Trekking in Nepal

An introductiion to trekking regions in Nepal

One of the most popular tourist attraction in Nepal is trekking on the foothills of the Himalayas. Treks can be both challenging and fun for both the first-timers and the experienced. Although trekking is just another form of walking, it the best way to explore the himalyan terrains. Nepal can be divided into horizontal 3 strips. The top most strip is where you can find 8 of the 10 highest mountains in the world. This mountainous Himalayan region is where most of the trekking and mountaineering take place.

Trekking in Nepal is the most popular activity among the many tourist adventure activities. The diversity of nature, exotic cultures and the majestic Himalayas blended together makes Nepal the ideal choice for trekking, truly a trekkers’ paradise. The best way to experience Nepal’s unbeatable combination of natural beauty and cultural riches is to walk through them. Trekking along the trails in Nepal offers the trekkers with ample opportunity to enjoy the beautiful nature undisturbed by urban influences and observe the many local cultures of the people settled in villages along the route. The immense contrasts in altitudes and climates found here support an equally spectacular mix of lifestyles, vegetation types and wildlife.

There are various trekking agencies that offer Full-Service Organized (Camping) Treks and taking care of all the details like government permits, domestic air/bus tickets, guides, cooks, porters, food, tents, and equipment. These fully organized treks have fixed itineraries and cost somewhat higher and are suitable for trekking in remote areas.

On many popular trekking trails, you can also go on what is known as Tea-House Treks - eating and staying in the many lodges on the way.

Equipment and Clothing

The equipments required are dependent on the type of trekking, route and season but the main point is to keep warm while being lightweight. While waterproof, wind-proof jackets and pants, seasoned footwear and head coverings are always recommended, fleece jackets and pants for lower altitude and down jackets for higher altitudes are advisable. Other than the mentioned clothing, there are other necessary items that should be at hand. Some of the most common items are good sleeping bags, sunglasses, drinking water bottle, torchlight, sun block creams, toiletries, first aid kit and a good route map. Most of the trekking equipments are available for sale or rent in Kathmandu and other major trekking start points.

Health and medicine

There are only a few medical shops on trekking routes, so it is a must for a first aid kit to be carried. There are some clinics specialized in treating trekkers’ health problems operated by the Himalayan Rescue Association. These clinics are only open during the main trekking season and can be found only on the Everest Base Camp route at Pheriche and on the Annapurna Circuit route at Manang.

Some of the medical problems on faced during treks are as follows:

Upset Stomach: The main reason for most upset stomachs are due to diet change or food and water contamination. This is a common ailment on treks and should be avoided by maintaining hygiene and paying attention to the quality of food and drinks consumed.

Cough, Cold, Sore Throats: Although common in dry mountainous areas caused by the dry cold air, it can lead to chest infection if not properly treated. The cold dry air should not be taken in directly through the mouth and smoking should be totally avoided.

Joint Muscle Strains, Foot Problems: These and blisters are some problems faced by trekkers which can be avoided by wearing good footwear. Cold water should be applied for sprains and strains. Doing so will reduce the swelling and a crepe bandage should be used to support the joint.

Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS): This sickness caused by random and rapid altitude ascension is fatal and it is advisable that all trekkers ascending above 3,000 meters should take proper acclimatization steps. The only cure for altitude sickness is to decent as quickly as possible to lower altitudes. Although maintaining good fluid intake may help combat altitude sickness, the symptoms of AMS should not be taken lightly and evacuation steps should be taken immediately. The symptoms of Acute Mountain Sickness are headache, swelling of limbs, dizziness, and difficulty in sleeping, irregular breathing, nausea and unusual weariness.
Read the Round Annapurna Trekking Profile for some more info.

Safety and Security

Most emergencies are handled by the agency staffs when trekking with the services of trekking agencies, but one could get lost or hurt and no immediate help available when trekking alone. Even though Nepal is a safe place to trek by observing the basic rules, trekkers should utilize the services of trekking agencies and trek with their staff. Female guides are also available upon request for female groups. Often, thorough planning, observing the rules and understanding the limits of the human body are the best way to avoid unnecessary risks. In case of an emergency, a detailed message should quickly be sent for rescue operation. As help is often not available immediately, normal first aid principles should be observed until help arrives.

Safety Rules:

• Do not trek alone.
• Do not display your wealth.
• Do not keep belongings unattended.
• Make emergency plans
• Register personal information and trekking details with your embassy.
• Buy travel insurance covering helicopter rescue and leave a copy with the trekking agency.
• Make use of government registered trekking agencies only.
  
  

Trekking regions in Nepal is distictly divided into 4 regions as below.

Everest Region

The Everest region is understandably the most famous of all the trekking regions as it houses the highest mountain in the world, Mount Everest, at 8,848 meters. This area also has many peaks over 8,000 meters. With its high mountain villages populated by Sherpas and the majestic mountains and monasteries, this region is a must for all trekkers. Some popular Everest Region Treks.

Annapurna Region

The Annapurna region may not be the most famous, but it ceratinly is popular as it is more accessble and near Pokhara, the Paradise City of Nepal. This region lies just north of Pokhara and can find some of the highest and beautiful mountains such as the Annapurna, Dhaulagiri and the famous fish-tail mountain, Machhapuchhre. Some popular Annapurna Region Treks.

Lantang Region

The Lantang regions is the most accessible area from Kathmandu. Lantang Valley is just south of the Tibetan border. This area is suitable for exploring the mountain villages and experince the lifestyle while visiting glaciers and climbing small peaks at lover elevations. The region also houses the famous pilgrimage site, Gosainkund lake. Some popular Langtang Region Treks.

Other Regions

There are several other areas and mountians that are open for trekking such as the Kanchanjunga, the third highest mountain in the world  which is one of the most remote and beautiful part of Nepal. Dolpo is another region that is perhaps the highest inhabited land on earth and located north of the Himalayan range. Some popular Other Region Treks.

There are also less visited areas in west Nepal such as the Rara Lake and Api - Saipal region.