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general information of Trekking
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What is a Trek?
A Trek is not a Mountain Climbing Trip. There are still only a few roads in Nepal extending deeply into the hills, so the only way to truly visit remote regions of the kingdom is walking. It requires more time and effort, but the rewards are also greater. Whether you begin your trek at a road head or fly into a remote mountain airstrip, a large part of it will be in the Middle Hills region at elevations between 500 and 3000 meters. While trekking you will see the great diversity of Nepal. Villages embrace many ethnic groups and cultures. The terrain changes from tropical jungle to high-glaciated peaks in only 150 km. |
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Trekking Grade
The grades are based on length, altitude, remoteness, walking conditions, weather and other factors. It is impossible to be precise about how hard a trek is. The grade of a trekking is a rough guide only. A grading provides a way for you to compare different treks. Remember that all trekking demands some physical efforts.
Grade 1 Easy, a day hike, sightseeing, and stay in a resort.
Grade 2 Leisurely, the trekking itinerary is about 4 - 10 days, elevation up to 3500 m. These trips can be enjoyed by anyone who leads a reasonably active life.
Grade 3 Moderate, the trekking itinerary is 10 days or more. Elevations up to 15.000 feet with ups and downs. Some previous experience is desirable.
Grade 4 Strenuous, difficult trekking conditions, covering long distance, and high passes. You need to have trekking experience posses a fair degree of stamina.
Grade 5 Technical: Climbing experience is required. You must be familiar with the use of mountaineering equipment. This grade is reserved for our most demanding treks, involving long days, often in isolated areas, at elevations above 18,000 feet. |
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When to Trek?
There are two major factors to decide when to go to Nepal: crowds and weather. As a general rule, the better the weather, the more people come to Nepal to go trekking. During the high tourist season in October and November, flights and hotels are fully booked and hotels and trails in the hills can be very busy. During autumn the nights are cold in the mountains, but the bright sun makes for pleasant day temperatures - in the high 20s° C, falling to 5° C at night, between 1000 meters and 3500 meters. At higher altitudes temperatures range from about 20° C down to -10° C. Mornings are usually clear with clouds building up during the afternoon, disappearing at night to reveal spectacular starry skies. During winter it is about 10 degrees colder.
There are two major factors to decide when to go to Nepal: crowds and weather. As a general rule, the better the weather, the more people come to Nepal to go trekking. During the high tourist season in October and November, flights and hotels are fully booked and hotels and trails in the hills can be very busy.
Early December usually has a lull, but this is also a good trekking season. The Christmas period is cold. High passes, especially Thorang La on the Around Annapurna trek and Laurabina Pass on the Gosaikunda trek are usually closed from late November to March. February is still cold. The other popular season for trekking is spring (from mid February to April). The Middle Hills, especially around Pokhara, are full of dust and haze in April and May, but the high country is usually clear. Trekking in May is a little hot except at high elevations.
The monsoon is a good time to visit Kathmandu, but there are few trekkers among those who come. A monsoon trek is possible if you are willing to put up with the rain, leeches, slippery trails and lousy mountain views. Flights operate throughout the monsoon to Lukla, Jumla and Jomsom, so it is possible to fly in and trek above the leech line.
Many of the new treks to recently opened restricted areas are good summer treks. Mustang and Simikot are partially in the Himalayan rain shadow, so trekking conditions are good throughout the monsoon season. Most of the restricted area treks are impossible during the winter season. |
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Altitude sickness
Altitude sickness, often known as Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), is a particularly important medical consideration while trekking in Nepal. Altitude sickness means the effect of altitude on those who ascend too rapidly to elevations above 3000 meters. The initial symptoms of AMS are as follows: Nausea, vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Insomnia/ sleeplessness
- Persistent headaches
- Dizziness, light headaches, confusion
- Disorientation, drunken gait
- Weakness, fatigue, lassitude, heavy legs Slight swelling of hands and face
- Breathlessness and Breathing irregularly
- Reduced urine output
Note: These symptoms are to be taken very seriously. In case of the appearance of any of the above symptoms, any further ascent should be reconsidered; otherwise more serious problems can occur which can cause death, sometimes within a few hours. The only cure for the Altitude Sickness is to descend to lower elevations immediately. Acclimatization by ascending to no more than 300 to 500 meters per day above 3000 meters and the proper amount of rest are the best methods for prevention of AMS. |
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Types of Trek
In Nepal there are numerous ways to arrange a trek due to two major factors. First it is inexpensive by Western standards to hire professional and nonprofessional labour to carry loads and to work as guides and camp staff. Second almost all supplies and accommodation are available locally because there are people living in even the most remote trekking areas. Hence there are two types of organized trekking. One is Teahouse Trekking and second one is Camp Trekking. |
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Tea house trekking
Tea House accommodation: There are number of lodges along the popular trekking routes in Annapurna, Everest, and Langtang regions. These lodges are called Tea House Lodges and managed by local people. These lodges have basic requirements for over night accommodation like private rooms, dormitories, toilets, shower room with hot and cold water, and one attached restaurant. The quality of food offered might vary from lodge to lodge but most serve simple and hygienic meals. The teahouse trekking provides you an opportunity to feel the warm hospitality of friendly Nepali hosts. The money you spend goes to the local community.
