Nowhere else in the Himalaya you will find the Physical cultural and religion diversity which exists in Nepal. From the ancient animistic Bon religion of the western mountains and the Tibetan Buddhist culture of the Sherpa of Everest to the rich Hindu tradition of the heartland of the Kingdom. Nepal offers a unique kaleidoscope of South Asian culture. Combined with the world's most spectacular mountains and a truly warm and hospitable people, you have the ingredients of the experience of a lifetime.
Trekking in Nepal will take you through a country that has captured the imagination of mountaineers and explorers for more than 100 years. You will meet people in remote mountain villages whose lifestyle has not changed in generations.
Nepal trekking provides you a great experience of unbeatable combination of natural beauty and culture. Nepal is a trekker's paradise because of its virgin tracks and unbeaten trail.
Most of the trekking trail along with the forests of rhododendron,variety of animals and birds, temples and Gompas (monasteries) and beautiful small villages. Friendly people of diverse cultures offer a fascination glimpse of traditional rural life and the background every step on trail; you can see magnificent panoramic views of Himalayan peaks.
Trekking does not mean mountain climbing. You do not need special training for trekking that usually walk around up and down 5 to 7 hours every day on average with guide, cook and other staffs. The objective of trekking is not just the particular destination, but also the journey itself. You travel at a modest pace, observing nature, rural communities, and spectacular mountain views. Thousands of visitors trek different parts of Nepal every year to experience the charm of nature and culture. Most treks go through between 1,000 meters to 4,000 meters, although some popular parts reach over 5,000 meters.
Trekkers rely on our staff for path finding and an introduction to the local people, culture, religion, and lifestyle. A trekking route will often pass through forests of rhododendron, bamboo, oak, and hemlock, visiting one or two villages each day. Rivers are crossed on log passages or suspension bridges.
We ensure your comfort and safety as we can arrange your trip where you want to go, at your pace. We show you what you have come to see and help you discover things you had no idea.
We offer you various routes of your interest in different areas and inform you with all details such as weather condition, difficulties, food and other facilities. Whether you have two days or two months to spend in the Himalayas, we can tailor- make itineraries to suit your needs.
The best time to trek is the dry season from October to May. The monsoon period is from June to September. There are two major factors to weigh as you decide when to go to Nepal: Crowds and weather. During the dry season especially in autumn (September-November) and spring (March-May); many people come to Nepal for trekking. This is high tourist season so most of flights and hotels are fully booked and trekking trails can be horrendously busy.
The first two months of the dry season, October and November, offer the best weather for trekking. The air, freshly washed by the monsoon rains, is crystal clear, the mountain scenery is superb and the weather is still comfortably warm.
The December,Janauary and February months are still good for trekking but cold can be bit effected in high altitudes. Getting up to Everest Base Camp can be real endurance test and High Passes, especially Thorung-La on the around Annapurana trek, and Lourebina Pass on the Gosaikunda trek are usually closed December to February months.
In spring (March-May) the weather has become dry for a long time and dust is starting to hang in the air, affecting the middle hills especially around Pokhara but the high country is usually clear. You will be welcomed superb views of wildflowers rhododendrons on trekking trail in this time.
The monsoon is a good time to visit Kathmandu and Pokhara, 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.
Basically we organize your trek with two different types of accommodation.1 Tea House(Lodge) trek 2. Full organized trekking (Camp trek). All the treks are lead by our professional staffs (Guide/Sherpa) that all are well trained and licensed by Government of Nepal.
Tea-House (Lodge) trek:
Nowadays, the most popular way to trek in Nepal for both Nepalese and Westerners is to travel from teahouse to teahouse. On the Tea house, you will be served by varieties of delicious foods and good accommodation which will be well supervised by our staffs. Tea house trekking is famous in Everest Base Camp, Annapurna and Langtang region. In Everest and Annapurna area, you can find also a deluxe and standard level accommodation depends upon your choice.
Furthermore as you will be staying in locally owned lodges you will be benefiting and interacting with the local community. It will give you a true feel and get experience with local societies and their lives.
On this trek you are guided by our professional English speaking guide and all main baggage is carried by porters, yaks or horses. Tea- house trekking will be cheaper compare to Camp trekking.
