Trekking Information of Nepal

What is Trekking?

Trekking is a form of outdoor adventure activity that involves traveling on foot through natural landscapes, typically over long distances and varying terrain. It is often associated with hiking, backpacking, and camping, and it’s a popular activity in mountainous regions, national parks, and wilderness areas around the world. Trekking can range from relatively easy walks on well-marked trails to challenging expeditions requiring technical climbing skills and equipment.

Here are some key features of Trekking in Nepal:

Walking: Trekking primarily involves walking long distances, usually over several days or weeks. Trekkers carry their backpacks containing essential gear, clothing, food, and water.

Exploration: Treks often take participants through diverse and remote landscapes, including mountains, forests, valleys, rivers, and high-altitude plateaus. Trekking routes may pass through villages, cultural sites, and areas of natural beauty.

Adventure: Trekking offers an opportunity for adventure, exploration, and discovery. Trekkers experience a sense of freedom and independence as they navigate the trail and overcome challenges along the way.

Physical Activity: Trekking requires physical exertion and endurance, as participants walk for extended periods, ascend and descend steep terrain, and adjust to changes in altitude and climate. It’s a great way to stay active and improve cardiovascular fitness.

Cultural Immersion: Many trekking routes pass through remote villages and ethnic communities, providing opportunities for cultural exchange and interaction with local people. Trekkers may learn about indigenous cultures, traditions, languages, and lifestyles.

Scenic Beauty: Trekking routes often offer breathtaking views of natural landscapes, including snow-capped mountains, lush forests, alpine meadows, waterfalls, and wildlife. The journey itself becomes as much a part of the experience as reaching the destination.

Challenge and Achievement: Trekking can be physically and mentally challenging, especially on difficult terrain or at high altitudes. Overcoming obstacles, pushing personal limits, and reaching the trek’s endpoint or summit provide a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction.

Environmental Awareness: Trekking promotes appreciation and respect for the natural environment. Trekkers learn about ecosystems, conservation efforts, and the importance of sustainable practices to minimize their impact on fragile ecosystems.

Here’s some essential information about trekking:

1. Types of Treks:
   • Teahouse Treks: These treks involve staying in local teahouses or guesthouses along the trail, where basic accommodation and meals are provided.
   • Camping Treks: In remote areas with limited infrastructure, trekkers camp in tents and carry their own food and equipment. These treks require more logistical planning and support staff.
   • Tea House & Camping Combination Treks: Some routes combine both teahouse and camping accommodation options, providing flexibility and variety.
2. Popular Trekking Destinations:
   • Nepal: Home to some of the world’s most iconic trekking routes, including the Everest Base Camp Trek, Annapurna Circuit, and Langtang Valley Trek.
   • Himalayas (India, Bhutan, Tibet): Other Himalayan regions offer stunning trekking opportunities, such as the Markha Valley Trek in Ladakh (India), the Druk Path Trek in Bhutan, and treks around Mount Kailash in Tibet.
   • Peru: The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is one of the most famous trekking routes in the world, offering a blend of ancient ruins, mountain scenery, and cloud forest.
   • Nepal, India, Bhutan, Tibet, Peru: These destinations are known for their challenging high-altitude treks, including the Three Passes Trek in Nepal, the Chadar Trek in Ladakh (India), the Snowman Trek in Bhutan, and the Everest Base Camp Trek from Tibet.
3. Best Seasons for Trekking:
   • Nepal, India (Himalayas): The primary trekking seasons are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November), when the weather is generally stable, and skies are clear. These seasons offer the best views and comfortable temperatures.
   • Peru: The dry season from May to September is the best time for trekking on the Inca Trail, with sunny days and minimal rainfall.
   • Bhutan, Tibet: Similar to Nepal and India, the spring and autumn months are ideal for trekking, avoiding the monsoon and winter seasons.
4. Altitude Sickness:
   • Altitude sickness, also known as acute mountain sickness (AMS), can occur when ascending to high altitudes too quickly.
   • Symptoms include headaches, nausea, fatigue, and dizziness. Severe cases can lead to life-threatening conditions like high-altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE) or high-altitude cerebral edema (HACE).
   • Proper acclimatization, hydration, and gradual ascent are essential to prevent altitude sickness. Trekkers should also be familiar with the symptoms and know when to descend if necessary.
5. Permits and Regulations:
   • Many trekking routes require permits, which can be obtained from local authorities or national park offices.
   • Regulations may also apply to protect fragile ecosystems, wildlife habitats, and cultural sites. Trekkers should adhere to these rules and regulations to minimize their impact on the environment and respect local customs and traditions.
6. Guided vs. Independent Treks:
   • Trekkers can choose between guided group treks led by experienced guides or self-guided independent treks.
   • Guided treks offer the expertise of local guides, logistical support, and safety backup, while independent treks provide more flexibility and freedom to explore at your own pace.
7. Equipment and Gear:
   • Essential trekking gear includes sturdy hiking boots, layered clothing for varying temperatures, a waterproof jacket, a comfortable backpack, a sleeping bag, trekking poles, and a first aid kit.
   • Depending on the trek, additional gear such as crampons, ice axes, and climbing harnesses may be required for high-altitude or technical routes.

