Complete Guide to Trekking in Nepal

3rd Apr, 2020

If you are planning to Trekking in Nepal, here are tips for a First Time Trekker about Complete Guide to Trekking in Nepal. These tips help to all trekkers from around the world. Trekking in Nepal is a popular adventure activity, attracting thousands of trekkers from around the world each year. The country offers a diverse range of trekking routes, from the famous Annapurna, Everest and Langtang regions to the less-traveled areas like Manaslu, Kanchenjunga, Upper Dolpo and Upper Mustang.

Tips for a First Time Trekker in Nepal

If you are planning to Trekking or Climbing in Nepal or already have experience. If you haven’t you are missing out many things! It is not only the beautiful trekking adventure, but also unforgettable breath-taking experience that imprinted in your mind. The imagination of those lands of the mountains would not satisfy you, if you wouldn’t experience this heaven in real life. Nepal the amazing word carrying tons of beauties, identities and values of images that are outstanding. From the small corner of Himalaya to the landscapes the worthy cultural are glowing everywhere showing its special beauties. Trekking in Nepal is really wonderful feat that you must not miss. Visiting beautiful old Himalayan villages make you feel that you are walking in Heaven Street. Trekking to your way at beautiful river, wonderful valleys breathing fresh air and experiencing unique terrains. Move your step on rocky trails throughout alpine forest and green yak and sheep pastures. Trekking in Nepal is a miracle that is definitely overwhelming.

You can enjoy the view of majestic peak, the most famous summit (Mount Everest) the tallest mountain in the world. This mountain draws people from all over the globe to make your eyes stop blinking by showing its tremendous beauty. However, from the traditional tea-house and ancient monasteries to the rich culture and mouth- wakening cuisine, so Nepal is one of the unique places in the world for trekking. The best way to explore these beautiful places by trekking but there are few things knowing before you trekking in Nepal. Let me explain here a guiding to trekking in Nepal.

Getting There: Nepal

Nepal, a landlocked Himalayan nation situated between China's Tibet Autonomous Region and India, boasts eight of the top ten mountains in the world, including Mount Everest. There are numerous entry points from both China and India for those traveling to Nepal by land. Tourist visas for Nepal are available upon arrival at all Indian and Chinese borders.
For those arriving by air, there are numerous foreign airlines that offer nonstop connecting flights to Nepal. Notable airlines include Nepal Airlines, Turkish Air, Thai Airways, Gulf Air, Qatar Air, Jet Airways, Air India, Biman Bangladesh, Lufthansa, Oman Air, Travel Dubai, Air Arabia, and Air China. Overland travel is also possible from China or India. It is advisable to check your flight details and contact us before your arrival in Nepal. Upon arrival at the airport in Nepal, obtaining an on-arrival visa is a straightforward process

Visa and passport information

All foreign visitors to Nepal, except for Indian passport holders, require a visa. However, to apply for a tourist visa, you must possess a passport with a validity period of at least six months. Visas are available on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport and the Chinese-Indian border in Tibet.

When applying for a visa to enter Nepal, ensure you have a color photograph in passport size (PP size). For more details about visa information, please click on this link

Money exchange rate and prices

If you're seeking the best foreign exchange rates and locations in Nepal, you can easily exchange the majority of your foreign currency at a local bank or an authorized money exchange facility in a well-known tourist destination. The Nepal Rastra Bank regulates all exchange rates (the Central Bank of Nepal). You can also exchange small amounts of money at the hotel if you prefer. Please note that our banks do not accept dirty or old notes, so kindly bring clean and fresh notes.

To avoid the time-consuming processes associated with cards and traveler's checks, Nepalese people typically prefer cash in hotels, restaurants, shopping malls, and other locations. If you have a credit or debit card, you can use an ATM to withdraw cash in Nepali Rupees. In the main tourist city, there are several ATM counters with 24-hour service. When using a card, the maximum withdrawal amount is between 30,000 and 35,000 rupees at once, with a processing fee of 500 rupees.

Before embarking on your hike, it's essential to convert your money in Kathmandu or Pokhara, as the majority of trekking routes do not offer facilities for international currency exchange. Additionally, inquire about the required amount of money for a Himalayan trek from your trekking operator or guide.

