Nepal Trekking, Trekking in Nepal, Trek Nepal, Nepal Treks, Trekking in Himalaya, Trekking Holidays in Himalayas, Trekking Grade, Trekking Style in Nepal

Trekking in Nepal

Trekking in Nepal will take you through a country that has captured the imagination of mountaineers and explorers for more than 100 years. You will meet people in remote mountain villages whose lifestyle has not changed in generations. Most people trust foreigners. Nepal is one of only a handful of countries that has never been ruled by a foreign power. Many of the values associated with a hiking trip at home do not have the same importance during a trek in Nepal. Isolation is traditionally a crucial element of any wilderness experience but in Nepal it is impossible to get completely away from people, except for short times or at extremely high elevations. Environmental concerns must include the effects of conservation measures on rural people and the economic effects of tourism on indigenous populations. Even traditional national park management must be adapted because there are significant population centres within Sagarmatha (Mt Everest) and Langtang national parks.

Trekking does not mean mountain climbing. While the ascent of a Himalayan peak may be an attraction for some, you need not have such a goal to enjoy a trek. As far as most people are concerned, trekking always refers to walking on trails. While trekking you will see the great diversity of Nepal. Villages embrace many ethnic groups and cultures.

Grade
Style
Trekking Season
Altitude sickness

Nepal offers trekking possibilities for everyone – from novices to hardened adventurers. However, trekking grade is difficult to determine precisely. The level of fitness and prior experience play important roles to assess future treks. Still, trekking routes in Nepal have been graded based on the length, altitude, remoteness, walking conditions, weather and other factors. Please note that there are at least two types of grading itself. Some divide the routes into three grades, and others in five grades.

The best use of grading can be made to compare different trek routes. Remember that all trekking demands some physical efforts.

We present here four types of most common grading system:

Grade 1 - Easy:
Daily stages of 5 to 6 hours along good passable trails. Differences in altitude of up to 800m, below 4000m. Night temperature can drop below freezing point.
Grade 2 - Moderate :
Daily stages of 4 to 7 hours a day. The trails are usually well passable but some high altitude passes above 4000m can be steep. Possible snow on the high altitude passes can put your endurance to the test. A good condition is recommended.
Grade 3 - Strenuous :
Treks of more than 15 days with daily stages of 4 to 8 hours. Differences in altitude of up to 1000m, below 4000m. One or more high altitude passes above 5000m. Most night's temperatures below freezing point. Sometimes-difficult camping sites. A good condition is a requirement.
Grade 4 - Technical:
Treks and climbs of more than 15 days. Walking on very difficult grounds, basic mountaineering skills required. Nights at very low temperature. A strong resistance and a very good physical condition are required.
Grade 6 -Tough or Alpine:
Most adventurous high altitude trekking, crossing one or more passes of over 6,000 meter of altitude. General knowledge of mountaineering required. Nights will be very cold, daily 4-8 hours of walk at mountaineer's pace.

This classic style of trekking are especially conducted in remote areas of Nepal supplying all camping equipments along with the food and employ porters to carry your gear and sherpas to set up tents where you will be sleeping and well- trained cook will prepare hot meals to serve you. You carry your small backpack with a water bottle, camera
Nepal Camping Trek :
This classic style of trekking are especially conducted in remote areas of Nepal supplying all camping equipments along with the food and employ porters to carry your gear and sherpas to set up tents where you will be sleeping and well- trained cook will prepare hot meals to serve you. You carry your small backpack with a water bottle, camera and your day clothes. As a guide I take care of everything, I employs the appropriate number of porters to carry all equipment, trekking gear and lead the whole crew.

In a typical Camping Trek day starts around 6 a.m. with a cup of hot tea brought to your tent, along with a bowl of hot water for your morning wash. Breakfast will be laid on the table consisting of porridge, toasts, eggs, pancakes and tea/coffee. During breakfast we staffs will pack the tents so please have your bags packed before breakfast. After breakfast by 7’ o’clock everyone should be ready to start walking. The reason for this early is to take advantage of the cool morning when walking is easiest; also the morning air is very clear, allowing a better view of the mountains than at other times of the day.
Nepal Tea House Style / lodge Trekking :
This type of trekking is popular in the certain regions of Nepal where lodges are available. Particularly in the Everest Region. Annapurna Region, and Langtang Region . In these areas one can trek with a bare minimum equipment and rely on lodge. The basic idea of trekking is same; Here are the services that I provide on tea house treks:

Here the porters carries client's gears and I will be accompany with you as a guide during the day. We sleep in the available lodges on the trails and eat hot meals according to the lodge menu and I take care of all the arrangements. Every day, trek start between 7 to 8 am. Before that we provide you hot water to shower and hot drinks tea/coffee/hot chocolate with Breakfast. Lunch provide between 11 to 12 am and day end.

Obviously this trek will also provide equal opportunity to enjoy the views of the nature and culture. The Camping Trek has richer service than Tea-House Trek because Camping Trekkers pay more for whole crew members.

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.

Often known as Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) is particularly a important medical consideration while trekking in Nepal. Altitude sickness means the effect of altitude on those who ascend too rapidly to elevation above 3000 m.

The initial symptoms of AMS are as following :

Nausea, vomiting
Loss of appetite
Insomnia / Sleeplessness
Persistent headache
Dizziness, lightheadedness, confusion,
Disorientation, drunken gait.
Weakness, fatigue, lassitude, heavy legs.
Slight swelling of hands and face
Breathlessness and breathing irregularity
Reduced urine output.

These symptoms are to be taken very seriously. In case of appearance of any of the above symptoms any further ascent should be reconsidered, otherwise more serious problem can occur which can even cause death sometimes within a few hours. The only cure for the altitude sickness is to descend to lower elevations immediately and it has no other cure or substitute. 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 pamphlet published by "Himalayan Rescue Association" consists of 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