Trekking in Nepal

Three Highlights of Nepal 

•  Lord Buddha was born in Lumbini (Nepal) 
• Home of Mount Everest and seven other 8000 meter peaks 

• The Nepalese flag is the only flag in the world that is not a rectangle. 

TIME DIFFERENCE WITH NEPAL 

The time zone for Nepal is called the “Nepal Standard Time (NPT).” It has a time offset from the coordinated universal time (UTC) of +05:45.  

The Nepal Standard Time is one of only two official time zones with a 45-minute increment from the UTC. Even if there are some variations in timing between different regions in Nepal, those are not properly maintained and recorded. 

CLIMATE & TEMPERATURES IN NEPAL  

 Climate 

Depending on its geographical features, the climatic conditions of Nepal vary from one place to another. You can experience hot tropical to bone-chilling arctic weather. Accordingly, there is no real seasonal constraint on traveling in and through Nepal. 

Nepal has so-called five seasons: Spring, Summer-Monsoon, Autumn, and Winter.  

Spring (March to May): the weather conditions are pleasant with blossoming flora. It is thus the best time to admire the blooming rhododendrons, Nepal’s national flower. In the altitude, there might be some leftover snow in some regions. It is the best time to climb Mount Everest and ideal for trekking or other activities.  

 Summer or monsoon (June to August): i.e., the rainy season. It is not favorable for trekking. However, some parts of Nepal are suitable for traveling, like Mustang, Dolpo, or some places in Manang District, which falls behind the rain-shadow.  

Domestic flight connections might sometimes be on-hold due to the heavy rains. However, the advantage is that you will encounter fewer people on the trails. Autumn (mid-September to November): it is the time of clear sky, trekking, climbing 8000 peaks, and other adventure sports. This period is with the spring season Nepal’s high season.  

Winter (December to February): the cold is compensated by the bright sun and brilliant views. It is thus also worth to come, for example, for a cultural tour to Nepal.  

Nepal can thus be visited the whole year round but depends on the type of outdoor activities and trekking regions you have chosen to do.  

 Temperatures 

In Nepal, the temperature varies as per the altitude. Nepal can be divided into three main geographical regions: Terai, Hills, and the Himalayas. 

The Terai region below 2500 meters is hot and humid throughout the year, except during the winters. During summer, the temperature may rise as high as 40 degrees Celsius. The average temperature in winter is about 15 degrees Celsius but drops even lower at night.  

The so-called “hilly region” above 2500 meters and the Valley of Kathmandu fall under temperate regions. The temperature can range from close to zero degrees Celsius during winter to 30 degrees in mid-July.  

In the Himalayas, above 3500 meters to 8848 meters, the temperatures easily drop below zero in the wintertime. During the trekking seasons (spring and autumn), we have to keep in mind that a general average drop of 6°C occurs for every 1000 meters gain in altitude. At these seasons, the daily temperatures can be mild but cold during the night. Proper equipment is thus essential.  

GEOGRAPHY OF NEPAL 

Location: 

Nepal is located in South Asia between China in the north and India in the south, east, and west.  

 Land Area:  

The total land area is 147’181 sq. km, including Nepal’s water area that is 3’830 sq. Km.  

 Coordinates: 

28°00’N/84°00’E 

Zone: 

Nepal falls in the temperate zone north of the Tropic Cancer. It runs east to west on about 800 km along with the Himalaya range. The river systems vertically intersect it. 

Main geographical regions: 

Nepal can be divided into 3 main geographical regions:  

•  The Trans Himalayan region (the high mountain range above 3500 meters): comprises mountains, alpine pastures, and temperate forests limited by the tree line (4000m) and snow line (5500m). Eight of the 14 eight-thousand peaks of the world are situated in this part of Nepal: Sagarmatha or Mount Everest (8848m), Kanchenjunga (8586m), Lhotse (8516m), Makalu (8463m), Cho Oyu (8201m), Dhaulagiri (8167m), Manaslu (8163m) and Annapurna I (8091m).  
• The Mid hill regions above 2500 meters: lie covered in terraced rice fields and surrounded by forests watershed. 
• The Terai region until 2500 meters: occupies about 17 percent of the whole Nepali territory. As Jhapa district of the eastern Terai, some of its parts are well known for their rich wildlife.  

The highest point in the country, Mount Everest (8848m), is located in the Himalayan region, while the lowest point is the Terai plains of Kechana Kalan in Jhapa (60m).  

SOME FACTS ABOUT HISTORY OF NEPAL 

Nepal has been a kingdom for at least 1,500 years. During most of that period, the Kathmandu Valley has been Nepal’s political, economic, and cultural center. The valley’s fertile soil supported thriving village farming communities, and its location along trans-Himalayan trade routes allowed merchants and rulers alike to profit.  

