Trekking in Nepal

Trekking

Equipments and Clothings:

Equipment needed depends largely upon where, when and how one is trekking. The main emphasis while trekking is on keeping warm and dry while still being lightweight. For lower altitude, fleece jackets are adequate, while at higher altitudes down jackets are advisable. Waterproof, wind-proof jackets and plants pants, well broken-in footwear, head covering are also recommended. Good sleeping bags sunglasses, drinking water bottle, torch light, sun block cream, toiletries, first aid kit and very good route map are other items necessary. Cameras, on the other hand, are handy for taking home memories.

Trekking equipments are available in Kathmandu, Pokhara and Namche Bazaar.

Medication shops are few are i\on trekking route. Therefore, it is best to carry first aid kit and read about the possible problems before hand. On the Everest Base Camp route at Pheriche and on the Annapurna circuit route at Manang, there are clinics operated by the Himalayan rescue Association that specializes in treating trekker's health problems. These clinics are open only during the main trekking seasons. While on teaks, the following problems could occur:

1. Upset stomach, often caused by change in diet or contaminated food and water is a common ailment. To avoid it one should pay particular attention to hygiene and quality of food and drinks.
2. Cough, cold, sore throats, common in the dry mountain air can lead to chest infection. Sore throats can best be avoided by attempting not to breathe cold air directly through mouth. Smoking should also be avoided.
3. Joint muscle strains, foot problems, and blisters are other hindrances for trekkers. Wearing good footwear will go long way in avoiding these problems. For sprains and strains, apply cold water to reduce swelling and support the joint with crepe bandage.
4. Acute Mountain sickness (AMS) is a fatal sickness caused by random altitude ascension. Therefore climbers ascending 3,000 meters or above should acquire sound knowledge of proper acclimatization processes. Symptoms of AMS include headache, loss of appetite, swelling of limbs, dizziness, difficulty, etc. in sleeping, irregular breathing, nausea, and unusual weariness. Maintaining good fluid intake helps combat altitude sickness and hurried descent or evacuation to lower altitude is the only best cure.

Safety and Security:

Nepal is a safe country to trek provided the basic rules are observed. When with trekking agency most contingencies are handled by agency staff. However, one could get lost or hurt and have no one to ask for help when trekking alone. Therefore, trekkers should either trek with agencies or hire reliable guides if trekking in smaller groups. Women guides are available for women trekkers. The best way to avoid risk while trekking is thorough planning, playing by the rules and realizing human limitations. In case of misfortune, detailed message should be dispatched to a reliable organization or individual immediately for rescue operation. If communication facilities are unavailable, normal first aid principle should be followed till help arrives. Some of the safety rules to abide by are:

1. Do not trek alone.
2. Do not make the display of wealth.
3. Keep belongings secure and within sight.
4. Make arrangements for handling emergency situation before hand.
5. Register personal information and trekking path details with respective embassies.
6. Bye travel insurance policy that covers helicopter rescue cost. Leave a copy of details with an agency in Kathmandu.
7. Choose only authorized government registered trekking agencies, guides, and porters.

Environmental Issues:

A general advice to trekkers is to leave only footprints and take only photographs. However, the recent developments along trekking trails have been of concern to environmentalist and locals alike. The sprouting of teahouse along trekking trails demand wood for construction and fuel, which has led to deforestation. In addition, the amount of waste has increased without proper mechanism for disposal, making some of the popular trails both unsightly and unhealthy. With increased awareness on the part of trekkers and local people, this trend is changing. However, message still needs to be passed across for a more environmentally sound trekking. For vigilant trekking the following rules to be followed:

1. Ensure that your trekking company supplies sufficient kerosene or gas for cooking.
2. Dispose biodegradable waste properly and carry non-biodegradable waste out or dump them in properly constructed waste pit.
3. Ensure that campsites are left clean and that toilet pits are properly filled in after use.

Trekking Areas

Everest Region:

The Everest region is located in the northeast of Nepal. The most visited part of this region is Solukhumbu district, Home of the legendry Sherpas and the highest peak of the world, The Mt. Everest at 8,848 meters. To the north of Solukhumbu is Everest National Park; while to the east is the Makulu Barun National Park. The major ethnic groups that live in the Everest region are Sherpas, Rais, Tamangs, Brahmins and Chhettris. Diverse range of wildlife and vegetation are seen in the region. Animals to be sighted are mountain goat, musk deer and barking deer in the forests. Birds include Danfe, Ravens, Crows, Choughs and Snow Pigeons. The best time to visit in spring and autumn.

