Nepal is the land of countless numbers of mountains from the magnificent green rocky foothills to the High Himalayas’ desolate respite to twinkle glaciers, trekking in Nepal provides peerless marshaling of trekking trails. Himalayan Vista Trekking always endeavors to explore new adventure places to hike beyond Nepal for better and easier for travelers, but we have yet to experiment with it.
Trekking
The Himalayan land covers the most marvelous trekking just not only in Nepal but in the world. Origin of Lord Buddha and home of 8000 meters highest peak among eight out of fourteen peaks including the world’s highest peak Mount Everest (8848.86m) positioned in Nepal. Other seven are Kanchenjunga (8,586m), Lhotse (8,516m), Makalu (8,481m), Cho-Oyo (8,188m), Dhaulagiri (8169m), Manaslu (8163m), and Annapurna (8091m), Nepal is the central hub for trekking in the world.
Mardi Himal Trek
Nepal was terminated for foreigners and most outlanders were persuaded by the first half of the 20th century when the first western climbers and adventurers landed in the 1950s and were delighted by discovering unique trekking and mountaineering planet on earth.
The history of this beautiful country is more signifies from the medieval period and the capital city Kathmandu was decorated with a bevy of temples, shrines, old palaces, local traditional markets, and townhouses of red bricks. There were only walking trails instead of roads in the country and all mountaineers and hikers had to commence their adventure by walking from Kathmandu to diverse mountain regions including Mount Everest.
Trekkers on the Everest Trail
Things have changed by then and Kathmandu is now diverted into a sprawling imperial urban city, developed enlarging road matrix accesses out across the lower land of Terai, plain area of the country, and tourism occupy the prime business uplifting trekking industry in Nepal. But the glory of the magnificent mountains, the sheer beauty of the typical villages, and the immortal hospitality, as well as the friendly warmth welcome presented by the Nepalese people, have not changed yet. These are the reason that makes Nepal such a marvelous glamorous trekking terminus in the globe.
Everest Base Camp
Trekking in Nepal
Trekkers on their way to Everest
Now there must be a curiosity in every explorer’s mind about when and where should I go trekking in Nepal! Perfect thinking, it doesn’t matter whether you are an experienced adventurer for high elevation hiker or just a beginner, there are lots of fun and energizing alternative choices throughout Nepal. Glance at some of the perfect mesmerizing views of silver glistering snowcapped awesome Himalayas in the universe. The country is a famous destination for explorers to trek, especially in the base camp of the highest mountains which are quite bumpy in nature.
Everyone must know that every year Nepal fascinates +200,000 trekkers means people who visit Nepal are facing the tough option of deciding which trekking trip is the best and suit for exploring while they are going to trekking in Nepal. Let’s study and solve the problem and make an easy choice.
Stunning Ama Dablam
How difficult and dilemma to make a sound decision of selecting your ideal adventure trekking may apparently be conveniently made from your place using the proper internet connection than visiting the hectic swarming trekking and tourist places in Nepal like Thamel, Pokhara, and Chitawan where thousands of trekking companies are established for offering you the various judgments for choosing perfect trekking in Nepal.
First-person is you and all others are secondary because you are spending your time, physical, mind, and money to complete your adventure passion obtaining a trekking expedition in Nepal or other corners of the world. Likewise, visiting many trekking companies in Nepal means, they provide more information and opinion about the trekking trip in the mighty Himalayas especially hiking to the base camp of Nepal the heavy information might be made your mind dull and confused but don’t worry be cool and make your final decision that would be judicious for your successful adventure over majestic mountain regions.
Everest
Even if some are hanging in a search of an ultimate answer about the selecting options of the best trekking in Nepal, avoid your skepticism and it is definitely under your own individual trekking preferences. Let us clarify with a possible related characteristic of trekking which every trekker has to contemplate, before setting their plan for choosing the premier trekking in Nepal, for you individually.
- What level of hiking difficulty you are preferring for?
- What is your time limit for trekking in Nepal?
- What types of trekking you are preparing for like, remote trekking destination, off-the-beaten-path trekking or moderate-level touristy one be okay?
- Are you a budget trekker or limitless price is relevant for you?
- Which season do you like to trek in Nepal (normally monsoon and winter seasons are not recommended for trekking in Nepal)
- Seeking for the isolated hard trekking also known as adventure treks, or the common tea house trekking?
- Are you a solo traveler or with a group some trekking like, Manaslu Circuit Trek, Manaslu Circuit Tsum Valley Trek, Upper Mustang Trek, Kanchenjunga Trek, Dolpo Region Trek, and some other trekking have restricted permits for solo one unless it requires a minimum of two people and the company of Nepali citizenship guide mandatory.
Moreover, there are numerous choices for trekking in Nepal and have 20 designated protected regions in the tiny country pin down in the globe but surprisingly available uncounted trekking trails to choose from. You only need to make an effort to stand at your computer with speedy internet and explore.
Obviously, there should be some questions raised in your mind even if you have studied all about trekking in Nepal. We, the Himalayan Vista Trekking Team are making our effort to justify your question answers here. So, how do you choose the best trekking in the Himalayan country in Nepal? Very simple, analyze your fitness level and make your mindset then it will be done after your trekking preparation. How do you know the trekking should do by solo or with the trekking company? Please read this article where we have already clarified. Which company is the best for choosing to trek? It is better to study the company and you can choose it.
Furthermore, even if you have studied and taken references about Nepal trekking it will be tough to do justice for trekking in Nepal even in the lifespan of a people because there are uncounted numbers of trekking trails and many things to explore. On the other hand, Nepal is always safe to visit and trekking routes are fantastic places to recreate with Mother Nature and hike amongst the stunning mountains.
