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.
