Nepal Trekking information

 What is Trekking ?

Trekking is a combination of hiking and walking activity in which people take multi-days trips in rural & un development areas. In other words, Trekking is making a journey/trip on foot, especially to hike through mountainous areas often for multiple days and along lovely mountain villages and enjoying nature and/or close contact with people in remote mountain villages where lifestyle sometimes is unchanged since many generations.
Trekking is also done in risky mountain areas so it will help to gain more adventurous build up capacity to the trekkers’. Trekkers will get knowledge that is more adventurous with the real life scenario in mountain areas or in remote areas. In Nepal, Nepal has many places where people can easily trek for 3 days up to 3 months.
To be a trekker they must have things that are Budget, Holiday, willing to do adventure. Trekking will not be done free by the Trekking company so that they must pay the expenses during their trekking trip and They must have a holiday for such trip and last one is that the trekker must be capable of doing a trek and he/she have to willingly do adventure work.
If people have all these attributes, they can easily make a trek with contacts in our company, we will help you to give quality services according to clients desire.

Trekking  Grades

Grade A

These trips can be enjoyed by anyone who leads a reasonably active life. The walking parts of these trips are relatively easy and should not exceed 5 to 6 hours a day.

Grade B
These trips are a mixture of some longer and shorter walks. During these trips, a hill-walking experience is desirable. The walking hours are usually no more than 7 hours a day. Please note that some of our non-trekking trips are graded moderate due to altitude and other conditions that require a higher level of stamina than our Grade A trips.

Grade C
The day stages on these trips are a combination of strenuous and moderate walks – normally 6 to 8 hours a day. Participants can expect to trek above 4,500 meters on these trips.

Grade D
These trips are known to be the most strenuous and are regarded as a genuine test These treks may require a degree of mountaineering skills and you should be capable of carrying on normally at an altitude of 4000-5000 meters. Daily walking is approximately 7 hours

 

Types of Trekking in Nepal

  • Easier Treks
  • Medium-effort treks
  • Harder treks
  • Challenging mountaineering treks
  • Treks with a Difference

Trekking is the no 1 activity in Nepal. It is quite simply the only way to get out and explore the mountains due to a complete lack of roads beyond the main city hubs and lowland areas.

Waking to the lyrical sound of yak bells and monk chants echoing hauntingly down the valley, rising early to take a peek at the sun slowly ascending behind the highest mountains in the world, their imposing summits seemingly floating miles in the sky above, their glaciers swooping down, funneling endless avalanches and giant snow boulders to the scree below, munching on a carb-heavy breakfast as porters pack up camp around you, meandering along well-worn trails alongside friendly locals labouring under unbelievably cumbersome loads, stopping to take a breather over a cup of sweet chai tea at a colourful tea-house, discussing the state of the country or Buddhist culture with your Sherpa guide, rounding each corner to higher and higher and even more glorious mountain views, running ahead of the yak trains over brightly decorated swing bridges swaying high above chalky turquoise-coloured raging glacial rivers, coming to rest mid-afternoon at your night stop, enjoying a warming stew or soup or the ubiquitous lentil dhal whilst chin-wagging with fellow trekkers before turning in for the night snug in your sleeping-bag as the temperatures drop outside, ready for another exhilarating day in the mountains.

Easier Treks
Not every trek in Nepal need consist of backbreaking ascents, knee-jarring descents and dangerously high altitudes. The beauty of lower level trekking is that you do not suffer from any of the usual altitude-related physical problems, temperatures are more comfortable, path gradients are usually more gradual and you can enjoy a variety of scenery with the cultivated fields of the villages providing a contrast to the high peaks in the background. Plus, being slightly further away from the mountains themselves allows for more panoramic views and some stunning photographic opportunities. Both Highlights of Nepal and Annupurna and Chitwan offer a taster of Himalayan trekking at low altitudes combined with city tours and wildlife experiences.

