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Trekking Regions in Nepal

Information
Nepal's mountainous, hilly and Terai regions provides some of the most spectacular trekking in the world. Trekking in Nepal will take you through a country that has captured the imagination of mountaineers and explorers for more than 100 years. You will meet people in remote mountain villages whose lifestyle has not changed in generations. While trekking you will see the great diversity of Nepal. Villages embrace many ethnic groups and cultures. The beauty and attraction of the Nepal Himalaya emanates not only from the mountains themselves, but also from their surroundings. Nepal is a country of friendly people, picturesque villages and a great variety of cultures and traditions.

To trek, one does not have to be bizarre, neither a mountaineer nor an athlete. Anyone with a pair of strong legs and the spirit for adventure will enjoy the thrills of trekking the hills of Nepal. Walking in The interior of the country follows ancient foot trails which meander through the scenic riverbank, terraced fields and the forested ridges connects picturesque hamlets and mountain villages.

Satyam Tours & Travel is a fully registered travel company and has access to Nepal's remotest regions. We can organize treks to Nepal's remotest regions or along the regular trails, with a full team or A teahouse, for individuals or for groups. Trekking in Nepal can be for as long as for 2 months or as short as 2 days. It can be remote with few people, local or tourists, or very sociable along the main trails with plenty of teahouses and facilities all the way. There are suitable trails for the super fit and those of you who prefer a more gentle ramble. Please do not think the Himalaya is only suitable for the hard and rugged, here we are to make it for all. Please be with us. We create trekking trips that assure the greatest entertainment. We offer an Ecologically & environmentally sound approach to trekking in the Nepal-Himalayas. Whether it is luxury hike you wish to partake in or a rough original off-the-beaten-path excursion, we are here to cater to your needs.

To "Trek" in the Himalayas means to set off from a given town, village or airfield and to wonder through fields and hamlets, along valleys and streams or up mountain slopes to any altitude at one's choice, but usually not above 18,000 ft. (5,500m) Trekking- hiking along the trails that form the main links between Nepal's isolated villages and settlements is one the country's main attraction. The word trekking was almost unheard in Nepal until the sixties but many of today's visitors came to Nepal solely to Trek.

Why Trekking in Nepal ?
There are lots of reasons on it, but four in particular stand out.

1. Scenery: Eight out of fourteen highest mountains in the world are in Nepal and if you want to see these up close, you must walk. While trekking you see far more than the mountains. You can walk from the tropical lowlands to alpine meadows and glacial moraines while in the spring Nepal's brilliant rhododendrons will be in bloom and you may see rare species of birds.

2. Diversity: The landscape of Nepal is almost continually inhabited. The majority of Nepal's population lives, not in the cities, but in tiny villages. Even in the high mountains, small settlements on stone houses and yak pastures dot every possible flat space. Much of the fascination of a trek is derived from the opportunity to observe life in these villages, where people truly live off the land, using only a few manufactured items such as soap, kerosene, paper and matches. All of which are imported in bamboo baskets carried by porters. Trekkers pass through picturesque villages inhabited by Sherpas, Magars, Gurungs and Tamangs in the highlands and Brahmins, Chhetris and Newars in the lower altitudes. These are among the many ethnic groups, which exist in Nepal.

3. People: Trekkers are always impressed by the friendliness of the people they meet along the local trails. The hill peoples particularly their traditional hospitality and fascinating culture makes a trek in Nepal a special kind of mountain holiday. Unlike any other part of world.

4. Safety: The problems like theft, robbery, assault in other Asian countries and western civilization are still unknown in Nepal that is why it can be seen relatively safety. Unfortunately things seem to be changing and treks need to be more careful than they used to be. It is strongly advisable to trek with licensed guide.

Height and altitude
Trekking is not mountaineering but it is as well to remember that the Himalayas begin where other mountains finish. Whether you begin your trek at a roadbed or fly into a remote mountain airstrip, a large part of your trek will be in the middle hills region at and elevations between 1000 meters and 3000 meters but the trek to Everest base camp will reach 5545 meters. Most of the times you will remain with in the altitude range 1500 to 2000 meters. In this region, there are always well-developed trails through villages and across mountain passes.

Even at high altitudes there are intermittent settlements used in the summer by herders, so the trails, though often indistinct, are always there. All trails are easily traversed without the aid of ropes or any mountaineering skill. There are rare occasions when snow is encountered, and on some high passes it might be necessary to place a safety line for your companions or porter if there is deep snow, but alpine techniques are almost never used on a traditional trek. Anyone who has walked extensively in the mountains has all the skill necessary for on extended trek in Nepal.

Trekking season / when to trek ?
Although trekking in Nepal can be organized throughout the year, October through May are considered to be the best months for trekking. A summer month of the year, which coincides with monsoon, begins in mid-June and drains in mid-September making travel wet and warm. The mountain views may not be at their best as rain clouds and haze over hang the mountains occasionally obscuring the enchanting views. These times are blessed for the keen botanist as the higher valleys and meadows blossom with flowers and lush vegetation.

