Nepal is a very popular destination among adventurous tourists. It offers some of the greatest trekking routes in the world, welcoming thousands of enthusiasts every year. Trekking to the mountains in Nepal can be a very rejuvenating experience with many thrilling activities you can do during your stay. However, trekking in the remote land of the Himalayas for weeks is definitely not an easy job and there are a lot of preparations you need to do. This article hopes to give you a complete guide about things you should know before booking your treks to Nepal.
Find the best trekking route
If You have only heard about the Everest base camp trek then you don’t know much about Nepal. There are actually many trekking trails in Nepal and those trekking routes have different durations, difficulty levels, cost, and modes of transportation. Even before you think about booking your treks, you need to do detailed research about different trekking routes and find the one that suits you best. For example, if you only have a week in Nepal, then Everest View Trek might be better for you than Everest Base Camp Trek.
Trekking Season
Trekking in Nepal to a higher altitude means dealing with a lot of uncertainties in the weather. You cannot just pack your bag and ride to the mountains any time you like. Autumn and spring are the best times to visit Nepal. During September and October, the sky is very clear and the mountains shine at their best. You can see the beautiful Himalayas, even from cities such as Kathmandu and Pokhara. Another great time for treks in Nepal is spring (April, March, and May) when the wildflowers are blooming throughout the trekking trails and the weather is also bearable.
Winter in the mountain means very harsh weather with temperatures dropping below -20°C. Winter trek in Nepal is only possible for lower altitudes such as Ghorepani and Poonhill. Also, summer, which basically means monsoon is also not a good time for trekking in Nepal. However, if you must come in summer, then you should plan for semi-arid land such as Manang and Mustang as your destination.
Preparations for the trek
If you never have the experience of hiking, you cannot just pack your bag and start the trek to 5,000 m above sea level. Firstly, you need to go for some short hikes in your home country and prepare your body for such demanding physical activity. Cardio exercises such as cycling and swimming are also helpful for the trek. You can also join a gym a few months before the trek and prepare your body to walk for 6 to 7 hours each day. If you do not have time for such long preparations you might have to book an easier and shorter trek or take a helicopter tour to Everest instead of long hikes.
Permits and Documentation
Other than the visa to Nepal, you will also need different kinds of trekking permits for different trekking trails in Nepal. For example, some of the most beautiful areas such as the Manaslu circuit trek that has the rawest natural beauty and culture fall under the restricted reason for trekking. If you are trekking in a restricted region, then you must book your trek with a travel agency (like Himalayan Masters) in advance, be in a group of at least two people, and have a good experienced licensed guide to accompany you.
Other more popular trekking routes do not compulsorily need to have a trekking package but you will need a licensed guide to accompany you. You also need some kind of permit from the government. Moreover, if you need to pass any conservation area or national Park on the route, you will have to pay a certain charge to enter the National Park. The search permit for trekking in Nepal is specific and you can find the information about it online.
Altitude Sickness
Do you know that altitude sickness is the most common illness for people hiking in the mountains and also the main reason for them to stop the trek? Since the level of oxygen above 4000 masl is low it’s hard for trekkers to breathe at such altitude. The best way to avoid altitude sickness is to gain altitude slowly and cover only a small distance at a time. So, while booking your trek you must ensure that you have a few rest days in your Nepal trek Itinerary.
Prepare for the wilderness
Although most treks in Nepal are tea house treks; you get to stay in a small local Guest House and enjoy warm food; the facilities here are quite basic. The rooms are often very cold and you need to carry your own sleeping bag and bed sheets. The restroom might not be very clean or there might be an Indian seat in the washroom. You might not always get to have a warm shower at the end of the day or that might charge you extra money. Getting your phone charged or having a WiFi signal in your phone is also a challenge. So, be prepared to be detached from social media for a time, and don’t expect the facilities to be very comfortable or luxurious. This train is supposed to be rejuvenating, not luxurious.
Remember that trekking in Nepal can be physically demanding, but it’s also a rewarding and unforgettable experience. Proper preparation, including research, training, and planning, will contribute to a safe and enjoyable journey.