Trekking in Nepal
WELCOME TO NEPAL!! - Land of Himalayas
Nepal is richest country in the world in terms of bio- diversity due to its unique geographical position and altitudinal variation. Nepal is a small landlocked country, 800Km long and 200Km wide. Longitudinally, the terrain changes from glaciers on the Tibetan border to the flat jungles of the Terai, barely 150m from sea level. Nepal is divided in to four parts geographically: The Terai, The Mid Hills, The Himalaya and The Trans Himalaya.
The south most region of Terai is an extension of the Gangetic planes of India. 47% of the total population stay in this region and encompasses the majority of the country’s cultivated land. The middle hills are home of 45% of total population. This is the home of the ancient ethnic groups of Nepal. The Kathmandu valley, Pokhara valley and Gorkha are in middle hills. Less than 8% of total population lives in the Himalayan region. Most of the villages sit between 3000m to 4000m although there are summer settlement as high as 5000m. Because of short growing season, crops are few and usually small, mostly consisting of potatoes, barley and few other vegetables. The trans-Himalaya region is like a desert region similar to Tibetian plateau. This area includes the valley of Mustang, Manang, Dolpo. The trans- Himalaya is in rain shadow of the main Himalayan range.
Trekking in Nepal
Nepal is richest country in the world in terms of bio- diversity due to its unique geographical position and altitudinal variation. Nepal is a small landlocked country, 800Km long and 200Km wide. Longitudinally, the terrain changes from glaciers on the Tibetan border to the flat jungles of the Terai, barely 150m from sea level. Nepal is divided in to four parts geographically: The Terai, The Mid Hills, The Himalaya and The Trans Himalaya.
The south most region of Terai is an extension of the Gangetic planes of India. 47% of the total population stay in this region and encompasses the majority of the country’s cultivated land. The middle hills are home of 45% of total population. This is the home of the ancient ethnic groups of Nepal. The Kathmandu valley, Pokhara valley and Gorkha are in middle hills. Less than 8% of total population lives in the Himalayan region. Most of the villages sit between 3000m to 4000m although there are summer settlement as high as 5000m. Because of short growing season, crops are few and usually small, mostly consisting of potatoes, barley and few other vegetables. The trans-Himalaya region is like a desert region similar to Tibetian plateau. This area includes the valley of Mustang, Manang, Dolpo. The trans- Himalaya is in rain shadow of the main Himalayan range.
- Nepal occupying only 0.1% of the total landmass of the earth is home to
- 2% of all the flowering plants in the world.
- 8% of the world’s population of birds (more than 848 species)
- 4% of Mammals on earth
- 11 of the world’s 15 families of butterflies (more than 500 species)
- 600 indigenous plant families
- 319 species of exotic orchids
Trekking in Nepal
Trekking in Nepal is an experience which creates an indelible mark on the minds of the trekkers. It can be as long or short, as easy or difficult as you desire. Trek trails in Nepal can be segregated into two types: those where you stay in small lodges or 'Tea House' and those which are fully organized. These treks are popularly called 'Camping Treks'. Himalayan trekkers usually follow the more popular trekking routes expedition. For a truly memorable trekking experience, one should head to Nepal.
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Trekking Style
The many possible ways of trekking can be categorized into two approaches: teahouse trek and Camping trek.
Teahouse Treks
Nepalese use the word "lodge" for sleeping place or hotel. Thus, in the hills of Nepal a "hotel" has food, but may not provide a place to sleep, while a "lodge" always offers accommodation. Many innkeepers specify the services they provide by calling their establishments "Hotel & Lodge". To avoid all this semantic confusion, most people use hotel, lodge and teahouse interchangeably. In reality you can almost always find both accommodation and food at any trailside establishment.
Camping Treks
This trek is assisted by a full Sherpa crew including a Sirdar (leader), cook and other helpers. Porters, Yaks, horses or mules are used for carrying luggage. It is the crew’s responsibility to cook and make and break camp, including leaving all sites clean. Food available on the camping trek will be a mixture of Western and Asian dishes with a variety of choice.
When to Trek?
The best time to trek in the popular regions of Annapurna, Everest and Langtang is from March to May offering better weather and trekkers can see superb wild flowers, particularly rhododendron blooming in the forests. Spring is warm and pleasant.
June to September is monsoon season and it rains almost every day, mostly in the evenings. The scenery is lush and green but trails become muddy.
Likewise, October and November is also the ideal period for trekking after the monsoon ceases. It is cooler with clear sky. December to February is also possible to do trek in the lowland Terai and Kathmandu valley rims. Winter months tend to be mild in the daytime with brilliant sunshine, but foggy in the mornings and can become very cold at night. However, at high altitudes the cold could be bitterer. January is the coldest month of the year in Nepal.
Trekking Grade
Each trek/tour has been graded to help you choose the holiday that suits for you.
Grade: Easy
Easy Grade involves trekking to altitudes around 3500m or less; it is relatively easy walking around 5 hrs/ 15 km per day, with the occasional longer walk. These treks can be enjoyed by anyone who lives
a reasonably active life.
Grade: Moderate
Moderate Grade involves some longer walks to altitudes around 4000m to 5000m; walking around 6 hrs/ 20 km a day. Some previous hill-walking experience is desirable including excursions or pass crossing up to 5000m.
Grade: Strenuous
Strenuous Grade requires a high level of fitness and experience. There will be ice axes, crampons, and in some cases, ropes used. Climbs however are non-technical. The altitude would be predominantly above 4000m with quite a few nights above 5000m. Some climbing experience and elementary knowledge of the use of crampons and ice axe are essential.
Trekking Equipments
Minimal Requirements
- Lightweight walking boots. "Walk them in" prior to arrival in Nepal to avoid blisters.
- A pair of lightweight/heavyweight trousers is useful higher up in the mountains in the morning and at night.
- 1-2 pair of loose fitting long shorts/skirts.
- 2-4 cotton T-shirts.
- 1 lightweight long sleeved-shirt is particularly suitable for avoiding sun burn.
- A sunhat and ensure it has wide brim to cover the face and neck.
- 2 pairs of thin and 2 pairs of thick woolen socks.
- Underwear: normal quantity
- Swimming suit
- Water Bottle
- Sunglasses and strap
- Toiletries with large and small towels.
- Small headlamp and/or flashlight/torch with spare batteries
- Personal medical supplies - don't forget band-aids and tweezers
- Army-knife and sewing kit
- Sun-screen, sun block, sun-tan lotion, zinc-oxide...
Winter Requirements
- Warm jacket. Fiberfill or down should be adequate. This is especially necessary during winter from December to February.
- Sleeping bag to -15 C or sleep sheet (if renting or agency supplied)
- Woolen shirts and thick sweaters. During winter months, December through February, These items are essential. Thick sweaters can be purchased in Kathmandu.
- Windproof/Waterproof trousers. Necessity on all treks going above 3,000 meters.
- Thermal underwear. These are excellent to sleep in at night. In the winter months thermal underwear are quite invaluable.
- A woolen hat to wear in the morning and at night. During winter it is an essential item.
- A pair of gloves. Leather with lining and woolen are best.
- Snow Glasses and strap
- Snow gaiters can be essential