Likewise, at present days trekking is more convenient than it was uneven affair it was in the 1950s when Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay Sherpa summited Mount Everest. It is becoming more comfortable and luxurious because of well-facilitated accommodations and verities of cuisines with beverages in the lower part.
Trekking Regions in Nepal
Mainly there are nine best trekking regions in Nepal, Himalayan Vista Trekking is presenting them in series, each with its own significant and perspective peril conditional on your sort of trekking choice.
#1. Everest Region Trekking
Mount Everest, (8848.86m) the highest peak in the world, deploys an attractive invitation for trekkers, adventurers, mountaineers, wayfarers, and ramblers alike. The nuclear trekking trails in the Everest region – most apparently Everest Base Camp (EBC) is the over-commercialized and crowded, but for awe-inspiring heavenly Himalayan sceneries can’t be compared to other trekking regions of Khumbu valley closely encounter Everest from the best vantage point Kala Patthar (5,545m)
The Everest region has been established as the most trekking province in Nepal and the routes are well- organized, incredibly tea comfortable tea houses (numbers are luxurious lodges have been developed for night stay), the verities of cuisines are available and organized trekking facilitated.
Everest Base Camp Trek
#2. Annapurna Region Trek
The Annapurna region trekking trails cover the huge wilderness geography, from simple hiking in the lush green forest foothills to veteran hidden valleys up to the border of Tibet, and require a special restricted permit to enter. However, it is sure that the selected trekking will provide stunning vistas of mountain panorama that will swipe you far site.
Standing at the lap of the amphitheater at the ending part of the Annapurna Sanctuary Trek could melt your heart and eyes move to tears, the wilderness surrounding Tilicho Lake will probably be the perfect and perhaps the first Himalayan topography you will ever witness in your life. Similarly, the best Annapurna Base Camp Trek provides the closest view of Mount Annapurna, the 10th highest mountain in the world.
Annapurna Base Camp Trek
#3. Upper Mustang Region
Located in the western northern part of Nepal, decorated in the base of the highest mountains border connected with Tibet the last forbidden isolated kingdom of Nepal is Upper Mustang. Lo Manthang is the central point of the Mustang region as it remained closed until 1992 for foreigners. This is also known as the deserted area of Nepal and lies in the rain shadow area.
The area is surrounded by a beautiful deserted valley and a gorgeous mountain on the horizon, ancient fairy–tale gompas, caves hanging against the blood-red fortified rocks, and prayer flags.
The Mustang Region Trekking is the best example of historical, cultural, and religious tour activities in Nepal, though the trip offers inspiring unique landscapes of beautiful series of decorated hills.
Upper Mustang Trek
#4. Langtang Region
Awesome scenery of the Langtang Himalayan ranges often experiment from the Chandragiri Hills and from Nagarkot clearly, the trekking trip to the Langtang region is the most accessible adventure in Nepal closer to the city of Kathmandu. The adventure starts from Kathmandu by driving to Syabrubesi with scenic driving through the bank of the Trishuli River and Langtang National Park.
The Langtang valley was extremely destroyed by the devastating earthquake in 2015, many people got homeless at the time but now it is gradually recovered and still, people are reconstructing trekking trails as well as tourist accommodations so, you are trekking to Langtang means you are contributing to reestablish tourism in this area and you will be the great contributor for the future of Langtang region trek.
The trail is an example of real wilderness trekking in the dense forest of lured nature, the tea houses provide a friendly welcome and offer awesome hospitality, and are always ready to serve the guests. This is also the prominent independent trekking region after Everest and Annapurna.
Langtang Region Trek 9 Days
#5. Manaslu Region
The Manaslu Trekking region is the best adventure trekking for peace lovers and adventurers who love to walk through the virgin trail of Mother Nature. The routes pass through Tsum Valley and go around to the gigantic Manaslu (8,163m) 8th highest peak in the world among fourteen 8,000 meters. Provocative marshland valleys and paddy fields buckwheat farming way to icy track habitant by snow leopards and blue sheep as well as other wild flora and fauna.
There are basic tea houses along the routes that provide tiny cozy rooms with twin beds in the surrounding of Manaslu, they are promoting tourism even better and off-road has been developing nowadays. This trek is also famous for Everest Base Camp Trek and Annapurna Base Camp Trek.
Manaslu Circuit Trek
#6. Dolpo Region
A vast but undiscovered area located in western Nepal, Dolpo is a hidden gem of Nepal isolated in the far western side representing the marvelous magical hub of frozen desert thrilling blue skies and anonymous Himalayan peaks. There are ancient monasteries concealed with jewels, a caravan of yaks processing along the ancient salt trading paths to Tibet, high altitude passage where the thin air existed and pierces the lungs, way of snow leopards and stoned walled settlement surprisingly combined into the sloppy mountains.
However, a few things to be kept in mind. Generally, we use the small twin-prop plane to be there, is a breathtaking flight, costly, and almost unreliable. The trail is full of the beaten and demands higher physical fitness and must be collaborated with an organized camping group trekking. In addition, permits are knotty and most expensive and must be joined with the local company in Nepal. But we guaranteed if you have a healthy body and enough physical fitness, endurance, finances, and adventure passion, Dolpo will leave you with a lifetime of challenging adventure experiences.
#7. Makalu Region
One of the best notorious trekking trails in Nepal, the arduous two-week duration directly to the base camp of the 5th highest mountain in the world, intimidating Mount Makalu (8,463m) will be enchanted for those who are keen to reveal tantalizing mountain routes, characteristic being an off the beaten path and prosperously stunning majestic mountain views.
