General
Information
The best way to experience Nepal's unbeatable combination
of natural beauty and cultural riches is to walk through them.
The immense contrasts in altitudes and climates found here support
an equally spectacular mix of lifestyles, vegetation types and
wildlife.
Trekking in the mountains of Nepal is more a cultural experience
than a wilderness expedition. You will be passing through picturesque
villages inhabited by diverse ethnic groups. You will see Chhetri
farmers working in their fields and Tamang herders grazing their
animals on the steep slopes. You will meet Gurkha soldiers home
on leave and come across Sherpa yak drivers transporting goods
over the high mountain passes. And always in the background,
the icy pinnacles of the Himalaya loom over the scenery.
Preparations
You don't need to be a mountaineer with rippling muscles to
enjoy trekking. If you are reasonably fit, have a spirit of
adventure and are not afraid of walking, you qualify. We offer
full-service (Camping) treks and will take care of all the details
like government permits, air/bus tickets, guides, cooks, porters,
food, tents, and equipment. All you have to do on the trail
is concentrate on putting one foot before the other. On many
popular trekking trails, you can also go on what is known as
Tea-House Treks - eating and staying in the many lodges on the
way.
A day on the trail usually consists of four to five hours of
walking broken by a lunch stop. You trek to enjoy the scenery
on the trail, not to get to a destination in a hurry. The main
precaution to be taken while trekking is not to go up too high
too fast. The body should be given plenty of time to acclimatize.
Full service (camping) Treks
Breaking out of the norm, traveling with a group, traveling
to remote or restricted areas, enjoying camp-side banter and
serene surroundings are just a few of the reasons to opt for
a Full-Service Camping Trek. You will have more control over
where you go, how long you stay and even food choices if an
agency puts you on one of these expeditions. A bucket of hot
washing-water will await at your tent door each morning before
you head off for a hot cup of chia and a trip to the toilet-tent.
Tea-House Treks
Tea-House trekking is an easy way to go. These are treks along
the most popular treking routes and seldom will you be away
from a bottle of Coca-Cola or cozy lodge. You can almost do
it without an agent, but you will want a recommended porter
even if you do not have need for a guide. Any agency can refer
one. Stays at Tea-Houses are even cheaper than staying in a
Kathmandu based guest house.
You will find Nepali-ized western food and solar powered hot-water
showers in many places. Although broken-English is a norm along
these trails, you'll definitely enhance you experience by merging
with the culture by carrying a Nepali Phrase book.
Off the Record: Consider bringing a recommended cook along to
break up the monotony of set Tea-House menus. This could also
guarantee a healthy journey for your stomach as they'll be able
to provide hygiene control in Tea-House kitchens.
Equipment & What to bring
Your trekking agency will provide equipment like sleeping bags,
foam mattresses and tents. All you need to bring is your personal
gear. We've seen porters make in through mountain passes in
flip-flop sandals while carrying loads for two travelers. Nevertheless,
we want you to enjoy your journey so use the lists (and your
porters' muscles) below as guides.
Minimal Requirements
- Lightweight walking boots. "Walk them in" prior
to arrival in Nepal to avoid blisters.
- Pair of lightweight/heavyweight trousers are useful higher
up in the mountains in the morning and at night.
- 1-2 pair of loose fitting long shorts/skirts.
- 2-4 cotton T-shirts.
- 1 lightweight long sleeved-shirt is particularly suitable
for avoiding sun burn.
- A sunhat and ensure it has wide brim to cover the face
and neck.
- 2 pairs of thin and 2 pairs of thick woolen socks.
- Underwear: normal quantity
- Swimming suit
- Water Bottle
- Sunglasses and strap
- Toiletries with large and small towels. Toilet paper can
be bought in Kathmandu and some village in the mountains.
- Small headlamp and/or flashlight/torch with spare batteries
- Personal medical supplies - don't forget band-aids and
tweezers
- Army-knife and sewing kit
- Sun-screen, sun block, sun-tan lotion, zinc-oxide... get
the picture? This is essential in the winter when skies
are clearest.
Winter Requirements
- Warm jacket. Fiberfill or down should be adequate. This
is especially necessary during winter from December to February.