Organized trek (Camping):
There are many rural and remote destinations for trekking which offer an unforgettable journey in the rich Himalayan wilderness, and through traditional and virtually unchanged Nepalese villages and communities. A group trek follows a tradition and routine that trekkers and mountaineers have developed and refined for more than 50 years. Trekking through these areas will get you away from the more crowded tourist hot-spots, but require a little more preparation and equipment.
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Our organized treks involve going as a fully self-sufficient team, with cooks, porters, Sherpa and a guide. It is not roughing it though! Camping with a good crew in Nepal can be described as a great experience, not an endurance exercise. Every morning, you have a hot cup of tea brought to you in bed and then a hot bowl of water for you to have a wash. The food that our team create over kerosene stoves deserves to go in its own best selling cook book, so do not expect to lose weight. An organized trek is a great way to mix with Nepalese people.
The team is fun and there are generally a couple of nights experiencing the local songs and dances of Nepal, when the porters and crew are in the mood. You will trek for anything from 4 to 6 hours a day bit at relaxed pace and stopping in routes as and when necessary or appropriate to see local village life. While you trek you just carry a day sack for anything you may need during the day like a water bottle, camera and fleece. (See our equipment list)
It is an altogether refreshing experience to have all the camp and logistics problems removed from your responsibility so you are free to enjoy fully the land and the people which have attracted trekkers for a century.
Guide/Sherpa and porter service:
This is another way of doing trekking in Nepal. For economy treks, we provide a Guide/Sherpa as well as a sufficient number of porters as per your demand so that our clients can be relieved of carrying the majority of their possessions. Our Staffs are well experienced, equipped and insured.
All Camping gears like tents, foam mattresses, table chairs and all cooking and eating utensils will be provided from our company. You will need your own gears like; warm clothings,walking shoes, sleeping bags and other personal equipments.During the day you will carry camera, jacket, and water bottle in a rucksack. The rest of your equipment, including your sleeping bag, will be carried by porters. All hiking will be on trails so you will not need any climbing equipment such as ropes, ice axe, or crampons at any time during the trek. The equipment check list that follows details the equipment you will need for your trek. Most of these items are available for rent or sale in Kathmandu, but all trekking equipment in Nepal is either used equipment that was sold by other trekkers or mountaineering expeditions or locally made reproductions of internationally known brands. The local rucksacks, duffel bags and rain ponchos are inexpensive and will usually stand up to the rigors of a trek or two. Here we have given some useful trekking equipment check list which will be helpful for your trip.
The Trekking Equipment Checklist:
Head:
- Sun hat and woolen cap/scarf
- Sun Glasses/goggles with UV protection
Upper body:
- Three T-shirts and one long sleeve Shirt/T-Shirt
- Light weight thermal top
- Fleece jacket or pullover
- Wind breaker jacket
- Rainwear – Poncho
- Down Jacket ( optional)
Hands:
- A good gloves/mittens
Lower Body:
- Enough under wear
- Two hiking shorts
- Jeans or slack
- Two trekking trousers/pants
- Light weight thermal bottoms
- Fleece and wool pants
Feet:
- Four thin light cotton sock
- Four thick warm hiking socks
- A walking/Hiking shoes
- A good trekking (water proof)shoes
- A camp shoes/sandal
- Gaiters
Accessories:
- A good sleeping bag (Down) can be hired in Kathmandu/Pokhara
- A Flashlight/headlamp and extra batteries
- A water proof rucksack
- Two Water bottle (for hot and cold water)
- Small pocket knife (Swiss knife)
- Towel and toilet kit
- Handkerchiefs(paper)
- Tooth brush, Tooth Paste
- Sewing kit
- Saving razors
- Shampoo, sun lotion and chip stick
- Passport photographs
- Plastic bags to put wet things
- Basic small First-Aid medical kit ( See health and Medicine)
This check list is suitable for most 8 to 10 day treks. Although you can wash clothes during the trek, you may need extra socks and shirts etc. for longer treks. If your trek goes above 3500 meters (about 12,000 feet) for more than one day you should pay particular attention to warm clothing.
Equipment Rental:
In order to minimize your expense outlay for trekking and climbing equipment you may never use again, we offer a wide range of equipment available for rent for the duration of your trip. All rental equipment can be hired from Kathmandu / Pokhara/ Namche Bazar.