Food: The trekking trip includes three basic meals, breakfast, lunch and dinner each day. Your meals in Nepal will be mostly local food with a few American and European-style touches. Breakfast and dinners are made available at the restaurant attached to the lodge. Lunches are made available at trailside teahouse around mid-day. Most lodges serve, Nepali meals - rice, lentil soup and curried vegetables or meat, soups, noodles, pancakes, chapattis, breads, etc. |
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Camping Trekking
Accommodation: In a typical camp trekking, each pair of trekkers will sleep in a spacious mountain tent with a durable rain, fly, and full insect netting. The tent is fitted with foam mattresses. When your campsite is near villages or lodges you may be invited to sleep in the lodges or homes of local people.
Food: Mornings begin with a hot drink in your tent. Breakfast usually includes cereal, porridge, and eggs in different style, coffee, tea, and bread with jam and butter. Lunch typically includes Indian-style bread (chapatti) vegetable salads, French fries, fruits, beverages and local snack food. On other occasion lunch may be fried rice, noodles, macaroni, or sandwiches. You will have afternoon snack such as trail mix, popcorn, or cookies and tea. Dinner includes soup and a full hot meal including rice or potatoes, cooked fresh vegetables, and a lentil or other sauce followed by dessert.
The camping trekking is an ultimate trekking. You will be closest to the nature. Having your own tents and equipments give you the flexibility to camp where you wish for a good view or proximity to interesting natural features or you can also try to avoid large group camp around. |
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Guide: Our trekking guides are carefully selected for their ability and are generally from Sherpa, Tamang, Gurung, Magar, and other communities from remote mountain villages. Each guide is trained and has abilities in eco-friendly trekking methods and safety. They help to maintain your health and your happiness as well his crew members. Our guides are committed to making sure that all our trekkers have an enjoyable trek, comes back safe and are overwhelmed by their experience. Your guide will be a friend and companion, who takes pleasure in showing you his country's specialties and, perhaps, meet his home and family too.
Porters: Services of Porters and Pack-animals to Carry your Luggage and Equipment are hired at the beginning of a trek to make sure that most of the cost our clients pays goes directly into the local community where you trek. |
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Preparing for a Trek:
The following information will assist you to get ready for a trek in Nepal. Nepal treks allow you to experience the Himalayan countryside and to meet the people of the hills with a minimum of formality and preparation. If you follow the suggestions here, you will have ideas of equipment, visa and physical condition that you need to enjoy your trek. Read this information carefully so that you will know what to expect when you arrive in Nepal.
There are many preparations that you can make before you depart for Nepal. Most important are your passport and a visa for Nepal, your clothing and trekking equipment, medical supplies. While some of these projects can be postponed until the last minute (by getting a visa at the airport in Kathmandu or renting your trekking equipment in Nepal, it is recommended that you make most preparations in advance so that you do not waste time during your holiday.
Climate:
Nepal has four distinct seasons. Spring, from March to May, is warm and dusty with rain showers at the end of May. Summer, from June to August, is the monsoon season when the hills turn lush and green. Autumn, from September to November, is cool with clear skies, and is the most popular trekking season. In winter, from December to February, it is cold at night and can be foggy in the early morning, but afternoons are usually clear and pleasant, though there is occasional snow in the mountains. Nepal is quite far south (at the same latitude as Miami and Cairo) the weather is warmer and winter is much milder at lower elevations, including Kathmandu at 1400 meters. It rarely snows below 2000 metres.