The trail is an amalgamation of strategic ideas and the difficulty of trekking is higher because the lack of side tracks and other connecting routes demand only a few most adventure groups obtain this tough way. The friendliness and frankness of the locals experienced who are just visiting and delighted by the magical and more attractive part of Nepal. This is definitely a trekking trip suited for selective trekkers.
#8. Kanchenjunga Region
The Kanchenjunga region is positioned in the far eastern region of the capital of Nepal, with ice and rock arouses over eight and a half kilometers up to the sky. Kanchenjunga (8,586m) is the 3rd highest peak in the universe. The adventure journey to the base camp of such an enormous mountain is one of the most thrilling treks in Nepal for completing your adventure passion.
The trekking trail is strenuous and wild trodden and the distance is quite far from the central zone of Nepal, Kathmandu so, very few people obtain this trekking as it is categorized in most remote areas trekking in Nepal though it is gradually growing more popular. Just in the autumn and spring season just very few basic tea houses and homestays are available with basic hospitality along the routes. Since other times are mostly close to the area and you need to be fully prepared for the camping trek with self-sufficient food.
#9. Far Western Region
In terms of development, far western Nepal is still backward, but for the adventure and fantastic views of gorgeous landscapes and it closely covers top-class beauty in Nepal. The geography is combined with plain lowlands, hillsides, and mountains covered by deep dense forests, pristine sparkling water rivers and stream crystal ice and silver shine glistering Himalayas, congested canyons, and traditional villages.
It is not easy to trek for a rambler, western Nepal has the merits of many taxing and unexpected nightmares, but the award is a huge provender of undiscovered virgin hilly countryside waiting to have experimented on. You must be physically well fit and need more patience and preferred for a fully managed camping trek if you are an adventure lover then this is the most suited region to complete your adventure passion.
Organized VS Independent Trekking
Mostly there are two types of trekkers in Nepal! Those trekking independently and those on joining well-organized trek have merits and demerit both. The well-managed trekking avoids the fear of losing track and missing anyway, organized trekking available a party, a guide, and a porter or guide or porter as per your necessity.
However though, an organized trekking team will be formed with you and other trekking partners (the group might be collaborated by you or by the trekking agency that you are joining), a guide or sometimes western or Asian trekking and tour leader leads in the trekking region that you have just chosen including a cook, kitchen assistants and numbers of porters for in camping trek.
On the other hand, if you choose facilitated trekking like Everest Base Camp Trek, Annapurna Base Camp Trek, Annapurna Circuit Trek, and Manaslu Circuit Trek, you will get well-facilitated tea houses, lodges, and homestays and you don’t need any cook and kitchen staffs. But the advantage of a camping trek allows freedom of choice to decide where to stay for the night out and permits you to circumvent the busy night lodges used by other trekkers.
Organized trekking is more secure rather than independent treks, your guide, and porters care about the routes and are responsible for everything during the trip. They know about the problems and there will be no or fewer chances of losing the right track a solo trekker might be oblivious and may miss the way sometimes. The porter will carry your backpack and you just need to carry a light day bag which makes your journey easiest.
Other benefits are various choices of foods and having a knowledge of culture, religion, history, and the name of the mountain series of targeted areas explained by the guide as a language translator. The organized means always not have camping only, even in the remote areas there is developing a number of comfortable tea houses, homestays, and lodges – Upper Mustang is an example of this and basic tea houses get more natural.
The Kanchenjunga routes are facilitated for the basic mountain accommodations and your joined company can manage these on your request combining homestays, camping, and tea houses and this makes the best experience of all worlds. The merits of organized trekking is that leads you to the vast swaths of higher land of Nepal which independent trekkers cannot be accessed.
The adventure is tougher but you can experience remoteness longer, elevated and, magnificent, and more incredible region of Nepal.
On the other hand, the demerits of an organized trek are that the trekking itinerary can be controlled, and most of the time is spent with the trekking group rather than an opportunity to meet local people and have freedom.
Life journey on an organized Trek
Life journey on an organized trek begins from the dew down with a resuscitate cup of tea served by the trekking crew and a bowl of hot water and a towel for washing your face, hand and feet makes fresh. Breakfast will be served after an hour or later and you enjoy some cereals at the time camp staff will be managed the tents and gear away.
After breakfast, another adventure will be started, and need to hike until your lunch time by then kitchen staff and porters will serve you lunch as they reach early in the lunch camp than your arrival. The big lunch set is waiting for your appetite, then there will be some time for rest after lunch and again proceed further to reach night stay camp and will arrive after a couple of hours walking around late or in the evening. Tents have been standing and served with tea with some biscuits or other snacks after your arrival. Fantastic dinner will be served by the staff in the early night and rest with sweet sleep waiting for the following days trekking.
The services matter on the size of your trekking team and the level of luxury trip you booked for, generally, it is common to share two people in a tent and eat in a larger communal tent. Likewise, the trekking crew manages tables, chairs, and toilet tent but if you prefer lower costs and such facilities will not be included.
The organized trek provides you with a palpitation of thoughts, nature, enjoyable tours, wilderness excursions, and security. So, it means a party of just you, a guide, a porter, or even just a porter-guide as per your demand.
But normally, an organized trekking team is a assemble of you, your other trekking companions (the group can be mixed by the trekking company that you joined), a guide or trekking leader, porters, a cook, kitchen staff, and numbers of porters.
A fully organized trek is most enjoyable than the semi–organized trek because there will be more freedom of choice for staying, a fixed camp, and no more rush, it will avoid the crowds and have a peaceful night’s stay.
An organized trek focuses on security, and your guide and porter will lead you through the right track there will be no chance of losing the way or less possibility and they will know the altitude problem and then focus on caring but independence may face lots of problems about it.
