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Trekking in Nepal
Published: 07/19/2010
Nepal is well known as one of the best destinations in the world for enjoying the real beauty of nature through trekking. The trail into the interior parts of the country follows ancient foot-trails which meander through scenic river-banks, intricately terraced fields and the forested ridges connecting picturesque hamlets and mountain villages. Trekkers can walk along the rough but beautiful trails or virgin tracks in the lap of green and friendly looking hills. The rhododendron-filled, green, dark and deep forest with different seasonal flowers blossoming can catch anybody's eye as can the scattered residential cottages, domestic and forest animals, variety of birds, both Hindus and Buddhist temples, mountains, breath-taking landscape, and above all warm greeting from smiling local people. The highly developed and well-defined trails have been used for centuries.
Nepal offers an astonishing topographical variation with the altitude ranging from 70 meters to 8848 meters amidst a width of 193 kilometers. Similarly, within its limited area and bounds, Nepal enjoys al the climates with alpine, temperate and the tropical jungle regions determined by its incredible altitude variation.
Trekking Season
Trekking in Nepal can be undertaken through the year. There are four seasons in Nepal. Each season has its distinct attraction to offer. The seasons are classified as follows
Autumn (Sept- Nov.)
This season offers excellent weather and tantalizing mountain views.
Winter (Dec- Feb)
This season is noted for occasional snowfall only at higher elevations. Hence it is ideal for trekking at lower elevations, generally below 3000 meters.
Spring (Mar-May)
Different varieties of wild flowers, specially the rhododendrons make the hillside above 5000 meters a haunting paradise during this season. It is mildly warm at lower elevations and higher elevations over 4000 meters the mountain views are excellent and temperature is quite moderate.
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Summer months, continues up to mid September making travel wet and warm. These times are blessed for the keen botanist as the higher valleys and meadows blossom with flowers and lush vegetation.
Visa & Trekking Permit
Unlike some countries with strict visa regulations, Nepal extends trouble- free issuance of visa to al the citizens worldwide. Indian nationals do not require visa to enter Nepal. The Royal Nepalese Embassies or Consulates abroad and at entry pint's Immigration Offices provide a visa upon the presentation of a valid passport, two passport size photos and payment of Visa fees. Visa can be extended at the Immigration Office, Pokhara.
A trekking permit is required to trek in any part of Nepal. If trekking is planned in two different areas, two trekking permits are needed. Each trekking permit details and outlines the trekking route and region and t is necessary that trekkers do not deviate from the prescribed route and region boundaries.
The Department of Immigration located at Tridevi Marg, Thamel (Tel. 4112337) issues trekking permit for the tourists who intend to trek any part of the country. Trekking permit fee for different trekking areas are fixed as follows:
TREKKING AREAS FEES
Trekking Areas
Trekking permit fee
Annapurna, Everest, Langtang, Rara etc.
Equivalent to US $ 5 per person per week for the first four weeks and US $ 10 per week thereafter
Dolpa and Kanchanjunga
Equivalent to US $ 10 per week per person for the first week and US $ 20 per week thereafter
Manaslu
US $ 75 per person per week
Mustang and Upper Dolpa
US $ 700 per person for the first 10 days and US $ 70 per person per day thereafter.
Note: Trekking to Dolpa, Kanchanjunga, Manaslu and Mustang can be undertaken through registered trekking agencies only.
Fourteen areas of Nepal have been designated National Parks; Wildlife Reserved & Conservation areas. They are Langtang, Rara, Chitwan, Sagarmatha, Shey Phoksondo, Khaptad, Bardia, Barun, Shivapuri, Makalu-Barun and Annapurna. To trek in any of these area a permit is necessary which can be obtained at the park entrance on payment of Rs.650/- each. There are several government registered trekking agencies in Nepal to conduct such trekking programs. In order to have assumed quality and safe treks it is advisable to use them.
Medical Matters & Advice
Trekking in Nepal need not be considered risky affair as far as your health is concerned. Nevertheless, preventive measures such as a thorough medical check up and inoculations before you start trekking can save you from unexpected hazards. Since the remote places of Nepal are not supplied with necessities that are essential for modern medical facilities and as the rescue and evacuation are measured in days, it is imperative to make a comprehensive First Aid Box consisting of basic drugs and accessories as part of the paraphernalia for trekking. Various trekking guide books and the pamphlet published by the Himalayan Rescue Association give you detailed information on a complete list of medical supplies. These guide books are easily available in the book shops of Kathmandu. In case of serious illness or injury, prompt evacuation to Kathmandu is the best remedy. Modern dentistry is unknown in the hills of Nepal, so it is advised to have a check-up before departure from home. Tooth fillings sometimes loosen in cold temperatures and at high altitudes, so it is recommended to have them checked.
Fitness
All trekking demands a level of fitness that will enable one to put a good day's walking, up hill and down. Most treks should not be taken to gain more than 500 meters in one day above 3000 meters. There should be plenty of time during the day to cover this distance, so the physical exertion though quite strenuous at times, is not sustained. The best preparation for trekking is cycling, swimming, jogging, squash, tennis and long walks involving up and down hill. Good physical conditioning will probably help for the maximum enjoyment of the treks.
Altitude sickness
Altitude sickness, 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 elevations above 3000 meters. The initial symptoms of AMS are as following:
1. Nausea Vomiting
2. Loss of appetite
3. Insomnia/sleeplessness
4. Persistent headache
5. Dizziness, light heatedness, confusion
6. Disorientation, drunken gait
7. Weakness, fatigue, lassitude, heavy legs
8. Slight swelling of hands and face
9. 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 problems can occur which can even cause death sometimes within a few hours, the only cure for the altitude sickness is to descend to a lower elevations immediately. 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 medical also give information on the list of suggested documents supplies for trekking it is a compulsory item for every trekkers medical kit.
Himalayan Rescue Association (HRA)
HRA is a Nepalese voluntary organization registered with His Majesty's Government to run a mountain rescue service in the mountain tourist areas. The association's major role is the prevention and treatment of mountain sickness. The association's medical research work is undertaken by a team of foreign doctors at present. The Kathmandu office and information centre of the HRA is located at Thamel. The HRA information centre has expert and up to date information on all aspects of altitude sickness. All those intending to trek above 10000 ft. are advised to visit the information centre.
Popular Trekking Regions
* Annapurna Region
* Everest Region
* Kanchenjunga Region
* Langtang and Helambu Region
* Karnali Region
* Dolpa
* Mustang
* HumlaTrekking in Nepal
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