Most Popular Trekking Regions of Nepal:

Nepal is renowned worldwide for its diverse and breathtaking trekking routes, each offering unique landscapes, cultural experiences, and adventure opportunities. While there are many popular trekking regions in Nepal, some of the most well-known ones include:

1. Everest Region:
   • Everest Base Camp Trek: One of the most iconic treks in the world, leading trekkers to the base camp of Mount Everest (8,848 meters). The route offers stunning views of Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, and Ama Dablam.
   • Three Passes Trek: A challenging and adventurous trek that crosses three high mountain passes (Kongma La, Cho La, and Renjo La) and explores the remote valleys of the Everest region.
   • Gokyo Lakes Trek: This trek takes trekkers to the turquoise Gokyo Lakes and offers panoramic views of Everest, Cho Oyu, Makalu, and other Himalayan peaks.
2. Annapurna Region:
   • Annapurna Circuit Trek: Known for its varied landscapes, including lush forests, terraced fields, high mountain passes, and traditional villages. The trek circles the Annapurna massif and offers stunning views of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Manaslu.
   • Annapurna Base Camp Trek: Leading trekkers to the base camp of Annapurna (8,091 meters), this trek passes through rhododendron forests, picturesque villages, and alpine meadows.
   • Mardi Himal Trek: A relatively new trekking route offering pristine mountain scenery, including views of Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), Mardi Himal, and the Annapurna range.
3. Langtang Region:
   • Langtang Valley Trek: Known as the “Valley of Glaciers,” this trek takes trekkers through the Langtang Valley, offering views of Langtang Lirung and other Himalayan peaks. The route passes through Tamang villages, dense forests, and high-altitude meadows.
   • Gosainkunda Trek: This trek leads to the sacred Gosainkunda Lake, a pilgrimage site for Hindus and Buddhists. Trekkers can enjoy panoramic mountain views and experience the cultural richness of the region.
4. Manaslu Region:
   • Manaslu Circuit Trek: A remote and less crowded trek circumnavigating Mount Manaslu (8,156 meters), the eighth highest peak in the world. The route offers diverse landscapes, traditional villages, and views of Manaslu, Ganesh Himal, and other peaks.
5. Upper Mustang Region:
   • Upper Mustang Trek: Known as the “Forbidden Kingdom,” this trek offers a glimpse into the ancient Tibetan culture and landscape of the Mustang region. Trekkers explore medieval villages, Buddhist monasteries, and barren landscapes reminiscent of Tibet.

Why Trekking is Popular in Nepal:

Trekking is immensely popular in Nepal for several reasons, making it one of the top trekking destinations in the world. Here are some key factors contributing to the popularity of trekking in Nepal:

Himalayan Landscapes: Nepal is home to some of the world’s highest mountains, including Mount Everest, the highest peak on Earth. The country’s diverse landscapes offer a stunning backdrop for trekking, with snow-capped peaks, deep valleys, rugged terrain, alpine meadows, and lush forests.