The porter uplifts your stuff and your just light pack will make your day trip awesome. And your guide or trekking leader will explain about mountains, geography, topography, culture, and customs of the targeted mountainous region as a language translator is another advantage of an organized trek.
If you think an organized trek always camping, this might be not always true because it is always not camping because the number of tea houses, homestays, and lodges have been developing in the trekking region, especially in the Upper Mustang Trek where basic trekking lodges are diverted from local’s home. The Kanchenjunga trekking trail is also not that developed and this trail needs a full camping trek or somewhere basic lodges are built and those facilities will be managed by a local trekking company that you have joined for your adventure. It will be an awesome trip with the amalgamation of camping and tea house trekking in the mountain region of Nepal is the perfect worlds.
It is the great advantage of an organized trek is offers you to explore the vast mountainous world of Mother Nature that independent trekkers cannot get that opportunity simply just attached in a tea house. The exploration leads you over the higher land longer in the isolated region and we can confidently claim, it is more tantalizing and incredible with exciting areas of the Himalayan country of Nepal.
The disadvantages of the organized trek are providing less chance to meet villagers and the need to follow tight trekking schedules.
Independent Trekking
Independent trekking is also the best for free exploration but has some very largest drawbacks. In the case of cost, it is very cheaper, easy, and get an opportunity to obtain lots of fun. However, the trekking lodges are usually far from luxurious but warmer and far better comfort than tents, and the availability of hot showers varied menus for different cuisine, and even availability of Wi-Fi. Trekkers from the corner of the world congregate in the same communal dining around the oven or heater at night an example of social spots.
Costs are not more even in the busiest time of the year but you need to eat and use the same lodges otherwise the owner of the tea house that you are staying at might get the matter of annoy because the food is carried by porters and you get the cheaper in accommodations means expecting you are going to dine in their lodge or in tea house.
The cost for accommodation is around USD 5 – USD 10 per person for a bed on twin sharing basis but if there is an overflow of trekkers, sometimes you may need to sleep in dining. Varieties of food items are available on the menu and you can choose as per your like and order then enjoy it. Even though the costs for cuisines are not much expensive all things are reasonable.
So, staying in tea houses in trekking is more comfortable for you because you don’t need to prepare any tents and cooking equipment for a night’s stay. Some independent trekkers do not hire porters and guides and this will help to reduce costs. The biggest benefit of independent trekking is that everything is under your control of yourself, for example, itineraries, costs, selection of trekking trails, and schedules that you can change as per your choice, and no need for any pressure on it.
Although, there are many demerits of independent trekking as the most clearly is that it is limited in the choices of trekking destinations and also the chances of losing the way and missing sometimes as well as might have a chance of losing one life too.
On the other hand in the busy trails, trekking lodges overflow quickly if you reach late then you might not be able to find rooms for an overnight stay and there will not be any option to sleep in the dormitory and dining hall. Most of the organized trekking have already booked accommodation on the trekking routes. Moreover, in many trekking regions of Nepal, independent trekking is generally forbidden, and will not have any choice but to opt that trekking without a guide, or porter and join the local companies.
Other weaknesses of independent trekking are that if you obtain a solo trek without a guide and porter, you need to carry all your stuff, you might be felt it is light when you are commencing your adventure but after all, in the higher altitude, it will feel so heavy and may have more difficulty in trekking. Solo trekking also has the chances of caught out in storms, or choosing wrong decisions when you get an altitude-related matter then it will be more difficult sometime, and there may be a language problem also in the absence of a guide.
Life journey on an Independent Trekking
The wall partition is normally done by plywood and it is very thin so, you will be woken through early in the morning by other trekkers who are preparing to head out at dawn. All trekkers are preparing to leave at almost the same time, there will be waiting for breakfast and use shared bathrooms and toilets as most people begin their journey around 8 and walk until late afternoon as per their hiking distance for the day.
Generally, lunch is taken on the way to tea houses, and need to wait for lunch, after lunch there might be sometime rest after lunch. Taking lunch at the tea house again you need to walk for a couple of hours and will reach to night stay lodge there will often be enough time to explore the village and have a delicious dinner in the tea house gathering around the dining hall and sharing the stores, ideas with other people. And, around 8 to 9 people will move to their cozy sleeping room for rest and sleep.
When to go trekking in Nepal?
For trekking in Nepal, spring (March, April, and May) and autumn (September, October, and November) seasons are the perfect time to explore the mountainous hidden gems of Nepal. In autumn the weather is dry, the land is green, the sky is clear and the mountains are crystal clear mountains as well as visibility is apparently excellent.
It’s warm in the valley and moderate temperature in the altitude areas of the holy mountains. Although, this is the busiest season on the major trekking trails the tea houses will be full and villages might be overwhelmed with all the travelers. In normal, from the second week of May to September, monsoon will remain and many trekking trails are closed at that time routes are dangerous because of heavy rainfall there might be chances of landslides and the track remains wet, leeches might bite your feet then get bloody.
Apart from that, some regions are really applicable to visit like, Upper Mustang, and Dolpo area are the prime period to visit in monsoon because these areas are in the rain shadow area and incredible landscapes will be explored.
Cost of Trekking in Nepal
A private trekking tour in Nepal with a local trekking company reasonably costs around $1800 to $2600 per person, depending on the trip duration, location, route, accommodations, guide, porter, and other services.
Generally, organized treks are inclusive package types! Virtually everything that is needed from arrival to departure, and all activities during trekking with meals and accommodations will be included in the price. The trekking package includes a qualified trekking leader or guide and other supportive trekking crew (assistant guides, porters, kitchen staff, cooks, and other helpers, etc.), TIMS cards and essential permits, breakfast, lunch, and dinner, all ground transportation, any domestic airfare, and all responsible needed supports.
