Trekking is by far Nepal’s biggest attraction. Most tourists embark on some trek or the other and many do multiple treks before heading back home. Some arrive each year to do a different trek each time. Trekking is also the best means of seeing the Nepal and to understand Nepalese people. Walking through emerald rice fields; through rhododendron forests; crossing streams, camping out on a hilltop in the wilderness with towering mountains in the background, make trekking are unforgettable experience that you can get in Nepal.
One can also do pony treks in some remote places, which is equally enthralling for visitors. Pony treks are offered mostly in western region of Pokhara, Dolpo and Lo Manthang (Mustang).
The two most popular treks are the Everest Base Camp Trek and the Around Annapurna also known as the Annapurna Circuit as it goes right around the Annapurna range. There are many different treks offered in the Everest and Annapurna regions. Other popular regions are the Langtang valley, Helambu, Makalu, Manaslu, Kanchenjunga and the Arun Valley. Another popular destination in the Everest region is the Gokyo valley.
One can also do pony treks in some remote places, which is equally enthralling for visitors. Pony treks are offered mostly in western region of Pokhara, Dolpo and Lo Manthang (Mustang).
The two most popular treks are the Everest Base Camp Trek and the Around Annapurna also known as the Annapurna Circuit as it goes right around the Annapurna range. There are many different treks offered in the Everest and Annapurna regions. Other popular regions are the Langtang valley, Helambu, Makalu, Manaslu, Kanchenjunga and the Arun Valley. Another popular destination in the Everest region is the Gokyo valley.
Trekking Peaks
The term “Trekking Peak” is a misnomer as these peaks do require proper climbing gear and climbing experience. All of them are under 7000m and permits for climbing them are issued by Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA) which has its offices in Naxal. There are currently only 33 of these peaks open for climbing and the most popular are Island Peak and Mera Peak. No liaison officer is required for climbing these peaks.
For more information about trekking peaks, please log on to www.nepalmountaineering.org, official web site of the Nepal Mountaineering Association.
For more information about trekking peaks, please log on to www.nepalmountaineering.org, official web site of the Nepal Mountaineering Association.
Permits and Fees
In a bid to control illegal trekking operations and ensure the safety and security of the trekkers in the general trekking areas, Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) and Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal (TAAN) have made it mandatory for trekkers to sign up for the Trekkers' Information Management System (TIMS) Card from April 1, 2010. TIMS cards are available from the
NTB office, TAAN office and government registered trekking companies in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
Under the new rule, all visitors who go trekking through a trekking company must pay US$10 and free individual trekkers (FIT) US$20 per trekking route per person per entry in equivalent Nepalese Rupees only. Part of the collection will go into maintaining the trekkers' database and in the rescue of trekkers in need of emergency services. The fund will also be
spent on infrastructure expansion, conservation and maintenance of existing trekking trails. For information, contact (Tel +977-1-444 3003, 444 0920) or visit www.timsnepal.com
NTB office, TAAN office and government registered trekking companies in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
Under the new rule, all visitors who go trekking through a trekking company must pay US$10 and free individual trekkers (FIT) US$20 per trekking route per person per entry in equivalent Nepalese Rupees only. Part of the collection will go into maintaining the trekkers' database and in the rescue of trekkers in need of emergency services. The fund will also be
spent on infrastructure expansion, conservation and maintenance of existing trekking trails. For information, contact (Tel +977-1-444 3003, 444 0920) or visit www.timsnepal.com
How and When
Most of the trek routes in the Everest region have tea houses along the way. The routes to Everest Base Camp and Gokyo valley are perfect for teahouse treks. The trail in from Jiri is also endowed with many conveniently located teahouses although no match to their counterparts to the north where standards are high. Places like Namche Bazaar even have cyber cafes and regular pubs. The Annapurna region is comparable to the Everest region but not so the Kanchenjunga region, where camping treks are the only option. Other trekking routes will almost certainly require the use of tents and a support team to carry the food and equipment.
When to visit
The peak season for treks is October to November and March to May when the skies are clear and good for viewing mountains. Up in the mountains the weather is mild and generally dry during this time making walking conditions ideal. The spring season is good for wild flowers, particularly the rhododendrons, while the autumn season generally gives the best mountain views, as the air at this time is crystal clear.
Winter treks are possible but the chances of snow are higher and passes may be closed, particularly during late winter. Also during this time, many of the teahouses will close. The summer/monsoon period is generally unsuitable for trekking as the trails are slippery, leeches abundant and the mountain views are unpredictable. It can be a rewarding time, however, if you are prepared to tolerate these drawbacks, as the wild flowers are at their best around this time and there are fewer tourists on the trails making interaction with the locals easier.
Hiring Staffs.
It is possible to hire guides, porters or yaks at Lukla but for safety a guide from Kathmandu is preferable. The extra cost of his airfare will outweigh the possibility of not finding a suitable guide at Lukla, especially during the peak seasons. Porters are always available at Lukla. Pure yaks will not be found at Lukla, as it is too low for them to operate, but yak crossbreeds will be found there. For a small group only carrying personal gear, porters are preferable. The cost will depend on the seasonal demand for their services. If your trek starts at Jiri, then you will only find porters available there. Guides should definitely be hired from Kathmandu.
Hiring local staff directly contributes to the local economy. However, we suggest that you make sure that they are registered with the Government or licensed, before you hire them.
Hiring local staff directly contributes to the local economy. However, we suggest that you make sure that they are registered with the Government or licensed, before you hire them.
