Nepal Trekking is a beautiful adventure and biggest way to explore and understand the language of mountains. Nepal is mesmerizing due to geographical diversity, natural beauty, and variety of indigenous cultures. Watching the breathtaking view of world’s highest mountain Mt. Everest (8848m) is a common dream of people around the world. Also, there are the highest Himalayan passes, gorgeous deep valleys, beautiful glaciers and high-altitude lakes- all of this amounts to an overwhelming experience for any trekker.
With 8 of the top 10 highest summits in the world and some of the most beautiful landscapes, Nepal Trekking is one of the unique experiences around the world. Nepal still doesn’t have proper road access to remote Himalayan peaks and passes. That is why you have little or no option but to trek. Trekking in Nepal today is completely different from that of the 1960s. Nepal offers a mesmerizing journey to beautiful landscapes and immerses with its warm people.
Here, you are suggested to go through the following list of 14 things to know before you go on trekking in Nepal:
1. Best Season for Nepal Trekking
The weather is probably the best guide for deciding when to plan your trip to Nepal. The best seasons for trekking is March-June and September-November when the weather is dry and warm. During these times, different varieties of wildflowers, especially the rhododendrons make the hillside a haunting paradise. Furthermore, the skies are usually clear and the temperature is bearable.
Although the skies are foggier and the rain begins in May-June. During the monsoon season, there is noted for occasional snowfall at higher elevations in the Himalayas. Though it gets colder in the night, often it offers the clear day / blue sky and relatively fewer trekkers on the trail.
It is monsoon from June to mid-September; during this time, it rains almost every day. But Mustang, Dolpo, Humla lies on the North side of the Himalayas and can be visited as mountains somewhat block the rain. Though the skies are cloudy and it rains occasionally, the Himalayas that are hidden behind the clouds can be visited. In mornings the skies may be clearer, but the views are still nowhere as good as during the trekking season. Landslides may block the trekking routes.
2. Is it expensive to go trekking in Nepal?
If you are thinking how expensive Nepal is then there are opportunities for both luxury and budget trekking in Nepal. Still, Nepal is considered the cheapest place to travel in the world. Though the cost depends on the remoteness of the region and what kind of transport you need to take, where you stay or where you visit. To be specific, Trekking in Nepal is way cheaper than other trekking nations. Matter of fact if you have taken trekking packages like the Everest Base Camp Trek then it will add to your budget. Some trek can be more expensive as it requires flights to and from Lukla. In general, trekking in Nepal is much cheaper than in many other countries.
3. Treks in Restricted areas
The trekking in the restricted area is available under strong rules and regulations. Trekkers need to obtain special trekking permits to trek to have trekking areas such as Dolpo, Upper Mustang, Manaslu, Tsum Valley, Nar-Phu, and Kanchenjunga require. As long as you hold a special restricted trekking permit, a TIMS card isn’t required. Those special trekking permits must obtain through a registered trekking company like https://www.leadnepaltreks.com/ which are obtainable only through Local trekking agencies. Also, you are not allowed to travel alone, which means you should have at least one guide or porter when trekking in restricted areas.
4. Is Trekking permit required to trek in Nepal?
There are few restricted trekking areas in Nepal, where trekking permits are required. A trekking permit is a must to travel to controlled areas. A TIMS (Trekkers’ Information Management Systems) card is a basic trekking permit you need for Nepal Trekking. You’ll also need trekking permits for specific areas, which can vary in cost based on the region. Conservation permit or National park permits are required for trekking regions in Nepal. Please visit our web site page that related your trekking regions. https://www.leadnepaltreks.com/ read more.
5. Layers are essential
The daytime temperature will be around 8-13°C, whereas the temperature drops as low as -12°C at night. So, you need to layers to go trekking at low altitudes. Having at least 5 warm layers is essential. It gets really cold in the mountains at night, bring some thermals and a beanie. You’ll want layers so you can easily lose a layer or two as you hike. While nights are cold, days can be pleasantly warm depending on the season.
It’s important to pack enough warm clothing. Be aware that tour groups will have porters available or if you hire a guide once you get to Nepal.
6. Necessary trekking gears
Make sure you travel with the proper trekking gear so that you’ll have a bit easier time getting up the mountains and comfortable place to sleep on your travels in general. Trekking gear list depends upon the season of your travel. The basic gears include Sleeping bag, Inflatable Sleeping Pad, day pack, lightweight hiking boots, waterproof boots, Camp shoes, a pair of sandals, hiking socks, windproof jackets, sunglasses, gloves, quick-dry underwear, headlamp, trekking poles, etc.
