TREKKING IN NEPAL INTRODUCTION Nepal is one of the most naturally beautiful countries in the earth attracts +200,000 trekkers every year. Trekking is one of the most popular activities in Nepal among tourists and adventure seekers. Thus travelers from all around the world bombard the streets of Kathmandu, Pokhara and other places with guides, organized tours and other trekking related activities. Nepal offers varieties of treks ranging from short treks of about five days to medium treks of about 12 days, to long treks of about 30 days for trekkers of a different taste.
ATTRACTION Nepal is a magical land where majestic white peaks touch the sky, mystical river appear to flow down the sky, large pasture lands, cultivated terraces, lush forests, colorful flowers decorate the scene for the viewers, and diverse wildlife is found. It appears as if Nepal as rich in nature itself seducing thousands of trekkers every year. Trekking in Nepal is famous for its stunning views, radiant culture, and epic adventure.
The Trekking in Nepal incorporates includes ethereal panoramas, interaction with diverse ethnic cultures and lifestyles, exquisite gorges, artistic waterfalls, classic valleys, and so on. These are the main attraction for the trekkers.
Nepal also has some of the most warming tea houses which provide the trekkers the best environment to rest and enjoy dinner after day-long tiring trek. The tea houses are built and equipped in such a way that it is as comfortable as possible for trekkers.
HOSPITALITY OF PEOPLE Inspired by the idea of “Atithi Devo Bhava,” i.e. guests are god, the hospitality shown by Nepalese to the trekkers is heartwarming imprinting the image of Nepalese people in their mind compelling them to visit Nepal again and again. Trekking in Nepal is not necessarily walking alone through the unknown wilderness. During the trek through well-specified trekking paths, you will come across hundreds of locals passing through each day carrying their daily activities that include hauling food, water and other odd necessities, as well as dozens of other fellow trekkers, will accompany you. The treks are managed in such a way that you will stumble upon regularly-spaced villages and teahouses allowing you to get rid of your tiredness and loneliness. Everywhere you go, every trek you go on, you are bound to be invited to stay at someone’s house or teahouse. Nepal’s hospitality is just awesome.
BEST TIME TO TREK Trekking in Nepal is possible and accessible any time a year; however most trekkers choose to trek between the two best seasons for trekking which are autumn and spring. If it is your first time trekking in Nepal to trek during one of these seasons. Though trekking is crowded during these seasons, the other conditions of trek such as climate, views, temperature, condition of roads are also good during these seasons. Autumn that lies in October to November is the most loved and desired trekking season in Nepal. During this time, you can enjoy elegant mountain views, beautiful sunny skies, comfortable mild temperatures with little precipitation, dry route, the energetic vibe from the environment and so on. The only downside is that during this season, the route is highly packed with trekkers and tea houses are thrived with customers causing even a shortage of rooms to rest for you.
Trekking above clouds Spring that lies in March to April is the second most popular time of year to trek in Nepal. This is the time when greenery is everywhere, and roads are filled with bushes, there are lush forests everywhere, giant rhododendron trees bloom across every hillside, you can hear beautiful sounds of birds and many more. The temperature is extremely pleasant and viewing the wildlife is also good in this season. The downsides of this season are first the trails are crowded with trekkers and secondly, the skies may be cloudily obscuring the view of beautiful clear skies. As already mentioned depending upon the intention of the trekkers, trekking in Nepal in other seasons except the above two is possible and rewarding. For the trekkers who enjoy the trek in solitude enjoy the offseason treks.
OFF-SEASON TREKKING IN NEPAL Winter that is seen in Nepal in the month of December to February is one of the offseason for trekking in Nepal. Only experienced trekkers having different intentions to trek like enjoying the unique views of mountains, enjoying solitude trek dare to trek. However there are lots of downsides such as temperature is extremely cold harboring the danger of frostbites, the trail to certain sites might not be accessible due to snowfall and so on. The monsoon that lies in the months of May to September, is also the least favored season for trekking. The condition during this season is highly unsuitable and
unattractive for the trekkers. There are chances of heavy downfall every day due to which the trails are slippery and dangerous. The environment is wet and damp and the problem of leeches, bugs and insects is highly prevailing which might be unbearing for trekkers not adapting the jungle life. There might also be problems with landslides making some of the sites inaccessible. However, this season is best for biologists and researchers who are seeking to study vegetation and wildlife.
POPULAR PLACES FOR TREKKING IN NEPAL There are lots of popular places for trekking in Nepal. Among these different places some of the treks that you cannot miss in your bucket list are as follows:
EVEREST BASE CAMP One of the most famous base camps in Nepal is the Everest base camp. It takes about 14 to 16 days to complete. The difficulty to trek to Everest base camp varies from moderate to difficult depending upon different factors such as your stamina, season to trek you choose, paths you choose to trek and so on. Just like the general best seasons to trek, the best time to trek to Everest base camp is also march to April & October to November. This trek has a lot to offer ranging from beautiful sunrise from Kala Patthar, lush greenery forests, beautiful mountain ranges and so on.