- Sleeping bag to -15 C or sleep sheet (if renting or agency
supplied)
- Woolen shirts and thick sweaters. During winter months,
December through February, These items are essential. Thick
sweaters can be purchased in Kathmandu.
- Windproof/Waterproof trousers. Necessity on all treks
going above 3,000 meters.
- Thermal underwear. These are excellent to sleep in at
night. In the winter months' thermal underwear are quite
invaluable.
- A woolen hat to wear in the morning and at night. During
winter it is an essential item.
- A pair of gloves. Leather with lining and woolen are best.
- Snow Glasses and strap
- Snow gaiters can be essential
Some nice add-ons
- Camera & Film
- A pair of slip-on shoes or sandals. To wear in the camp,
in bathroom and toilet tent or when the boots are wet.
- A rain-proof jacket with hood or a poncho. Get the one
that is guaranteed waterproof.
- A sweat-suit. Useful for wearing in camp and in the tent.
- Duffel bag or kit bag to carry gear while trekking.
- Daypack. This is a small backpack to carry personal requirement
for the day e.g., to toilet items, camera, film, towel,
soap, a book etc.
- Spare boot laces.
- 2-4 large plastic bags to separate clean clothes from
dirty ones. 6-10 smaller plastic bags to dispose garbage.
- Wallet and/or money belt with compartment for coins.
- Spare flashlight bulbs, candles and lighter to burn toilet
paper.
- An umbrella is quite useful as a walking stick, a sunshade
and for rain.
- Reading materials, game items, music, note book, rubber
band, pen and pencil envelopes, a diary, a calendar, a pocket
knife, binoculars (optional), A small pillow or headrest
(optional) Thermarest (optional) - an inflatable sleeping
mat, trekking map, adequate quantities of passport photographs.
- Duct-tape, superglue and small mirror can be handy.
- Travel locks and chain to secure luggage and lodge door.
- Hot-water bottle - unless your mate's coming' along.
Unnecessary Items - reminder...
- Cell-phone, Pager, Lap-top computer, PDA, etc
- Radio, TV, magazines, newspapers, etc.
Please Note: North Face and Patagonia type companies
own the market in the USA, but many of the above mentioned items
can be purchased/rented in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
Beware: Virtually all the brand name items in Nepal are
Korean knock-offs. Shoes and sox are the essential items to
bring from outside the country, if you're in the Bigfoot category.
Flights to Remote Areas
Flights by plane and helicopter into and out of the remote areas
and airports are prone to cancellations and delays due to inclement
weather. It is advisable to allow some layover days while planning
a flight out of airports other than Kathmandu and Pokhara. When
these flights are considered in the itinerary, it is also recommended
to carry extra money to buy food and accommodations in case
of delays. Agencies will not be responsible for these additional
expenses or costs incurred from lost connections, so plan accordingly.
Medical Matters and Advice
Trekking in Nepal need not be considered a risky affair as far
as your health is concerned. Nevertheless, preventive measures
such as a thorough medical check-ups and inoculations before
you start trekking can save you from unexpected hazards. Since
the remote places of Nepal are not supplied with necessities
that are essential for modern medical facilities, and as the
rescue and evacuation are measured in days, it is imperative
to make a comprehensive First Aid kit consisting of basic drugs
and accessories as part of the paraphernalia for trekking.
Various trekking guide books and the pamphlet published by the
Himalayan Rescue Association give you detailed information on
a complete list of medical supplies. These guide books are easily
available in the bookshops of Kathmandu. In case of serious
illness or injury, prompt evacuation to Kathmandu is the best
remedy.
Modern dentistry is unknown in the hills of Nepal, so it is
advised to have a checkup before departure from home. Tooth
fillings sometimes loosen in cold temperatures and at high altitudes,
so it is recommended to have them checked.
Physical Fitness
All trekking demands a level of fitness that will enable one
to put in a good day's walking, uphill and down. Most treks
should not be taken to gain more than 500 meters in one day
above 3,000 meters. There should be plenty of time during the
day to cover this distance, so the physical exertion though
quite strenuous at times, is not sustained. The best preparation
for trekking is cycling, swimming, and jogging, squash, tennis
and long walks involving up and down hills. Good physical conditioning
will certainly help maximize your enjoyment of your treks.
