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 The best way to experience the unbeatable combination of nature’s beauty and cultural richness is by trekking as the altitude of this region ranges between 4877 meters to 8848 meters Including 8 of the highest 14 summits in the world which exceed altitude of 8000 meters.
The trekkers require walking on foot about 4 to 6 hours each day therefore, you must be physically fit enough with a regular exercise of minimum 45 days prior to the departure of your trekking adventure. Those with any cardiac or pulmonary history are required to obtain their physician's health clearance certificate before participating in any form of trekking. They are definitely not advised to participate in high altitude or strenuous treks.
Mental vigilance for trek is equally important and a subject very few give thought to. The most important factor is to understand about the people especially in the mountains, have different values and attitudes than western world. Therefore all trekkers should acknowledge this as a part of a trekking holiday experience.
Type of Trek
We offer wide choice of camping and tea house treks in Nepal, well managed and operated by a group of dedicated and experienced people. We are committed in conserving our natural and cultural diversity and heritage. We ensure optimum safety by providing guides who have first hand knowledge of the routes, natural history & cultural background of all areas of our coverage.
In addition we provide tents, mattresses, dinning tables, food and all kitchen equipment with each and every utility required on your trip which you can find by surfing on our website at check equipment lists. We also make arrangements for your trekking gears which you can purchase upon your arrival.
Camping Trek
This is a massive arrangement, rather expensive but the only way to enjoy the trekking in real sense. We provide all camping stuff while Porters carry your gears and foodstuff. Sherpa's set the camp, cook and serve meals while the Sirdar leads from front in all administrational issues.
Lodge Trekking
In the Annapurna, Langtang and Everest region, basic lodging and food facilities are normally available. However, it is on the discretion of the leading guide to choose from the lodges for overnight stay and meals. In winter and summer lodge treks are better to avoid the inclement weather and in autumn and spring the lodges are overcrowded and it can be difficult to find a place to throw in
Different Grade of Trekking
a) Easy
Easy trekking, by Himalayan standards is generally between 900m and 2,000m. There are always plenty of 'ups & downs' everywhere in the Himalaya and clients need to be regular walkers to get full enjoyment from their effort. It is possible however to design 'easier' three to four day treks with perhaps only three to four hours walking per day on request
b) Moderate
Moderate trekking contains altitudes of 900m & 4,000m involving side trips to higher elevations. Some treks included here will, in part, be well away from villages on ill-defined mountain trails.
c) Strenuous
Strenuous Treks are of demanding nature, requiring all participants to be very physically fit and in very good health, required often in remote alpine areas and sometimes when reaching altitudes in excess of 5,000m where you need to cross the mountain passes.
Equipment
Equipment check list that follows details the equipment you will need for your trek. Most of these items are available for rent or sale in Kathmandu, but all trekking equipment in Nepal is either used equipment that was sold by other trekkers or mountaineering expeditions or locally made reproductions of internationally known brands.
Trekking equipments list
• Sun hat or scarf
• Light balaclava or warm fleece hat
• Sunglasses with UV protection
• T-shirts (2)
• Light and expedition weight thermal tops
• Fleece jacket or pullover
• Fleece Wind-Stopper jacket (optional)
• Waterproof (preferably breathable fabric) shell jacket
• Down vest and/or jacket [Himalayan Glacier will supply]
• Lightweight gloves
• Heavyweight gloves or mittens with a waterproof shell outer
• Underwear (4)
• Hiking shorts (2)
• Lightweight cotton long pants
• Light and expedition weight thermal bottoms
• Fleece or wool pants
• Waterproof (preferably breathable fabric) shell pants
• Thin, lightweight inner socks (4)
• Thick, warm wool hiking socks (4)
• Hiking boots with spare laces
• Campers shoes (sneakers and/or sandals) Gaiters for hiking in winter to the base camp
• Sleeping bag rated to zero degrees F [Himalayan Glacier will supply]
• Headlamp (e.g. Petzl Zoom) with spare bulbs and batteries
• Small pad or combination lock-to-lock Himalayan Glacier trek bag-pack
• Basic First Aid Kit (see Health and Medicinal)
• Large plastic bags - for keeping items dry inside trek bag
• Daypack (approximately 2500 to 3000 cubic inches)
• Thermo-rest sleeping pad
• Water bottles (2)
• Small wash towel
Extras
• Binoculars
• Reading book
• Trail Map/Guide book
• Journal & Pen
• Walkman
• Pencils and small notebooks
ALTITUDE SICKNESS
What is altitude illness?
