The Nepal Himalaya has always been known as "The Abode of the Gods." Many histories, religions, cultures, traditions, legends, and myths emanate from the awesome Himalaya. The Nepal Himalaya harbors many holy temples, shrines, monasteries, and sacred lakes in the wild and remote parts of the region. These sites are frequently visited by pilgrims. It is a land of piety and stillness. The Himalaya is the youngest and highest mountain chain on earth. A full third of its stretches, the formidable Great Himalayan Range of 800 kilometers, lies within the Nepal Himalaya. It has a convergence of 1310 magnificent peaks over 6000 meters, including 10 of the world's highest 14 peaks over 8000 meters. Nestled in the shadows of these soaring summits unravel a profusion of lofty foothills, the home of the many Nepalese people. These verdant terraced hills meander down to lush green valleys with turbulent rivers and to the tropical lowland and jungles teeming with wildlife.
Many foreign visitors come to trek in one of the beautiful trekking regions. To trek, one does not have to be either a mountaineer or an athlete. Anyone with a pair of strong legs, and the spirit for adventure, will enjoy trekking in Nepal. Walking in the interior of the country, one follows ancient foot trails which meander along scenic river banks, intricately terraced fields, and the forested ridges connecting picturesque hamlets and mountain villages. These developed and well defined trails have been used for centuries.
For visitors on extended holiday and with fewer restraints there are even more opportunities for adventure - be it rafting on the sparkling rivers, going on safari in the jungles, or trekking to explore deeper into the alpine valley. The more intrepid traveler may venture further up to scale any of the 18 minor trekking peaks.
Trekking Seasons
Trekking in Nepal can be undertaken throughout the year. There are four distinct seasons in Nepal. Each season has its distinct attractions to offer. The seasons are classified as follows:
Autumn (Sept. - Nov.)
This season offers excellent weather and tantalizing mountain views.
Winter (Dec. - Feb.)
This season is noted for occasional snowfall only at higher elevations. Hence it is ideal for trekking at lower elevation, generally below 3000 meters.
Spring (Mar. - May)
Different varieties of wild flowers, most notably the rhododendrons, make the hillside above 5000 meters a haunting paradise during this season. It is mildly warm at lower elevations, and at higher elevations over 4000 meters, the mountain views are excellent and temperature is quite moderate.
Summer (June - Aug.)
Summer months, which constitute the monsoon season, continue up to mid-September during which trekking is wet and warm. These times are good for the keen botanist as the higher valleys and meadows blossom with flowers and lush vegetation. It is not recommend to trek during summer months.
Trekking Arrangements
There are different approaches to trekking in Nepal and the choices depend on time available, budget, experience, and personal preferences. Some travel agencies abroad, in collaboration with 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 upon arrival in Nepal. There are quite a few government-recognized trekking agencies which have professional staff to handle trekking activities. A fully-equipped trek primarily consists of essential logistical arrangements including porters, guides, cooks, food, tents, sleeping bags, mattresses, transport to and from the trekking starting point, flight arrangements, 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 - US$80 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 very expensive compared to backpacking. There are still many areas where a backpacking type of trek can be undertaken by an individual.
List of Clothing, Equipment, and Personal Effects
- Light weight walking boots. If new boots are purchased, "break them in" to avoid blisters. Also, bring some spare laces.
- A pair of track or tennis shoes. To wear in the camp at night or when your boots are wet.
- Warm jacket. Fiberfill or down should be adequate. This is especially necessary during winter from November to February.
- A rain proof jacket with hood or a poncho. Get one that is guaranteed waterproof.
- Woolen shirts and thick sweaters. During the winter months, December through February, these items are essential. Thick sweaters can be purchased in Kathmandu.
- A pair of lightweight / heavyweight trousers. Heavyweight trousers are useful higher up in the mountains in the morning and at night.
- Windproof / waterproof trousers. These are necessary on all treks going above 10,000 feet.
- Thermal underwear. These are excellent to sleep in at night. In the winter months thermal underwear are quite invaluable.
- A track suit. Useful for wearing in camp and in the tent.
- 1-2 pair of loose long shorts / skirts.
- 2-4 cotton T-shirts.
- 1 lightweight long sleeved - shirt is particularly suitable for avoiding sun burn.
- A woolen hat to wear in the morning and at night. During winter it is an essential item. Also, bring a sun hat and ensure it has a wide brim to cover the face and neck.
- A pair of gloves. Leather with lining or woolen are best.
- 1 pair of sandals to wear in the cities and in camp.
- 2 pairs of thin and 2 pairs of thick woolen socks.
- Underwear: normal quantity. Swim suit and cloth hankies.
- Duffel bag or kit to carry gear while trekking.