During monsoon (Mid-June to Mid-September) it does not mean that it will rain every day. Besides, some of the most frequented trails will not be crowded and some people like it that way. It can actually be enjoyed in the upper part of the Annapurna circuit around Marfa, Jomsom and Muktinath and upper Mustang area (Lo-Manthang) as the monsoon does not get in this trans-Himalayan area.

Autumn being the best season for trekking, affronts excellent weather and tantalizing mountain views January and February are noted for cold weather with occasional snowfall at higher elevations. Again, excellent views are common. These months are popular and ideal for trekking for those who are well equipped or who remain at lower elevations below 3,000 meters.

Late February brings spring in Nepal and offers exhilarating trekking for those who are interested in flowers, birds and natural grandeur. Different varieties of wild flowers, especially the rhododendrons make the hillside above 8,000 ft (Approx, above 2200 meter) haunting paradise during this season.

April and May are the expedition season and the best time for climbing the high peaks. It is mildly warm at lower elevations but occasional haze mars beautiful view of mountains. At higher elevations over 4,000 meters the mountain views are excellent and the temperature is quite moderate even at night.

Arrangements & Booking
We have explored lots of trekking-trails in Nepal. Your choice for trekking arrangement depends upon the time available by you, your interest, your budget, your pre-experience and preference. You can book your trekking trip with us from abroad by mail, email or fax or you can contact us personally on arrival in Nepal. We have professional staffs to handle trekking activities. A fully equipped trek primarily consists of essential logistical arrangements including guide, porter, cook, food, tents, sleeping bags, mattresses, transport and flight arrangements to and from trekking starting points, permits, staff insurance and so on. We also provide a detailed itinerary and necessary information on trekking, healthcare, environment etc. Our trek-cost ranges from about US $ 40.00 to US $ 110.00 per person per day depending upon the quality of service, number of days, number of persons and the place of your interest.

Medical advice / altitude sickness (AMS)
Trekking in Nepal need not be considered risky affair as far as your health is concerned. But very little medical care along the trail is available, so make sure you are physically fit and healthy before departing. In case of serious illness or injury, you'll be promptly evacuated to Kathmandu, which is the best remedy. Helicopter rescue services could cost as much as us$ 1000.00 per hour and it normally takes about 2-3 hours for rescue flights in Everest or Annapurna area. Please be informed that the helicopter evacuation costs of the trekkers are charged in full to the concerned clients. Take care of yourself along the trail by ensuring that water is boiled. Diarrhea and headaches can be the curse for trekkers. So, bring appropriate medication and use them with caution. Sunburn can also be a problem at altitude, a barrier cream will protect your skin and good sunglasses are also necessary. Blisters are another problem for the trekker and adequate supplies of band-aids are advisable.

Often known, as Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) is particularly an important medical consideration while trekking in Nepal. Altitude sickness means the effect of altitude on those who ascend too rapidly to elevation above 3500 m. The initial symptoms of AMS are as following:

• Nausea, vomiting.
• Loss of appetite.
• Insomnia / Sleeplessness.
• Persistent headache.
• Dizziness, confusion.
• Disorientation, drunken gait.
• Weakness, fatigue, lassitude, heavy legs.
• Slight swelling of hands and face.
• Breathlessness and breathing irregularity.
• Reduced urine output.

These symptoms are to be taken seriously. The only cure for the altitude sickness is to descend to lower elevations immediately and it has no other cure or substitute. Acclimatization by ascending to no more than 300 to 500 meters per day above 3500 meters and the proper amount of rest are the best methods for prevention of AMS. So far, only few trekkers have minor effects from the altitude. However, we advise specially the guests with known heart, lunges or blood diseases to consult their doctor before taking a trekking trip that goes to over 4000 meter. Our advice: Drink 4 liter of water minimum a day, don't exhaust yourself so much and breathe deep and take rest more than usual.

List of Clothing & Gears

• Lightweight walking boots. If new one is being bought, "walk then in" to avoid blisters. Also bring spare laces.
• A pair of track shoes. To wear in the camp at night and when the boot is wet. v
• Warm jacket - Fiberfill or down should be adequate. This is especially necessary during winter from December to February.
• A rainproof jacket with hood or a poncho. Get the one that is guaranteed waterproof.
• Woolen shirts and thick sweaters. During winter month, December through February, these items are essential. Thick sweaters can e purchased in Kathmandu.
• A pair of lightweight/heavyweight trousers. Jeans are unsuitable to wear on treks. Cheap loose cotton pants are available in Kathmandu.
• Heavyweight trousers are useful higher up in the mountains in the morning and at night.


• Windproof / waterproof trousers are necessary on all treks going above 10,000ft.(3000 meter)
• Thermal underwear: These are excellent to sleep in night. In the winter months thermal underwear are quite invaluable.
• A tracksuit. Useful for wearing in camp and in the tent.
• Pair of loose fitting long shorts/skirts.
• One lightweight long sleeved-shirt is particularly suitable for avoiding sunburn.
• A woolen hat to wear in the morning and at night. During winter, it is an essential item. A sun hat and ensure it has a wide brim to cover the face and neck.
• A pair of gloves. Leather with lining and woolen are best.
• One pair of sandals to wear in the cities and in camp.
• Two Pairs of thin and two pairs of thick woolen socks.
• Underwear: normal quantity and swimming costume.