The TIMS, National parks and Trekking Permit information is given as follows:
About TIMS
With the distinction of Nepal as a trekking destination and its growing charm, a provision of Trekkers' Information Management System (TIMS) has been implemented to control illegal trekking operations and ensure safety and security of the trekkers in general trekking areas through the mechanism of Prompt Information Service as and when required.
The past experiences have shown that difficulties have been faced while carrying out rescue operations promptly during the times of accidents and natural calamities. Because of lack of proper record system of trekkers, their exact whereabouts and the information about trekking routes, rescue and search missions used to face difficulties in spotting the trekkers missing.
The provision of Trekkers' Information Management System (TIMS) has come into force from Jan 01, 2008. Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal (TAAN) and Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) have started recording trekkers detail and issuing TIMS Card to trekkers. A trekker or a group of trekkers has to hire at least one field staff (trekking guide or porter) from the concerned trekking agency.
Where & how to obtain TIMS Card?
The visiting tourists, who are interested to general trekking areas of Nepal, are required to receive TIMS Card through any one of the following:
- Kathmandu (NTB Office, TAAN Office, and Government registered trekking Companies), and Pokhara (NTB Office, TAAN Office, and Government registered trekking Companies)
Opening Hour/s:
TIMS counter at Government registered trekking Companies will remain open 12 hours a day all the seven days a week round the year, TIMS counter at TAAN/NTB Office will follow government working hour/days.
To obtain TIMS Card you need copy of Passport and two copies of Passport-size Photographs.
National Park Fees
Fourteen areas of Nepal have been designated National Parks, Wildlife Reserve and Conservation Areas (no one speaks about the Hunting Reserve). To trek in any of these areas, you may need an additional permit.
You need to pay a National Park Fee of Rs. 1,000 (less than US$ 15). All fees are payable at the National Parks counter Office listed below or at the park entrance, but higher fees will have to be paid at the entrance. Trekkers going to the Annapurna Region have to pay a fee of Rs. 2,000(US$ 30) which is payable at the Information and Entry Fee Collection Counter of Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP), Sanchaya Kosh Building, Thamel (Ph 4223088 Ex. 363). The toll is utilized for environment conservation and maintenance of the area.
Trekking permit
Restricted areas, which are opened for group Trekking only.
The following restricted areas are open only for group trekkers and a trekking permit will not be issued to individual trekkers for such areas. The trekking permit must be issued by authorized trekking agency.
The areas and required fees are as follows:
- Areas of lower Dolpa
For the first 4 weeks: US$ 10 per week per person. After 4 weeks: US$ 20 per week per person - Taplejung District (Kanchanjanga Region)
Areas of Olangchunggola, Lelep, Papung and Yamphudin Village Development Committee.
Sankhuwasabha District (Makalu Region)
Areas of Kimathanka, Chepuwa, Hatiya and Pawakhola Village Development Committe
Solukhumbu District (Everest Region)
All north-west area way from Thame to Nangpala of Namche Village Development Committee.
For the first 4 weeks: US$ 10 per week per person. After 4 weeks: US$ 20 per week per person. - Rasuwa District :- Thuman and Tingure
Per week US$ 10 per person. - Manang District
Areas of Nar, Phu, and Northern area of Tilche Village of Thochhe Village Development Committee
September to November: US$ 90 per week per person
December to August: US$ 75 per week per person - Mugu District:- Areas of Mugu, Dolpu, Pulu and Bhangri.
For the first 7 days: US $90 per person. After 7 days: US$15 each extra day. - Bajhang District:-Areas of Kanda, Saipal, Dhuli.
For the first 7 days: US $90 per person. After 7 days: US$15 each extra day. - Darchula District:- Areas of Byas Village Development Committee.
For the first 7 days: US $90 per person. After 7 days: US$15 each extra day. - Upper Mustang and Upper Dolpa District:
For the first 10 days: US$500 per person. After 10 days: US$50 each extra day. - Gorkha District
Manaslu Area:
September to November: US$ 70 per week per person and US$10 each extra day. December to August: US$ 50 per week per person and US$ 07 each extra day.
Sirdibas-Lhokpa-Chumling-Chekampar-Nile-Chule:
September to November: US$ 35 per person for 8 days.
December to August: US$ 25 per person for 8 days. - Humla District (Simikot and Yari):
Area of Limi and Muchu village village Development Committee and area way to Tibet via Tangekhola of Darma Village Development committee.