Variety of Trekking Routes: Nepal boasts a wide range of trekking routes catering to all skill levels, from beginner-friendly trails to challenging high-altitude expeditions. Whether you’re seeking a short and scenic hike or a multi-day adventure, Nepal has trekking options for everyone.

Cultural Diversity: Trekking in Nepal provides opportunities to experience the rich cultural heritage and traditions of the country. Trekkers pass through remote villages inhabited by diverse ethnic groups, including Sherpas, Tamangs, Gurungs, and Thakalis, each with its own unique customs, languages, and lifestyles.

Hospitality of Locals: Nepalese people are known for their warm hospitality and friendliness towards trekkers. Local communities along trekking routes welcome visitors with open arms, offering homestays, guesthouses, and hearty meals, providing a glimpse into rural life in Nepal.

Adventure and Challenge: Trekking in Nepal offers a sense of adventure and challenge, with opportunities to push personal limits, overcome obstacles, and achieve new heights. Trekkers can challenge themselves with high-altitude climbs, rugged terrain, and remote wilderness areas.

Spectacular Views: The trekking routes in Nepal offer breathtaking panoramic views of the Himalayas, including iconic peaks like Everest, Annapurna, Manaslu, and Langtang. Trekkers are rewarded with awe-inspiring vistas at every turn, making the journey a visual feast.

Cultural and Spiritual Significance: Many trekking routes in Nepal have cultural and spiritual significance, with sacred sites, monasteries, stupas, and pilgrimage trails along the way. Trekking becomes not only a physical adventure but also a journey of self-discovery and spiritual exploration.

Affordability and Accessibility: Compared to other trekking destinations, Nepal offers affordable trekking options, with a wide range of budget-friendly accommodations, meals, and transportation. The country’s well-developed trekking infrastructure, including teahouses, trails, and support services, makes trekking accessible to travelers of all budgets and experience levels.

Permits for Trekking Regions:

Trekking in Nepal often requires obtaining permits from local authorities or national park offices, depending on the region and specific trekking route. Here’s an overview of the permits required for different trekking regions in Nepal:

1. Everest Region:
   • Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit: Required for all trekkers entering the Everest region. This permit can be obtained from the Nepal Tourism Board office in Kathmandu or at the park entrance gate in Monjo.
   • Local Area Permit (Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality): In addition to the national park permit, trekkers heading to specific areas within the Everest region, such as Everest Base Camp or Gokyo Lakes, may need to obtain a local area permit. This permit can be obtained at the Monjo Checkpoint.
2. Annapurna Region:
   • Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP): Required for all trekkers entering the Annapurna Conservation Area. This permit can be obtained from the Nepal Tourism Board office in Kathmandu or at entry checkpoints along the trekking routes.
   • Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) Card: Until recently, all trekkers in the Annapurna region were required to obtain a TIMS card. However, as of 2020, the TIMS card system has been replaced by a new trekking information management system, and the requirements may vary. Trekkers should check the latest regulations.
3. Langtang Region:
   • Langtang National Park Entry Permit: Required for all trekkers entering the Langtang National Park. This permit can be obtained at the park entrance gate in Dhunche or Syabrubesi.
   • TIMS Card: Similar to the Annapurna region, trekkers may be required to obtain a TIMS card or comply with the new trekking information management system regulations. It’s essential to check the latest requirements.
4. Manaslu Region:
   • Manaslu Restricted Area Permit: Trekkers planning to trek in the Manaslu Conservation Area, including the Manaslu Circuit Trek, must obtain a special restricted area permit. This permit is issued by the Department of Immigration in Kathmandu or through authorized trekking agencies.
5. Upper Mustang Region:
   • Upper Mustang Restricted Area Permit: Trekking in Upper Mustang requires a special restricted area permit due to its status as a restricted area. This permit is issued by the Department of Immigration in Kathmandu or through authorized trekking agencies.