Altitude Sickness
Altitude Sickness, often known as Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS),
is a particularly important medical consideration while trekking
in Nepal. Altitude Sickness means the effect of altitude on
those who ascend too rapidly to elevations above 3,000 meters.
Anyone may be affected by AMS regardless of strength or physical
fitness. The initial symptoms of AMS are as following:
- Nausea/Vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Insomnia/Sleeplessness
- Persistent headache
- Dizziness, light heaviness, 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.
More serious problems can occur which can even cause death sometimes
within a few hours. The main cure for the Altitude Sickness
is to descend to a lower elevation immediately. Acclimatization
by ascending to no more than 300 to 500 meters per day above
3,000 meters and the proper amount of rest are the best methods
for prevention of AMS.
Literature and pamphlet published by Himalayan Rescue Association
(see Rescue Service below) 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 trekker's
medical kit.
Rescue service
- Himalayan Rescue Association: HRA is a voluntary
Nepalese organization registered with His Majesty's Government
to run a mountain rescue service in the mountain tourist
areas. The Association's major role is the prevention and
treatment of mountain sickness. The association's medical
research work is undertaken by a team of foreign doctors
at present.
The Kathmandu office and Information Center of the HRA is
located in Thamel. The HRA Information Center has expert
and up to date information on all aspects of altitude sickness.
All those intending to trek above 3,000m (10,000ft) are
advised to visit the Information Center. Two Trekker's Aid
Posts are listed.
- Everest Area: At Pheriche on the main trail to
Everest Base Camp, one day north of Thyanboche. This Aid
Post is well equipped and staffed by two Western doctors
during the main trekking season. Trekkers intending to go
to Kala Patthar and Everest Base Camp are advised to contact
the Pheriche Aid Post.
- Manang Area: At Manang village in Manang. The Aid
Post is well noticeable and has a sign posted. Regular talks
on dangers of altitude sickness are given here every alternate
day during trekking season. The Aid Post is staffed by a
Western doctor. Trekkers intending to cross Thorong La Pass
and visiting the surrounding areas are advised to contact
the HRA aid post either at Chindi or at Manang.
- Medical Rescue and Transport Communication Facilities
1. Everest and Kanchenjunga Treks
A small hospital and airstrip at Jiri, Phaplu and Khunde
(Syangboche). Similarly a medical facility operated by HRA
is situated at Pheriche. There are also radio station at
Chainpur, Khandhari, Taplejung, Phidim, Bhojpur, Terhathum,
Dhankuta, Dharan, Illam, Chandra-gadhi, Jiri, Namche Bazaar,
Thayangboche, Pheriche, Lobuche and Salleri.
2. Helambu, Gosaikunda, and Langtang Treks
Modern medical facilities are not available in the Helambu
area. For Gosaikunda and Langtang, there is a government
hospital at Trishuli Bazaar and a dispensary at Dhunche.
There is also radio and telephone link to Kathmandu at Trishuli
Bazaar. An airstrip is located near Kyangjin in Langtang
Valley. The other two radio stations are on the Bhote Koshi
at Rasuwa Gadhi on the Tibetan Border and in Dhunche.
3. Around Pokhara, Lamjung, Jompsom, Muktinath and Nanang
Pokhara has an all weather airport, telecommunication network
and a modern hospital. District hospitals are located in
Baglung, Bensishar, and Jomosom. There is a Trekker's Aid
post run by the Himalayan Rescue Association in Manang.
Additionally a small government dispensary at Hongde and
Chame, the headquarter of Manang district, also serve both
foreigners & locals. Airstrips are located at Jomosom,
Hongde and Balewa of Baglung. There are radio stations at
Chame, Kusma, Baglung, Beni and Jomosom.
There are also radio stations at Gorkha and Besisahar. A
government hospital is located in Gorkha. The united Mission
to Nepal runs a hospital at Ampipal of Gorkha.
4. Jumla and Rara
Airstrips are located in Dhorpatan, Jumla and Simikot.
There is a government hospital and a radio station Jumla.
A dispensary is run at Gumgadi.
Trekking Arrangements
There are different approaches to trekking in Nepal and the
choice depends on time, budget, experience and personal preference.
