Annapurna CircuitEverest Region Langtang Region Remote Areas

Trekking in the Himalayas

Trekking is the gift of Nepal to the world in adventure tourism. To be one with Nature, to regenerate one's own self-esteem, to rediscover oneself, to appreciate Nepal's beauty, to interact with its hospitable and friendly peoples are some of the highlights of trekking in Nepal. Trekking is one long-term activity that draws repeat visitors to the country. Therefore, Nepal is the ultimate destination for the trekking enthusiast. It offers a myriad of possibilities - from the "short and easy" walking excursions to the "demanding and strenuous" challenges of the snowy peaks and their foothills and valleys. But however easy, or moderate, or strenuous, there is something for every palate that goes with trekking in Nepal's hills, mountains and hinterlands. The most rewarding way to experience Nepal's indomitable combination of natural beauty and cultural riches is to walk through the length, breadth and the altitudes of Nepal. Trekking in Nepal is as much a unique cultural experience as well as an ultimate Himalayan adventure.

PREPARING FOR A TREK:

Nepal is trekker’s paradise. The only best way to experience Nepal’s unbeatable combination of natural beauty and cultural richness is to trek through them. The immense contrasts in altitudes and climates found here support an equally spectacular mix of lifestyles, vegetation types and wildlife.

Anybody with a spirit of adventure and mental preparedness can take up trekking expeditions. It is not mountaineering or sport but just days of walking. You neither need any advanced training nor have to be a sportive. In all kinds of trekking in Nepal, you will require to walk 5 to 6 hours daily on uneven land, which demands physical fitness as well as mental preparedness.

On the basis of trail condition, altitude, glaciers and passes, trekking routes have been classified from 1 to 5 grades. 1 stands for an easy route where as 5 for hard.

One with cardiac and pulmonary history is required to take the advice of a physician before he decides to participate on a trekking program but they are definitely not recommended to trek in high altitude and strenuous treks.

It’s recommended that you should have some knowledge about altitude sickness, its symptoms, prevention and remedies.

Your insurance policy should cover for helicopter evacuation expenses in the eventuality of serious illness or accident or in the case you are stranded in any remote area due to inclement weather conditions. 

We provide tents, mattresses, dinning table food and all kitchen equipment but you have to bring your personal trekking gears.

TYPES OF TREKKING ORGNIZATION

i) A fully organized camping trek
ii) Tea house or lodge trek 

 FULLY ORGANIZED CAMPING TREK

A fully organized camping trek: A fully organized camping trek requires the arrangement of all camping gears including sleeping tents, kitchen and mess tents, toilet tents, dinning tables and chairs, mattresses, kitchen crews with all kitchen gears and food stuff. A number of porters to carry the foodstuff, camping and kitchen gears, Sherpa to look for the camping sites and fix the tents, Sirdar and kitchen crews have to be hired. This kind of arrangement is rather expensive but is only way to experience the trekking in real sense. The evenings in camping sites are full of fun. You can join the kitchen crew to make the food of your taste or just stretch your legs inside the tent for relaxation.

TEA HOUSE OR LODGE TREK:

This kind of arrangement is possible in Annapurna, Langatnag and Everest region, which provide lodging and fooding facilities. We offer you the package that includes lodge, meals, guide, porters, national park fees and transportation. Each 2 trekkers are provided with one porter who can carry a load up to 25kilos. The guide who is the team leader will take care of lodge reservation and all administration.

TREKKING SEASONS

Trekking in Nepal can be undertaken throughout the year depending on where you are going. There are 4 seasons in Nepal each of, which has its distinct attraction to offer.

Autumn (Sep- Nov): Autumn is the best season for trekking in Nepal. This season offers excellent weather and tantalizing mountain views.

Winter (December- February): This season is noted for occasional snowfalls only at higher altitude. So, it’s ideal for trekking at lower altitude, generally below 3000m.

Spring (March-May): The temperature is quite moderate in this season. Varieties of wild flowers, especially the rhododendrons are in complete blossom. The mountain views are excellent. This is the second best trekking season in Nepal.

Summer (June- August): Summer months sometime continue up to September and making travel in this season can be wet and warm. This is the favorite season to trek in the rain-shadow areas north of the Himalaya like Mustang, Upper Manang and Dolpo. These places are out of reach of the rain clouds because of the hugh mountains and are unaffected by the monsoon. This season is also recommended for forest researchers and botanist as the higher valleys and meadows blossom with flowers and lush vegetation. Raincoats and insect repellents are essential to trek in this season.

TREKKING ROUTES AND DESTINATIONS

I) Annapurna region
ii) Everest  region
iii) Langtang, Gosainkunda and Helambu areas
iv) Eastern Nepal
v) Western Nepal
vi) Restricted Areas
vii) Other Trekking Routes
viii) Trekking Peaks

ANNAPURNA REGION

This is the most popular trekking route in Nepal. Annapurna region and villages of Pokhara dominates the Western Part of Nepal. Two thirds of the trekkers in Nepal visit this region. This region is abundant with several short and long routes. You will be walking through rhododendron forests over the foothills of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. You will walk through the Kaligandaki, the deepest one in the world and Lake Tilicho (4,919m), the lake in the highest altitude are located in this region. This region offers several trekking routes of various ranges of duration and grades.