- Day pack. This is a small rucksack to carry personal requirements for the day e.g. toilet items, cameras, film, towel, soap, etc.
- Water bottle.
- Snow glasses and sunglasses.
- 2-4 large plastic bags to separate clean clothes from dirty ones. 6-10 smaller plastic bags to dispose garbage.
- Wallet and /or money belt with compartments for coins.
- Toiletries with large and small towels. Toilet paper can be purchased in Kathmandu and some villages in the mountains.
- Small head lamp and/or flashlight with spare batteries and bulbs. Candles and a lighter.
- Snow gaiters essential during winter.
- An umbrella (optional) which is quite useful to ward off dogs, suitable as walking stick, to use as a sunshade and useful when it rains.
- Reading materials, camera and film, game items (optional), notebook, rubber bands, pen and pencil, envelopes, a diary, a calendar, a pocket knife, binoculars (optional), a small pillow or headrest (optional), Thermarest (optional), an inflatable sleeping mat, trekking map, adequate quantities of passport photographs.
- Personal medical supplies.
Visas and Trekking Permits
Nepal extends visas to almost all nations' citizens. Indian nationals do not require a visa to enter Nepal. The Royal Nepalese Embassies or Consulates abroad and the immigration offices at entry points provide a sixty days visa upon the presentation of a valid passport, two passport size photos, and a payment of the equivalent of US$30 for Single Entry Visa and US$80 for multiple entry visa. Children below 10 years are exempted from paying the Visa Fee.
Free Visa for Tourists
From 06th August 2003 His Majesty's Government of Nepal has brought the free visa policy into effect for Tourists from SAARC Countries (India, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Maldives) as well as China. Likewise the Government has also waived the visa fees for any tourist entering Nepal for a period of three days, free visa for any national for re-entry, who have stayed at least 15 days and more in the country in a visa year (January - December).
Tourist Visa Extension
A tourist visa can be extended up to 120 days from the Department of Immigration in Kathmandu and Pokhara on request. Then after additional 30 days can be extended from the Department of Immigration on reasonable ground, which ensures one's departure from the country within 150 days in one visa year.
Tourist Visa Extension fee and additional late fee are as follows
- Visa extension without re-entry facility for 30 days: US $ 30 in equivalent Nepalese currency.
- Visa extension with multiple entry facility for 30 days: US $ 80 in equivalent Nepalese currency.
- One who has previously taken multiple re-entry facility in the same visa year will have to pay US $ 30 only.
Late fee for regularizing Tourist Visa.
- US $ 2 per day in equivalent Nepalese currency for the first 30 days.
- US $ 3 per day in equivalent Nepalese currency for the next 31 to 90 days.
- US $ 5 per day in equivalent Nepalese currency for more than 90 days.
Trekking Permit Fee
- Trekking permits are no longer required for general trekking in the Annapurna, Everest and Langtang regions.
- Lower Dolpa and Kanchanjunga - Equivalent to US$10 per person per week for the first four weeks and US$20 per week thereafter.
- Manaslu - US $75 per person per week, except September through November, which increases to US$90.
- Simikot - US $90 per person per week.
- Mustang and Upper Dolpa - US $700 per person for the first 10 days and US$70 per person per day thereafter.
Note: Trekking to Dolpa, Kanchanjunga, Manaslu, Simikot and Mustang can be undertaken through registered trekking agencies only.
Eight areas of Nepal have been designated national parks. They are Langtang, Rara, Royal Chitwan, Sagarmatha (Everest), Shey Phoksondo, Khaptad, Bardia, and Barun National Parks. Trekking in any of these national parks areas requires a park permit which can be obtained at the park entrance on payment of NRs1000.00 each. Similarly trekkers are required to pay NRs2000.00 for every trekker going into the Annapurna Region payable at the Immigration Offices. This fee is utilized for environment conservation and maintenance of the area.
The Department of Immigration (Tel: 222453 and 223590), located next to the Tourist Service Center building at Bhrikuti Mandap, issues trekking permit for tourists who intend to trek in any part of the country. Allow a full day to obtain the necessary trekking permits that you need.
Money Matters
Nepal has modern banking facilities and some international banks even have offices in Kathmandu. Almost all foreign currencies along with credit cards such as American Express, Visa, and Mastercard are accepted in Nepal.
All visitors are required to exchange their money through the bank or authorized agents. In Kathmandu banks with money exchange counters are found everywhere and most hotels also have exchange counters. These facilities to change money are quick and convenient. It is necessary to ask for receipts when money is changed. On the return journey, if one is left with Nepalese rupees they can be exchanged for 15% of the amount on these receipts into any foreign currency at the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. Remember to retain Rs. 700 for airport tax when departing on flights to SAARC Countries (India, Bhutan, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Maldives) or Rs.1000.00 for all other international destinations.