We provide essential logistical arrangement including porters,
guide, cook, food tents, sleeping bags, mattresses, transport
to and from trekking starting points, flight arrangement, permits,
and staff insurance and so on. These agents also provide a choice
of itineraries and necessary information on trekking health
care etc.
The cost of an all inclusive trek ranges from about US$ 25.00
to US$ 150.00 per person per day depending upon the quality
of service, number of days and number of persons in the package.
This style of trekking is relatively expensive compared to that
of backpacking but a few extra dollars guarantees comfort and
security eliminates time consuming ordeal of organization and
ensures a trouble free holiday. There are limited areas where
a backpacking type of trek can be undertaken by an individual.
A companion/guide is helpful in the remote wilderness and is
enjoyable to talk to on the trail. It is strongly advised to
be overly cautious of free-lance guides or the services of any
agency not recognized by government.
Money Matters
It is generally not possible to change foreign currency/travelers
checks except in bigger cities like Kathmandu, Pokhara, Namche
Bazaar, Jompsom, Salleri, and Okhaldunga. Consequently, when
you're in the mountains, cash is king. Change money in the city
before your trek starts. Make sure to ask for small denominations
(ones, twos, fives, twenties, fifties and hundreds - a 500 or
1,000 note will be useless).
- Careful: Torn banknotes seem to be a superstitious
item. Village people, and even people from the village that
have moved into the city, refuse them. Use them for tips
or donations to holy-pilgrims.
Mountaineering adventure for non-climbers
For the more adventurous traveler, there are many minor peaks
open for Alpine climbing under the Nepal Mountaineering Association.
The climbing of these peaks is controlled under the rules and
regulations formulated by this Association.
Most of these peaks require snow and ice climbing experience.
Trekking Agents provide qualified and trained climbing guides
to take non-climbers for convenience, safety and expected successes.
By Himalayan standards, these are considered minor peaks, but
in fact some of them provide relatively challenging snow and
ice climbing of high standard, and more so in Winter.
The royalty for these peaks ranges from US $150 to US $300 depending
on the particular peak for up to a 9 member climbing team.
See VisitNepal.com's Trekking: Areas: Trekking Peaks for a list
of those currently open. For complete details about Peak Trekking,
Mountaineering and Expeditions, visit our sponsor Adventure
Thirdpole Treks and Expeditions.
Tips and Suggestions
During your trekking sojourn in the hills and the mountains
of Nepal you should be aware and remember that you are traveling
back in time and into the wilderness not usually frequented
by many foreigners and away from normal policing. Although the
people of the hills of Nepal are exceptionally hospitable, honest
and friendly by any standards, the possibilities of some trekkers
encountering bad elements who take advantage of foreigners cannot
be eliminated. It would be wise to exercise the following basic
rules as regards. Security and safety during your trekking:
- Trekking organized through us ensures comfort and convenience,
safety and security and greatly affords the unique experience.
This approach to trekking not only prevents you from any
unforeseen hazards and accidents but also provide educational
information and rewarding experiences on the mountains,
people and in rural Nepal.
- All foreign nationals are required by law to pay their
hotel, travel, and trekking agents bill in foreign currency.
Exchange your money through authorized banks/money changers
only. Insist on a receipt when exchanging your money and
retain all exchange receipts with you.
- Littering mars the purity of environment. Avoid the use
of non-biodegradable items as much as possible. Your attempts
to burn oddments and carry out the unburnable ones will
be a great help in the efforts to conserve the environment.
- Avoid dispute with local people, most particularly when
you are alone. Avoid drunkards and lunatics.
- Do not encourage beggars by giving them money or other
articles.
- Be most economical with all fuel. Avoid hot showers which
use firewood and discourage campfires. Avoid lodges using
firewood and insist on use of kerosene for cooking to Trekking
Agents.
- We strongly recommend that you take out a personal travel
insurance to cover against illness, accidents, loss and
theft of items and materials, travel alterations and deviations,
rescues and evacuations.
- It is recommended not to travel alone in the remote areas
while traveling in Nepal particularly in the case of females.
If you do not have a fellow trekker as companion, you should
not engage a guide/porter except through a third party who
has responsibility for the person engaged.
- All the information mentioned here is subject to change,
so do not forget to do your own homework.
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