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 Before 1951 Nepal was inaccessible to foreign tourists, and until 1964 to travel to this wonderful and mystical land, was exclusively for the hardy climbers and explorers of the unimaginable. In recent years with the advent of tourism programs and the linkage by air with the outside world, travels to this land of adventures became a possibility. In its immensely diverse and undulating topography, varied climate and mix of people combine to produce a magical attraction for outsiders. Many of these foreign visitors come to trek one or more of the many beautiful trekking regions now open by HMG.
To trek, one does not have to be bizarre, neither a mountaineer nor an athlete. Anyone with a pair of strong legs and the spirit for adventure will enjoy the thrills of trekking the hills of Nepal. Walking in the interior of the country follows ancient foot trails which meander through the scenic river banks, terraced fields and the forested ridges connecting picturesque hamlets and mountain villages.
For visitors on extended holiday, there is an even more varied spectrum of adventure-be it rafting on sparkling rivers, safaris in the jungles, trekking to explore deeper into the alpine valleys with perpetual snow and glistering glaciers. The more intrepid traveller may venture further up to scale any of the 18 minor trekking peaks.
WHAT IS TREKKING ?
To "Trek" in the Himalayas means to set off from a given town, village or air field and to wonder through fields and hamlets, along valleys and streams or up mountain slopes to any altitude at one's choice, but  usually not above 18,000 ft. (5,500m)Trekking- hiking along the trails that form the main links between Nepal's isolated villages and settlements is one the country's main attractions. The word trekking was almost unheard of in Nepal until the sixties but many of today's visitors came to Nepal solely to trek.
WHY TREK IN NEPAL ?
A trek in Nepal is a unique and unforgettable experience for a whole lot of reasons but four in particular stand out:
Scenery: Eight out of fourteen highest mountains in the world are in Nepal and if you want to see these up close, you must walk. While trekking you see far more than the mountains. You can walk from the tropical lowlands to alpine meadows and glacial moraines while in the spring Nepal's brilliant rhododendrons will be in bloom and you may see rare species of birds.
Diversity: The landscape of Nepal is almost continually inhabited. The majority of Nepal's population live, not in the cities, but in tiny villages. Even in the high mountains, small settlements on stone houses and yak pastures dot every possible flat space. Much of the fascination of a trek is derived from the opportunity to observe life in these villages, where people truly live off the land, using only a few manufactured items such as soap, kerosene, paper and matches. All of which are imported in bamboo baskets carried by bare foot porters.Trekkers pass through picturesque villages inhabited by Sherpas, Magars, Gurungs and Tamangs in the highlands and Brahmins, Chhetris and Newars in the lower altitudes. These are among the many ethnic groups which exist in Nepal.
People: Trekkers are always impressed by the friendliness of the people they meet along the local trails .The hill people particularly their traditional hospitality and fascinating culture, make a trek in Nepal a special kind of mountain holiday unlike any other part of world.
Safety: Not only is scenery interesting and ever changing but it can be seen in relative safety. Theft, robbery, assault all the problems of western civilization and many Asian countries are still relatively unknown in Nepal. There was a time a few years ago When even women could trek alone in Nepal. Unfortunately things seem to be changing and treks need to be more careful than they used to be. It is advisable to trek in groups of at least two persons and if possible with a porter or a guide. But this doesn't necessarily mean that you need to trek with an organized trekking agency in an expensive way.
Height: Trekking is not mountaineering but it is as well to remember that the Himalayas begin where other mountains finish. Whether you begin your trek at a roadbed or fly into a remote mountain airstrip, a large part of your trek will be in the middle hills region at an elevations between 1000 meters and 3000 meters but the trek to Everest base camp will reach 5545 meters. Most of the time you will remain with in the altitude range 1500 to 2000 meters. In this region, there are always well-developed trails through villages and across mountain passes. Even at high altitudes there are intermittent settlements used in the summer by erders, so the trails, though often indistinct, are always there. All trails are easily traversed without the aid of ropes or any mountaineering skill. There are rare occasions when snow is encountered, and on some high passes it might be necessary to place a safety line for your companions or porter if there is deep snow, but alpine techniques are almost never used on a traditional trek. Anyone who has walked extensively in the mountains has all the skill necessary for on extended trek in Nepal.
WHEN TO TREK ?