GHANDROOK LOOP, 3-4 days, grade 2, max. altitude 3800m, best season Oct- Apr
Ghorepani-Poon hill trek, 5-6 days, grade2, max. altitude 3800m,season Oct- Apr
ROYAL TREK, 4 days, grade 1, max altitude 1700m, best season Oct- Apr.
Pokhara to Jomsom Trek, 9 days, grade 3, max altitude 3800m, best season Oct- Apr
ANNAPURNA CIRCUITS, 19 days, grade 4, max. Altitude 5416m, best season Oct, Nov, Mar, Apr.
Annapurna Sanctuary, 13 days, grade 3, max. Altitude 4610m, best season Oct, Nov, Mar, April

EVEREST REGION

The region draws its name and fame with what is Mount Everest, world’s highest peak, and the dream of most of trekkers and climbers. The second most popular trekking area of Nepal, not only brings you close to Mt. Everest and its neighbors, but also to Sherpa culture and ancient monasteries. The Sherpas settled in the Khumbu region some 450 years ago bringing Tibetan Buddhism in the form of ornate monasteries, carved prayer Mani Stones and a never-ending joy of life. A traditional trekking to this region is started from Jiri accessible by a day bus ride from Kathmandu but there are regular Dornier and Twin-Otter operations between Kathmandu and Lukla (2,850m) that saves a week and avoids retracing the way back.

Everest view, 7 days, grade 3, max altitude 3870m, best season Oct- Dec, mar- Apr
Everest Classic/ KALAPATTAR, 14 days, grade 4, max. Altitude 5545m, best season Oct- Dec, Mar- Apr.
Everest Base Camp-Chola pass-GOKYO, 20 days, grade 4, Max altitude 5318m, best season Oct-Dec, Mar- apr.
Gokyo peak-14 days, grade 4, best season Oct-Nov, Mar-Apr
LANGTANG,GOSAIKUNDA AND HELAMBHU REGION:

This region lies north of Kathmandu and offers several trekking destinations, all accessible without flights. Gosaikunda has holy lakes at 4300m. Thousands of Hindu and Buddhist pilgrims visit the lakes during the fool moon festival in August. Helambu, 75 km north of Kathmandu, is the area dominated by Sherpas whose language, culture and dress differ from that of Solukhumbu Sherpas.

LANGTANG VALLEY TREK, 10 Days, grade 3., max altitude 4300m, Best season Oct-may.
LANGTANG ACROSS GANJA LA, 11 days. Grade 5, max. Altitude 5106m, best season Oct-Nov, Mar-May.
GOSAIKUNDA TREK 7 days, grade 3,max altitude 4610m, best season Oct-Nov, Mar- Apr
LANGTANG & GOSAIKUNDA, 14 days, grade 3, max altitude 4310m, best season Oct-Nov, Mar- Apr.
LANGTANG ,GOSIAKUNDA & HELAMBU, 16 Days, grade 3, max altitude 4310m, season Oct-Nov, Mar-Apr
HELAMBU TREK, 8 days, grade 2, max altitude 3500, best season Oct- Apr.
Jugal Himal Trek, 13 days, grade 3, max altitude 3800m, best season Oct- Apr.

EASTERN NEPAL

Trekking routes in Eastern Nepal brings you close to Kanchanjunga, the 3rd highest mountain in the world, base camp of Mount Makalu and eastern approach to Mount Everest. The area has hot, rice growing districts and also encompasses the cooler tea-growing region of Ilam. The heavily populated Middle Hills are gouged by the mighty Arun Kosi, which has cut through them at an elevation of less than 400m. The major mountain massifs of Kanchanjunga and Makalu flank the Arun River.

The trekking routes are less touristy but are long and needs proper arrangement. Complete camping gears with kitchen crews and porters are necessary to trek in this region.

Kanchanjunga north TREK, 22 days, grade 4, max altitude 5140m, best season Oct-May.
Taplejung to Kanchanjunga SOUTH, 16 days, grade 4, max altitude 4620m, and best season Oct- May.
Makalu Base CAMP 20 Days, grade 4, max altitude 5000m, best season Oct- May.
Hile to Khumbu: 12 days, grade 4, max altitude 3350m, best season Oct- Apr.

WESTERN NEPAL

Only Western Nepal offers the routes where you can trek in summer. The history and anthropology of this region is very complex but fascinating. The region is predominantly Hindu but the minority Tibetan population yet has had a significant influence on the area. The region is mostly unexplored and some of its part is restricted to visitors. Many of the trails in the western Nepal continue to the northern side of the Himalayan ranges of Nampa, Saipal and Kanjiroba, making it easy for trekkers to zip up trails along river valleys. Accommodation and supplies for tourist point of view is very inadequate. So, a completely organized camping trek is only the way to explore the region. There are Twin Otter operations from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj and from later to Dolpo, Simikot and Bajura which are trekking starting points to this region.