Other mandatory equipments like sleeping bags and trekking poles need to be rented at an additional charge insurance will not be included but it is a compulsory requirement for all trekkers in case of unforeseen incidents.
Permits and Paperwork while obtaining trekking in Nepal
TIMS (Trekkers’ Information Management System)All the trekkers who are commencing their journey up to the mountain region of Nepal must be required TIMS card. The most available place for TIMS is in the Nepal Tourism Board office either in Kathmandu or Pokhara and local companies this card through the office of TAAN (Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal). For this, you should bring a passport copy and a passport-size photo and mention your trekking destinations with the trekking trail, entry and exit points, and emergency contact details.
For individual trekkers it cost NPR 2000 per trekking route per entry and other group trekkers charge NPR 1000 per person per entry. And national park entry permits are another essential requirement to enter the targeted destination covering national park territory.
This helps the authorities to trace the activities and where all the trekkers are hiking and is convenient to contact in an emergency case. Don’t go through the rumors that cards are to be done away with, but they can be obtained easily at a reasonable cost in Kathmandu or Pokhara.
In the case of the main trekking areas such as Everest, Annapurna, and Langtang, other paperwork should be prepared and included with national park permits and it can be easily obtained on the way located national park offices or in Tourism Board Office in Kathmandu or in Pokhara. But for some other treks like off the beaten path and restricted area needs a special restricted permit in addition.
The restricted permit for Kanchenjunga will be obtained easily at a cheaper cost but, for other areas like Upper Mustang, and Dolpo, the cost for the permit is very high ($500 per person for only 10 days, and at least two trekkers are needed to get them). All these restricted areas demand you to join in the organized trek, but an organized trek can be with a companion, guide, and porter.
If you join an organized trek then all the paper works and trekking management is handled by your trekking agency with all essential paper works while you go for exploring the city but, independent trekkers need to face the challenge of Nepali bureaucracy lonely in some cases and it might be boredom. You will require passport copies and spare passport-sized photos.
Moreover, none of the permits can be obtained from your home before living in Nepal so, it is better to get off the plane and directly proceed on to the trailhead through the vehicle. Separate at least a day to manage all the essential papers in order after your arrival.
Maintain your Health during Nepal Trek
Trekking in mountainous regions of Nepal may cause physical hazards generally, presents related to altitude sickness because of the altitude and weather. Food poisoning and other normal problems are not as bigger issues as they are in urban cities and lowlands. But you need to be careful about the foods that you are eating during a trek. The last thing is that you need to follow the food balance and if possible try to eat fresh and organic foods on the trek.
The mountains are malaria and dengue-free areas where mosquitoes are not in existence though you need to care about the problems that can cause by altitude or by nasty colder.
Preparation and Fitness
People’s minds occupying by the thought that they are not able to hike in the mountains because they feel weak for ascending hikes up to the mighty Himalayas. But in reality, just moderate fitness is worked out at most of the standard trekking routes (especially, those disclosed for the independent trekkers). Nevertheless, for beginners or novice trekkers, it’s better not to take any long route, high or off the beaten path.
It will be better to do physical training and cardio exercise a few months before your trekking, you can walk several hours walk a day and that makes your journey more comfortable. Those short hiking activities are fit for easier trekking, at first walk a short distance then later will be covered the day’s walk.
Don’t forget to break in new shoes at home before using them on any adventure trails because it gives proper comfort for your walking.
Possibility of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS)
Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) or altitude sickness is the biggest threat when obtaining a trek above 3,000 meters in Nepal. This possible fatal situation is met by a mingling of less oxygen and lower atmospheric pressure reacting with the human body.
Almost everybody who is containing treks just above 3,000 meters will get just clement symptoms, like normal dizziness or headache, and caught difficult insomnia. Generally, it exists only for a short time and the body will be adjusted to the lower oxygen levels at an altitude. Feel easy and please drink garlic soups, and ginger tea and drink lots of water it will be recovered as garlic and ginger are the natural organic antibiotic for altitude sickness.
Moreover, if the symptoms like headache, or vomiting get worse then needs immediate descent. If it is serious then you need to helicopter evacuation which can be covered through your travel insurance. A porter can be hired to help get the AMS victim down to the lower level. If you ignore the AMS can quickly occur fatal hazards to severe problems and even cause death.
The reason can’t be predicted how or why altitude sickness occurs, there has been a history of AMS as Sherpas climbed Mt. Everest several times before but faced serious Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), at just around 4,000 meters. This doesn’t matter whether necessarily strikes unfit or old. The evidence shows that younger people suffer from AMS more than older people because younger people are speed climbing at higher and faster than its norms and recommendations.
The basic rule is to hike at a slow speed while going uphill trekking and never ascend the highest, too fast. Experts agree that above 3,000 meters you shouldn’t go forward more than 300 – 500 meters in the same day and you should take acclimatization frequently but above 3500 meters rest day means not staying at the same point but you will do hiking more altitude and returning to the lower staying point and spend your night there.
So, abide these common and simple rules will highly reduce the probability of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS).
Hypothermia
Hypothermia is not expected while doing a trek in the mountain of Nepal but nobody knows what will happen in the trekking journey and it is certainly a matter of risk unprepared and ignored. Likewise, symptoms are quite similar to AMS, loss of concentration, murmur voice and tiredness are the key symptoms.
So, if such incidents happen then put the victim into a warm place, let them be wrapped in sleeping bags and use their own body heat as per the necessity and better provide them hot drinks like soup, hot water, and tea or coffee and food.
