Trekking in Nepal

What is Trekking?

The word ‘trekking’ was originally conceived & used by British mountaineering expeditions in Asia and soon spread to Nepal. Trekking means to walk at one’s pace through well-established village trails, thereby enjoying close contact with nature, wide diversity of culture, religion and ethnic groups of people in remote mountain villages whose lifestyle has not been changed for generations.

Trekking in Nepal
Nepal is a trekker’s paradise. One can trek along the beaten trails or virgin tracks in the mountains. There is something to experience while in trekking trip - the magnificent tumble of great snow, great ridges carpeted in alpine flowers, forest of Rhododendrons, isolated hamlets, small mountain towns, flora and fauna, temples, monasteries, many ethnic groups of people. Trekking can be organized from March-June & August-December.

Planning a Trek

Nepal offers plenty of opportunity for treks lasting a day or less, though most are considerably longer. Around Pokhara or the Kathmandu valley you can complete the trek within two, three or four days but for the very popular Everest Base Camp and Annapurna Circuit treks you have to allow three weeks.

Trek Grades

Easy Treks
Easy treks involve up to 6 hours of walking a day, on good trails with plenty of time for sightseeing. Altitudes generally do not exceed 3500 meters. Anyone who enjoys regular exercise and is in god physical condition should easily cope with these treks.

Moderate Treks

Moderate treks involve walking for 6 to 8 hours a day in more remote country, reaching altitudes of approximately 4500 meters. A reasonable level of fitness is required as there will be much ascent and descent with the occasional difficult day. A hill walking background is advisable.

Demanding treks

Demanding treks are harder, suitable for regular hill walkers as they are generally more demanding any may involve 7 or 8-hour days, with altitudes up to 5500 meters. You should be physically fit and appropriate preparation is essential. Some days may involve crossing a pass with up to 10 hours walking.

Style of Trekking

Tea House

On the more popular treks in Nepal, enterprising villagers have built teahouse lodges. They are readily available in the Everest, Langtang and the entire Annapurna regions. The country offers a selection a teahouse treks run to high level of service.

Full Boarded Camping Trek

This trek is assisted by a full Sherpa crew including a Sirdar (headman), cook and other helpers. Porters, Yaks, horses or mules are used for carrying lodges. It is the Sherpa’s responsibility to perform all the camp works, including leaving all the sites clean and to guide on the route. Food available on the trek will be a mixture of Western and Asian dishes with variety of choice.

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