Physical Fitness:

Before we do any kind of Adventurous tour we should go on the depth of the activities. Nepal is the Paradise of the mighty Himalayas. Most of the Trekking trails in Nepal are not easy and better to grab certain ideas about the trekking information from the website or directly contact the trekking agencies in Nepal. They are always ready to answer your questions. Here is the certain pointwise information about trekking in Nepal which helps you to complete your holiday successfully and memorable with a lifetime experience.

Many people have questions as to what level of physical fitness is required for trekking in Nepal and that is extremely reliant on what activity the visitor is engaging in Nepal With that said, for a standard easy trek to Extreme hard level of trekking. The daily activity (trek) would be 5-6 hours,(depend on the trekking trail) and elevation will generally not exceed 5,600 meters like Everest Base Camp, Throng la passes, Chola pass trek and other passes or Base Camp but some of them are less than 4000m. The trekking day is involving both long steep climbs, and descents with a variety of terrain underfoot from well-trodden paths, to rocks covered with ice or snow, depending on the season. Mostly a day would include a number of climbs or descents of 600 meters more or less, starting after the early morning breakfast, resting at a lunch place in the afternoon, then continuous trekking until arriving at the teahouse.

In preparation for trekking in Nepal, it is important, to begin with, the basic training requirement at least 2 months before departing for trekking in Nepal. Two to three hours of aerobic exercise like running, walking, swimming, cycling & some gym work per week is the minimum and most will find it beneficial to add some basic strength training to their physical fitness routine required for the hard trekking and for normal and easy trek just have some physical fitness is enough. One of the best ways to prepare is to take practice hikes with a daypack roughly the same weight as what you will be taking during the trek. Your calf should be enough fit and prepare for trekking. Mostly during the trekking calf painting or tired is the main issue. Do this only after a baseline of fitness has been reached. Moving fast is not our goal, will provide a more enjoyable and safe adventure trekking in Nepal for all easy and hard level.

Trekking Seasons in Nepal:

There are main two seasons in which Nepal where the most amount of visitors visit. (September, October & November) being the most popular season which is also called the peak season in Nepal, and spring (March, April & May) coming in close behind which is also called the mini-season in Nepal. The summer months of June, July, and August are the monsoon season and most of the time raining as such the trails are mostly washed out sometimes, and roads can sometimes be impassible due to landslide activates. Nevertheless, you can trek to rain-shadow regions like Upper Dolpo Shey Gompa Trek, Lower Dolpo Trek, and Upper Mustang Trek during the monsoon seasons. Nepal is a suitable destination for all seasons.

Winter is very dry & extremely cold and all the high passes become inaccessible due to ice and snow conditions. The temperature doesn’t usually fluctuate during the day time temperature is around 20-25 degrees. However, you gain altitude the temperature decreases. The temperature can drop to around 0 to -25 degrees at night when staying at tented camps in the Himalayan regions. Winter trek in higher altitudes is not advised due to the danger of avalanches and also altitude sickness. Although some may enjoy the sight of the snow-covered mountains as you reach your destination.  However, the temperature does not change as much in lower mountain regions the nights are slightly colder than days’ time.

Autumn & Spring is the best timing for trekking in Nepal because the weather is generally warm and dry, and flowers are in bloom in the lower elevations of the country on the same time you can see the many festivals during that period.

Trekking Day:

A typical trekking day begins with the early morning breakfast around 7 am in the hotel. (Depend on the trekking region). It would advise you to pack your trekking gears in a duffle bag and essential supplies in your day pack after having breakfast; we begin the trek and head along the trail at around 8 am. The morning walk is more energetic to be longer as we begin with refreshed bodies and enthusiasm.  A good morning’s walk, we make a stop for lunch at around 11-12 pm. The lunch involves group meals enjoying the vicinity around the stop & enjoys the organic & local food in the mountain. After resting for about an hour or two, we resume our trek to reach the teahouse or camp by 2-3 pm. The afternoon walk is relatively shorter and can involve games and side trips as organized by the trekking experienced guides. You also can enjoy breaks during the trek to relax, read, and stroll around the area or doing yoga. You can explore with the local people and observe their lifestyle & culture. Dinner is served around 7-8 in the evening to round off the day.

