Werner Herzog quoted it right.
“The world reveals itself to those who travel on foot.”
Trekking is an emotion for those who want to explore, enjoy and study the world. It gives you perspective, friendship, experience, strength, confidence and dives you deep into uncertainties. Do you enjoy trekking? Do you aspire to explore the world on foot? Do you love knowing and creating stories every day? If your answer is yes then Nepal is a perfect destination that fits your aspirations.
Trekking in Nepal is celebrated like the biggest adventure. Blessed with mountains, diverse geography, and varied climatic conditions, Nepal has a phenomenal mix of nature and adventure. The Himalayas and beautiful landscapes allure both domestic as well as international tourists. They render a splendid trekking experience in Nepal.
Eight of the top ten highest peaks in the world are located in Nepal. Green hills, forests, and canyons of Nepal offer an up-close experience. The cultures, languages, and ethnic groups here just amplify the beauty of the paradise. Most of these exquisite locations of Nepal are only reachable on foot. This is why trekking in Nepal is one of the distinctive experiences in South Asia and the world itself.
In a country full of mountains, hills, and walk-able routes, the popularity of trekking in Nepal first comes with the presence of Everest. The world gets inspired from the highest peak (8848 m) and Nepal is always remembered for this amazing landmark. Therefore, trekkers come to Nepal to relish picturesque Himalayan terrains, biodiversity, culture, food, history, and its people.
Trekking in Nepal has a variety of options and hence, people of different age groups and experiences can choose their trekking types and locations based on their preferences and abilities.
Best time to Trek in Nepal
The best time for trekking in Nepal is during the month of September to November for the autumn season and from March to the month of May for the spring season. During this time of the year, the weather will be generally clearer and the sky appears cloudless.
Nepal receives most of the trekkers in the autumn. Lush green forests, beautiful sunsets, and greater visibility make it the most favorable season. Domestic as well as International trekkers get to know the culture and tradition of Nepal as festivals such as Dashain, Tihar, Mani Rimdu etc. are celebrated around October and November.
Spring days are longer allowing you to spend more time exploring the painted views of blooming Rhododendron. As we call it the “season of new beginnings”, it offers you with fresh fragrance of flowers, pleasant views of birds dancing and the peaceful feeling of waving prayer flags.
However, experienced trekkers are seen trekking in the off-season too but if it’s your first trek in Nepal you need to be more cautious while doing so.
Winter is considered comparatively a less favorable season to trek due to cloudy sky, unclear weather and cold temperature. However, it’s a sought-after season for snow-lovers. Furthermore, it is suggested to be extra cautious during monsoons. Regular rain makes those trekking routes wet and inviting to leeches. But the rain can be an enriching addition to your experiences if handled with care. However, it is considered wise if we trek during favorable seasons, keeping in mind both comfort and safety.
Costs
The total cost of trekking involves accommodation cost, transportation cost, porter cost, and guide cost. These costs are variable as per the need of the situation.
Most of the Trekking routes in Nepal require trekking permits; areas like Everest Base Camp, Langtang, and Annapurna region made mandatory of Permit of National Park and additional regional development permit. However, the Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS) permit is only required in specific areas.
The region such as Upper Mustang, Manaslu region, and Kanchanjunga requires special permits, which you can obtain only through the Immigration Office of Nepal. Therefore, before going into the trekking area, you must review the permit’s formalities so you don’t face any obstacles in trekking.
Early preparations for trekking
None of the treks of Nepal feels like a piece of cake. Each one of them tests your endurance, perseverance and devotion. Higher altitudes and difficult road conditions make the adventure even more grueling. Hence, aerobic training, walking and cardio exercise beforehand will prepare your body for the best and the worst.
Altitude Sickness
While ascending in the higher regions, altitude sickness is common among the trekkers due to a low level of oxygen and lower air pressure. Fatigue, poor appetite, dizziness, headaches etc. are some of the symptoms that you might experience.
With a great deal of adventure comes difficulties and challenges. Triumphing over these is part of the journey. So the chances of altitude sickness is lowered if you follow these precautions :
- Slower trekking pace on higher altitudes
- Maintain average speed while walking
- Enough hydration
- Trek high, sleep low
- Avoid the consumption of cigarettes, tobacco, and alcohol
Where do Trekkers Trek?
Most of the trekkers trek in three trekking regions of Nepal namely Annapurna, Everest, and Langtang regions. Everest base camp is popular among national and international tourists. Annapurna base camp and half Annapurna circuit trek with Thorong La pass are also visited in greater numbers. People prefer less busy trails for the Camping trek. With a plethora of options available to choose from, here are a few trekking options in Nepal:
- Everest Base Camp
- Annapurna Base Camp
- Annapurna Circuit
- Gokyo Lake
- Ghorepani poonhill
- Shey Phoksundo
- Upper Dolpo
- Manaslu Circuit
- Mardi Himal
- Kanchenjunga Base Camp
- Dhampus Village
- Rara Lake
- Ghandruk Village
- Muktinath
- Gosaikunda etc.
Food
Most of the trekking routes in Nepal have similar food and drinks. While you trek in Nepal, you need to trust the meals of the region as they are something you will be highly dependable on. Almost all of the regular trekking routes of Nepal have teahouses, guesthouses, and lodges. So, food is not much of a worry.
Mostly, the menu has daal, rice, potatoes, momos, thukpa, sherpa stew, soups, etc. The price of Cold drinks, coffees, chocolate bars, and nuts are premium in these regions. Carrying your water bottle keeps you hydrated throughout the journey.
Accommodation
With the growing trek culture in Nepal, accommodation is not a big problem like it was before. Enough lodges, teahouses, and guesthouses are there to accommodate a large number of trekkers with trekking requisites.
To conclude, trekking in Nepal will make you fall for people, villages, culture, food, and the lovely roads. Roaming like a curious traveler in those valleys surrounded by mountains takes you to a positive state of mind. All in all, trekking in Nepal changes you as a person. Nepal will give you all the love and the warmth and trekking here will give you a new perspective.
So are you ready to hit the road?
Dream-Explore-Discover with Wild Yak Expeditions
Contact Wild Yak Expeditions, the best trekking company in Nepal to explore the best trekking trails of Nepal. A trip with Wild Yak Expeditions allows you to access glimpses of the world’s most enchanting views with the good team, quality services and great ambiance.
