heavy legs; Slight swelling of hands and face; Breathlessness and breathing irregularity; Reduced urine output. These symptoms are to be taken very seriously. In case of appearance of any of the above symptoms any further ascent should be reconsidered, otherwise more serious problem can occur which can even cause death sometimes within a few hours. The only cure for the altitude sickness is to descend to lower elevations immediately and it has no other cure or substitute. Acclimatization by ascending to no more than 300 to 500 meters per day above 3000 meters and the proper amount of rest are the best methods for prevention of AMS. Literature and pamphlet published by “Himalayan Rescue Association” consists of detailed information on AMS .The central Immigration office and all trekking agencies in Kathmandu distribute this pamphlet free of cost. Since these documents also give information on the list of suggested medical supplies for trekkers it is a compulsory item for every trekkers’ medical kit.

Climate & average monthly Temperature & Rainfall

Trekking permit fee for different trekking areas are fixed as follows:

Special Trekking permit is required to visit Nepal´s restricted areas determined for trekking by the government. If you plan to trek in two different areas, two trekking permits are required.

Note: After 10 days US$ 50.00/per day per person for upper Dolpo and upper Mustang.

Manaslu Trekking Permit:
September-November: USD 100.00 for 7 days per person and after 7 days USD 15.00 per person.
December-August: USD 75.00 for 7 days per person and after 7 days USD 10.00 per person.
ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Project) Entrance Permit. NPR. 3000.00 per person
MCAP (Manaslu Conservation Area Project) Entrance Permit. NPR. 3000.00 per person

Tsum Valley Trek: 
September-November USD 40.00 / person / week. USD 7 per day after one week
December-August USD 30.00 / person / week.  USD 7 per day after one week.

Nar Phu Valley Permit
September – November USD 100.00 per week per person and December – August US$ 75 per week per person. USD 15 per person / day (beyond 1 week)

Dolakpa District (Lamabagar Ward No.1 (Lapchi Village) Gaurishanker Ward No. 1 (Beding 9 and Chhorolpa Lake area):
Per week per person USD 20.00

Humla District (Simikot-Yari):
Areas of Limi and Muchu VDC, area way to Tibet via Tangekhola of Darma VDC.
First 7 days: USD 50.00 and after 7 days: USD 10.00 per day per person

Kanchanjunga and Lower Dolpa:
USD 20.00 per person per week.

Notes: To get group trekking permit an application form with other relevant documents should be submitted through registered trekking agency of Nepal and Trekking fee can be paid in Nepalese currency. As for new rules, new trekking pass TIMS (Trekkers´ Information Management System) card is required for trekking in all major areas along with National Park entrance permit. Which is costs: USD 10.00/per person. We Guide in Himalaya arranges trekking permit accordingly before our trekking and tour departure.

TREKKING EQUIPMENT
It is recommend trekkers to bring their personal items along, such as;
For Strenuous Treks (Optional)
Trek boots Sun hat
Down Jacket/pants Snow goggles
Warm thick trousers Sun cream
Thick jogging suit Lip-salve
Thick full sleeve shirts Hot water bag
Wind Cheater Toilet kit
Full thermal underwear Insect repellent
Thick woolen socks Personal medicines
Thick woolen gloves First aid kit
Underwear (4 changes) Camera & Films (20 rolls)
Bathing suit & towel Duffel bag
Rainwear (poncho style) Ruck sack
Water bottle
Flashlight & batteries

Medium/Easy Treks (Optional)
Trek boots/Sport shoes with ankle support Sun hat
Down Jacket Sun glasses
Warm trousers/jeans Sun cream
Thick jogging suit Lip salve
Full sleeve shirts Hot water bag
Wind cheater Toilet kit
Light Underwear Insect repellent
Thick cotton socks Personal medicines
Light gloves First aid kit
Underwear (4 changes) Camera & films (15 rolls)
Bathing suit & towel Duffel bag
Rainwear (poncho style) Ruck sack/day pack
Water bottle
Flash light & batteries

Toilet kit: (must contain the followings)
Toothbrush & toothpaste
Soap & Shampoo
Premoistened towelettes
A sewing kit & spare buttons
Spare set of prescription glasses
Hand/face towel
Swiss Knife
Safety pins

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