The monsoon in the Bay of Bengal governs the weather pattern. The monsoon creates a rainy season from the middle of June to the middle of September. It is hot during the monsoon and it rains, but it is a considerate rain, limiting itself mostly to the night. It usually does not rain for more than one or two days during the entire autumn season from mid-October to mid-December. During winter and spring there may be a week or so of rainy evenings and occasional thunderstorms blanket the hills with snow. The Himalaya makes its own localised weather, which varies significantly over a distance of a few km.
In Kathmandu, spring and autumn days are comfortable and the evenings are cool, usually requiring a light jacket or pullover. Winter in Kathmandu brings cold foggy mornings and clear evenings, but pleasant day temperatures with brilliant sunshine most days after the morning fog has lifted. It never snows in Kathmandu, though there is frost on cold nights in January and February. The hottest month is May, just before the rains start. |
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| Suggested equipment for trekking in Nepal |
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 Trekking shoes (boots), One pair of sandals, Warm Jacket, fiberfill or down should be adequate. Sleeping bags and down jacket (we also provide from here) A rain proof jacket with hood. Heavy weight trousers are useful for high up in the mountains in morning and night. Wind proof/water proof trousers are necessary on all treks going above 10,000ft.
Thermal underwear 2 pairs of loose fitting long shorts/skirts 2 cotton T-shirts A woolen hat and sun-hat A pair of gloves, leather with lining and woolen is best 2 pairs of thin and 2 pairs of thick woolen socks Personal medical supplies Flash light Toiletries with towels Snow glasses and sunglasses Suntan cream Water bottle Daypack Rucksack Things of your personal interest
Other Documents:
Some other items that you should carry are: Your passport and extra photographs A vaccination certificate and record of medical history Your insurance form You can carry credit card or travelers cheques (but we would suggest you to carry a minimum of cash) A photocopy of your passport (in case of loss)
Physical Conditioning:
The better your physical condition, the more you will enjoy the trek. You do not have to undergo a rigorous training program. Just do as much walking as you can up and down hills, up (and down) stairs in your office or home. Jogging and cycling are useful training for a trek. Whenever possible, make your hikes in the same shoes that you will use for the trek. You must remember that you are going on a hiking trip among the highest mountains on earth. The hills are steep and you may be traveling in hot weather, in snow or in rain. You will often be tired, and you must be prepared for this. However, anyone in good health can complete a trek if you hike slowly, and spend a little effort now to get into good physical condition. |
| Trekking Equipments |
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The following equipment lists are suggested and essential for both camp & teahouse treks in the Himalayas. Make use of this list as a guideline; some of the equipment can be hired in Katmandu as well. Besides, keep in mind trekking gear can be bought in the many adventure shops in Katmandu, the majority of gear is locally manufactured (hence a lot cheaper) although it is becoming more common for gear to be imported from China and therefore of better quality.
Luggage:
1 large duffel bag: This will carry all your personal gear on the trek. It should be strong and durable. The best size would be around 30" x 14", with a full-length zipper and handles. 1 small padlock: Your duffel bag should be locked. 1 rucksack or day pack: This should accommodate a sweater, rain gear, water bottle, camera and accessories and any miscellaneous items you want to have during the day. We recommend a pack with at least 1450cu. In capacity, or smaller if you are not carrying a large amount of camera equipment. Â 1 small duffel bag or suitcase: Items not needed on the trek can be left at the hotel in Kathmandu. This bag should also have a lock. Be sure to leave room for purchases, or buy one in Kathmandu they have many good quality ones available.
Head and Face Gear:
Sunhat, A Bandana Sunglasses, Warm hat, Sunscreen with a very high SPF factor Lip balm with a high SPF factor
Hands:
Lightweight gloves, Heavyweight gloves or mittens with a waterproof shell outer
Inner Clothing:
T-shirts, Thermal underwear- Top and bottom, Synthetic is best Underwear 2 Long shorts  2 Trousers- (loose and comfortable) One thin, one thick and warm
Outer Clothing:
Down Jacket, Fleece Jacket (or a windproof jacket), Waterproof jacket with a hood (or a poncho), Waterproof pants Baggy pants 2 pairs of gloves/mittens (1 thin and 1 thick), Â 1 sweater to be worn under the fleece jacket
Footwear:
Light weight walking boots- (leather is recommended) Spare laces 2 pairs of thick woolen socks. 2 pairs of thin socks to be worn under the woolen socks One pair of sandals or comfortable shoes for camp
Drinking Equipment:
1 thermos- Water tends to freeze in ‘normal’ water bottles at high altitude temperatures. 2 one-liter water bottles Purification equipment- Boiled drinking water will be provided but further purification with iodine or purification tablets is highly recommended.