Safety and security

When traveling in Nepal, safety and security are crucial issues to consider both on the way in and out. We are here for you at all times, and we promise to provide the greatest service to all of our cherished clients. Our guides have extensive training in the field of trekking and a broad understanding of first aid items. As it rises more than 4000 m above sea level, hiking in Nepal requires careful consideration. Due to the potential health risks associated with high altitude, our knowledgeable guides discuss necessary medications and make decisions about continuing the trek while organizing emergency rescues.
Cautiousness is essential when hiking trails that pass one another, as they are not wide enough for simultaneous passage. During the busiest trekking season, numerous porters, yaks, mules, and Jokpe can be found along the trail. You must stay on the safe side if you encounter them on a bridge or in a confined space; otherwise, they may force you over the edge."

Drink a Safe drinking water

For maintaining a healthy body while traveling and staying hydrated, clean water is essential. It is the most effective method for completing the Himalayan journey. Otherwise, falling ill and experiencing diarrhea is quite common. Almost everywhere during the Nepalese tea house trip, except for the camping trek, sells bottled water. Unfortunately, bottled water is very pricey.

Please bring high-quality water bottles (for boiling water) and water purification tablets or water filter bottles, as plastic bottles are detrimental to the environment. Reusable water bottles are a good idea because they help keep the mountains clean. If you are concerned about finding a typical water tap to fill up your bottles in the trekking region of Nepal, they are very easy to locate. They can be found near rivers, streams, and lodges.

Travel insurance and insurance policy

Nepal Hiking Tours: The difficulty levels of the Himalayas range from easy to tough. Due to the changing climate in the Himalayas, there is a risk of high altitude and potential mishaps.

Trekking in the Nepalese Himalayas demands practical trekking abilities at high altitudes (above 4,000 meters); therefore, travel insurance is essential. In case of an accident during a trip that requires medical attention or evacuation, the cost of returning to a city and receiving treatment may be significant. Hence, you must ensure that your insurance covers the price of an air ambulance, medical care, and any risks associated with travel, such as delayed flights and lost stolen, damaged, or missing baggage. Your complete itinerary while visiting Nepal should be covered by your insurance policy. Make sure your insurance policy covers hikes higher than 5,500 meters. If not, you will be responsible for all unforeseen costs associated with your trek through Nepal.

As part of the booking process for trekking and climbing in Nepal, all trekkers must send a copy of their certificate from their comprehensive travel insurance policy to High Pass Adventure.

How to Fit for Trekking in Nepal

The key to trekking train is consistency and persistence. A step by step move towards for training in a month helps lead you up to your trek. According to our past trip review, 90%of our (High Pass Adventure) trekkers said they were fit enough for their trekking in Nepal. Though, some trekkers said they were just fit enough and wished they had done more exercise to trek. Specially walking with back pack, more ascents and decent, short running like jugging, walking and body strength exercise and training.

So we strongly recommend you do a range of training to prepare for your trekking and are regular activities that you entertain to help you stay attractive. It is also important to you for outdoors trekking and climbing training. Just walk on flat area, if you are from flat surfaces as well as better to walk with a back pack weight from 5- 15 KG on where ever you like. This type of training will make you to be well prepared for your trekking and make the unforgettable experience in your vacation during the Trekking and Climbing in Nepal. Many travel and trekking agent offers the adventure trekking, so it is not new news that trekking in Nepal is increasingly famous.
Trekking in Nepal can extremely in terms of daily duration, ascent, descent and height as well as including suggestion on trekking packing list, food (diet) hydration are also important things during the trekking training. If you do these things before trek that you are not left nursing, tired, blisters, food digest and painful the legs and solders after the first day.

Best Time to Trekking in Nepal

Give first priority to determine the date for your trek and the materials (Trekking gears) that you have to carry for trekking. Trekking in Nepal is suitable at any time of the years but we recommend best trekking destination to first trekkers in Nepal. There are two main Best Trekking Season in Namely Autumn Trekking Season (September to November) and spring trekking season (March to May). Trekking in Nepal is important to consider the right time to trek there. So these two seasons are the Best Time for Trekking in Nepal.