Since the fourth century, the Kathmandu Valley people have developed a unique variant of South Asian civilization based on Buddhism and Hinduism. One of the major themes in Nepal’s history has been the transmission of influences from both the north and the south into an original culture. During its entire history, Nepal has been able to continue this process while remaining independent. 

There were dozens of kingdoms in the smaller valleys and hills throughout the Himalayan region. It was the destiny of Gorkha, one of these small kingdoms, to conquer its neighbors and finally unite the entire nation in the late eighteenth century. The energy generated from this union drove Nepal’s armies to conquer territories far to the west and the east and challenge the Chinese in Tibet and the British in India. 

PEOPLE OF NEPAL 

Nepal is a melting pot of two main religions, Hinduism and Buddhism. Astonishingly, Nepal has over 101 Ethnic groups and 92 different languages, but still, people live together in peace and harmony. Generally, the Nepali people are kind, friendly, and welcoming.  

Tourism plays a significant role in Nepal’s economy as it directly benefits local people. Embarking to Nepal, not only will you have the most authentic experience, but you are giving back to local people and empowering their livelihood as well. 

The Sherpa people  

The Sherpa people migrated from eastern Tibet to Nepal hundreds of years ago. Before the Western intrusion in the twentieth century, the Sherpa people did not climb mountains; they reverently passed by the high peaks of the Himalayas, believing them to be the homes of the gods. The Sherpa people eked out their livelihood from high-altitude farming, raising cattle, wool spinning, and weaving. 

It was not before the 1920s that the Sherpa people became involved in climbing. The British controlled the Indian subcontinent and planned mountain climbing expeditions, and hired Sherpa as porters. From that time on, due to their willingness to work and climb the world’s tallest peaks, mountaineering became part of the Sherpa culture. 

Though numerous expeditions made attempts, it was in 1953 that Edmund Hillary and a Sherpa named Tenzing Norgay managed to reach the 8,848-meter (29,028-feet), Mount Everest.  

Despite the fact that the Sherpa have experienced westernization, their income generated from their work during expeditions – which is generally higher compared to the average population of Nepal – has helped them to preserve their society. They have managed to keep alive most of the important parts of their culture. 

POLITICAL SYSTEM OF NEPAL 

Since its first Constitution of 21st September 2015, the politics of Nepal function within a framework of a republic multi-party system. The fact to be now a democratic country brings better political stability.  

UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITES AROUND KATHMANDU 

 – Boudhanath 

Baudha Stupa is one of the largest in the world. Located in the heart of the Buddhist part of the city of Kathmandu, it is a major place of pilgrimage, especially for Tibetans.  

– Swayambhunath 

Also known as “Monkey Temple,” the Buddhist Stupa at Swayambhunath offers the best view of Kathmandu. Atop a hill in the Kathmandu Valley, west of Kathmandu city, it is the first pilgrimage in the Valley. The Swayambhunath complex consists of a stupa, various shrines, and temples dating back from the 7th century.  

 – Bhaktapur  

Bhaktapur was the largest of the three Newar kingdoms of the Kathmandu Valley and was Nepal’s capital during the great “Malla Kingdom” until the second half of the 15th century. The third city of Nepal is a medieval gem where an atmosphere of timelessness pervades. Bhaktapur’s main attraction is its Durbar Square, with its Palace of Fifty-Five windows.  

– Changu Narayan Temple 

The ancient Hindu temple of Changu Narayan is located on a high hilltop in the Bhaktapur District. It is considered the oldest temple in Nepal.  

– Patan  

Also known as “Lalitpur” (meaning the City of Beauty), Patan is the oldest of the three main city-states in the Kathmandu Valley. It is best known for its rich cultural heritage, particularly its tradition of arts and crafts.  

– Pashupatinath 

It is a famous, sacred Hindu temple dedicated to Pashupatinath and is located on the Bagmati River banks in the eastern city of Kathmandu. The temple is considered one of the sacred temples of the Hindu faith.  

SOME PLACES TO VISIT 

– Kathmandu Valley 

The Kathmandu Valley lies at the crossroads of ancient civilizations of Asia and has several pilgrimage sites for Hindus and Buddhists. There are seven World Heritage Sites within the Valley.  

 – Pokhara 

Pokhara is the second-largest city of Nepal, located 200 kilometers west of the capital Kathmandu at the Phew Lake banks. It is surrounded by a stunning mountain panorama and is the starting and ending point for most treks in the Annapurna region.  