Medium-Effort Treks
Get higher, deeper and further into the heart of the Himalayas but at a casual pace, stopping regularly for photos, tea-breaks, conversation with fellow-trekkers or locals passing the same route. These treks should be within reach of any reasonably fit person. Annapurna Adventure gets you out on a multi-day lodge-based trek with a maximum altitude of 2890m and Everest Adventure allows you to experience the famous trail to Mount Everest and views of the great mountain itself with none of the exertion (and time) it takes to reach Base Camp itself.
Harder Treks
The fitter you are, the more you are likely to enjoy these more challenging treks but this should not exclude those who have always wanted to reach Everest Base Camp but feel intimidated by the more challenging altitudes and terrain. A steady pace, plenty of liquids and a sensible acclimatisation plan as well as a decent level of pre-trek fitness should see most people able to reach their goal. And Everest Base Camp, with its iconic Khumbu Glacier and Icefall surrounds is certainly a goal worth reaching. With Imaginative Traveller you will not only enjoy a relaxed daily itinerary, including two all-important rest days, but also two days at Base Camp and the nearby summit Kala Patar for amazing views onto Everest. And on the other side of the country, the mighty Annapurnas provide arguably even more stunning mountain scenery without the numbers that the famous route from Lukla through Namche Bazaar to Base Camp attract.

Challenging Mountaineering Treks
Reach for the top! These are demanding treks which include basic mountaineering above the snowline, using ice axes, crampons and ropes. They require a high level of psychological and physical stamina. Prior trekking experience is certainly an advantage, though not essential. So if you have ever wondered what it is like to look down from the tops rather than look up at them then why not go for it?!!! With expert, qualified mountaineering guides and porters accompanying you every icy step of the way, you are in the best hands possible to attain that Himalayan peak.

Treks With A Difference
Having run treks in Nepal for two decades we feel we are more than experienced enough to pioneer some of our own routes. Our Annapurna Dhaulagiri trek has been hailed as truly unique, off the beaten track and arguably the best trek in Nepal. It takes you through the Annapurna foothills to the remote Kopra Ridge and breathtaking Kali Ghandaki Gorge with some of the best ‘secret’ views of 8000 metre Himalayan giants, staying in newly-constructed lodges built by (and profits going to) the local communities. And if you have ever wanted to do the classic trek to Base Camp but would prefer to avoid some of the busier trails and add a bit of a twist to the route then our Everest Base Camp & Gokyo Lakes trek offers all of this and more! We also run a number of treks to remote areas or regions only recently opened up to trekking – check out our Nar, Phu and Tilicho Lake or Manaslu and the Lakya Pass treks!

 

Trekking Seasons

Trekking in Nepal can be undertaken throughout the year. There are four seasons in Nepal. Each season has its distinct attraction to offer. The seasons are classified as follows:
AUTUMN (Sept – Nov): This Autumn season is considered the best time for trekking in Nepal, which offers excellent weather and tantalizing mountain views. Moderate temperatures, clear sky with outstanding views, making it a great time to do any of our trek. Occasional short storms may dump snow at high altitudes.

WINTER (Dec – Feb): This season is noted for occasional snowfall at higher elevations in the Himalayas. Though it gets colder at night, often it offers a clear day / blue sky and relatively less trekkers on the trail. However, we need to be selective in choosing winter trekking as climbing and crossing high passes won’t be an ideal option. Treks like Everest base camp, Annapurna Panorama, Annapurna Dhaulagiri, Annapurna Sanctuary, Instant Everest treks etc can be done even in winter.

Spring (March – May): Different varieties of wild flowers, specially the rhododendrons make the hillside a haunting paradise during this spring season. It is mildly warm at lower elevations and at higher elevation the mountain views are excellent and temperature is quite moderate.

Summer (Jun-Aug: summer time from June till mid September makes travel wet and warm. These times are blessed for the keen botanist as the higher valleys and meadows blossom with flowers and lush vegetation. Trekking in the rain-shadow (places are out of reach of the rain clouds because of the high mountains) areas north of the Himalaya like Upper Mustang and Dolpo could be an ideal trek selection.

High Altitude Sickness

Altitude Sickness, often known as Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) is particularly an important medical consideration while trekking in Nepal. Altitude Sickness means the effect of altitude on those who ascend too rapidly to elevations above 3,000 meters. The initial symptoms of AMS are as following:
Nausea, vomiting
Loss of appetite
Insomnia/ Sleeplessness
Persistent headache
Dizziness, lightheadedness, confusion,
Disorientation, drunken gait
Weakness, fatigue, lassitude, heavy legs
Slight swelling of hands and face
Breathlessness and Breathing irregularity
Reduced urine output

These symptoms are to be taken very seriously. In case of any of the above symptoms any further ascent should be reconsidered: otherwise more serious problems can occur which can even cause death sometimes within a few hours, the Only cure for the Altitude Sickness is to descend to a lower elevation immediately. Acclimatization by ascending to no more than 300 to 500 meters per day above 3,000 meters and the proper amount of rest are the best methods for prevention of AMS.
Literature and pamphlet published by Himalayan Rescue Association consists of detailed information on AMS. The Central Immigration Office, NEC Travels or Different agencies in Kathmandu distribute this pamphlet free of cost. Since these documents also give information on the list of suggested medical supplies for trekking it is a compulsory item for every trekker’s medical kit.

