One of the most breathtaking experiences in the world is a trek in Nepal. A journey of a lifetime is made unforgettable by the breathtaking scenery, the majestic Himalayas, and the warmth of the Nepalese people. However, it's crucial to adequately prepare before doing a journey in Nepal. Trekking in Nepal may be difficult, and the degree of difficulty will vary depending on the trek's duration, location, weather, and amount of gear you will be carrying. Making a decision about which journey to take might be difficult given the abundance of options. So in this article, we will discuss about the main factors to consider when choosing a trek in Nepal.
Best Time for Trekking in Nepal
In Nepal, you may go hiking any time of year, although the two most popular times are in autumn and spring. We advise going during one of these peak seasons if this is your first experience trekking in Nepal. The trails will be busier, but we believe the advantages usually outweigh the drawbacks.
- Autumn (September, October, and November): In Nepal, this is the most well-liked trekking season. The best opportunity for clear mountain vistas, bright sky, comfortable temperatures, and no precipitation will be during this period. The drawback is that teahouse will be crowded, especially along the busiest routes, and you will have to share the path with hundreds of other visitors.
- Spring (March, April, and May): In Nepal, spring is the second-most popular season for trekking. Nepal's hillsides are covered in enormous rhododendron plants that blossom as the snowfall on High Mountain passes melts. This time of year is usually beneficial regarding temperature, and it's also an excellent time to see animals. The two primary drawbacks of spring hiking are crowded routes and the potential for cloudy skies, which can block off views of the mountains. However, as you gain altitude, cloudy skies become less of a problem.
In Nepal, trekking can be rewarding even outside of the busy tourist season. Prices are lower, it's less difficult to find solitude, and making friends with locals is simpler. However, hiking in Nepal outside the busy tourist season has some serious drawbacks, so be cautious when planning your trip.
- Winter (December, January, and February): Skilled winter visitors can discover clear days and stunning mountain vistas during the winter months. Nevertheless, it is important to keep in mind that extreme weather, shorter days, and sudden winter storms can all ruin trip plans. Due to excessive snowfall at high elevations, many well-traveled paths won't be open at this time of year.
- Monsoon/Summer (June, July, and August): Monsoon season is typically not a good time to go hiking. The trekking paths in Nepal are plagued by leeches and landslides during the monsoon season. Traveling across mountains is made highly difficult (if not hazardous) by the former, and it is disgusting and annoying by the latter. The mountains are frequently hidden by clouds during this time of year and the weather can also be hot and humid.
Trek Difficulty
Your experience, physical condition, pack weight, and weather conditions are just a few of the various factors that may affect how challenging your trek will be. In Nepal, there are several treks of various lengths and levels of difficulty to select from. Choose a hike that is appropriate for your level of fitness and prepare yourself appropriately before going on the hike.
There will be significant ups and downs even on non-technical (without ice axes, ropes, or crampons) trekking trips in Nepal. While there will undoubtedly be hard days and tired legs, Nepali treks are planned to allow plenty of time for relaxation and acclimation. While it won't be simple, most experienced hikers perform well on Nepal's trails, especially with proper preparation.
Another option for easing the difficulties of your walk is to use porters. You may hire a porter to transport bulky equipment, leaving you only just a modest daypack to carry. This solution significantly improves trail accessibility in Nepal. The number of individuals in their 50s, 60s, and even 70s that we encountered on the path astounded and inspired us.
Proper Preparation
Taking into account that you will have to walk for several hours every day on uneven terrain while carrying a bag that weighs at least 6 kg. You will need to start building up your stamina and strength a few months ahead of schedule. Plan a training routine that includes going up and down hills while carrying a backpack weighing 6 to 12 kg at least once every week.
Your legs and muscles will be better prepared for the hike with more hill training. It is crucial because your lungs cannot provide your muscles with enough oxygen at higher altitudes where there is less oxygen. Start working out, start weightlifting, and walk with your hefty rucksack to be fit if you want to successfully accomplish your trekking trip and avoid upsetting fellow trekkers. Even professional climbers prepare themselves for a task like this beforehand.
At the same time, keep in mind that preparing for trekking in Nepal includes a significant amount of mental preparation. It is a tough path with a high degree of difficulty that lasts many days, even if the rank of the adventure cannot be compared to climbing Everest. Be ready for everyday occurrences, constantly changing weather, and the high likelihood of altitude sickness.
Altitude Sickness and Remedies
To minimize altitude sickness during trekking in Nepal, follow this advice from our expert trekking guides and trip planners.
- Trekkers can get their bodies acclimated by hiking and ascending steadily. They may become exhausted as a result of too much rushed walking, and this might be a key cause of developing altitude sickness.
- You should hike as high as possible for your acclimatization rest and then return to a lower elevation for nighttime sleep. Proper Acclimatization rest not only helps to prevent altitude sickness but also aids the body in recovering exhausted muscles and adjusting to the shifting oxygen levels.