Autumn season Trekking in Nepal (September, October, November)

Autumn is the best time of the year for trekking in Nepal and also called as past- monsoon period as you can expect the least rain fall when trekking. Though, you need to be careful during trekking as you might face some light rainfall in the month of September. The temperature and weather during this season is moderate and positive. The day time temperature ranges can be between 15-20 degrees as you can see decrease in temperature as you trek to higher altitude. As you know those nights are colder but you will be comfortable with warm gears. In general, autumn offers suitable temperature and weather for trekking in Nepal.

Spring Season trekking in Nepal (March, April, May)

Spring is the second appropriate time of the years for trekking in nepal. The nature is most beautiful during this season. It is also considered as the time of the years. Spring is per- monsoon period and it is the time when nature reveals its hidden beauty. Simply it regenerates its lost beauty. You can see yourself surrounded by rhododendron flowers while trekking to the Nepal himalayas during this spring season. Nowadays increasing the number of trekkers in the spring season because of the spring nature, weather and temperature are best. The temperature in the day time is ranges between 15-20 degrees. You wouldn’t expect rainfall but sometimes may rains in mid May months but you will be comfortable with rain gears.

Off-season Trekking in Nepal (winter and summer)

Off-season treks are trekking during winter and monsoon seasons in Nepal. Trekking in Nepal in winter and monsoon are not so popular in comparison to autumn and spring. During winter season, the temperature of the Everest region falls to a minus degree. There are less numbers of trekkers due to cold in this region. It might be difficult to fit yourself. Most of the lodges and houses are reminded closed. So, you may hardly found hotel and lodges yourself and difficult to walk on the snow for you.
Likewise, monsoon falls after the spring in the months of June, July, and August. Everest region suffer from lot of rain during the monsoon. Due to the rain falls, the trail to trek in Nepal becomes muddy, wet and slippery. It might be challenging when walking on muddy trails. So you can see few trekkers trekking to Nepal in the Monsoon and winter season.

Trekking on Your Own or With a Guide

After you had fixed your date and time for trekking in Nepal, the next step that you have to follow the best time of weather on a solo trekking trip or purpose the guide service trek. However, availing of the service of a guide will be more beneficial for learn more about nature and local culture. An experience trekking guide can also help in interact with local people and finding the others trekkers during the trekking that makes your trip worthy and enjoyable. The trained trekkers who are preparation to trekking along the famous trekking routes of easy to moderate difficulty level, it may do just fine without guide. But if you have not previous trekking trained and willing trekking in Nepal by yourself, then you would greatly benefit from the help of a hiring guide.

Famous trekking trails in Everest Region, Annapurna Region and Langtang Region are available lot of trekkers of various experience level because of not a requires the guide. You just have to make sure to plan your itinerary carefully, buy and carry necessary permit, do not forget to carry trekking map and comprehensive trekking guide book are help to you during the solo trekking in Nepal.
Similarly, if you are planning to trek restricted areas like Kanchenjunga Trek, Manaslu Region, Nar Phu Valley Trek, Upper Mustang Trek, Upper Dolpo Trek and few others, you have to hire trained trekking guide because not allowed to trek without guide,

Solo or Group Trekking in Nepal

Our nature’s gifted many mountains comprising of 8 mountains out of 14 peaks these are above 8000 meter height to Nepal. So, Nepal is popular country in the earth for Trekking and Climbing, which is choosing the first trek in life. It is an important matter of satisfaction for all Nepalese. Thousands of travelers arrive in Nepal from around the globe for trekking purpose. Travelers are attractive by Nepal’s beauty so that they are never tired trekking to the lap of the mountains.

Trekking in Nepal is well suitable for both solo trekking as well as group trekking because there are benefits to both consider before decide trekking package: solo trek or with group trek. Relatively, group trek is always best and beneficial to trekking because trekking cost will be cheaper, you feel loneliness and makes you happy and joyful as well as you will learn new things, share nature and culture with others people during the group trek.

Hiring a Guide or a Porter for Trekking in Nepal

We strongly recommend Hiring a Guide and Porter for your trekking in Nepal. A guide always with you to help throughout the trip because they will take you through the routes which are easier and help you to communicated with local peoples. That is best way to know a lot about natures and cultures with a guide. Moreover, hiring a porter is another best option for the trek because they will be carried bags and load to make reduce pressure of your load and make you easier and relaxed during the walking. At all, hiring a trekking guide and porters would be best choice for relaxed trekking experience. Before booked the trekking package let us clear that about the cost of Guide, Porter or full board package. We will arranging your trip on reasonable cost or budget cost require on client.
If you are worrying about cost of hiring guide or a porter, the price rate will be bit different between different trekking routes. Hiring a guide will set you back by around $25 to $30 per day and porter will cost you around $15 to $20 per day. That cost are including accommodation, food daily salary and trekking insurance during the trekking period.