Popular trekking areas of Everest region are Everest Base Camp, Gokyo Valley, Lukla, Pike Danda, Dudh Kunda, Salleri, Chiwong Circuit, Hinkhu, Hongu Valleys, and Everest to Arun Valley. Interesting landmarks near Syangboche are khumjung school built by Sir Edmund Hillary in 1961 and Khunde Hospital north of Namche Bazaar established in 1968. How to treak in the Everest region depends on the route chosen. Teahouse trekking is possible on the main trail to Everest Base Camp or the route up the Gokyo Valley. The trail from Jiri to Lukla also has teahouse on the way.

Getting There:-

Everest region can be reached by air or on foot. Buses ti Jiri leave fron thr Old Bus Park near Ratna Park in Kathmandu. Jiri is ten-hour from KAthmandu. By air, there are three options. the most convenient for Everest trek is lukla,which is served by many airlines with daily flight from Kathmandu. Another option is the airstrip at Phaplu near the district headquarter which is served by the daily flights from the capital city. The last choice is the small airstrip at Syangboche, world's highest airport, which is located above Namche Bazaar. Despite being an option, altitude makes it an impractical and unwise choice as an arrival destination for acclimatization reasons.

Permits And Fees:-

Special trekking permits are not required to visit this area. Entry fees are charged for access to Everest National Park and Makulu Barun National park. Entry fees can be paid at the National Park desk in Thamel, Kathmandu.

The World's Best Trekking Trail: Annapurna Region

The Annapurna region lies towards the north of central Nepal. The region has been recognized as one of the world's best trekking trails according to a survey by Modern Maturity (USA). The highlights of this part of Nepal are Annapurna Peaks, Mt.Dhaulagiri, river Kali Gandaki and several other peaks. Gate way to this region is the famous city of Pokhara. The most prominent ethnic groups of Annapurna trekking region are Gurungs and Thakalis. Animals found here are Pika, Blue Sheep, and Himalayan Tahr and vegetation ranges from tropical species to temperate forests of Oak, Beech and Rhododendron.

The popular trekking routes of this region are Jomsong, Annapurna Circuit and Annapurna Base Camp, Annapurna foothills, Sikles, Lamjung, Dhaulagiri, Upper mustang and around Pokhara. The best time to visit is during spring and autumn. Unlike other parts of Nepal, even the monsoon months are ideal to visit upper Mustang that falls in the rain shadow area. Most trekking routes in the Annapurna region are well serviced by teahouses. Trekkers should, however, be careful while trekking to the more remote parts of the region.

Getting There: -

Regardless of the trek chosen, it is most likely that Pokhara would be either the starting or ending point of your trek in the Annapurna region. Pokhara is located 200 kilometers west of Kathmandu and can be reached by road in about 6 hours or by air in 30 minutes from the capital. For road travel there are a number of tourists buses available daily both from Kathmandu and from Chitwan. Food, accommodation and other tourist facilities of all ranges are available in and around Pokhara.

Permits and Fees: -

Entry fee is necessary for Annapurna Conservation Area Region. The permit must be purchased before starting the trek and can be obtained in Thamel, Kathmandu, or Lakeside, Pokhara. Trekkers are advised to arrange their trek through a government recognized trekking agency.

Langtang Area –

Langtang area is toward the north of Kathmandu Valley. The scenery here is spectacular, and the trek more adventurous as the area is visited by fewer tourists. To the west of Langtang is Ganesh Himal with a range of 6,000 to 7,000 meters. The main ethnic groups living here are Sherpas and Tamangs. The forests in the region have temperate and sub-alpine vegetation. Wildlife includes migratory birds, deer, monkeys, thar and pika. The best time for trekking in the Langtang area is spring and autumn. Most of the trekking routes in Helambu and Lnagtang are well served with teahouses making independent trekking quite possible. But, there are no such facilities in the Ganesh Himal area or Ganja La area.