Trekking in Nepal
ANNAPURNA BASE CAMP Another popular base camp for trekking in Nepal is Annapurna base camp that can be conducted within 7 to 10 days. The difficulty to trek this base camp is moderate. This trek is fantastic for those trekkers who worries about the altitude and off-season trekking. This trek provides you an opportunity to witness the art of nature in a short time.
ANNAPURNA CIRCUIT Annapurna Circuit is also a popular trekking site for trekkers that can be done within 12-16 days of time. The difficulty of the trek to the Annapurna circuit is moderate. The best time to trek this place lies in the march to April and October to November. The route takes through terrain in the Annapurna region allowing you to explore the rich natural and cultural diversity. The trek also bestows you an amazing view of various mountain ranges such as Annapurnas, Macchapucchre, Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, Langtang Himal and so on. The trekking ends at a max elevation of 5416m.
MANASLU CIRCUIT The Manaslu trekking circuit is a remarkable trek providing you an amazing view of mountain ranges present in Nepal-Tibet borders that can be done with 16 to 18 days. The trek possesses routes that take you around Mt. Manaslu the 8th highest mountain in the world. The difficulty of the trek ranges from moderate to difficult depending upon the route you choose and the weathers you choose to trek. The trek takes you through many difficult mountain passes and the trek ends at an altitude of 5115m at Larkya pass. The trail also takes you through diverse cultures of different ethnic groups. You travel through different Hindu traverses, Hindu, Tibetan valleys, and Buddhist monasteries. This trek also possesses restrictions demanding at least two trekkers accompanied by a Nepali guide. Without meeting the restriction condition, you cannot trek to the Manaslu circuit.
LANGTANG VALLEY TREK The Langtang Valley trek is one of those treks that is filled with natural and cultural diversities. This trek is famous for packing lots of scenic views, ethereal panoramas in a short period of time as it can be completed in 7 to 9 days. The trek that is considered moderately difficult provides the trekkers an opportunity to explore rich Tamang culture, beautiful landscape, gorges, waterfalls, vegetation, wildlife, forests, and so on.
Langtang valley trek is ideal for trekkers who are trying to avoid crowds and enjoy the natural beauty in solitude. The trek ends at a max elevation of 4984m at Tserko Ri. Though this place has suffered a big blow from the 2015 earthquake but still due to combined effort and hard work of people. The accommodations in this region are well managed and comfortable as it provides tea houses at multiple trekking points. Unlike the Manaslu circuit, this trek does not possess any restricted area.
UPPER MUSTANG Upper Mustang is one of those regions that provide us with centuries-old culture and landscapes due to its isolation from the world until 1992 because of cultural and geopolitical issues. The trek to this historic region can be completed within 10 to 12 days and the difficulty of the trek ranges from moderate to difficult. The trek consists of panoramic Himalaya views, 16th-century Buddhist monasteries, fascinating landscapes, semi-arid deserts and so on. Because of the natural ornaments, this place is the hidden paradise of Nepal. The culture though is old but is highly influencing by the Tibetan region.
Trekking above Himalayas The best time to trek to this region is May to October. The trek ending at an elevation of 3810m at Dhakmar consists of restricted areas demanding at least two trekkers with a Nepali guide and the permits to these restricted areas are expensive.
OTHER PLACES: There are also other popular places for trekking in Nepal. Some of the places are Everest Three passes loop, Gokyo lakes, Poon hill, upper Dolpo, Kanchenjunga base camp and soon.
THINGS TO PREPARE FOR ANNAPURNA BASE CAMP TREK As we are ready to trek to Annapurna base camp, there are few things required to be prepared beforehand to be comfortable during the trek.
1. HIKING CLOTHES You should pack hiking clothes that is necessary during trekking as they come in handy during trekking.
2. NON-HIKING CLOTHING It recommended to take on hiking comfortable clothes to wear at tea houses to keep yourself warm at night.
3. FIRST AIDS AND MEDICINES During trekking, it is natural that you suffer from bruises as well as diseases like altitude sickness and headache. So it is an recommendation to take a first aid kit and medicines like paracetamols and Diamox for those abnormal conditions.
4. MONEY It is wise to make some extra cash during trekking. Nobody knows what kind of abnormal condition we may have to deal, money is a great help during those cases.
5. SNACKS Tasty snacks are great means to replenish your energy and refresh your tiresome mood during the trek.