JUMLA TO RARA LAKE , 9 days, grade 3, max altitude 3710m, best season Mar- Oct
JUMLA TO LOWER DOLPO, 8days, grade 3,max altitude 3820m, season Mar-Oct.
JUPHAL -PHOKSUNDO LAKE-DO TARAP, 15 days, grade 3,max altitude 3660m, best season May-Oct.
LOWER DOLPO VIA BAGLUNG, 22 Days, grade 4, max altitude 3820m, season Mar-Oct.

RESTRICTED AREAS 

In Oct 1991, government opened some parts of Western Nepal and Manaslu region for the visitors which other wise were long closed to foreigners. Yet, there are certain restrictions to visiting these areas. A single traveler is not permitted .The trekkers should submit the application form for permission quite some time in advance in liaison with a local company. Hiring an environmental officer, a complete tenting arrangement and experienced crews are requisites to trek in this region

Mustang Trek, 12 days, grade 4, max altitude 4070m, season may to Oct
Manaslu Trek , 21 days, grade 4, max altitude 5135m, season Oct-May
Humla to  Mt. Kailsh, 20 days, grade 4, max altitude 5630m, season July-Oct
Upper Dolpo (Shey Gompa),O6 days from Phoksundo Lake, grade 3, and max altitude 5400m, season May-Oct.

OTHER TREKKING ROUTES

Kathmandu – Pokhara Trek ,10days
Ganesh himal ,19 days
Dhaulagiri Trek (16 days with Jomsom- PKR flight)

TREKKING PEAKS (Climbing Expeditions)

18 peaks of Nepal have been designated as "Trekking Peaks" and Nepal Mountaineering Association issues permission for climbing expedition with simple formalities. Some of these peaks are easy "walk ups" where as others are technical and sometime can be dangerous. A fully equipped team of guides, Sherpas, porters’ etc is necessary to scale these peaks.

Mt. Everest Region
Island Peak (6189m) mostly a non-technical climb
Mera Peak (6476m) From Mera La an easy snow climbs but sometimes crevasses complicates the route.
Kusum Kangaroo, the most difficult trekking peak.
Lobjue East (6119m): An exposed top but often covered with rotten snow, some exposed knife ridges and some crevasses
Mehra Peak (5802m): Now called Khongma Tse. Rock and ice climb that’s not so difficult from either the Imja valley or Lobuje
Kwangde (6187m): North face is seen from Namche, difficult climb, southern side is a moderately technical climb. Allow 2 to 3 weeks.
Pokhande ( 5806m): Short, steep snow climb from the Kongma La above Lobuje

Annapurna Region

Singu Chuli ( Fluted Peak, 6501m) steep ice slopes
Hiunchuli (6441m), snow, ice and rock, technical climb.
Mardi Himal (5587m): Five day slug up the Mardi Khola to approach the peak, an outlier of Machapuchre.
Tent Peak (5500m): Now called Tharpu Chuli, climb involves glaciers and crevasses.

Langtang Region

Ganja La (Naya Kangri, 5846m), involves rock and snow climb

Manang Region:

Pisang Peak (6091m), steep snow at the top.
Chulu East (6584m), a long approach from Manag, needs two high camps
Chulu West (6419m): Route circles Gusang Peak to climb Chulu Weat from the north, requires at least 2 high camps.

Rolwaling Region:

Pharchamo (6187m), steep snow climb on a route, possible avalanches.
Ramdung (5925m): Requires a long approach through Rolwaling valley.

Peak climbing Permit:

Apart from regular trekking permits and National Park or Conservation Fee, a special peak climbing permit is essential for climbing the trekking peaks. A climbing fee of USD 350 will be charged for a peak and the permit will be valid for a period of 30 days and up to the group of 10 participants. An additional amount of USD 7.5 per person will be charged if the group exceeds more than 10 participants. Scenic Adventures will process for necessary permit.

Guide/Assistant climbing guides:
Guides/Assistant guides are trained and licensed by Nepal Mountaineering Association. On climbing expedition, one guide can serve up to 4 climbers. For additional members, assistant guides are required to hire or a technically capable group leader can serve as an assistant guide.

Personal Climbing Equipment:
We provide all camping and kitchen gears that is necessary for an organized expedition. But participants of climbing expedition, apart from regular trekking gears have to be equipped with following climbing gears. Although, there is buying or renting possibilities of these gears in Kathmandu or Pokhara, it is always recommended that you bring them of your best fit from your home. Some climbers have been reported to abandon the trip because the harness is too small or crampons do not fit or is too big for the boots.

1.Main ropes/ Fix Ropes (50-200m)
2. Climbing boots with Crampons and Get Ups.
3. Harness
4. Carabiners
5. Shelve-Saver
6. Ice-Screws and stakes
7. Ice-axe
8. Ice-Hammer
9. Water bottle

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Last Updated: December 17, 2005