Getting there–

Access to Helambu is particularly easy and quick. Sundarijal, which is one of the most convenient starting points, is an hour’s drive from Kathmandu. Other possible road heads are at Budhanilkantha, Kakani and four hour drive away at Melamchi Pul. For Langtang and Ganesh Himal the choice is limited – drive to Dhunche in Rasuwa district. The road then continues to Syabrubesi from where Ganesh Himal and Langtang treks can start. Hindu pilgrimage site and popular tourist place Gosaikunda can be reached from either of the two routes. However, the way via Rasuwa is easier. Buses leave regularly from the Balaju bypass close to the main bus park at Gongabu.

Permits and fees–

The northern parts of the area largely fall within the boundaries of Langtang national park. Entry permits should be obtained from Thamel, Kathmandu, before starting the trek. To reach Helambu from Kathmandu, a permit to pass through Shivapuri national park is required. This can be obtained at the entry permit counter at the Shivapuri national Park near Budhanilkantha.

Gorkha and Manaslu

The areas to the east of the Annapurna are the peaks of Manaslu group. Few visitors trek to this area, which makes a visit here all the more unique and unspoiled. The area is bordered by River Budhi Gandaki and to the west by River Marshyangdi. This area is marked by two cultural highlights: Gorkha, which is the ancestral seat of the reigning Shah dynasty and the temple of Manakamana. Since the treks in the Manaslu region originate at around 1,000 meters and reach as high as 5,200 meters, the trekker will see a wide range of flora typical of the middle hills and alpine regions of Nepal. Plants to be seen around here are pine, rhododendron, wildlife include barking deer, pika and Himalayan marmots. Birds to be sighted in the region are pheasant, raven and chough. People of Tibetan origin inhabit several villages. Other groups found here are Gurungs and Tamangs. The best time to trek here is between September and May. A few teahouse are seen in the Manaslu Conservation Area, however, teahouse trekking is not a suggested option. Government regulations require all the group trekkings to the Manaslu Circuit to be fully sufficient

Getting there–

The main hub for treks in Manaslu region is the town of Gorkha, which can be reached from Kathmandu in about four hours by bus or car. The alternative staring point is Dhading Besi, from where it can be reached by bus in about five hours. Permit and Fees – The major trekking route in the Manaslu region, the Manaslu Circuit, requires a special trekking permit which can be acquired through a registered trekking agencies.

The Far East

The far-east region of Nepal provides unique treks along rarely visited trails. One of the main attractions is the spectacular scenery of rhododendron in bloom on the hills and ridges along the way. Deer and wild sheep are often spotted in the area and birds are found in abundance. The region is home to ethnic groups notably the Rais and Limbus. The popular trekking areas in this region are Kanchenjunga area, Milke Danda and Jaljale Himal. In general, the region has not been developed to cater to independent trekkers. So groups must be fully self- sufficient.

Getting there–

The starting points for treks in the far-east are at Basantapur, Taplejung and Tumlingtar. Basantapur needs minimum of sixteen-hour drive from Kathmandu. There are no tourist bus services so trekkers must either use scheduled bus services or arrange private transport. Another option is flying to Tumlingtar or Taplejung from the capital. The flights take approximately forty-five minutes from Kathmandu, and about 20 minutes from Biratnagar to Taplejung.

Permits and Fees–

Much of the trekking area lies within the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area and a permit fees is required for entry. Trekkers arriving via Kakarbitta border point must first travel to Kathmandu to obtain trekking permits as the government immigration office at Kakarbitta does not issue the required permit. The best time to trek in the region is between September and May.

The West

Treks in the west of Nepal are quite different from treks in other parts of the country. The region is less developed and has fewer facilities available for the visitors. This makes trekking here much more of an exploration type and intending trekkers must be prepared for some delays and other hardships. It is also considerably more expensive to trek in the remote parts of the west. Ethic group of people seen in the northern parts of the area, particularly in Dolpa, are of Tibetan origin. Other groups found here are Magar, Gurung, and the people of Hindu caste origin. Commonly seen animals are leopard, Himalayan Thar and blue sheep.

Popular trekking areas in this region are Dolpa, Simikot and Lake Rara. The best time to visit is the traditional trekking seasons of spring and autumn. The northern parts are also suitable for summer treks. The region has not been developed to cater to independent trekkers, so all groups must be self sufficient, in all respect.

