TRIP GUIDE

About Trekking Trip

Trekking is the most popular activity in Nepal and it is relatively easy; the trail follows well-marked trekking paths, hundreds of local passes, bank of rivers and through jungle. These trekking trips take you to the most scenic view points, reach to the base camp of giant 8000m peaks, explore the mighty hidden treasures, cultures, diversified flora and fauna and amazing people.

Following are the Nepal’s top 10 best treks

  1. Everest Base Camp Trek
  2. Annapurna Circuit Trek
  3. Langtang Valley Trek
  4. Annapurna Base Camp Trek
  5. Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek
  6. Manaslu Circuit Trek
  7. Upper Mustang Trek
  8. Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek
  9. Round Dhaulagiri
  10. Lower Dolpo Trek

Nepal History

Nepal has a unique and interesting history. According to Gopal Vansawali, the genealogy of Nepalese monarchy, the earliest settlers in Nepal were Gopalas, followed by Mahispala, followed by Kirat. Tibeto-Burman people probably lived in Nepal 2,500 years ago. However, there is no archaeologic evidence of Gopala, Mahispala or Kirata rulers other than later documents (Lichchavi and Malla era) mentioning them. Later the Licchavi dynasty went into decline in the late eighth century, probably due to Tibetan dominance, and was followed by Thakuri era, from 879 CE (Nepal Samvat 1), although the extent of their control over the country is uncertain.

Language

Nepal has multiple spoken languages which is recorded more than 101 different spoken languages. Among them Nepali is the national and official language of Nepal. Here is Nepalese letter and how to pronounce it :

क=ka  ख=kha   ग=ga   घ=gha   ङ=nga   च=cha   छ=chha   ज=ja   झ=jha   ञ=nya   ट=ta   ठ=tha   ड-da   ढ-dha   ण-na   त=ta   थ=tha   द=da   ध=dha   न=na   प=pa   फ=pha   ब=ba   भ=bha   म=ma   य=ya   र=ra   ल=la  व=wa   स=sa    ष=sa   श=sha   ह=ha   क्ष=ksya   त्र=tra   ज=gya

Geographic Structure

Nepal is of roughly trapezoidal shape, 800 kilometers long and 200 kilometers wide, with an area of 147,181 km2 and it situated between latitudes 26° and 31°N, and longitudes 80° and 89°E.Nepal is divided into three physio-graphic areas: Mountain region (4000 meter and above altitude), Hill (800-4000 meter altitude) and Terai (less than 700 meter altitude). The Mountain Region is situated in the Great Himalayan Range, makes up the northern part of Nepal. It contains the highest elevations in the world including 8,848 meters (29,029 ft) height Mount Everest on the border with China. Seven other of the world’s eight thousand meter peaks are in Nepal or on its border with China: Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu, Kanchenjunga, Dhaulagiri, Annapurna and Manaslu.

Weather/Climate

Nepal has five climatic zones, broadly corresponding to the altitudes. The tropical and subtropical zones lie below 1,200 meters, the temperate zone 1,200 to 2,400 metres, the cold zone 2,400 to 3,600 meters, the subarctic zone 3,600 to 4,400 meters, and the Arctic zone above 4,400 meters.

Spring (between March – May): The temperature is mildly warm in low lands while   moderate in higher altitudes with plenty of opportunities to have tryst with the mountain views. It is also the time for flowers to blossom and the national flower of Nepal –   rhododendron sweeps the ascending altitudes with its magnanimous color and beauty.

Summer (between June – August): This is also the monsoon season in Nepal. The weather is hot and wet at times. It rains almost every day with occasional thunderstorms in the evening. The rain spreads the pleasantness around with lush green vegetation.

 Autumn (between September – November): This is the best tourist season in Nepal with the summer gone by and the winter to set in. The weather is highly pleasant so are the mountain views. This is the peak season for trekking as mountain views are guaranteed. This is also the season of festivities as Nepal celebrates the biggest Hindu festivals Dashain followed by Tihar.

Winter (between December – February): The weather is cool and the sky is clear with occasional snowfalls at higher elevations. This season is good for trekking in lower      elevations. The morning and night is cold and the days are warm when sunny. For more about weather, please click here. And also forecast weather before you travel to Nepal.

Time Zone

The Standard of Nepal is 5 hours and 45 ahead from GMT.

Currency & Banking

The National Currency of Nepal is Nepalese Rupees [Denoted by Rs.]. Nepalese Rupees are found in denominations of 1000, 500, 100, 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and Coins are found in Denominations of Rs. 1, 2, 5 & 10, 25 and 50 paisa. One rupee equals 100 paisa.Foreign currency can be exchanged in most of hotels, banks and at money change counters. The exchange rates are determined by Central Bank of Nepal .  The major currencies like Euro, US dollars, pounds, Yuan are accepted in Nepal. Convert your currency to Nepalese Rupees. Also in most hotels business houses such as hotels, tourist shops, restaurants accept the Credit card, Mastercard, Visa Card, Maestro etc at 3-5% bank surcharge. Also Traveler’s cheque are exchanged in banks, exchange counters etc.Hence, for the trekking, we would like to recommend to bring Nepalese Rupees which will very easy for monetary transaction because during the trekking, there might not be banks to exchange.

