TREKKING INTRODUCTION
Before 1951 Nepal was inaccessible to foreign
tourists, and until 1964 to travel to this wonderful and mystical land, was exclusively for the hardy climbers and explorers
of the unimaginable. In recent years with the advent of tourism programs and the linkage by air with the outside world, travels
to this land of adventures became a possibility. In its immensely diverse and undulating topography, varied climate and mix
of people combine to produce a magical attraction for outsiders. Many of these foreign visitors come to trek one or more of
the many beautiful trekking regions now open by HMG.
To trek, one does not have to be bizarre, neither
a mountaineer nor an athlete. Anyone with a pair of strong legs and the spirit for adventure will enjoy the thrills of trekking
the hills of Nepal. Walking in the interior of the country follows ancient foot trails which meander through the scenic river
banks, terraced fields and the forested ridges connecting picturesque hamlets and mountain villages.
For visitors on extended holiday, there is an
even more varied spectrum of adventure-be it rafting on sparkling rivers, safaris in the jungles, trekking to explore deeper
into the alpine valleys with perpetual snow and glistering glaciers. The more intrepid traveller may venture further up to
scale any of the 18 minor trekking peaks.
WHAT IS TREKKING ?
To "Trek"
in the Himalayas means to set off from a given town, village or air field and to wonder through fields and hamlets, along
valleys and streams or up mountain slopes to any altitude at one's choice, but usually not above 18,000 ft. (5,500m)Trekking-
hiking along the trails that form the main links between Nepal's isolated villages and settlements is one the country's main
attractions. The word trekking was almost unheard of in Nepal until the sixties but many of today's visitors came to Nepal
solely to trek.
WHY TREK IN NEPAL ?
A trek
in Nepal is a unique and unforgettable experience for a whole lot of reasons but four in particular stand out:
Scenery: Eight out of fourteen highest mountains
in the world are in Nepal and if you want to see these up close, you must walk. While trekking you see far more than the mountains.
You can walk from the tropical lowlands to alpine meadows and glacial moraines while in the spring Nepal's brilliant rhododendrons
will be in bloom and you may see rare species of birds.
Diversity: The landscape of Nepal is almost continually
inhabited. The majority of Nepal's population live, not in the cities, but in tiny villages. Even in the high mountains, small
settlements on stone houses and yak pastures dot every possible flat space. Much of the fascination of a trek is derived from
the opportunity to observe life in these villages, where people truly live off the land, using only a few manufactured items
such as soap, kerosene, paper and matches. All of which are imported in bamboo baskets carried by bare foot porters.Trekkers
pass through picturesque villages inhabited by Sherpas, Magars, Gurungs and Tamangs in the highlands and Brahmins, Chhetris
and Newars in the lower altitudes. These are among the many ethnic groups which exist in Nepal.
People: Trekkers are always impressed by the
friendliness of the people they meet along the local trails .The hill people particularly their traditional hospitality and
fascinating culture, make a trek in Nepal a special kind of mountain holiday unlike any other part of world.
Safety: Not only is scenery interesting and ever
changing but it can be seen in relative safety. Theft, robbery, assault all the problems of western civilization and many
Asian countries are still relatively unknown in Nepal. There was a time a few years ago When even women could trek alone in
Nepal. Unfortunately things seem to be changing and treks need to be more careful than they used to be. It is advisable to
trek in groups of at least two persons and if possible with a porter or a guide. But this doesn't necessarily mean that you
need to trek with an organized trekking agency in an expensive way.
Height: Trekking is not mountaineering but it
is as well to remember that the Himalayas begin where other mountains finish. Whether you begin your trek at a roadbed or
fly into a remote mountain airstrip, a large part of your trek will be in the middle hills region at an elevations between
1000 meters and 3000 meters but the trek to Everest base camp will reach 5545 meters. Most of the time you will remain with
in the altitude range 1500 to 2000 meters. In this region, there are always well-developed trails through villages and across
mountain passes. Even at high altitudes there are intermittent settlements used in the summer by erders, so the trails, though
often indistinct, are always there. All trails are easily traversed without the aid of ropes or any mountaineering skill.
There are rare occasions when snow is encountered, and on some high passes it might be necessary to place a safety line for
your companions or porter if there is deep snow, but alpine techniques are almost never used on a traditional trek. Anyone
who has walked extensively in the mountains has all the skill necessary for on extended trek in Nepal.
WHEN TO TREK ?
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 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.
TREKKING PERMITS
All visitors
require a trekking permit to visit Nepal's interior regions not connected by major roads. Trekking permits are available from
the Department of Immigration in Kathmandu (Tel: 494273, 494337) or Pokhara (Tel: 21167). Two photographs are required with
the application. If you are trekking in more than one region, separate trekking permits are necessary for each region.
Trekking Permit Fees. The fee for a Trekking
Permit is as follows:
Kanchenjunga and Lower Dolpo, - US$ 10 per week
for the first four weeks and US$ 20 per week thereafter;
Upper Mustang and Upper Dolpo - US$ 700 for the
first 10 days and US$ 70 per day thereafter;
Manaslu - US$ 90 per week for trekking during
September-November and US$ 75 per week during December-August;
Humla (Simikot-Yari) - US$ 90 for the first seven
days and US$ 15 per day thereafter;
Trekking permit is not essential for the general
trekking areas such as the Annapurna, the Everest and the Langtang.
TREKKING ARRANGEMENTS:
There
are different approaches to trekking in Nepal and the choice depends on time available, budget, experience and personal preference.
Some of the travel agencies abroad in collaboration with the Nepalese trekking agencies book trekking packages for Nepal in
advance. Trekkers who are alone or who do not have much time can book with these overseas agencies. One can also contact trekking
agencies by mail, or contact them personally on arrival in Nepal. There are quite a few government recognised trekking agencies
which have professional staff to handle trekking activities. A fully equipped trek primarily consists of essential logistical
arrangements including porters, guide, cook, food, tents, sleeping bags, mattresses, transport to and from trekking starting
points, flight arrangement, permits, 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$ 100.00 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 organisation and ensure a trouble free holiday. There are limited areas where a back packing 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 not to employ freelance guides or the services of any agency not recognised by the
government.
Trekking Gears
You are
kindly advised to bring following items for trekking in Nepal :
Down Jacket -Sleeping bag -Hiking pants -Waterproof
jacket
Full - sleeves shirt -Jumper or pile jacket
T - shirts -Trekking shoes/boots -Camp shoes -Mountain trekking
boots -Polypropylene/wool socks -Light cotton socks for under wool socks -Woolen socks to wear with boots Rucksack -Sun hat
-Woolen hat -Gloves -Sun block for lips -Sun lotion -Goggles or sunglasses -Long underwear -Insulated pants -Nylon windbreaker
-Nylon wind pants -Water bottle -Sewing kit -Medical & first aid kit -Flash light -Batteries and bulbs -Swiss army knife
-Personal towel