Heat Stroke and Sunstroke
Heat stroke and sunstroke both are similarly common, mostly while you are walking the whole day in bright sunlight by the hotter in the lowland or valleys and slopes. While walking in such places, take a break several times in the shade, drink lots of water, eat something salty, and put on an anti-sunlight hat.
Water and Sanitation
The basic rule all over Nepal is that while you are traveling any place please do not drink direct water from the tap without purifying it at first. Most of the trekkers have taken water purification tablets or laser light for treating pure drinking water. In the Annapurna region, you can get safe drinking water which is done by the community and you can get every tea house paying by small charge. Purchasing water drinking bottles are against the natural environment even though there are rarely find recycling facilities but they are worse.
Facilities of washing in the mountains are just basic as sometimes even we need to use ice for cooking our food so, don’t expect more about it. Hot shower is available with extra payment and most of the tea houses manage a gas shower sometimes you may need to use a bucket shower which you have never been expecting in your life over 4,000 meters. So, for the well facilitate hot showers and different choices of foods and accommodations you need to get to urban areas like Kathmandu, Pokhara, Chitawan, and Lumbini.
Packing Lists for Trekking in Nepal
Trekking gears are a lifesaving friend for every trekker, when you are in the condition of life and death, the right choice of trekking equipment will fight that situation and save your life. So, we at Himalayan Vista Trekking would like to advise you to keep the right trekking gear and things should be light and minimal.
When you are setting your journey in the mountains even your body will make you feel heavy because you are not just walking for a day but trekking for many days to explore valuable treasures in the holy mountainous area, so your heavy backpack will regret you while carrying.
Moreover, please be well prepared before commencing your journey when you are planning to summit the highest Himalayan region because nobody knows about the unforeseen incidents. In the following, we have presented basic essential things which are the most recommended items for your convenience and reference.
Trekking Shoes
You need suitable trekking shoes for your feet, if your boots are too big or too small, there might be blisters on your feet and the adventure will be frustrating. They must be waterproof, comfortable, and convenient as above mentioned.
Don’t compromise on the price, buy perfect and comfortable shoes and make sure you break them before leaving for Nepal. We suggest you not hire shoes in Nepal as they will not feet for you and might be scratched will bother you by blisters on your feet. Getting blisters on your feet will give you and this is the main frustrating part of your trekking journey.
Down Jacket
A thick, warm, waterproof, and breathable down jacket from goose or bird feathers that should be lightweight is another necessary thing. It needs to keep warm around zero temperature and these can be bought in your country or you can buy in Nepal at a cheaper price or can be rented around Thamel, Kathmandu, or in Lakeside, Pokhara from branded company by North face, Mountain wear, Columbia, Marmot, Black Yak, etc. These are worth just one trip but if you often go mountain trekking then it is better to buy your own branded jacket.
Sleeping Bag
It will be nasty cold at night, and if you do not have enough warm sleeping bags or blankets then you will face a bitter experience of your adventure. It will be extremely cold even in the lowland in winter and the cozy room surrounded by the thin wall will give you a little warmth in the tea houses.
Get the warmest and lightest sleeping bag you can purchase while the shopkeeper tells you about a sleeping bag about – 10 means not much applicable because the temperature gets – 20 sometimes and everything gets frozen so, at least you need – a 15-degree sleeping bag. Plan to buy at least – 20 degrees that will be fine for you but the best sleeping bags cost higher and bags can be afforded in Nepal but with jackets, but never expect they are original or good quality because they are just basic and normal even not enough for your trekking sometimes.
Trekking Poles
Trekking poles are your best friend while you are containing mountain overland trekking in Nepal. These sticks will work as your second legs, it makes your adventure easier and give support on your hiking so, for beginners and novice trekkers can be more beneficial as something just supportive as old people. Well, believe us, if you will not use them after a few days of your trekking trip ascending and descending on the Himalayan slopes surely you will face knee problems and it will be difficult your walk so, trekking poles will be a supportive factor to get relief. They are helpful to protect yourself from falling and twisting your knees and ankles in advance.
Water bottles
Please be prepared with at least a liter bottle of water and each time refill when getting an opportunity because it will save you from dehydration and keep yourself strong enough during your adventure trip as water is the nuclear element of our life. It is better not to be prepared for a plastic bottle of mineral water because it is not friendly for the environment and it is not available frequently in the mountain region instead, safe drinking water and hot water will be provided so, whenever you need you can refill with extra payment.
Most of the trekkers use water from the tap and they use water purification tablets and laser lights to purify water but never drink direct water from any stream or tap, which might be caused diarrhea or fever, and flu and affect your trip.
Water purification Tablets or purification laser light
Most ramblers use water purification tablets or laser lights for purifying water in the mountain region because direct water from the tap or natural source is quite harmful to your health. One more thing is that trekking tea houses and lodges are providing safe drinking water but being prepared yourself is a good idea because it does not relay always being available.
Thermals
Thermals help to absorb sweating so, it is better to prefer two or three thermal tops of demanded thickness, and other thermal under-trousers are comfortable their weight is convenient.
Fleeces
Thin and thick fleeces are worthwhile you are trekking in Nepal which plays a vital role.
Hiking trousers
While you are using jeans pants, they are not suited for trekking and hiking in the mountains, we have seen some people are using jeans but it is failed because they felt uncomfortable. Afford some convenient hiking trousers 2 pairs should be enough for the longer trekking trip.
T-shirts/shirts
Experts recommend quick-dried shirts designed for trekking. Although, we already tried a fusion of normal T-shirts and we never noticed or felt much difference. Never be over-packed, you probably won’t frequently change your dress during your trekking!
