Trekking in Nepal
Introduction: Nepal trek is a once in a lifetime activity. Endowed with a diverse topography ranging from the high rise snow capped Himalayas in the north to undulating mountains covered with lush green forests and terraced fields down south Nepal is arguably the best trekking destination in the world. The rugged terrains, moderate climate, and a great landscape make Nepal, an unmatched destination for trekking. Therefore, hundreds of thousands of tourists throng Nepal every year for trekking.
Flora and Fauna: Nepal is also very rich in flora and fauna. Trekkers can find a wide range of vegetation during the trek in the mountains. Hills are reddened with blossoming rhododendrons in the spring. The forests in the trekking areas are occupied by coniferous trees like pine and fir.
Likewise, you also encounter many wild animals and birds in the jungles and pastures during your trek. There are 850 species of birds in Nepal. At least 200 to 300 species of birds are found in every trekking area. The common animals found in the national parks and jungles of the mountainous region are musk deer, Himalayan thar, red panda, Himalayan black bear, snow leopard, wild dog, ghoral and serow.
Topography: The trekking areas in Nepal comprises of numerous mountains and valleys in alterations. So, a typical Nepal trek involves, a lot of climbing up the hill-crossing a pass- and trotting down the hill the again. Great viewpoints can be observed from the vantage points of passes or hill stations – files of majestic snowcapped Himalayan summits upwards and gilded or green terraces in the river valleys downwards. Some portions of the trek involve walking along a river, while others involve walking on the mountain ridges.
Climate: Generally, trekking can be organised in one or the other part of Nepal throughout the year. However, Autumn (August to November) and Spring (mid-February to mid-June) are the most suitable periods of trekking in Nepal. During these seasons, the climate moderate (not too hot and not too cold), the visibility is good and there are no rains.
In summer, also known as monsoon, trekking is not suitable in most parts of the country due to the rains, floods and landslides. However, in areas like Dolpo and Upper Mustang, where monsoon rains does not occur treks still be organised.
In the winter, the trekking trails in higher altitudes are covered by snow making it difficult to trek. Short treks up to lower altitudes can still be organised.
Food and Accommodation: While trekking on conventional trekking areas including Everest, Annapurna and Langtang, there are hotels, lodges, tea houses and restaurants at convenient stops. In major junctions there are hotels with all amenities, while in some there are traditional type hotels. Western style food is available in most of the places in these trekking areas. The food becomes more expensive as you go deeper inside into the trekking trails due their distance from the motorable road.
In some of the trekking areas like Dolpo and Jumla, hotels and lodges are not easily available. In such trekking areas, we organise camping treks. We carry tents, sleeping bags, food materials, cooking utensils and other provisions along with us during the trek. Such treks can be organised only in groups due to large number of manpower required and for the arrangement of provisions.
Permits: As such a permit is not required for trekking. But, a permit is required to enter a National Park, a Conservation Area and a Protected Area. So, if a trekking falls partly or fully inside a National Park, Conservation Area or a Protected Area, then a permit is required. Practically, most of the trekking areas fall in one or the other such protected areas.
Annapurna trekking area falls under the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP), part of the Langtang trek falls inside the Langtang National Park and some of the routes in the Everest trek fall in Sagarmatha National Park.
Likewise, Kanchenjunga trek falls under the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Project, Manaslu trek falls under the Manaslu Conservation Area Project (MCAP) and Makalu trekking falls under the Makalu Barun National Park.
Areas like upper Dolpo and upper Mustang are protected areas and need special permit from Nepal government for specified days. We arrange for your permits when you book a trekking with us.
In addition to such permits, trekkers are required to register themselves in Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS) database and obtain a TIMS card that mentions the tentative period of your trek and the area(s) you are trekking. TIMS registration is vital for your safety as it helps to keep track of you in case something untoward happens in the trekking area. TIMS cards are distributed free of cost from Trekking Agents Association of Nepal (TAAN) and Nepal Tourism Board (NTB). We will take the TIMS card for you when you book a trekking with us.
Clothes, gears and medicines: As expected, you should take warm clothes, when you go for trek in the mountains. You should also take windproof jacket(s) as the winds get really strong as you gain altitude. Trekking shoes having sole with strong grip and comfortable backpacks are required. Sunglasses are required to protect you from dust as well as the reflection of the sunrays from the mountains. Please carry essential medicines like paracetamol, rehydrating powder and water purifiers with you. Although our staff carry these essential stuffs for the group when you trek with us, it is always safe to have a backup with you.
Health and safety: Trekkers are expected to be fit without any major illness at the time of trekking. However, there are shorter treks that do not reach very high altitude for aspirant who have complications.
Booking: To book a trekking with us, you can mail us with details of the area you are interested in, number trekking days and the number of people in your group. We will respond to you personally and tailor make an itinerary if required. If you are coming in a group and want to trek as a group, we will arrange a separate trip for your grip. We can also arrange a trip, if you are coming alone and wish to trek alone (ie with our guide). We have fixed as well as flexible departure groups. If you are coming alone or in a small group and want to join one of the groups, you can do so. We will provide experienced guides, porters, other manpower if required (for camping treks) and arrange for other logistics like permits, accommodation on the way etc for the trip.
Everest trek lies on lap of the highest summit of the world, Mount Everest. It is the most popular trekking destination in Nepal which offers great view of some of the highest mountains in the world and a glimpse of the mystic Sherpa culture …
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