Meals and Accommodations:

During the trekking period, the accommodation is commonly referred to as teahouses. These are family-run basic lodges that fill the role of the restaurant, Dining hall, and boarding house for tourists. Now a day’s electricity can be found in the rooms, which means one light bulb, and one or two outlets for charging electronics. The common areas are also lit by electricity. Alternatively, teahouses may also use solar, hydroelectric, or have electrical lines running into the village, so the commonality and availability of electricity may vary. Still, a few of the trekking route electricity service is not available. Use the local traditional kerosene light.

Most of the teahouses have private rooms, though if the trek is in a more remote or high altitude place there are limited teahouses so season time dormitories are the norm. Most of the room has 2 single beds with basic bedding, and the bathroom is shared. Some of the places we can get the private bathroom also with a mix of western and squat style toilets in the bathrooms.

Breakfast and dinner are taken at the same teahouses and these lodges have large family-style dining rooms centered on a stove or coal to provide heat basically in mountain areas. Most of the area’s menu will have Nepali-style western foods such as Pancake, pizza, Burger, Tibetan bread, Musli, fries, etc. Also on the menu is the traditional Nepali food Dal Bhat set. This is a lentil soup with rice, vegetable, Pickle, or meat curry. Most menus will also offer a smattering of local cuisine.

Internal Flight Delays:

Nepal is an incredible and beautiful country mixed with the White Mountains, deep valleys, Landscape, rivers, and green rolling hills. With this incredible diversity of landscapes, road travel can be extremely time-consuming and flights within Nepal to reach popular trekking destinations is the easiest way. Not all the trekking destination has flight service, so road transportation is the only option. Mountainous terrain also comes with the possibility of in-climate weather. It mentions the incredibly high number of visitors during peak seasons makes internal flight delays a genuine possibility. To manage this situation, it may be helpful to have a few extras days on either end of your tour. If any cancellations or flight delays do occur (high chances of flight delays from around Kathmandu to Lukla, Everest region, Pokhara to Jomsom, Annapurna region), we also provide services to arrange chopper on the last stage to help you to be on your schedule on the premises of Civil Aviation Rules in Nepal which state that helicopters can fly if the visibility is 1500m. The cost ranges from USD400 to USD650 according to the number of passengers. The payment can be made either to the helicopter company or to us directly and can be made either by cash or using a credit card. It will be beneficial to purchase and review your insurance, the insurance companies may cover some of the alternative measures of travel. Flight insurance may cover changing your international flight if it is necessary.

Travel Insurance:

Most expeditions, Adventurous trekking, and tours require that travel insurance and it is purchased prior to arriving in Nepal, but other normal treks and tours may not require it. However, travel insurance is definitely an important consideration. There are a number of reasons to consider insurance. Firstly, it may be required, so check to see what is being asked for by the company. Second, Nepal is a landlocked country, and there are only a few direct flights. Travel in and out of the country can encounter some disruptions if purchasing insurance, make sure flight delays and cancellations also included. Always choose insurance that, though every safeguard is in place during your Holiday, there are always extenuating circumstances that may result in an accident during trekking & tours. Read carefully printout of insurance policies to ensure that the trekking or any other activity you are engaging in is covered or not, as some policies have stopped covering trekking in certain places. If you are going above 5000 m or high always mention the policies so it’s cover the chopper service in the last condition. It is very important that if you have the comfort of good insurance, so do the research and choose carefully which makes your trip relaxing and joyful.

Nepal Visa Entry Procedure:

There is only one International airport which is the Tribhuvan International Airport in Nepal. Immigration Office, TIA (Tribhuvan International Airport) under the Department of Immigration has been facilitating tourists flying to Nepal by providing visas on Arrival.

