Trekking Information:
A trek is walking at your own pace on well-developed trails that pass through village to village mainly in the hilly or mountainous region elevation up to 5000m. You will enjoy a close contact with people in remote mountain villages whose lifestyle has not changed for generations. A warm relation with the villagers is always a nice experience of the life. We use their simple home as our overnight stay spot in some remote region. Normally there are better teahouses are available along the way. You can trek all season in Nepal. In the monsoon and winter season it will be little difficult. All though it is possible to some areas like Upper Mustang, Dolpo and Mangag. These areas are rain shadow zone where raining is a myth. In the winter days you can make hiking in the low altitude region below the snow capture line. During the rainy season you will find beautiful countryside with flora that is seen, which is not seen in the other season of the year.
You do not need to be a professional mountaineer to trek on the hills of Nepal. But it is always beneficial to explore something more if you are physically fit. Perhaps the most enjoyable part of our trek will be the cool air of the mountains and magnificent views of the mountain peaks.
Your trek will begin after breakfast. The morning walk is usually 3-4 hours and lunch will be serve around noon. The camping site is reached around 4 p.m. and in the evening there will be plenty of time to relax. Each day is planned so that if you are a slow or a fast walker, there will be a lot of time to spare.
If you are trekking in the higher altitudes, and feeling unwell please tell your group leader immediately. Do not ignore headaches as they are the first sign of the altitudes sickness. Your inability to complete the trek is nothing compared to your health. Remember that your guides are responsible and professional so feel free to tell him about your health condition.
Trekking with a guide & porters:
Those who are self-sufficient and experienced trekkers, a guide and porters can be hired from a authorized company. One major advantage to hire a guide and porter from a company is the reliability and responsibility. This approach is suite for those who want to take all responsibility like arranging entry permits, transfers, food, accommodation etc. However this option is not very convenient for the travelers because they need time to arrange all the logistic and every concern of the trips before and during the trek. It is better choose the package deal either tea house or camping to relax on holiday and free enough time to enjoy with natural panorama and lively people.
Trekking preparation:
Trekking seems to be a physical work. Of course it is some sort of physical work as well. Trekking in the trails of Nepal is adventure too. Thought you do not need to be a best athlete or a well trained mountaineer to trek in Nepal. A few weeks of soft training and mental preparation is a bonus before your arrival to Nepal. The best way is a long walk is always rewarding. What is most important is to be in good physical and mental condition before you start trek. Take few hours of walk in a day on the road. Walk upstairs rather than using the elevator. Those how are planning to climb the trekking peak need to be physically very fit. For more information please ask with us, we are pleased to help you.
Equipment and clothing:
The following equipment lists are suggested and essential for both camp & teahouse treks in the Himalayas. Make use of this list as a guideline; some of the equipment can be hired in Katmandu as well. Besides, keep in mind trekking gear can be bought in the many adventure shops in Katmandu, the majority of gear is locally manufactured (hence a lot cheaper) although it is becoming more common for gear to be imported from China and therefore of better quality.
Luggage:
- 1 large duffel bag: This will carry all your personal gear on the trek. It should be strong and durable. The best size would be around 30" x 14", with a full-length zipper and handles.
- 1 small padlock: Your duffel bag should be locked.
- 1 rucksack or day pack: This should accommodate a sweater, rain gear, water bottle, camera and accessories and any miscellaneous items you want to have during the day. We recommend a pack with at least 1450cu. In capacity, or smaller if you are not carrying a large amount of camera equipment.
- 1 small duffel bag or suitcase: Items not needed on the trek can be left at the hotel in Kathmandu. This bag should also have a lock. Be sure to leave room for purchases, or buy one in Kathmandu they have many good quality ones available
Head and Face Gear:
- Sunhat
- A Bandana
- Sunglasses
- Warm hat
- Sunscreen with a very high SPF factor
- Lip balm with a high SPF factor
Hands:
- Lightweight gloves
- Heavyweight gloves or mittens with a waterproof shell outer
Inner Clothing:
- T-shirts
- Thermal underwear- Top and bottom. Synthetic is best
- Underwear
- 2 Long shorts
- 2 Trousers- (loose and comfortable) One thin, one thick and warm
Outer Clothing:
- Down Jacket
- Fleece Jacket (or a windproof jacket)
- Waterproof jacket with a hood (or a poncho)
- Waterproof pants
- Baggy pants
- 2 pairs of gloves/mittens (1 thin and 1 thick)
- 1 sweater to be worn under the fleece jacket
Footwear:
- Light weight walking boots- (leather is recommended)
- Spare laces
- 2 pairs of thick woolen socks.
