Trekking Nepal information ” Literally, the meaning of trekking is gentle walking “. The word derived from South Africa that means a long journey especially made my foot.  We can say the trekking means a journey by walking over the hills and mountains region. The elevation of trekking counted from 500m to 5000m above the sea level. Exceptionally, only the country Nepal offers adventurous trekking up to 5545m, Kalapathar in the Everest region. One doesn’t require having any special climbing and mountaineering skills in order to go trekking. Just as you need to have Strong Passion, Desire, and Dedication. Trekking is also known as a journey by foot, to hike throughout the remote area crossing the villages and rivers, enjoying nature, you spent your time away from your home.

Trekking in Nepal is a great way of Exploration Himalayas, villages and many unexplored destinations. Nepal is known as “Paradise destination for the trekking lovers”.  8 out of 10 highest peak lies in Nepal including World’s highest Peak Mt. EVEREST (8848m). Along with Kanchanjanga (8586m), Lhotse (8516m), Makalu (8485m), Cho Oyu (8201m), Dhaulagiri first (8167m), Manaslu ( 8163m), Annapurna first (8091m). Similarly, thousands of alpine peaks are recorded, among them, Amadablam, Tseko Ri, Island peak,  Langtang Lirung, Ganesh Himal, Gaurisanker, are amongst the most popular peaks in Nepal. Some of the peaks, hills, valleys, and villages are still unexplored and far from human settlement. Therefore, throughout the trekking one can explore the untouched destination of Nepal.

Types of trekking in Nepal:

1. A) Camping trekking
2. B) Tea house trekking or lodge trekking
3. A) Camping trekking

Camping trekking is fully organized trekking. All the trekking equipment, gear even accommodation are carried by the porter. Basically you overnight nearby the attraction. Porters, Sherpa, Cook, trekking guide are the human resources needed to fulfill basic camping services. This trek is organized by the trekking company.

1. B) Tea house trekking or lodge trekking

Tea houses and lodges are forms of accommodation in the mountain region. The guests are accommodated in the tea house and lodges. Here you get the basic facilities and services than the urban lodges and hotel. Tea houses provide you Lunch, Dinner and Room facilities. In addition, Battery charging, hot shower, laundry, internet facilities, and other services might have provided by some of the tea houses, for that, you will be charged some extra money.

Top 10 Best Trekking Destination in Nepal

1. Everest Base Camp Trekking –  13/ 14 Days
2. Annapurna Circuit Trekking – 14 / 15 Days
3. Annapurna Base Camp Trekking – 9 / 10 Days
4. Poon Hill Trekking – 5 / 6 Days
5. Langtang trekking – 7 / 13 Days
6. Manaslu trek – 15 Days
7. Everest Base Camp 3 passes trekking – 18 days
8. Gokyo trek – 12 Days
9. Upper Mustang – 14 Days
10. Upper Dolpo – 22 Days

What is TIM’s card and where do you get it?

TIMS stands for Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS). It was implemented jointly by the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) and Trekking Agencies’ Association of Nepal (TAAN) to ensure the safety and security of trekkers and to control illegal trekking operations. TIMS card is mandatory to permit card to any kind of trekkers who doing trekking in Nepal.

To obtain the Permit card, visit Tourist Service Center, Bhirikutimandap and TAAN (Trekker’s Agencies’ Association Nepal) office in Maligaon and Government registered trekking companies in Kathmandu and Pokhara.

TIMS Card fees are as follows – Group trekker: NRs. 1,000; Free individual trekker (FIT): NRs. 2,000, per trekking route per person per entry.

For SAARC countries TIMS Card fees are as follows – Group trekker: NRs. 300; FITs: NRs. 600, per trekking route per person per entry. Part of the collection will go into maintaining the trekkers’ database and in the rescue of trekkers in need of emergency services.

Diplomats are not charged for the card.

Which is the best season for trekking?

Generally two seasons, autumn and springs are known as the best season for trekking in Nepal. However, all seasons are possible to operate trekking with four distinct seasons:

1. Spring Season (Between March-May)

The temperature is mildly warm in lowlands while moderate in higher altitudes.  The rain will be just finished so that the greenery will be seen everywhere. This is also the time of flowers to blossom. Especially Rhododendron blooms in the Annapurna and Langtang region.

1. B) Summer (Between June – August )

This season is called Monsoon Season. The climate will be hot, hazy and quite wet. Thunderstorm and rain struck occasionally in the evening. Despite wet, in the morning, the sky will be cleared so that we can see the astonishing mountain views. Similarly, often the wildflowers, butterflies abundantly were seen. Alternatively, people can also do the trek in Rain shadows area like Manang, Mustang, Dolpo and other places

1. C) Autumn Season (Between September – November)

This is one of the pick seasons for trekking. Everest and Annapurna lodges and hotels will be almost reserved. Therefore, while in the trekking, the guide and porter rush to pre-reserve their rooms in the destination. The weather is highly pleasant. The sky will be cleared in the daytime and morning so that the mountains open up with glittering colors. Meanwhile, this Hindu’s biggest festival Dashain and Tihar falls in the same season. Trekkers can experience the Nepali culture and lifestyle of people.

1. D) Winter season

The winter is cool and the sky is clear with occasional snowfalls in the higher elevation. Morning and night are cold but daytime is warm when sunny. This is the good season to hike and trek in the lower elevation.

What are the trekking gears needed to bring?

What are the trekking gears and equipment needed to bring?

The following are the checklists that needed to be brought themselves by the trekkers:

Checklist

• Hand sanitizing lotion
• Reading/writing material
• Camera & Binoculars
• First-aid kit (should contain lip salve, Aspirin, Band-Aids, anti-histamine, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, re-hydration powder, extra prescription drugs you may be taking, Chlorine Dioxide for water sterilization).
• Protein bars, chocolate, dried fruits, candies, and snack foods.
• Travel documents: passport, visa, travel insurance, air tickets
• Money: travelers’ cheques/cash/credit card
• Spare Boot Laces
• Sleeping Bag
• Lightweight Towel
• Toiletries
• Day pack to carry your personal needs during the day
• Torch/flashlight – headlamp style is ideal
• Sunscreen and lip balm
• Refillable water bottle – Min 1 Litre Aluminium or Nalgene polypropylene are best
• Hat
• Gloves – wool or fleeced
• Scarf
• Wind and waterproof Jacket & Pants
• Umbrella especially in summer (May to September)
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Socks: thick wool blend and thin cotton to be worn in combination – ensure boots fit
• Running shoes or sandals for evening
• Wool jumper / sweater / fleece. Lightweight during summer, 1 heavyweight or 2 lightweights during winter months. Down jackets in winter.
• Fleece Jacket
• T-Shirts 2 or 3
• Shirt – Long Sleeved
• Pants – lightweight long trousers (jeans are unsuitable)
• Extra warm clothing during winter (December to March) layered clothing
• Etc….

What is AMS?

Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) is a reaction to the lower amounts of oxygen available at high altitudes (due to the lower air pressure). Our body will respond in various ways to this: some are normal, some are illnesses. The illnesses are a serious health hazard and can be the cause of death if we ignored it. AMS can occur at any age of people whether he or she is young, old or children.

 Some Symptoms of AMS:

• fatigue
• dizziness
• loss of appetite
• nausea or vomiting
• confusion
• difficulty walking (called gait ataxia)
• rattling breath

Prevention:

• Acclimatize the altitude. Increase the altitude only 500 feet per day.
• Drink plenty of water and eat hygienic food
• Descend if the symptoms become severe
• Use Gamo Bag
• Wear the clothes according to the weather