Socks
Socks designed for trekking are supposed to reduce or have no more chance to get blisters and probably not get and beneficial to buy. Hence, changing your socks frequently during your hiking seems to be helpful to reduce blisters could be the cleaver idea. Carry at least 3 or 4 pairs of hiking socks for a fortnight trekking and better to pack pair of thick ski socks to keep warm when you arrive at your night stay camp or lodges.
Sandals
Most people avoid trekking shoes arriving after at the camp or tea houses and use sandals as alternatives. You can use thick socks with sandals or not needed to wear socks as per your choice.
Hats
A sun hat plays a vital role to protect your face from the UV from direct sunlight which may burn your skin and get problems. The hat will protect your head from the nasty cold at night so better use a sun protection hat when you are walking and a thick woolen or winter hat will be best for you.
Gloves
It is better to take normal gloves during the day walking and at night for the protection of your paws thick skiing gloves are recommended. If you use thin gloves during the day will make hotter and you will feel inconvenienced using cameras and mobile phones and even eating.
Sun spectacles
Sun spectacles are the core equipment while you are obtaining a trekking trip in a snowy region otherwise vision of your eyes will be damaged by shining ice in the sunlight. So, you must be prepared for the UV-protected sunglass while trekking in the icy territory of Nepal.
Sun Protection lotion or sunblock cream
Put lots of sun protection cream during your trek no matter what the weather condition or the higher altitude because it helps to protect your skin from the strong sunlight which is harmful to your skin and it is born skin immediately. Use right-way sun protection lotion around the nose, face, lips, and ears.
Wash Kits
Keep this minimal because you will get less chance to wash or it is too colder and somewhere there will be only ice so, keeping a small dried towel lightweight is the best idea.
Headlight or Torch
While you are trekking in the mountain region the availability of enough electricity is no more or less so, a headlight is a mandatory thing.
Books
Trekking means just not exploring and walking but it provides you with a peaceful environment or extra time to spend and definitely, and you can spend that time reading books. Choose a worthy book rather than a tablet, or kindle because electric power can be limited and battery power gets lost very soon at the altitude.
If you want to know more about Nepal we recommend bringing Rough Guide to Nepal which gives the knowledge of the Himalayan country and prime trekking trails for your preparations or reference but for details information about Nepal is highly recommended Lonely Planet’s Book.
Camera
It is compulsory because even non-photographers are also impressed by the stunning views of majestic mountains.
Take Extra Batteries
Take an extra torch, mobile phone, and camera batteries can be used in case needed. Keep your batteries in your sleeping bags or warm bag because the cold will be drained your battery power. Mostly above 3000 meters battery power reduce very soon.
Snacks
Biscuits, peanuts, almonds, and chocolate bars might give you extra energy for your walking.
Backpack
A backpack determines your comfortable trekking trip while you are descending or ascending. If you are carrying a heavy backpack and definitely it will give you heavy pressure during your trek and the trip might be frustrating. Using a porter for your heavy backpack will be a good idea just a small backpack will give you comfort during treks and if you find porters in the mountains will be the most expensive, it just ruin your money.
Travel Insurance
You must have travel insurance because nobody knows about the unforseen incidents in the Himalayas. In serious conditions, you just need to helicopter evacuation which is the most expensive so, so if you have travel insurance then it will cover your all expenses and gives you a smile on your face otherwise it will be huge pressure. Make sure insurance covers higher altitudes and helicopter rescue.
Don’t bother yourself carrying gadgets
Laptops and tablets are easily broken and not much convenient to carry during trekking and the battery probably not working at a higher altitudes. So, it is better to leave them at your home and be free of an enjoyable trek.
Most obtainable trekking in Nepal
More than hundreds of trekking trails exist in Nepal that are fit for most adventure seekers or beginners but among them, Great Himalayan Trail Trekking is the most adventurous trekking in Nepal which is expanded from east to west Nepal. Everest Base Camp and Annapurna Base Camp Treks are the most advertised treks in Nepal. These trekking sites are systematic and developed among other trekking in Nepal, infrastructures are well facilitated and best for the closest view of 8,000 meters above the mountains.
Is it possible to trek without a guide?
Nepal government has announced that none can trek individually from April 1, 2023, for safety purposes for the trekkers. There were a number of cases of free or independent trekkers who had lost on the trail and some got death because of missing their way or got accidents on the way as well as some were in the problem of altitude sickness and lost their lives.
So, the Nepal government had made the policy, while you are going to trek in the mountains of Nepal, you must take a guide for your safety and responsibility. However, the trails are clear and easy, you must accompany the guide. So, it is not possible to trek in Nepal without a guide.
Transportation in Nepal
There are different modes of transportation in Nepal that you can use per your choice like local buses, domestic flights, tourist buses, and private vehicles. If you want to save your money then public buses are the cheapest, tourist buses are cheaper, private vehicles are cheap and flights are the most expensive transportation in Nepal but, if you use a flight you will arrive the fastest at your destinations.
There are availability to flight several destinations from Kathmandu domestic airport such as KTM – LUKLA, KTM – POKHARA, KTM- CHITAWAN, KTM – NEPALGUNJ, KTM BHADRAPUR, etc. Local flights are expensive just 25 minutes from Kathmandu to Pokhara charges 150 USD per person and from Kathmandu to Lukla same flight is 200 USD just for a one-way flight to a single person.
Local buses and mini buses are cheaper but it takes just a long time which can’t be expected in your journey from Pokhara to Kathmandu around 9 – 10 hours. The drawbacks to using local buses are waiting for a long time even for a short distance waiting for their passengers until it is full, another thing is they will stop more times to pick up and drop off their passengers as well as they play the loud music inside the bus for the whole trip which quite irritable and longtime stops for snacks as well as for lunch. However, it will be a new experience in your life that has been traveling on the local public buses.