ATM/Cash Machines: Major commercial banks of has cash machines/ATM counters where you can get cash. Mainly in Kathmandu and Pokhara all have a cash machine where you fill your wallet 24 hours a day using your normal bankcard or Master Card / Visa.

Visa Information

Any traveler can get visa in Nepal upon arrival by submitting visa application form from Tribhuvan International Airport or any immigration/border counters.

Communication & News media

There are 3 local telecommunication operators in Nepal (Nepal Telecom, Ncell, UTL). They provide the services of ISD, STD, telex, Fax, Telegraph and GMS mobile services. Normally some European GSM Mobile networks work here in Nepal if you’ve International Roaming services. Or you wish to use local Nepali GSM Mobile, you can buy from nearest communication center. In Nepal, now most of the places have GSM Mobile Network Coverage.

There are several daily, weekly and monthly news papers in Nepal in Nepali and English language. In Nepal for the information and news there are vary English daily newspapers like The Himalayan Times, The Kathmandu post, The Rising Nepal etc. Similarly you’ll find weekly, daily and monthly English magazines. Some radio station, Television networks broadcast the news in English in a specific time.

Electricity in Nepal

The main voltage in Nepal is 220 volts AC (50Hz). There are many electrical sockets are use in Nepal including European two-pin , 5-amp to 15-amp three-pin designs. So, we suggest you please bring multi-standard sockets and adopters. During the trekking, some places only we found the electricity. Rest of places you’ll finds the solar system for lights (DC).

Hotel Accommodations

There are many star hotels in Kathmandu, Pokhara and also budget hotels, guest houses are also available in Nepal.

Places to See

Nepal, the Himalayan Kingdom has diverse culture, natural beauties and most amazing world heritage sites. All those destinations are really important in its own place. Nepal has dense of options for different travel activities such as for trekking, Natural Tour, Cultural tours, wildlife activities, festivals and adventure activities.

Here are some most visited places of Nepal:
Kathmandu Valley
Everest
Annapurna
Langtang
Manaslu
Mustang
Chitwan
Lumbini
Pokhara

Trekking Equipment Check List

The following checklist will help you to figure out what you should bring for this trip. As a general rule, you should always try to keep the weight of your equipment to a minimum. The packed weight of your trek bag while trekking should be no more than 15 kgs. For all flights to STOL airstrips in Nepal, the maximum allowance for hold baggage AND hand baggage combined, is 15 kg. It is essential you keep the total weight of your baggage within this limit.

Paying for transportation of excess baggage is not normally an option on these flights. It is possible to leave clothes or other items not required on trek at the group hotel. Please include the following items for your pack:

Head/Hands

• Wool or fleece hat, or balaclava
• Hat or cap for sun protection while trekking
• Sunglasses or goggles
• Sunscreen lotion and lip balm
• Warm gloves
• Strong rucksack, or large hold all to be carried

Body Wear

• Selection of T-shirts, and long sleeved shirts, Preferably not cotton
• Thermal shirt for colder areas
• Warm shirt, possibly fleece, for colder areas
• Fleece jacket or warm wool jumper
• Windproof, waterproof outer shell garment for Higher altitudes
• Down jacket (optional for cold nights & mornings; can be hired in Kathmandu cheaply)

Leg wear

• Loose, casual trousers for trekking
• Thermal leggings for colder areas
• Long skirt for women as an alternative to trousers
• Waterproof trousers

Footwear

• Walking boots with suitable ankle support that have been worn-in prior to the trek, and which are waterproof
• Trainer or casual shoes, for trekking and/or for traveling
• Warm socks for colder areas
• Gaiters, in case of rain or snow

Other items

• Day sack to be carried personally
• Plastic bags or stuff sacks to store/separate trekking gear
• One liter water bottle
• Personal first aid kit to include essential items
• Sleeping bag, 4 season
• Torch, ideally head torch
• Camera and its batteries! – for those not to be forgotten shots of the Himalaya
• Toilet items and towel
• Large handkerchief/bandana for neck

Optional items

• Binoculars
• Books (see Recommended Reading)
• Altimeter
• Compass
• Playing cards / backgammon / chess set

Personal Medicines and First Aid Kits

We recommend you to bring your personal first aid kit as well.

• Extra Strength Excedrin for altitude related headaches
• Ibuprofen for general aches and pains
• Immodium or Pepto bismol capsules for upset stomach or diarrhea
• Diamox (commonly prescribed as Acetazolamide) 125 or 250mg tablets for altitude sickness. Please discuss with us before starting to take this medicine
• 1 small personal sized first-aid kit with blister treatments such as mole skin, band-aids, some waterproof tape, anti-infection ointments etc.