The ‘On Arrival’ visa procedure is very quick and simple. October, November, March, April can expect some queues during peak Tourist season and October is basically the Nepalese got the Main festival Dashain. You can also get Visa from Nepalese Diplomatic Missions stationed abroad prior to your arrival. The choice is yours.

Visa obtains from Nepalese Diplomatic Missions, and then you must enter Nepal within six months from the visa issued date. Your total stay is counted starting from the day you enter Nepal.

Visas obtained on Arrival at the Entry and Exit points are ‘Tourist Visas’. They bear multiple Re entry facilities. Tourist Visa ‘On Arrival’ is the only entry visa to Nepal. If you are visiting Nepal for purposes other than Tourism (sightseeing, tour, travel, mountaineering, trekking, visiting friends and families), you should still get a ‘Tourist Visa’ to get into the country. However, you must change the category of visa as per your purpose and length of stay in Nepal from the Department of Immigration by producing the required documents.

Please click below for the online Visa form.

http://online.nepalimmigration.gov.np/tourist-visa

The following visa rules apply for tourists:

For 15 days Multiple Entry Visa, the visa fee is US $30 or equivalent foreign currency.

For 30 days Multiple Entry Visa, the visa fee is US $ 40 or equivalent foreign currency.

For 100 days Multiple Entry Visa, the visa fee is US $ 100 or equivalent foreign currency.

According to the immigration regulations, a tourist is allowed to stay in Nepal only for 150 days a year. You can extend the visa up to another 90 days.

US$ 2 or equivalent Nepalese currency per day for extension.

Additional US$ 25 or equivalent Nepalese currency on visa fee, if Multiple Entry facility is required for the extended period

For more details please visit our FAQ link

https://himalayanadventuretreks.com/faq/

Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS):

Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) is usually seen in un-acclimatized people shortly after ascent to high altitudes. The condition occurs due to the thinning of air as the altitude increases. The condition, if not taken seriously and treated immediately, can be life-threatening and its symptoms can be seen generally above 3200 meters. The symptoms of Acute Mountain Sickness are nausea, vomiting, tiredness, shortness of breath, and cerebral pain. The itineraries are designed to properly acclimatize you to the change in high altitude climate and sufficient precautionary measures too are taken to take utmost caution for our valuable guests. Our staff also equipped with cell phones and satellite phones (Option) in the occurrence of any emergency cases. We are greatly driven to keep the safety and security of our clients as our foremost concern.

Drinking-Water:

Water is essential for life, and clean water is imperative while on holiday. When visiting less developed countries like Nepal it is a concern that all travelers should consider. There are few options when trekking or traveling in Nepal that will mitigate any chances of drinking contaminated water. The first consideration to take into account is that tap water should not be ingested. That even means when brushing your teeth in an urban area. Most will choose to buy bottled water and if doing so make sure the cap has sealed properly. Plastic bottle reuse is a big problem, and with that being said there are other options on the market to assist in making water drinkable. Mountain spring water is drinkable but if you use the purified tablet. The conservation area project also sells this tablet to most of the trekking area. A guide will assist you to find out it also.

Arrival Instruction:

Upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) Kathmandu Nepal, our company representatives are stationed to welcome you to the country. We request you to carefully look for your and company name placard being held by our representatives following the events upon landing. Our representatives will be responsible to escort you up to your hotel in Kathmandu. There are many brokers, Taxi drivers, and troublemaker people offering you to carry your luggage and take you to your destination as you exit from the gate. We request you to pay no attention to these people and follow the company representatives and follow their instructions.

How to Book Your Tour:

Before booking any tour or trekking please read all the terms and conditions thoroughly and call or email the company representative with any questions prior to making any payments. Begin by filling out a booking form and pay the non-refundable deposit. Fill out the form completely and if any confusion contacts the company person so as not to disrupt the expediency of the process. The form may be submitted online or by downloading the form and mailing or Whatsapp the form to your company representative.

It is very important to understand all aspects of the chosen trip, from what’s included and excluded, to the level of service, or even what trip may be right for your level of experience and fitness. Take the time to get all the questions answered so that when booking the trip, it is without trepidation.