Teahouse Trekking in Nepal

Teahouse is confusing world for the trekkers from abroad that the word “hotel or lodge” for the peoples are eating and sleeping place during the trekking in Nepal. Nowadays people are more civilize and educated to run the local hotel business, so that, they clarifies about tea house means hotel and lodge which offers accommodation and food. Tea house trekking means that you will spend the night and having meal during the trekking in Nepal Himalayas. If you will do tea house trekking in Nepal, tea houses will provide you all services like accommodation, food, shower, internet facilities but tea houses are more basic in Nepal Himalayas. So, it is teahouse trekking means lodge trekking.

Teahouse trekking routs are almost all over the trekking areas of Nepal but Everest region, Langtang Region, Manaslu Region and Annapurna Region are the popular teahouse trekking routes and best accommodation and food according to the experiences past trekkers and local people. There are many trekking and tour agencies that offer best teahouse trek but we offers and provide best service with budgeted cost and you trek with professional English- speaking local guide. Travelers used to do camping treks in many years ago and carry many supplies, such as camping tent, cooking utensils, cooking fuels, food and others gears but you need to carry personal trekking gear and sleeping bag during the teahouse trekking in Nepal. Trekkers can reduce or extend the trekking itinerary depends on places, culture and sceneries as well as experience the real life style and culture of the local people.
The cost of the teahouses are depends on areas, remote, height and the services. Tentative cost is around $5 to $15 USD depends on areas and quality of services. Most of the teahouses are owned by the families. So it is special opportunity to interact with local people and observe the natives culture.

Insurance for Trekking in Nepal

Travel Insurance is the very important for trekking in Nepal because most treks go to high altitude (over 5,000 meters) and some trekking require practical climbing skills, which might be unexpected happening or accident during the trekking in Nepal that requires medical assistance and evacuation which might be expensive to come back down or city and treatment. So you have make sure to get insured that covers the costs of air ambulance, treatment and all the travel related risk like lost, stolen, damaged or delayed baggage and flight delays. Yours insurance policy should cover up yours entire activities during the stay in Nepal. You need to ensure that your insurance policy covers treks that go over 5,000 meters otherwise you have to take the responsibility regarding unexpected expenses of the cost during the Trekking in Nepal.

Acclimatization:

When traveling to higher elevations in the high Himalayan region, high altitude sickness is a common concern. Although it develops fairly quickly, the symptoms can be prevented. If you have prior high-altitude trekking experience, that might be preferable; however, if not, you should take precautions to avoid high-altitude sickness if you plan to ascend over three thousand meters.

To prevent altitude sickness while trekking in Nepal, you should walk carefully, drink enough water, abstain from alcohol, ascend gradually, and sleep at lower elevations. Additionally, you should spend two nights for every 500 meters above the elevation of 3500 meters. All our trekking routes are flexible and include days for acclimatization. Your health and safety are our top priorities to ensure you can complete the trek without incidents. In case of worsening conditions, we provide you with essential medications to assist with emergency rescue.

Therefore, you must inform your Guide or Leader of your health status each day. Based on their assessment, they will decide whether or not to allow you to continue on your trip.

Trekking gear list

Before departure, you must pack your trip necessities. While we understand that it might be challenging to transport everything from your country to another, some of the essential equipment can be rented or purchased in Kathmandu's Thamel area. This basic gear is suitable for trekking in Nepal throughout all seasons, although it may vary depending on the season and the length of the trekking routes you choose.