For the first 7 days: US $50 per person. After 7 days: US$ 07 each extra day.
Note: To get a group trekking permit an application form with other relevant documents should be submitted through any registered trekking agency of Nepal.
In order to be sure of the current requirements, ask at the Immigration Offices listed below or book with a registered Trekking Agency.
Trekking Permits Issuing Offices:
Dept. of Immigration, Maitighar, Kathmandu.
Miscellaneous Fees
a. Travel document (in case of loss/damage/theft/or expiry of the passport)-US$ 20
b. Issuance of Entry Visa from the Dept.-25% additional fee along with regular entry visa fee.
c. Certification of Arrival or Departure stamps or replacement of trekking permits US$ 1 (one).
Environmental Issue
As concern about responsible trekking, our company is fully aware and has been following the environmentally and socially trekking management since the company establishment. Our Staffs have been well trained and participated on various environmental program camps in rural area of trekking route. We inform our clients about environmental trekking before the trekking departure. Some of the useful information given as follows
A general advice to trekkers is to leave only footprints and take photographs. However, the recent
developments along trekking trails have been of concern to environmentalists and locals alike. The sprouting of teahouses along trekking trails demands wood for construction and fuel, which has led to deforestation. In addition, the amount of waste has increased without proper mechanism for disposal, making some of the popular trails both unsightly and unhealthy. With increased awareness on the part of trekkers and local people, this trend is changing. However, message still needs to be passed across for a more environmentally sound trekking.
For vigilant trekking the following rules must be followed:
1. Ensure that your trekking company supplies sufficient kerosene or gas for cooking.
2. Dispose biodegradable waste properly and carry non biodegradable waste out or dump them in properly constructed waste pit.
3. Ensure that campsites are left clean and that toilet pits are properly filled in after use.
Useful Organizations:
Several organizations are attempting to deal with environmental problem created by trekking. Some organizations list as follows:
- The Annapurna conservation Area Project (ACAP), has done a great deal to encourage sustainable development in the Annapurna Region. ACAP has offices in Thamel,Patan and Pokhara.
- Kathmandu Environmental Education Project (KEEP) Thamel, Kathmandu
- Himalayan Rescue Association (HRA) Thamel, Kathmandu
These two organizations have been giving up to date information about environmental trekking, weather and Embassy registration forms.
General Knowledge:
It is advised to have some general knowledge to make yourself an expert on health aspects Nepal would not only be difficult but also troublesome. However, one should have good knowledge on Acute Mountain Sickness(AMS), Diarrhea,Giardia,Dysentry,Cholera,Heppatitis,Rabbies,Typhoid,Tetanus,Meningities,Diphtheria, Malaria and HIV AIDS. Common sense can often save life.
As far as health concerned, trekking in Nepal is not so dangerous or risky but preventive measures such as a thorough medical checkup and inoculations before you start trekking can save you from unexpected hazards. Since the remote places of Nepal are not supplied with necessities that are essential for modern medical treatment, and the rescue and evacuation procedures are usually measured in days, it is imperative to make a comprehensive First Aid Kit consisting of basic drugs and accessories as part of your gear for trekking.
Medication shops are few on trekking routes. Therefore, it is best to carry first aid and read about the possible problems before hand. On the Everest Base Camp route and Pheriche and on the Annapurna Circuit at Manang, these clinics are operated by the Himalayan Rescue Association that specializes in treating trekker's health problems. These clinics are open during the main trekking seasons.
While on treks, the following problems could occur:
1. Upset stomach, often caused by change in diet or contaminated food and water is a common ailment. To avoid it, one should pay particular attention to hygiene and quality of food and drinks. The best method is to treat water with iodine.
2. Cough, cold, sore throats, common in the dry mountain air can lead to chest infection. Sore throats can best be avoided by attempting not to breathe cold air directly through mouth. Smoking should also be avoided.
3. Joint muscle strains, foot problems and blisters are other hindrances for trekkers. Wearing good footwear will go a long way in avoiding these problems. For sprains and strains, apply cold water to reduce swelling and support the joint with crepe bandage.
4. Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) is a fatal sickness caused by random altitude ascension. Therefore, climbers ascending 3000 meters or above should acquire sound knowledge of proper acclimatization processes. Symptoms of AMS include headache, loss of appetite, swelling of limbs, dizziness, difficulty in sleeping, irregular breathing, and nausea and unusual weariness. Maintaining good fluid intake helps combat altitude sickness and hurried descent or evacuation to lower altitude is the only best cure
The major information source on prevention and treatment of the sickness is Himalayan Rescue Association (HRA). We assure every trekker that all our guides have followed the training conducted by HRA with the understated information.
Medical (First Aid) Kit:
A simple but adequate medical kit can be most useful without talking much space in your baggage. The Following is recommended as tried and true list of items.
- Aspirin or Panadol – for pain or fever
- Antihistamine – useful as a decongestant for colds, allergies, to ease the itch from insect bites and stings or to help prevent motion sickness.
- Antibiotics – useful especially while trekking well off the beaten track but they must be prescribed.
- Kaolin preparation ( Pepto – Bismol), Imodium or Linotile – for stomach upsets.
- Rehydration mixture – for treatment of severe diarrhea.
- Antiseptic, mercurochrome and antibiotic powder or similar”dry” spray – for cuts and grazes.
- Calamine lotion – to ease irritation from bites or stings.
- Bandages and band – Aids – for minor injuries.
- Scissors, tweezers and a thermometer
- Insect repellent, sun block, sun lotion, chip sticks and water – purification tablets.
- Throat lozenges (Strepsils).
- Moleskin.
- Sulamyd 10% eye drops.
- Acetarninophen (Paracetamol)- for pain or fever
- Antacid tablets- for acidity
- Diamox (altitude sickness - can be bought in Kathmandu)
- Sterile Syringe set (anti-AIDS precaution)
Please consult your physician and get a complete check – up before your trip departure. Make sure that you are well prepared for the trek since lack of fitness can often lead to discomfort or illness. Something as simple as a foot blister can totally ruin a trek, not only for you but also for your companion.
Trail condition:
Walking at high attitudes on rough trails can be dangerous. Watch your footing on narrow, sleeper trails, and never underestimate the changeability of weather at any time of year. If you are crossing high passes snow is possibility, never walk with less than two/three people. Carry supply of emergency rations, have a map and have sufficient clothing and equipment (See equipment checklist) to deal with cold, wet blizzard condition.
You will be sharing the trail with local porters who walk with heavy load, mules or yaks and many locals on the way. So if a mule or yak train approaches, move the high side of the trail. If you move to outside you are at risk of being knocked over the edge. You have to follow the instruction of your Guide/Sherpa who provide you enough information before start the trekking.
Rescue:
Although there won't be any necessity for emergency evacuation, emergency situation do arise in the Himalayas with illness, AMS (acute mountain sickness), snow storms, landslide, and avalanches being the main cause for rescue to take place. In a normal situation, we will arrange the porters to carry you the nearest health post or hospital. Where the situation is more serious, one of our staff inform us immediately to operate the rescue flight then we start the process to evacuate you as soon as possible.
The helicopter rescue is an expensive business, and a typical rescue can cost anywhere between US $3000 to $5000, depending on the location of the rescue. Therefore, we highly recommend you to take a travel insurance which covers emergency helicopter rescue flight.
To operate rescue flight, we need good co-ordinate of your representatives (Embassy or consulate for Nepal). So it is strongly recommended that, register your personal details with your Embassy or consulate and leave us a copy of your complete documents about the insurance and home contact person in case of emergency.
Safety and Security:
Nepal is a safe country to trek provided the basic rules are observed. When with trekking agency most contingencies are handled by agency staff. However, one could get lost or hurt and have no one to ask for help when trekking alone. Therefore, trekkers should have trek with registered trekking agencies or hire reliable guide/Sherpa through reliable company.
The best way to avoid risk while trekking is through thorough planning and realizing human limitations.Incase of misfortune, a short detailed message should be dispatched to a reliable organization or individual immediately for rescue operation. If communication facilities are unavailable, normal first aid principles should be followed till help arrives. Some of the safety rules to abide by are:
1. Do not trek alone.
2. Do not make a display of wealth.
3. Keep belongings secure and within sight.
4. Make arrangements for handling emergency situations before hand.
5. Register personal information and trekking plan details with respective embassies.
6. Buy travel insurance policy that covers helicopter rescue cost. Leave a copy of details on your trekking company.
7. Choose only authorized government registered trekking agencies for trekking or guide porter service.