– Khumbu (Everest region) 

Locally known as Khumbu, the Everest region is a north-eastern Nepal region on the Nepalese side of Mount Everest. It is the heart of the Sherpa people’s land. Some of the most spectacular and beautiful mountain scenery in the world combines with the famous friendliness and hospitality of the Sherpa people. The Khumbu includes the Sagarmatha National Park that was declared a World Heritage Site in 1979.  

– Chitwan National Park 

Chitwan National Park is the first national park in Nepal. It was established in 1973 and granted the status of World Heritage Site in 1984. It is located in the subtropical lowlands of south-central Nepal.

1. DISCOVER WHY/HOW WE ARE DIFFERENT

• The same philosophy between WILD YAK EXPEDITIONS Switzerland and WILD YAK EXPEDITIONS Nepal

Most foreign outdoor agencies have to collaborate with a local company based in Nepal to operate their travel and adventure trips. We have seen clashes between the foreign agency and the local company due to different price deals, philosophy, and mindset in numerous cases. This is especially problematic when it comes to last moment changes in logistics, services, or in emergencies, where rapid decisions are necessary.

WILD YAK EXPEDITIONS Switzerland and WILD YAK EXPEDITIONS Nepal stand for the same company philosophy: Small Groups, High Quality, and Personalised Services. Last but not least, the well-being of our guests is always the primary objective of both companies. We thus appreciate any decision taken during the trip in favor of our guests!

• The expertise of the founders and the WILD YAK Team

WILD YAK EXPEDITIONS’ founders Andrea Sherpa-Zimmermann & Norbu Sherpa have climbed Mount Everest and numerous other 8000-meter peaks around the Himalayas. Besides climbing, they are active trekkers and have explored many parts of Nepal, Tibet, Bhutan, Ladakh, Sikkim, Pakistan, and the Alps.

WILD YAK EXPEDITIONS thus reflects the perfect combination between Andrea’s Swiss quality focus and her husband Norbu’s 18 years of experience, as well as his numerous local contacts, to be part of the company’s most significant assets. Thanks to Norbu’s roots, and Andrea’s curiosity about the traditions and culture of the local populations, each journey is a unique experience in itself!

2.  SMALL GROUPS

What is the experience like?

To be part of large groups can be fun, but also a big challenge not only for the tour operator but for the participants themselves. Imagine yourself in a group of more than 8 to 15 members in a challenging environment. Some days you have to struggle not only physically, but it might become a mental challenge too. There are enhanced risks of misunderstandings, which might make the dream journey turn into a nightmare.

How it should be:

We believe that a holiday has to be a holiday: no worries, no ego, no rush. Let’s live a unique experience. Dream, Explore, and Discover!

Throughout our extensive experience, organizing expeditions and treks, we found that the core of a successful trip lies in having small groups—our motto: 4 to 6 participants for better understanding, collaboration, and flexibility. You fully enjoy your holiday, and the local team feels more connected and devoted to the entire group. Real Team Spirit grows day-by-day among the participants and our WILD YAK Team.

3. GUIDANCE ON PREPARING YOUR TRIP

Instead of standard travel packages without proper advice or information, apart from general information about what is included in the package price, WILD YAK EXPEDITIONS will provide you with all the necessary information and sound advice for an optimal preparation of your stay.

For this reason, we believe that your journey begins with excellent preparation. We will cater to your needs based on our experience, providing you with regular advice and tips, including recommended training schedules. Whether by Skype or other means, Andrea and Norbu are happy to address personally all of your queries.

Besides, depending on the kind of customized trip, the group size, and your availabilities, Andrea and Norbu can set up workshops and pre-departure meetings (in Switzerland in person or remotely). We provide you with specific guidance about physical and technical training, taking into account your own experience and requirements. Once in Kathmandu, we meet for a final check of your equipment and a briefing.

4. EXPENSIVE MATERIAL FOR RENT

Every adventure in the Himalayas has hidden costs. Your dream is to climb at high altitude? The equipment necessary to do so is very particular, and the costs of acquisition can touch the sky. In reality, a significant amount of equipment is necessary for your personal gear and the cost of your journey. However, you might never again need or use some of this gear.

To minimize your Himalayan journey’s expenses, we offer such expensive equipment for rent to our guests at a very reasonable price. We offer expedition boots, down-suits, warm down jackets, and other climbing material, for example. Thanks to our expertise, we provide the renting of only high-quality equipment.

5. HIGH-QUALITY SERVICES, PRIVATE TRANSPORT, NO HIDDEN COSTS

Is the description of the Trip that you are interested in is complete? In particular, does the information about the accommodation, the local staff, and the on-site logistics correspond to the price details? Do you think that the information provided is clear enough to book your trip?