7. You should carry Nepali currency
It is necessary for you to carry Nepali rupees during the trek. Upon landing in Kathmandu from your respective country, you can exchange currency almost everywhere, including the airport. The currency of Nepal is the Nepalese rupee. However, U.S. dollars and Indian rupees are widely accepted. When paying with dollars, the default rate is often rounded down to US $1 = 127 rs. That makes the math easier, but you’ll lose a little on larger transactions.
It is necessary for personal shopping, tipping, etc. If you do not have a guide, it is better for you to exchange an amount of money which will suffice the whole trek.
8. There are no ATMs on the trail
You’ll want to bring enough cash with you to last your entire trek whether that be a couple of days or three weeks as not surprisingly, there are no ATMs out in the wilderness.
Be aware that some ATMs in Nepal have withdrawal limits of $130 so you may have to withdraw money a couple of times to get enough funds or find an ATM that has a higher limit. ATMs in Nepal charge a fee of $6 each time you withdraw money.
The amount of money you need is dependent on how long you’re going for and how high you’ll trek. The higher the altitude, the higher the prices for accommodation and food. For one person, budget around $30-$40 a day.
9. Altitude sickness
The effects of altitude are quite random, and not necessarily related to how fit you are. The trick to avoiding sickness is not to over-do it. Although minor symptoms such as breathlessness may occur at altitudes of 1,500 meters, it typically only occurs above 2,400 meters. Once you’re at that height it’s not wise to ascend more than 300-400 meters per day. Sometimes that will mean short walking days of only a couple of hours, but if it means you don’t ascend too high, too quickly, this is necessary.
10. Carry first aid kit
Before setting out for your journey make sure that you have carried the first aid kit. Prevention is better than cure, but you cannot prevent some accidents or diseases.
Normally the trekking agency provides their clients with the first aid kit in case of necessity. But still, you have to ask them whether they have carried before your journey begins.
The first aid kit for Everest base camp trek consists of Diamox, handy plus, bandage, etc.
11. Accommodation
Be sure to research the type of accommodation available on your trek before embarking.
Tea Houses (Lodges) at settlements at various points on the trek offer dorm room accommodation and simple basic meals reflective of what the local people in the area eat. Although many tea houses and hotels in the hills and mountains are reasonably comfortable, some may be dirty and rather basic. In areas where chimneys are rare, dining rooms may be smoky. Bedrooms and dorm rooms will not be heated. Note that linens are not provided by the lodges, and nights can get very cold, so it makes sense to bring a sleeping bag even for teahouse treks.
Camping can be conducted almost anywhere in the country. Camping treks can be fully organized and supported by a team of guides (who may or may not be Sherpas), cooks, and porters to accompany you.
Homestays in local villages can be organized.
12. Food
Typical Nepali food items are often hot and spicy. But the truth is, you should clarify how hot and or mild you prefer while ordering it. Dal-Bhaat (Lentils and rice respectively) with curry are a quite famous foodstuff, you should try it. Remember that, throwing extra foods in front of Nepalese people is bad practice. So order it according to your consumption capacity.
13. You need to carry a water purifier
You should drink a lot of water throughout the trekking duration so that you will have low chances of suffering from altitude sickness and other diseases.
Drinking water from streams and taps is normally healthy in the high Himalayas. In spite of that, you should carry water purifying tablets, for some water sources can be contaminated. In case of boiled water, purification is not necessary.
14. Planning a trip (tour)
A planned trip is relaxing and hassle-free, and it will leave you with a lifetime of memories. Some trips are scrimped and saved for, and others can be spontaneous and exciting. All trips are meant for adventure, relaxation, and enjoyment. By planning well, you can ensure you that you and your family can enjoy a hassle-free trip!
Below are some of the must-not-miss activities in Nepal.
- City tour around the Kathmandu and Pokhara valley.
- Trekking in the mountains.
- Adventures activities like Paragliding, Bungee jumping, rafting, canyoning and rock climbing.
- Everest Mountain Flight.
- Celebrating various events and festivals with the locals.
- Visiting National Park and conservation area.
Below are some of the best trekking destination in Nepal
https://www.leadnepaltreks.com/
Contact Lead Nepal treks Pvt. ltd, for all kinds of trekking in Nepal, tours in Nepal, Furthermore, we also organize Festival Tour, Helicopters tour. Either email us at https://www.leadnepaltreks.com/visit our website or call us at +977 984 001 1062
Badri Magar is amazing. It's hard to find a better, kinder, more knowledgable guide than him :) I did a 20 day trek thru Lantang and Everest with him by my side. He's the perfect balance of encouraging a patient - a necessity for trekking in Nepal :)