One of the world's great
experiences is Trekking
in Nepal Himalayas. However, before embarking on the trek, whether
alone or in a group, independently or with a team of guides and porters, there
are a number of things to consider.
To help your preparation and planning easier,
I've put up a list of 10 guidelines for trekking in Nepal that
cover the majority of the essential information you'll need before embarking on
one of the Himalayan treks. I've also included a few pointers that can help you
plan a walk that is environmentally friendly and respectful of local
traditions.
1. Know your own ability and experience
It's
critical to be conscious of your personal abilities and experience before planning
your trek in Nepal. Don't get too carried away. What paths you choose,
your schedule, and whether you take a guide or porter, or both, or neither,
will be determined by your level of trekking experience and fitness.
In Nepal,
there are treks for people of all abilities. It's crucial to pick one that
matches your expertise and fitness level for your safety and enjoyment. The
Tamang Heritage Trail, for example, is a lower-altitude, easier-to-do walk in
the Langtang region. Or Annapurna Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek is a
popular, short climb in the Annapurna region that offers spectacular views of
the mountains.
2. Prepare for all weather and trail conditions
In the
mountains, it's an ancient adage that you can never predict the weather. Not
only from year to year, but even from day to day, the Himalayas are famously
difficult to forecast. In terms of weather forecasting, your standard weather
app will not suffice.
Nepal
Travel Information you plan your trip ahead of time, it's difficult to
predict the weather for a specific month. The ideal months to hike
in Nepal, for example, are October-November and March-April, but even
this isn't always correct from year to year. When I went trekking in
Nepal in 2022, they'd had such a bad winter that even in March and
April; several of the high passes were still impassable.
Either way, you should be
prepared for all weather conditions on the trek for your own comfort and
safety. Some of the essential trekking gear you should take with you include:
i. Down jacket
ii. Thermals for nights and early mornings
iii. Merino wool t-shirt for when the sun is out
iv. Rain jacket for rain and snow
v. Gaiters can help prevent snow from getting into your boots
vi. Water-proof hiking boots
vii. Trekking poles can help you navigate through deep snow
viii. Rain cover for your backpack
3. Don’t underestimate altitude… and drink a lot of water
Altitude
isn't fun, and it can wreak havoc on even the most impenetrable of egos. Anyone
can be affected at any time, and just because you've been to a similar height
before doesn't indicate you'll be alright the next time. Even individuals who
are physically fit will experience the impacts of altitude; the question is to
what extent.
Shortness of breath and a
slower walking pace is common (unless you've spent a lot of time at altitude
before), and some people may also acquire a headache or feel queasy. The
typical symptoms should pass with time, but if the headache and nausea worsen
or do not go away, you should stop ascending.
4. Don’t overpack
Even if 15kg
seems OK in Kathmandu, it won't feel so good 4000 meters up a severe climb.
Even though it's not in your nature, it's recommended to just bring half of
what you think you'll need and attempt to be a real minimalist. The extra
pleasures may appear to be a good idea at the time, but your legs and back will
not appreciate you later.
Teahouse excursions
require little more than a sleeping bag and some clothing. For teahouse treks
lasting up to two weeks, I was able to fit all I required into a 30L daypack.
Most days, I wore the same outfit and had very few toiletries and a few snacks.
5. Leave no trace other than footprints
With so much
foot traffic on some of the trails, you only have to peer over the edge or
behind a teahouse and it will often reveal a rubbish dump left behind.
Unfortunately, the popular Everest Base Camp is left with literal tonnes of
rubbish at the end of each climbing and trekking season. It doesn’t mean you
shouldn’t trek there, but it means you should be aware of your consumption and
do your bit to leave no trace.
6. Respect the local culture
The local
culture can differ depending on where you trek in Nepal. For example, in
Langtang National Park, you’ll find the Tamang people, descendants of Tibetan
refugees. In Sagarmatha National Park, you’ll find the Sherpas, who have typically
lived on the lower slopes of the Everest region for generations.
7. Don’t expect luxury
If you’re
trekking on one of the more popular trails, you’ll most likely be staying in
teahouses along the way. They can all guarantee a bed, blanket, and hot food,
but don’t expect too much else. They provide essential services for
trekkers, often with the difficulties of living far from any nearby town.
8. Switch off and enjoy the Himalayas
Most people
go trekking into the Himalayas for good reason; which is to enjoy the physical
challenge and incredible landscape. And, although it’s commonplace to want to
share this with people on social media, part of the trekking experience is also
about completely switching off from technology and internet services to just
enjoy where you are.
9. Take enough cash
Another essential trekking tip for Nepal is to take enough cash with you. As expected, there are no ATMs along the trails in the Himalayas (except at Namche in Sagarmatha National Park). So that means you need to work out exactly how much money you’ll need and carry it with you the whole way. It can be difficult to work out how much you’ll need and of course, the general rule is to take too much rather than not enough.
10. Don’t forget your TIMS card, permits, and national park fees
One of the
most important tips for trekking in Nepal is not to forget about having the right
permits and fees before you leave. Each region and national park in Nepal has
different rules and it’s worth spending some time researching the latest
updates before you go ahead and hit the trails. Your Reliable Tour Trekking
Company in Nepal handles your permit, TIMS, and other necessary Paper
documents.
Planning to Trek in Nepal?
You can read some of my trek reports and guides for individual trails, including:
Annapurna Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek
TsumValley with Manaslu Circuit Trek
Chitwan Jungle Safari with Kathmandu Tour
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