Although trekking in Nepal can be organized throughout the year, October through May are considered to be the best months for trekking. Summer months of the year which coincides with monsoon begins in mid-June and drains in mid-September making travel wet and warm. The mountain views may not be at their best as rain clouds and haze over hang the mountains occasionally obscuring the enchanting views. These times are blessed for the keen botanist as the higher valleys and meadows blossom with flowers and lush vegetation. During monsoon it does not mean that it will rain every day. Besides, some of the most frequented trails will not be crowded and some people like it that way. It can actually be enjoyed in the upper part of the Annapurna circuit around Marfa, Jomsom and Muktinath as the monsoon does not get in this trans- Himalayan area.Note :- It is recommended to carry insect repellent when trekking during summer months.
Autumn being the best season for trekking, affronts excellent weather and tantalizing mountain views January and February are noted for cold weather with occasional snowfall at higher elevations. Again, excellent views are common. These months are popular and ideal for trekking for those who are well equipped or who remain at lower elevations below 3,000 meters.
Late February brings spring in Nepal and offers exhilarating trekking for those who are interested in flowers, birds and natural grandeur. Different varieties of wild flowers, specially the rhododendrons make the hill side above 8,000 ft haunting paradise during this season.
April and May are the expedition season and the best time for climbing the high peaks. It is mildly warm at lower elevations but occasional haze mars beautiful view of mountains.At higher elevations over 4,000 meters the mountain views are excellent and the temperature is quite moderate even at night
TREKKING PERMITS
All visitors require a trekking permit to visit Nepal's interior regions not connected by major roads. Trekking permits are available from the Department of Immigration in Kathmandu (Tel: 494273, 494337) or Pokhara (Tel: 21167). Two photographs are required with the application. If you are trekking in more than one region, separate trekking permits are necessary for each region.
Trekking Permit Fees. The fee for a Trekking Permit is as follows:
Kanchenjunga and Lower Dolpo, - US$ 10 per week for the first four weeks and US$ 20 per week thereafter;
Upper Mustang and Upper Dolpo - US$ 700 for the first 10 days and US$ 70 per day thereafter;
Manaslu - US$ 90 per week for trekking during September-November and US$ 75 per week during December-August;
Humla (Simikot-Yari) - US$ 90 for the first seven days and US$ 15 per day thereafter;
Trekking permit is not essential for the general trekking areas such as the Annapurna, the Everest and the Langtang.
TREKKING ARRANGEMENTS:
There are different approaches to trekking in Nepal and the choice depends on time available, budget, experience and personal preference. Some of the travel agencies abroad in collaboration with the Nepalese trekking agencies book trekking packages for Nepal in advance. Trekkers who are alone or who do not have much time can book with these overseas agencies. One can also contact trekking agencies by mail, or contact them personally on arrival in Nepal. There are quite a few government recognised trekking agencies which have professional staff to handle trekking activities. A fully equipped trek primarily consists of essential logistical arrangements including porters, guide, cook, food, tents, sleeping bags, mattresses, transport to and from trekking starting points, flight arrangement, permits, staff insurance and so on. These agents also provide a choice of itineraries and necessary information on trekking health care etc. The cost of an all inclusive trek ranges from about US$ 25.00 to US$ 100.00 per person per day depending upon the quality of service, number of days and number of persons in the package. This style of trekking is relatively expensive compared to that of backpacking but a few extra dollars guarantees comfort and security, eliminates time consuming ordeal of organisation and ensure a trouble free holiday. There are limited areas where a back packing type of trek can be undertaken by an individual. A companion guide is helpful in the remote wilderness and is enjoyable to talk to on the trail. It is strongly advised not to employ freelance guides or the services of any agency not recognised by the government.
MEDICAL MATTERS & ADVICE
Trekking in Nepal need not be considered risky affair as far as your health is concerned. But very little medical care along the trail is available, so make sure you are physically fit and healthy before departing. In case of serious illness or injury, prompt evacuation to Kathmandu is the best remedy. Helicopter rescue service is extremely expensive. Neither the Nepalese government, your embassy or the trekking agency ( if you are trekking with one) is responsible for the bill. Rescue service are being provided by Himalayas Helicopters and Nepal Airways. Helicopter rescue services could cost as much as US $ 500 per hour and it normally takes about 2 - 3 hours for rescue flights in Everest or Annapurna area.
Take care of yourself along the trail by ensuring that water is boiled. Diarrhoea and headaches can be the curse for trekkers. So, bring appropriate medication and use them with caution. Sun burn can also be a problem at altitude, a barrier cream will protect your skin and good sun glasses are also necessary. Blisters are another problem for the trekker and adequate supplies of band aids are advisable. |