Nepal is the land of altitude diversity making it variably difference ranging from 60 meters to 8848 meters above sea level. The people living in the lower part are more prone to be sick when entering the higher level regions. This symptom is called altitude illness or mountain sickness. Many people keen to go for trekking in Nepal without having awareness of altitude illness could suffer such problems leading to severe effects on their health. We feel it as our obligation to facilitate and give advices of this acute mountain illness (AMS).
What are the causes of AMS?
Major cause registered is the lack of immunity to adjust with the altitude while trekking. As an example if a person sleeps one night at an altitude of 2800 meters and the next day he ascends to 3200 meters which could not be a bigger problem. But, a trekker when sleeps at an altitude of 2000 meters and suddenly moves to 4500 meters the next day he could face respiratory and palpitation problems. As to the research, the cause of such illness can also be the smell and pollen of certain flowers found in these Himalayan Mountains. In addition to these causes the other problems are Allergy and Diarrhea.
Other symptoms of AMS
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
What we must do to prevent AMS?
Primarily we can follow few minor rules as prevention: to avoid such syndrome the trekker should limit the difference of altitude for about 300 to 500 meters per day for sleeping and walking in those areas. The trekkers vulnerable or allergic to strange smell or pollens should use breathing masks. As a step to prevent additional problems we should be careful with our meals and most of all drinking water. The vegetables to be cooked can be washed with Iodine liquid found frequently in the city medical stores. The drinking water should be boiled thoroughly and few drops of Iodine or water purifying medicine tablets should be added and kept for at least 30 minutes before using. The medicine called Tetraglycine Hydroperiodide tablets can be used in the process of purifying water however, if you face difficulty in finding this medicine the other alternate is the Lugols solution which can be found easily in Nepal. You can find these medicines in a bottle of liquid or container of 50 tablets while one tablet is enough for purifying of 1 liter of drinking water. Another way to purify water is to use filter which may not be convenient to carry while traveling.
Trekking Seasons & Weather
Trekking in Nepal can be undertaken throughout the year depending on the region. The year is divided into 4 different seasons in Nepal and each season has its distinct attraction to offer for trekking. However, the best months for trek/tour are October-November (post-monsoon) and April-May (pre-monsoon).
Autumn: (Sep-Nov)
This is the time when you can expect better visibility, the air is fresh, and the weather perfect and that the Nepalese most important festivals (Dashain and Tihar) are marked during this season The best season is normally dry stable and very clear offering excellent weather and tantalizing mountain views. Temperatures are usually moderate making it a good time for any trek. It can be colder at night on higher spots, than but not as cold as the winter months (December-January). At low elevations it may still be hot during the day.
Winter: December–February
Winter is usually dry and much colder and is noted for occasional snowfalls in regions as low as 2500m or more. It may be difficult to reach some of the higher passes (4000m+) due to snow & ice making it ideal for trekking at lower elevations, generally below 3000 meters. The high-altitude treks in this season require good gear and experience in cold-weather conditions as temperatures at 5000m can drop below -20°C with heavy snow fall.
Spring (March-May):
Spring sees the return of warmer weather in the mountains with also more possibility of rain. Trekking in spring is particularly exquisite as the mountain slopes are covered with blooming rhododendrons of beautiful and colorful flowers and still have plenty of high snow to enhance your photos. The temperature is quite moderate and the mountain views are excellent which may only be limited in the higher routes of plus 4000m.
Pre-Monsoon: May - Mid June
It gets that much hotter, hazier and unsettled in May & early June. The warming Asian landmass begins to draw up air from the south ushering the pre-monsoon – a season of erratic weather and increasingly frequent afternoon storms. If you are looking for solitude on your trek, this is a good time to go. It is also a good time for going high but be prepared for rain, especially in the traditionally wet areas of Annapurna and eastern Nepal.
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