 

Trekking Permits

To trek in Nepal you will need to obtain one or more permits, depending on the area that you plan to visit. Some permits are required in advance and some can be bought on the spot.

There are different types of permits and/or fees:
Special Trekking Permit for restricted/controlled areas
Trekkers’ Information Management System/TIMS Card
Conservation Area entrance fee
National Park entrance fee
Trekking peak climbing and mountaineering permit
Filming and documentary shooting permit

Special Trekking Permit for restricted/controlled areas
Special Trekking Permits are needed for most trekking areas besides Annapurna, Everest and Langtang & Helambu. Trekking Permits are raised by the Department of Immigration and have to be obtained in advance of the trek. They can only be obtained through an authorized trekking or travel agency. Besides, in areas where trekking permits are needed, it is not allowed to go trekking without a guide. The trekking permits are issued for groups of 2 persons and more. Special trekking permit fees vary for different destinations.
An overview of areas where you need a trekking permit you can find on the website of the Ministry Home Affairs, Department of Immigration of Nepal: www.immi.gov.np/appendix (scroll down to Appendix 12).

Trekkers’ Information Management System/TIMS Card
In the trekking areas where a trekking permit is not needed, you need to obtain a TIMS card. These TIMS cards have been introduced to provide a proper record of trekkers in order to increase their safety and security; in case of natural calamities and other accidents the information gathered by TIMS helps to carry out search and rescue operations for trekkers.
There are 2 types of TIMS cards, green cards for independent trekkers (US$ 20) and blue cards for trekkers in an organized group (US$ 10). The TIMS card has to be obtained in advance of the trek. Independent trekkers can obtain their TIMS card at the offices of Nepal Tourism Board in Kathmandu and Pokhara, TAAN Secretariat at Maligaon in Kathmandu and TAAN Pokhara Secretariat in Pokhara. You need to bring a copy of your passport and 2 passport size photographs and fill in a TIMS application form.
You can find more information at www.timsnepal.com.

Conservation Area entrance fee
Many popular trekking destinations are part of a Conservation Area. For the areas being managed by the National Trust of Nature Conservation you need to obtain an entrance permit in advance of the trek at the office of the National Trust, which is inside the NTB office in Kathmandu and Pokhara. You need to bring a copy of your passport and 1 passport size photograph. The below Conservation Area fee is RS 2000.00
Annapurna Conservation Area (ACA)
Manaslu Conservation Area (MCA)
Gaurishankar Conservation Area (GCA)
For Gaurishankar Conservation Area you can also buy the entrance permit at the destination (this may change in future).

One Conservation Area is not under the management of NTNC, the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area (KCA), which is being managed by the Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation (DNPWC). You can obtain the entrance permit at the DNPWC or at the KCA office at Lelep, Taplejung.

National Park entrance fee
Many treks enter into National Parks, for which you have to pay a National Park entrance fee. Nepal has the following national parks: Sagarmatha NP , Langtang NP, Makalu Barun NP, Rara NP, Shey-Phoksundo NP, Chitwan NP, Khaptad NP, Bardiya NP and Shivapuri NP. Usually, the entrance fee for the National parks is NRs. 3000 for foreigners. However there are different entrance fees to National parks in the Terai Region.

Besides the National Parks, there are a couple of wildlife reserves: Shukla Phanta wildlife reserve, Koshi Tappu Wildlife reserve, Parsi Wildlife Reserve for which the entrance fee is NRs 1000 per day. Finally Nepal has one Hunting Reserve, Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve, for which the entrance fee for foreigners is NRs 3000.

Trekking Peak Climbing and Mountaineering permit
All mountaineering permits need to be arranged through a travel or trekking agency; it is not allowed to apply individually for peak climbing. You will need to fill in a bio-data form and pass this to your agency. You can do this online and add your signature and photograph to the form when you are in Kathmandu. The Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA) is authorized to issue a trekking peak climbing permit for 33 peaks up to 6500 m (except Mera Peak); climbing permits for other peaks are obtained from the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation (MoCTCA).