- 2 pairs of thin socks to be worn under the woolen socks
- One pair of sandals or comfortable shoes for camp
Drinking Equipment:
- 1 thermos- Water tends to freeze in ‘normal’ water bottles at high altitude temperatures.
- 2 one-liter water bottles
- Purification equipment- Boiled drinking water will be provided but further purification with iodine or purification tablets is highly recommended.
Sleeping and Carrying Equipment:
- 30-40 liter daypack
- Rucksack- Without aluminum support
- Water Proof Bag- A water proof bag to cover the rucksack
- Sleeping Bag- Please brings a bag that can resist temperatures as low as -15 degrees Celsius.
Personal Medical Kit:
- Bandage for sprains
- Plasters/Band-aids
- Iodine or water filter
- Moleskin/Second skin - for blisters
- Antiseptic ointment for cuts
- Anti-bacterial throat lozenges (with antiseptic)
- Aspirin/paracetamol - general painkiller
- Oral rehydration salts
- Broad-spectrum antibiotic (norfloxacin or ciprofloxin)
- Anti-diarrhea medication (antibiotic)
- Diarrhea stopper (Imodium - optional)
- Antibiotic for Giardia or similar microbe or bacteria
- Diamox (altitude sickness - can be bought in Kathmandu)
- Sterile Syringe set (anti-AIDS precaution)
Extras/Luxuries:
- Binoculars
- Reading book
- Trail Map/Guide book
- Journal & Pen
- Walkman
- Travel game i.e. chess, backgammon, scrabble
Toiletries:
- 1 medium sized quick drying towel
- Toothbrush/paste (preferably biodegradable)
- Multipurpose soap (preferably biodegradable)
- Deodorant
- Nail clippers
- Face and body moisturizer
- Feminine hygiene products
- Small mirror
Often known as Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) is particularly a important medical consideration while trekking in Nepal. Altitude sickness means the effect of altitude on those who ascend too rapidly to elevation above 3000 m.
The initial symptoms of AMS are as following :
- Nausea, vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Insomnia / Sleeplessness
- Persistent headache
- Dizziness, lightheadedness, confusion,
- Disorientation, drunken gait.
- Weakness, fatigue, lassitude, heavy legs.
- Slight swelling of hands and face
- Breathlessness and breathing irregularity
- Reduced urine output.
These symptoms are to be taken very seriously. In case of appearance of any of the above symptoms any further ascent should be reconsidered, otherwise more serious problem can occur which can even cause death sometimes within a few hours. The only cure for the altitude sickness is to descend to lower elevations immediately and it has no other cure or substitute. Acclimatization by ascending to no more than 300 to 500 meters per day above 3000 meters and the proper amount of rest are the best methods for prevention of AMS. Literature and pamphlet published by "Himalayan Rescue Association" consists of detailed information on AMS .The central Immigration office and all trekking agencies in Kathmandu distribute this pamphlet free of cost. Since these documents also give information on the list of suggested medical supplies for trekkers it is a compulsory item for every trekkers' medical kit.
Prevention of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS)
- Allow sufficient time for acclimatization (After 3000 meters)
- Don’t make rapid Ascent. Don’t go too far too fast
- No Alcohol, Sleeping pills and Smoking
- Drink more fluid 3-4 Liters a day, clean water-boiled or treated / tea / coffee / soup / juice etc.
- Climb high and sleep low
- Do not trek/travel alone, take guide/porter
- Follow the advice from your guide, hotel, local, guide book
- Descent if mild symptoms rapidly getting worse.
- Never leave or descent sick person along.
- Avoid getting cold.
- Take easy and comfortable trekking rout even it is longer.
Visitors are advice to leave only footprints and take away only photographs. In the recent days, local people and some environmental organization are taking concern to preserve the environment of the area. Increasing number of visitors need more service, that demand more wood for construction of teahouse and fuel, which has caused to deforestation in the hilly region. On the other hand, the scale of waste has ever increasing without proper management, causing some popular trekking trails and villages ugly and unhealthy. Ecological awareness has rapidly increasing to the local people and the trekkers as well. Though, awareness message should be spread across the region to preserve the environment for the generation to come. In our way of thinking, conservation of nature doesn’t reflect to disconnecting people from nature and vice – versa; rather, it is an approach to promote the human – nature relationship even stronger. Our team is guided by the fact that we must respect our nature for our own survival & it has been matter of pride for us as Nepal is naturally enriched country. We are very conscious of our duty and responsibility toward conserving the natural diversity. We left no stone unturned to protect their natural state. We simply do following on our trip:-
- Use only kerosene or gas as fuel
- Dispose degradable waste properly and bring back non-degradable waste
- Left the camp site clean and manage the toilet spot properly
- Use as less fire as possible in the forest area
- Respect local culture
- Protect natural aspects