We are committed to our standards of high quality and fairness with the services we provide to you. We focus on superior services, private transportation, and of course, our skillful Guide and Sherpa Team. Last but not least, no hidden costs.

6. GIVING BACK TO THE LOCAL COMMUNITY 

After the death of 14 climbing Sherpas at Everest in 2014, Andrea and Norbu established the non-profit humanitarian organization “The Butterfly Help Project” (“BHP”) to support the climbing Sherpa community. Besides, Norbu and Andrea experienced the epicenter of the 2015-earthquake that massively affected some of Nepal’s regions. Through their organization, they started to build new schools. They could build two schools, Shree Janajyoti Secondary School and Shree Palep Primary School in Nepal, for more than 500 children. And the Third School is under construction in the south of Nepal.

Andrea and Norbu’s social responsibility is going further through BHP; they also support the schooling of five Sherpa Kids in the Everest Region, four in the Kanchenjunga region, and 2 in Kathmandu. BHP is also helping preserve the precious Sherpa culture of Ghunsa village by appointing a cultural teacher in the School. Finally, to encourage the kids and the aforementioned schools, Andrea and Norbu Sherpa are providing benches, school equipment, clothes, stationery, and cultural equipment.

The seeds of the next project with regards to an Apple Plantation in Norbu’s region.

7. OUR WILD YAK TEAM

The WILD YAK Team members are carefully selected according to their expertise in a particular environment and individual aptitudes. Our Team is thus highly experienced, qualified, respectful, and supportive.

One of the first things to do before going on trekking to Nepal is to organize your personal equipment. This can be exciting to collect if you are familiar with them. And it can be a little stressful if you don’t know the high altitude trekking material requirements. There will be many questions while choosing the right equipment, brand, and sizes.

To make it a little more comfortable for our clients, we have developed a booklet for materials with some tips, which we sent by email after the booking.

Finally, for the sake of convenience for our guests, we also rent personal trekking gear, such as down jackets and sleeping bag-ice spikes.

• What is the best season to visit Nepal?

Nepal can be visited the whole year round but depends on the type of outdoor activities and trekking regions you have chosen.

In Spring (March to May): the weather conditions are pleasant with blossoming flora. It is thus the best time to admire the blooming rhododendrons, Nepal’s national flower. In the altitude, there might be some leftover snow in some regions. It is the best time to climb Mount Everest and ideal for trekking or other activities.

In Summer or monsoon (June to August): i.e., the rainy season. It is not favorable for trekking. However, some parts of Nepal are suitable for traveling, like Mustang, Dolpo, or some places in Manang District, which falls behind the rain-shadow.

Domestic flight connections might sometimes be on-hold due to the heavy rains. However, the advantage is that you will encounter fewer people on the trails.

In Autumn (mid-September to November): it is the time of clear sky, trekking, climbing 8000 peaks, and other adventure sports. This period is with the spring season Nepal’s high season.

In Winter (December to February): the cold is compensated by the bright sun and brilliant views. It is thus also worth to come, for example, for a cultural tour to Nepal.

• What can be the temperatures?

In Nepal, the temperature varies as per the altitude. Nepal can be divided into three main geographical regions: Terai, Hills, and the Himalayas.

The Terai region below 2500 meters is hot and humid throughout the year, except during the winters. During summer, the temperature may rise as high as 40 degrees Celsius. The average temperature in winter is about 15 degrees Celsius but drops even lower at night.

The so-called “hilly region” above 2500 meters and the Valley of Kathmandu fall under temperate regions. The temperature can range from close to zero degrees Celsius during winter to 30 degrees in mid-July.

In the Himalayas, above 3500 meters to 8848 meters, the temperatures easily drop below zero in the wintertime. During the trekking seasons (spring and autumn), we have to keep in mind that a general average drop of 6°C occurs for every 1000 meters gain in altitude. At these seasons, the daily temperatures can be mild but cold during the night. Proper equipment is thus essential.

• How should I prepare for Trekking?

You do not need to be an elite athlete to come for trekking in Nepal. Physical activity on a regular basis, preferably focused on endurance, is, however, essential to appreciate your journey to the Himalaya fully.

• How long can be the daily stages?

The length of the daily stages will first depend on the trekking you have selected. A trekking day can last from 2 hours to 8 hours with the crossing of passes above 5000 meters, for example.

• Which is the maximum altitude during the trekking?

The maximum altitude will again depend on the trekking you have selected. The average of our trekking is organized at a maximum height of 5000 meters (16,404ft). However, some of our trekking, like Saribung Trek, cross a pass above 6000 meters (19,685ft).