Sleeping and Carrying Equipment: 30-40 liter daypack Rucksack- Without aluminum support Water Proof Bag- A water proof bag to cover the rucksack Sleeping Bag- Please brings a bag that can resist temperatures as low as -15 degrees Celsius.
Personal Medical Kit: Bandage for sprains  Plasters/Band-aids, Iodine or water filter Moleskin/Second skin - for blisters Antiseptic ointment for cuts Anti-bacterial throat lozenges (with antiseptic) Aspirin/paracetamol - general painkiller Oral rehydration salts Broad-spectrum antibiotic (norfloxacin or ciprofloxin) Anti-diarrhea medication (antibiotic) Diarrhea stopper (Imodium - optional) Antibiotic for Giardia or similar microbe or bacteria Diamox (altitude sickness - can be bought in Kathmandu) Sterile Syringe set (anti-AIDS precaution)
Extras/Luxuries:
Binoculars Reading book Trail Map/Guide book Journal & Pen Walkman Travel game i.e. chess, backgammon, scrabble
Toiletries:
1medium sized quick drying towel Toothbrush/paste (preferably biodegradable) Multipurpose soap (preferably biodegradable) Deodorant Nail clippers Face and body moisturizer Feminine hygiene products Small mirror. |
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| Insurance |
| We INSIST that an appropriate insurance policy is taken out which covers travel in isolated and mountainous areas, and which also includes helicopter rescue. We recommend that you consult a reputable travel agent or insurance specialist. Or you can do your insurance in Nepal through us. |
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| Health Issues |
| We recommend that all clients consult their doctor to discuss the health issues associated with their trek. We also recommend that clients bring their own personal first aid kit to supplement the comprehensive first aid kit carried by the Trek Leader. |
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| Trekking fees for controlled areas |
| Trekking Areas |
Trekking permit fee |
| Upper Dolpa and Mustang |
US$ 700 per person for first 10 days and US$ 70 per day per person for each additional days |
| Simikot |
US$ 90 per person for the first 7 days and US$ 15 per day per person for each additional days |
| Nar and Phu and Manaslu |
US $ 90 per person per week from September to November and US$ 75 per person per week from December to August |
| Lower Dolpa, Kanchenjunga, Walungchunggola, north west area of Everest region from Thame to Nangpala and Thuman and Tingure of Rasuwa district |
US $ 10 per person per week for the first 4 weeks and US $ 20 per person per additional |
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| Each season has its distinct attraction to offer. The seasons are classified as follows |
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| Autumn Season (September, October and November) |
This season offers excellent weather and tantalizing mountain views. The temperature remains balanced and it provides you ample chances to enjoy your trekking. |
| Winter Season (December, January and February) |
This season is noted for snowfall at higher elevations. Hence it is ideal for trekking. Though warm clothes and particular equipments are required. |
| Spring Season (March, April and May) |
Different varieties of wild flowers, specially the rhododendrons make the hillside a haunting paradise during this season. It is mildly warm and the mountain views are excellent and temperature is quite moderate. |
| Summer Season (June, July and August) |
Summer months, continues up to mid September making travel wet and warm. These times are blessed for the keen botanist as the higher valleys and meadows blossom with flowers and lush vegetation. Some areas of Nepal fall under the rain shadow area where trekking can be accomplished during this season. |
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Rescue
Although ninety-nine percent of the time there won't be any need for an emergency rescue evacuation, emergency situations do arise in the Himalayas with illness, AMS (acute mountain sickness), snow storms, landslide, and avalanches being the primary cause for rescue to take place. In a non-life threatening situation, we will arrange for the porters to carry you to the nearest health post or hospital. Where the situation is more serious, one of our trekking staffs especially guide will hurry to the nearest communication center where he can request a Helicopter Rescue from our Kathmandu office.
Therefore, we highly recommend that you take travel insurance which will cover emergency helicopter rescue flight. To enable us to contact your insurance company in case of a rescue and not to loose any valuable time we will need the co-ordinates of your insurance company’s local representative for Nepal.
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