Gears

• Duffel bag or kit bag to carry to gear while trekking
• Daypack: this is a small rucksack to carry personal requirement for the day e.g. toilet items, camera film. Towel, soap, a boot etc.
• Water bottle.
• Snow glasses and sunglasses.
• 2-4 large plastic bags to separate clean clothes from dirty ones. 6-10 smaller plastic bags to dispose garbage.
• Wallet and / or money belt with compartment for coins.
• Toiletries with large and smaller towels. Toilet paper can be bought in Kathmandu and some villages in the mountains.
• Small headlamp and / or torch with spare batteries and bulbs, candles and lighter to burn toilet paper.
• Snow gaiters essential during winter and all treks going over at other times.
• An umbrella (optional) which is quite useful to ward off the dogs, suitable as a walking stick, to use as a sunshade and useful when its rains.
• Reading materials, camera and film. Game items (optional), note book, rubber band, pen and pencil, envelopes, a diary, a calendar, a pocket knife, binoculars (optional), a small pillow or headrest (optional) and inflatable sleeping mat, trekking map, adequate quantities of passport photograph - Personal medical supplies.
• It is advisable to have your own strong comfortable shoes and warm sleeping bag.

Trek Grading

Grade 1/ Easy:
Easy trekking by Himalayan Standard is generally between 900 m to 2000 m. This trip can be enjoyed by anyone who leads a reasonably captive life.

Grade 2 / Moderate:
Treks involve longer treks (five to ten) . In general the altitude attained on these trek will be between 900 m. to 3000 m.

Grade 3 / Difficult:
Reasonably demanding, trekking at an altitude up to 4,000 m. with side trips to higher elevation. Some previous hill-walking experience is desirable.

Grade 4 / Difficult & Challenging:
Here we include the trek that frequently crosses the high Himalayan passes above 5000 meter. Like Cho-La in Everest region, Thorung-La in Annapurna region etc. These treks must be fully supported and escorted.

Style of the trek in the Nepal-Himalayas.

(1) Teahouse Trek: It means, during the trek staying at local inns on the trail. For this type of trek a guide, who'll show you the way and find the best food & accommodation for you and the porters will carry all your personal baggage. We operate teahouse treks to Annapurna, Everest, Langtang, Gosaikunda, Helambu and Kathmandu Valley Rim.

There are three major areas in Nepal where it is possible to walk on very well defined trails and stay at local tea houses which vary from two storey hotels to small family homes. Three major region for teahouse trek are Annapurna, Langtang and Everest. You can eat, and sleep in the tea houses so you do not need to carry any camping equipment or food. You meet many other trekkers but this is a very sociable environment. All the tea houses are run Nepalese people so do not think you are missing out on opportunities to mix with local people. This is where having a guide is a great benefit. Although there is often no need to have a guide for navigational purposes, they are worth their weight in gold when it comes to making sure you have a full experience of the best Nepal has to offer. Nepalese people by nature have patience and an enthusiasm for life envied and respected by nearly all visitors to Nepal. They can help with choosing good tea houses and making the opportunity of experiencing more typical Nepalese life in local farms or schools. All of our guides have good knowledge of the area you are trekking in and good communication skill. All you need to bring for a tea house trek are warm clothes for the evening, a water bottle, a camera and a good sleeping bag. (see the Clothing / gears). Satyam Tours & Travel provide a guide and porter, all the permits, transfers, air tickets, food and accommodation for both you and your guide and porter.

(2) Tented camp trek: It means that you'll trek with all necessary camping gear. You'll have a guide who leads the group & manage the day to day procedures. The cooks, porters and their assistance will provide you all your meals and as well carry everything .The big advantage of Tented camp trek is that you can go or stay wherever you want. We operate tented camp treks to all trekking regions of Nepal.

A Tented Camp Trek is for those of you who do not want to be on the main trails and want to experience the joys of camping in more wilderness environments of Nepal. Our Tented Camp Trek involve going as a fully self sufficient team, with cooks, porters and a guide with all necessary trekking and camping gears. Tented Camp Trek with a good crew in Nepal can be described as a great experience, not an endurance exercise. Every morning, you have a hot cup of tea brought to you in bed and then a hot bowl of water for you to have a wash. The food that our team create over kerosene stoves deserves to go in its own best selling cook book, so do not expect to lose weight. An Tented Camp Trek is a great way to mix with Nepalese people. The team are fun and there is generally a couple of nights experiencing the local songs and dances of Nepal, when the porters and crew are in the mood. You will trek for anything from 4 to 6 hours a day bit at a relaxed pace and stopping enroots as and when necessary or appropriate to see local village life. While you trek you just carry a day sack for anything you may need during the day like a water bottle, camera and fleece.

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