- During the hike, it is strongly encouraged that you do not consume alcohol or smoke. Alcohol, cigarettes, and tobacco use deplete the body's water reserves. It also slows down and makes you feel tired. It eventually leads to altitude sickness.
- Drink lots of warm water to avoid altitude sickness in high areas. Every half-hour of walking, you should drink 500 ml of water.
- During high-altitude trekking, many individuals lose their appetite and eat very little. It's quite risky. Increase your intake of liquid foods and avoid emptying your stomach. It's easier to avoid altitude sickness if you eat well.
- It's possible that a psychological factor has contributed to your illness. As a result, be ready and optimistic. Instead of dwelling on your bad thoughts, take in the beautiful environment. Maintain a pleasant attitude by conversing with your fellow trekkers or guide.
Travel Insurance
If you intend to hike in Nepal, Green Valley Nepal Treks strongly advises getting travel insurance. In actuality, you are not permitted to join any trekking excursion without adequate travel insurance. Since most trekking destinations in Nepal are quite remote, you may need an emergency evacuation, which may be extremely expensive. Make careful to get travel insurance that will cover high-altitude treks and helicopter evacuations in Nepal when making your decision. All payments for deposits are non-refundable, therefore be sure that cancellation of your trip is covered by your insurance policy. Fortunately, you didn't have to use your travel insurance, but just having peace of mind was well worth it.
Gears and Equipment
The following is a short list of essentials to remember to bring for your trekking journey in Nepal:
- Sunglasses, sun hat, woolen cap, or balaclava
- Inner and outer gloves
- Towel, flip-flop or rubber sandal, toiletries
- Rucksack or daypack (30 liters) with a waterproof cover
- Trekking pants and waterproof trousers
- T-shirts or shirts
- Down Jacket
- Wind/ waterproof light jacket
- Fleece jumper or jacket
- Headlamp, power bank, and extra batteries
- Sun protection cream, wet wipes, and hand sanitizer
- Inner Thermal (top and trousers)
- Socks and underwear
- Water bottles and water purification tablets
- Sleeping bag liner
Here are some more items to consider adding to your packing list: Recommended Packing List for Nepal Trekking
Trek Permits
The logistics will be handled for you if you are booking a trip through a trekking company. If you decide to go solo, you must get the necessary permits and pay any park or conservation fees prior to your hike. The Trekking Information Management System, or TIMS card, is required for all trekkers in Nepal. Before your trek, you may obtain your TIMS card and pay your park fees at the Nepal Tourism Board offices in Kathmandu or Pokhara. You can also have to pay for national park entrance fees or conservation costs. Depending on the location of your hike, you can get these in advance. For the Khumbu (Everest) area, a TIMS Card is no longer required. They are acquiring a Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit instead.
Nepal has a number of restricted locations that need special trekking permits. You must travel with a guide and receive permission via a recognized trekking service if you intend to visit one of these places. As of March 2017, Manaslu, Nar-Phu, Tsum Valley, Upper Mustang, Dolpo, Kanchenjunga, and Humla all require restricted-area permits.
Budget
The expense of a trek in Nepal might change based on a number of variables, including the trekking region, the season, the length of the trip, the number of participants, and the desired degree of comfort. Although it's hard to provide a precise estimate, one thing is certain: you want to be sure you are getting the most for your money.
You may be confident that you will receive the greatest service by picking a renowned trekking company, which will include knowledgeable local Sherpa guides, relaxing lodging, delectable meals, and secure transportation. One example of a unique package provided by Green Valley Nepal Treks is the 14-day Everest Base Camp trek, which begins at USD $ 1050. Flights, permits, knowledgeable native Sherpa guides, porters, and staff insurance are all included in this package, along with everything else you need for a wonderful adventure.
Although the price may seem excessive, keep in mind that this is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure that calls for a lot of planning, work, and resources. By making an investment in a guided trip with a recognized trekking company, you can be confident that you are receiving the finest experience while supporting the environment and the local population. Therefore, think about spending money on a guided walk with us if you want a trekking experience that will stick with you long.
Reputable Trekking Company
Experience and reputation are the most important factors to take into account when selecting a trekking company in Nepal. Choose a firm that has a solid track record of leading successful trekking trips and has a staff of skilled and qualified Sherpa guides. A trustworthy business will have a demonstrated history of guaranteeing the security and welfare of its customers. Check for suitable licensing and qualifications as well, such as being registered with the Nepal Tourism Board and having guides who have undergone training and certification. Don't merely go with the cheapest preference because doing so might jeopardize the fun and safety of your walk. Invest in a reliable and knowledgeable trekking company to guarantee a fun-filled trip to Nepal.
Conclusion
We recognize that planning a trek in Nepal, particularly if it's your first time, can be challenging. But don't worry, our staff at Green Valley Nepal Treks is here to assist you. We are committed to giving you all the information you require to make your trekking trip safe and pleasant. We are pleased to address any queries or worries you may have, from picking the ideal hike to acclimatizing to the altitude. So please don't hesitate to get in touch with us at any time and let us assist you in creating the trip of a lifetime to the magnificent Himalayas!