The tourist bus is another way of traveling, it is more comfortable than public transportation, and you can get to your destination without any hassle. This bus service will be a little more expensive than public but you will feel the value of payments after using this. It will be taken around 7/8 hours’ drive to arrive in Kathmandu from Pokhara and the same from Kathmandu to Pokhara as well. Among them, we advised you to use a private vehicle as it will let you comfortable while you are traveling and can also be made stops as per your wish on the way.
Roads in Nepal are not better because it still needs to be developed and most of the places are covered by dusty off-roads. In the monsoon, roads get muddy and tough to drive toward targeted destinations. Taxis are the widely used mode of transportation in urban areas like in Kathmandu and Pokhara. You will be charged 10 to 15 USD to transfer to the hotel from the airport.
Accommodations in the trekking regions
Everest and Annapurna regions are the most commercialized areas for trekking and tour, they have managed well facilities in comparison with other trekking routes. However, if you are trekking in the remote and off-the-beaten path trekking sometimes you may need to stay in the tents by the campsite areas. You can get hot showers, WIFI, electronic device charging, and some other facilities including western flush toilets in Annapurna Sanctuary Trek, and Everest Base Camp Trek.
Food Items on the Trek
Basically, Annapurna region and Everest region treks offer different choices of western, Indian, and Nepali dishes on the menus and you can choose as per your demand and enjoy your favorite cuisines such as Italian foods, Korean Ramen, Pizza, spaghetti, and Chinese foods. Ghandruk, Namche Bazaar, and Manang provide different German bakeries which you can be enjoyed as needed. On the other hand, if you are commencing your adventure over a remote and off-the-beaten trek, you will have a limited choice of foods like time just Dal Bhat (Nepali traditional foods) for lunch and dinner.
Local Foods
Dal Bhat: Normally, Nepal people eat Dal Bhat 2 times for their lunch and dinner main composition like steamed rice, lentil soup, and curry.
Tibetan Bread: It is like a Chapatti but deeply fried in oil so, may not be hygienic but it has more appetite, oil fried dry meats are available mixed up with spicy items with little cost.
Chapatti: This is a thin dry bread composed of water and flour generally, use for breakfast.
MOMOS (dumplings): This item is made from locally available food items like potatoes, and Yak cheese with some other vegetables, it is the best quality and super tasty.
Other activities besides trekking in Nepal
Generally, people think, Nepal is a Himalayan country and it is popular only for trekking and climbing but if you think that way it will be an underestimate of Nepal because there are more places to explore apart from trekking in Nepal.
Most importantly, Nepal Tour offers the Major attractions of Kathmandu valley will give you valuable touring activities like sightseeing around Kathmandu Durbar Square, Bhaktapur Durbar Square, Patan Durbar Square, Pashupatinath Temple, Bouddhanath Stupa, and Swoyambhunath Stupa (monkey temple) are waiting for your experimentation.
For the best Nepal tour, Kathmandu-Chitawan-Lumbini-and Pokhara is the best luxurious city Tour in Nepal where you can experience the history, culture, customs, and religions.
On Arrival Visa
Generally, all people from abroad get visas on their arrival in Nepal. There might be crowed in the busy season at the airport so, it is better to fill up the application form online in order to make yourself comfortable.
Filling out the application will take a few more minutes and need to take a long queue it is because there are just 5 machines available. After filling out the application form for a visa then proceed to counter by printing and paying the visa fees. There are 3 types of visas are available 15 days visa (USD 30), 30 days visa (USD 50), and 90 days visa fee of USD 125 USD.
Note: Visa fees must be paid in USD.
Currency use in Nepal
Nepalese rupee (NPR) is the legal currency in Nepal and the exchange rate varies from place to place and gets up and down. If you want to exchange your money, you can go through the money exchange center, which will exchange like Euro, British Pound, HKD, Australian dollars, US dollars, Canadian dollars, and many other countries currencies. ATM machines are also available and you can take out money using your ATM cards in the city areas.
Permits for Trekking in Nepal
If you are trekking in Nepal means you are hiking inside the national park and you need to pay national park fees for entry into that region. Most of the trekking routes need TIMS (Trekkers Information) card. Likewise, for the Everest region trek, you need to pay for national park fees and Pasang Lhamu rural municipality entry fees in Lukla, and for the Annapurna region trek you need to take Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) permit. But for Upper Mustang, Dolpo, and Manaslu region treks, you need a special restricted area permit which is the most expensive around USD 500 USD.
At last but not least, Trekking in Nepal is a renowned adventure destination for trekking and climbing destination for all travelers from around the globe, once you explore Nepal your mind will be curious to explore more about the hidden treasures of Nepal, and can’t stop yourself going back to Nepal again.
Frequently Asked Questions for Trekking in Nepal
Do I need a visa for trekking in Nepal?
Visas are the most necessary thing for traveling in Nepal and you can get easily get them on your arrival at the airport.
What is the average expense for trekking in Nepal?
It is all depends on you because if you use luxurious accommodation and book a luxurious tour then it will be the most expensive but instead if you prefer normal then it will cheaper.
How can be fit physically for trekking in the mountains?
It depends on which trail or what type of trekking trip you are choosing for your adventure trip in Nepal. But normally you can be prepared a few months before doing by trekking and hiking as well as doing cardio exercise.
Is there availability of Internet/ WIFI?
In Kathmandu and Pokhara, you can get faster internet services but in the trekking areas you can get internet but it might be slow or sometimes it will not work anymore, and need to pay an extra charge for it.