1) Documents:

Passport and 4 passport size photos
Travel insurance details (in case an emergency evacuation if needed)
Boarding passes for flights
Driver’s license (if needed)
Cash USD
Credit/Debit Card (Ensure you have $500 on your card in case an emergency helicopter evacuation is needed)

2) Sleeping

Sleeping bag (Comfort rating -15 Celsius recommended)
Sleeping bag liner (Optional)

3) Footwear

Trekking boots: one pair lightweight
Sandals for city and tea house footwear
Shoes for the plane and tea houses (Optional)
Gaiters for hiking in winter to the base camp
Thin, lightweight inner socks
Thick, warm wool hiking socks

4) Clothing for Body

(Please make sure that you have non-cotton clothing for trekking)

Base-layer t-shirts (e.g. running t-shirts)
Fleece/Windproof jacket
Waterproof jacket
Down jacket for warmth
Travel clothes and City Wear
Underwear
Base-layer trousers (optional)
Waterproof trousers
Trekking trousers
Trekking shorts (Optional)
Gloves and wool hat
bandanna or scarf

5) Health Requirements (Basic First Aid Kit)

First-aid kit; should contain lip salve, Aspirin, Band Aids, anti-histamine, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea
Re-hydration powder, extra prescription drugs you may be taking if any particular
Wet wipes for cleaning can be purchased in Kathmandu

6) Others

Sunglasses and Sun cream
Towel
Book (reading and writing materials)
MP-3 /Music, headphones and ear plug (who know some people on group are snoring) as optional.
Travel wash
Hand sanitizer, wet wipes
A day bag: 35 liters
A duffel or rucksack with straps to go over your back (Max 12 kg of weight for porters to carry)
Dry Liner or Dry Bag
Water bottle/thermos/ camel bag: At least 2 L. Nalgen bottles best.

7) General Toiletries

Toilet papers/ tissue
Contact lenses, Glasses (if needed)
1 medium sized quick drying towel
Tooth brush/paste (preferably biodegradable)
Multipurpose soaps (preferably biodegradable)
Nail clippers
Face and body moisturizer
Feminine hygiene products
Small mirror
On Personal Hygiene
Wet wipes (baby wipes)
Anti-bacterial hand wash

8) Others (optional)

Trekking Poles
Large plastic bags – for keeping items dry inside your kit / duffel bag
Travel game i.e. chess, backgammon, and scrabble. (for luxuries)
Binoculars (for luxuries)
Trail Map/Guide book (if you are alone)

High altitude sickness information

High altitude sickness is also known as mountain sickness. It is crucial to be aware of the symptoms of high altitude sickness, as they can manifest rapidly when hiking or ascending to higher elevations. If you're curious about why it occurs, the main cause is the change in air pressure. Your body requires time to adapt to the shift in air pressure when traveling to higher elevations, as the air pressure decreases and there is less oxygen present. According to doctors, it can begin at 8,000 feet (2400 meters) if you are at sea level

1) Altitude Sickness Types

There are three types of altitude sickness:

Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS): it is very common and symptoms feel like a tiredness, dizzy, headache, thirsty, muscle aches, nausea
High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE): it is effect in the lungs, which can be very dangerous and hard to do life threatening
High Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE): it is effective in the brain and most difficult to treat and you need to go to hospital attention the right way.

2) Altitude Sickness Cause

Following are the causes of high altitude sickness:
Generally living near sea level and travel to a high elevation
Had the sickness before

Climbing quickly
Not being acclimatized to the altitude
Drinking alcohol when you ascend
Medical problems of heart, nervous or lungs

3) Altitude Sickness Symptoms

These symptoms will appear depending on your speed to climb and how hard you push. Symptoms range from normal to serious. They can affect the nervous system, lungs, muscles, and heart.

Here are symptoms of High Altitude Sickness:

Difficulty sleeping
Dizziness
Fatigue
Headache
Loss of appetite
Nausea or vomiting
Rapid Pulse (Heart Rate)
Short breath with action
Blue color of skin or gray soft skin
Chest tightness or blocking
Confusion
Dry cough or coughing with blood
Cannot walk in a straight line

4) Altitude Sickness Prevention

Important keys to preventing of High Altitude Sickness are:

Climb the mountain gradually.
Stop every 2,000 feet (600 meters) of climb above 8,000 feet (2,400 meters) and one or two nights sleep there.
Sleep at a lower altitude when possible.
Make sure that you have the ability to quickly descend if needed.
Learn how to recognize early symptoms of mountain sickness.
If you plan on climbing quickly, or climbing to a high altitude, ask your provider about medicines that may help.

If you are at risk for a low red blood cell count (anemia), ask your provider if your planned trip is safe. Also ask if an iron supplement is right for you. Anemia lowers the amount of oxygen in your blood. This makes you more likely to have mountain sickness.