Trekking in Nepal

Equipment needed depends largely upon where, when and how one is trekking. The main emphasis while trekking is on keeping warm and dry while still being lightweight. For lower altitude, fleece jackets and pants are adequate, while at higher altitudes down jackets are advisable. Waterproof, wind-proof jackets and pants, well broken in footwear, head covering are also recommended. Good sleeping bags, sunglasses, drinking water, daybag, trekking bag, warm shocks, gloves, first aid kit and a very good route map are other items necessary. Cameras on the other hand are handy for taking home memories.

If you are doing trekking in Nepal first time, It is necessary to know which trek matches most with your physical capabilities in order to enjoy your trekking in Nepal . Thus, we have categorized all our treks in the following ranks as below:

Trekking Grade: Easy
No Experience required. Little or no walking is required. Transport is by Jeep or airplane.

Trekking Grade: Moderate
Trekking involves 4-5 hours of trekking per day with an elevation gain occasionally of approximately 1000 feet. You should be in good physical shape and participating in 3-4, 1-hour minimum cardiovascular workouts per week before the trek.

Trekking Grade: Strenuous
Trekking involves 5-8 hours per day with large elevation gains of 1000-2000 feet per day at high elevations. You should be in great physical shape and participating in 4, 1-hour workouts per week before the trek. At least 1 to 2 days should include hiking with a small pack.

The area of Everest, the Annapurna , the Langtang & Rara, trekking permit is not required, but National park permit / Conservation permit fee is necessary. However, the following places should be obtained trekking permit as below:

Trekking in Dolpa and Kanchenjunga : Equivalent to US $ 10 per person per week for the first four weeks and US $ 20 per week thereafter.

Trekking in Manaslu: US$ 75 (Dec-Aug) per person per week US$ 90 (Sep-Nov) per person per week.

Trekking in Simikot: US$ 90 per person per week.

Trekking in Mustang and Upper Dolpa: US$ 700 per person for the first ten days and US$ 70 per person per day thereafter.

Note : Trekking to Dolpa, Kanchenjnga, Manaslu and Mustang can be undertaken through registered trekking agencies only.

Trekking is possible at any time of the year depending on where you are going. The most popular seasons are Autumn and Spring.

Autumn: Sep-Nov
October and November are really Nepal's highest months - offering excellent weather and tantalizing mountain views.

Winter: Dec-Feb
This season is noted for occasional snowfall only at higher elevations. Mountain passes may be snowbound, hence it is ideal for trekking at lower elevations, generally below 3000 meters.

Spring: Mar-May
Different varieties of wild flowers, specially the rhododendrons, make the hillside above 5000 meters a haunting paradise during this season. It is mildly warm at lower elevations and at higher elevation over 4000 meters the mountain views are excellent and temperature is quite moderate.

Summer: Jun-Aug
Summer months really continue up to mid-September making travel wet and warm. These times are blessed for the keen botanist as the higher valleys and meadows blossom with flowers and lush vegetation. Insect repellent is a nice addition to your What to Bring list. During this season, you can trek in the rain-shadow (places are out of reach of the rain clouds because of the high mountains) areas north of the Himalaya like Mustang and Dolpo.