Filming & Documentary shooting permit
A special permit is needed for filming and documentary shooting at trekking destinations inside national parks and conservation areas. You need to apply for this permit through a trekking agency. The permit is obtained from the Ministry of Information and Communication (MoIC) and the fee depends on the use of cameras and technology. For more information, please visit the website of the Ministry of Information and Communications.

 

Trekking Equipments

Certain basic trekking equipment is essential on all routes I described in this site. Depending on the area and season, We will provide you with a comprehensive list of necessities.

Here are some recommended Equipment List for trekking in Nepal Himalayas.

Clothing

  • Lightweight walking boots. If a new one is being bought, “ walk then in” to avoid blisters. Also bring spare laces.
  • A pair of track shoes. To wear in the camp at night or when the boot is wet.
  • Warm jacket. Fiber fill or down should be adequate. This is especially necessary during winter from December to February.
  • A rainproof jacket with hood or a poncho. Get the one that is guaranteed waterproof.
  • Woolen shirts and thick sweaters. During winter months, December through February these items are essential. Thick sweaters can be purchased in Kathmandu.
  • A pair of lightweight/ heavy weight trousers. Jeans are unsuitable to wear on treks. Cheap loose cotton pants are available in Kathmandu.
  • Heavyweight trousers are useful higher up in the mountains in the morning and at night. Windproof/ waterproof trousers are necessary on all treks going above 10.00ft.Thermal underwear. These are excellent to sleep in at night in the winter months thermal underwear are quite invaluable.
  • A tracksuit useful for wearing in camp and in the tent.2 pair of loose fitting long shorts/ skirts.
  • 1 lightweight long sleeved –shirt is particularly suitable for avoiding sun burn.
  • A woolen hat to wear in the morning and at night. During winter it is an essential item. A sunhat and ensure it has a wide brim to cover the face and neck.
  • A pair of gloves. Leather with lining and woolen are best.
  • 1 pair of sandals to wear in the cities and in camp.
  • 2 pairs of thin and 2 pair of thick woolen socks.
  • Underwear” normal quantity and swimming costume, hankies.Equipment and AccessoriesDuffle bag or kit bag to carry to gear while trekking.
  • Daypack: This is a small rucksack to carry personal requirements for the day e.g. toilet items, camera, film towel, soap, a boot etc.
  • Water bottle.
  • Snow glasses and sunglasses
  • 2-4 large plastic bags to separate clean clothes from dirty ones. 6-10 smaller plastic bags to dispose of garbage.
  • Wallet and /or money belt with compartment for coins.
  • Toiletries with large and small towels. Toilet paper can be bought in Kathmandu and some villages in the mountains.
  • Small headlamp and/ or torch with spare batteries and bulbs candles and lighter to burn toilet paper.
  • Snow gaiters are essential during winter and all treks go over at other times.
  • An umbrella (optional), which is quite useful as a sunshade and useful when it rains.
  • Reading materials, camera and film, game items (optional), note book, rubber band, pen and pencil, envelopes, a diary, a calendar, a pocket knife, binoculars (optional), a small pillow or headrest (optional). Thermoses (optional)- an inflatable sleeping mat, trekking map, adequate quantities of passport photograph.

A typical day in trekking

The day starts with an early morning mug of tea brought to your tent by one of the cook’s helpers. Before heading over to the mess tent for breakfast it is best to pack your overnight gear into your duffel bag. During breakfast the tents will be packed away and, after the porters have arranged their loads, they will set off on the trail in the cool of the morning.
After breakfast, probably between 7am and 8am, we start walking. The pace of the trek is leisurely with plenty of time to enjoy the scenery, take photos and explore the local villages. Lunch will be around 11am at a spot by the side of the trail and is prepared for us by the cooks. If you are on a teahouse lodge trek then we will stop to have lunch at a restaurant near the trail.
There is more walking after lunch and normally you will get into camp by mid afternoon with the tents already put up by the local staff. In the evening a three course meal is served in the mess tent around 7pm. If you are on a teahouse lodge trek then we will stop at the lodge and have supper in their dining room. After supper the western leader will discuss the plan for the next day with the group. People might stay in the mess tent chatting about the day’s events for a while before retiring to their tent for the night.