It is generally not possible to change foreign currency/travelers checks (except in Namche Bazaar, Jomsom, Salleri, Okhaldunga, Pokhara etc.) in the mountains. One must therefore change required money in Kathmandu before the trek starts. When cashing money for the trek, always ask for small denominations (ones, twos, fives, twenties and some in fifties and hundreds - never in five hundreds and thousands), and be careful about torn or damaged bank notes. The people in the village may not accept them.
Medical Matters & Advice
Trekking in Nepal need not be considered a risky affair as far as your health is concerned. Nevertheless, preventive measures such as a thorough medical check up 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. Various trekking guide books and the pamphlet published by the Himalayan Rescue Association give you detailed information and a complete list of medical supplies. These guide books are easily available in the book shops of Kathmandu. In case of serious illness or injury, prompt evacuation to Kathmandu (or Bangkok, Thailand if possible) is the best remedy. Modern dentistry is unknown in the hills of Nepal, so it is advised to have a checkup before departure from home. Tooth fillings sometimes loosen in cold temperatures and at high altitudes, so it is recommended to have them checked.
Fitness
All trekking demands a level of physical capability to put in a good day's walking, uphill and down. Most trekkers should avoid gaining more than 500 meters in altitude in one day above 3000 meters. There should be plenty of time during the day to cover this distance, so the physical exertion, though quite strenuous at times, is not sustained. The best preparation for trekking is cycling, swimming, jogging, squash, tennis, and long walks involving going up and down hills. Good physical conditioning will help for the maximum enjoyment of the trek.
Altitude Sickness
Altitude sickness, often known as Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), is a particularly important medical consideration while trekking in Nepal. Altitude sickness means the effect of altitude on those who ascend too rapidly to elevations above 3000 meters. The initial symptoms of AMS are as follows:
- Nausea, vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Insomnia/ sleeplessness
- Persistent headaches
- Dizziness, light headaches, confusion
- Disorientation, drunken gait
- Weakness, fatigue, lassitude, heavy legs
- Slight swelling of hands and face
- Breathlessness and Breathing irregularly
- Reduced urine output
These symptoms are to be taken very seriously. In case of the appearance of any of the above symptoms, any further ascent should be reconsidered; otherwise more serious problems can occur which can cause death, sometimes within a few hours. The only cure for the Altitude Sickness is to descend to lower elevations immediately. Acclimatization by ascending to no more than 300 to 500 meters per day above 3000 meters and the proper amount of rest are the best methods for prevention of AMS.
Literature and pamphlets published by Himalayan Rescue Association contains detailed information on AMS. The Central Immigration Office and all trekking agencies in Kathmandu distribute this pamphlet free of cost. Since these documents also give information on the list of suggested medical supplies for trekkers it is a compulsory item for every trekkers' medical KIT.
Medical, Rescue, Transport, and Communication Facilities on some major trekking routes:
Everest and Kanchanjunga Treks
A small hospital and an airstrip at Jiri , Phaplu and Khunde (Syangboche). Similarly a medical facility operated by HRA is situated at Pheriche. There are also radio stations at Chainpur, Khandari, Taplejung, Phiddim, Bhojpur, Terathum, Dhankuta , Dharan , Illam , Chandra-gadhi, Jiri, Namche Bazaar, Thayangbhoche, Pheriche, Lobuche and Salleri.
Helambu, Gosainkuda and Langtang
Modern medical facilities are not available in the Helambu area. For Gosainkunda and Langtang, there is a government hospital at Trishuli Bazaar and a dispensary at Dhunche. There is also a radio and television link to Kathmandu at Trishuli Bazaar. An airstrip is located near Kyangjin in Langtang Valley. The other two radio stations are on the Bhotekoshi at Rasuwa Gadhi on the Tibetan Border and in Dhunche.
Around Pokhara, Lamjung, Jomsom, Muktinath and Manang
Pokhara has an all-weather airport, good telecommunication network and a modern hospital . District hospitals are located in Baglung, Beshishahar and Jomsom. There is a Trekkers' Aid Post run by the Himalayan Rescue Association in Manang. Additionally there is a small government dispensary at Hongde and Chame. The headquarters of the Manang District, also serve both foreigners and locals. Airstrips are located at Jomsom, Hongde and Belawa of Baglung. There are radio stations at Chame, Kusuma, Baglung, Beni, and Jomsom.
There are radio stations at Gorkha and Besisahar. A government hospital is located in Gorkha. The United Mission to Nepal runs a hospital at Ampipal of Gorkha.
Jumla and Rara
Airstrips are located in Dhorpatan, Jumla and Simikot. There is a government hospital and a radio station in Jumla. A dispensary is run at Gumgadhi.