Lower Dolpa and Upper Dolpa–

Located in the central west of the country, the focal point of the area is the Shey Phoksundo National Park. This remote and rugged protected area is both scenically and culturally attractive. The lower Dolpa trek circuit can be completed in eight days from Juphal back to Juphal. The circuit can be completed either clockwise or anticlockwise, depending on preference but in both cases the focal points of the trek anre Phoksundo Lake and the Taprap Valley. In comparison to lower Dolpa, less number of trekkers enters the restricted upper Dolpa section of Shery Phoksundo National Park. The main attraction of the area is the wild and pristine landscape. Geographically, it is similar to Tibetan Plateau and is generally dry, cold and sparsely vegetated. The trekking season for both Upper and Lower Dolpa is generally from June to September.

Humla and Jumla–

The trek from Simikot, the administrative center of Humla District, to the Tibetan border is usually used to reach western Tibet, where Mount Kailash is the major attraction. Tourism related facilities are relatively undeveloped in this area although several organizations are working to promote community based tourism opportunities between Simikot and the Tibet border. The only way to reach Simikot is to fly from Nepalgunj or to trek from Rara Lake- the largest lake in Nepal. The area surrounding the lake is Rara National Park. Schedule flights to Simikot are generally unreliable due to weather conditions but large groups have the option of chartering flight.

The most common way to get to Rara is to take a flight form Nepalgunj to Jumla, from where it is two to three day trek to the park. An alternative way is to combine a trek to lower Dolpa and a visit to Rara National Park. By trekking west from Dolpa it is possible to reach Jumla and the park within a week. It is advisable to consult government registered trekking agencies before trekking to this region. The best way to trek here is in group through a good trekking agency that can meet the requirements and the contingencies that come up.

Permits and Fees – Most of the treks described here will require permit or entry fee.

Trekking Around Palpa–

The ancient town of Tansen is the headquarter of Palpa district. It is located about seven kilometers northwest of Bartung in Siddhaartha Highway. Tansen is famous for historical monuments, temples and lively handicraft industry. There are a number of short treks possible around Tansen that take the trekkers to local sites of scenic and cultural interest. The best short trek from Tansen is probably the circuit of Ranighat, on the banks of River Kali Gandaki. There are basic teahouses at Ranighat and camping on the beach is also possible. Another attractive short trek suitable in the wintertime is to follow the old trade route from Tansen, down to Sisnu Khola and end in Butwal. Another popular trekking route is the Dhorpatan Circuit. Food and accommodation facilities are available at Tensen.

Trekking In and Around Kathmandu Valley–

Kathmandu Valley offers excellent short treks. Some of these treks can be even completed in one day. It is also possible to turn the treks into overnight trips. Some popular treks around Kathmandu are Shivapuri area, Sundarijal to Budhanilkantha, Godavari to Phulchoki, Kirtipur to Champadevi, Nagarjan, Nagarkot to Changu Narayan etc. Permit is only required for trekking around Shivapuri National Park. Transportation is easily available at the end and beginning of these treks. Private vehicles or taxies can also be hired.

Note: Trekking to Dolpa, Kanchanjunga, Makalu and Upper Mustang can be undertaken through registered trekking agencies only.

For trekking through National Park Areas, an entrance fee of Rs. 650 is levied. Likewise, an entrance fee of Rs. 1000 is levied for trekking at the Annapurna Conservation Area.

• Trekkers should follow the route prescribed for them by the Department of Immigration.
• To Treks along routes that are not prescribed may create serious problems regarding security, food and accommodation.
• It is advised to arrange through the registered trekking agencies to prevent oneself from any unseen accident which may occur at any time during the trekking period.
• While trekking it is advisable to take only authorized guide and porter.
• Be careful with matches around wooded or grassy areas, forest an le grass fire causes serious damages.
• Be most economical with all fuel, specially regarding the local fire wood use minimum fuel for hot showers and discourage camp fire. Trekkers are strictly forbidden to cut any green forest resources and to kill any wild life. Give preference to lodges and trekkers companies that do not use fire wood and encourage their efforts to conserve the environment.
• Use washing and toilet facilities provided or if none are available make sure you are at least 30 meters away from any water sources. Bury excreta and toilet papers and use biodegradable toiletries. Avoid the use of non – biodegradable items possible. Support measures to reduce pollution and environment.