A Guide to Trekking in Nepal

One of the best ways to explore Nepal is on your feet, through hikes or treks in Nepal. Home to 8 of the 10 highest mountains in the world, you will be spoilt for choices on where, when, and how to trek in Nepal. 

Nepal has some of the widest range of trek destination and routes.  From easy to difficult, remote to non-remote, short to long, there is a number of treks that will meet anyone's needs. 

Given below is an ultimate guide to trekking in Nepal to help you decide when to trek and what to pack for the trek, how to trek and so on. 

Visits and treks to Nepal are doable throughout the year. Depending on your needs and likes, you can choose when and where to go trekking in Nepal.

Nepal enjoys 4 distinct seasons- Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter. These season witness variation in the weather and temperatures with the change in altitudes. So, trekking experience is unique in each season.

Spring and Autumn

The local spring and autumn season is the peak trekking season of Nepal. So, these seasons see the largest inflow of trekkers in Nepal.

The local spring and autumn season sees the most stable weather conditions in the mountains. March-April-May is the spring months while September-October-November is the autumn months of Nepal.

These seasons also offer dry, clear days with moderate temperatures. Hence, these seasons offer amazing visibility of the surrounding mountain peaks and nature.

The trails are also dry with little risk of landslide, mudslide, and avalanches. The days are also warm with an average sunshine hour of 6-9 hrs.

This season is the popular time to trek to the renowned trekking destination in Nepal. You can trek to any of the treks like Everest Base Camp Trek, Annapurna Base Camp Trek, Annapurna Circuit Trek, Manaslu Trek, Gosaikunda Trek, Langtang Valley Trek, Tsum Valley Trek, and Helambu Trek. Along with trekking, these seasons are also the best time for peak climbing in Nepal.

Summer / Monsoon Season

June to August are the summer months of Nepal. Summer is also the monsoon season in Nepal. These months see torrential rainfall with thunder and lightning.

It is an offseason for treks in Nepal. The trails get muddy, slippery due to the rain and snow. There is also the risk of landslide, mudslide, and avalanches. The trails also get infested with leeches and mosquitoes.

However, due to the diversity of the landscape, there is a variation of weather condition in Nepal. Some places receive heavy rainfall while there are places that receive very little to no rainfall in Nepal.

For the places that receive less to no rainfall, summer is the perfect time for treks.

During these months, these regions see long, warm, and clear days. You can enjoy treks in warm temperatures with great visibility of the surrounding landscape and mountains. Some of the treks in such rainshadow regions are Upper Dolpo Trek, Upper Mustang Trek, Nar Phu Valley Trek.

Winter Season

Winter is one of the underrated seasons for treks. But, if you don't mind the cold or come prepared with the right winter gear, you can have a fabulous trek.

During winter, the air is dry and the sky is clear. In the higher altitudes, it can get chilly with temperatures dropping to -20 degrees Celsius. You may also get wind chills, snowfalls and snow storms. Many high passes and trekking peaks may get closed due to the weather.

Yet, in the lower regions, you can enjoy the cool weather and temperature. The trails will be dry here and the cool weather is perfect for long walks. Most of the easy, 1 day-3 days hikes/treks of Nepal are perfect for the winter season.

Some treks you may enjoy in winter are Jomsom Muktinath Trek, Upper Mustang Trek, Humla Trek, Ghandruk Ghorepani Trek, Namche Bazaar Trek, Kyanjin Gompa Trek, Annapurna Base camp trek, etc.

Solo or in Group

For most regions of Nepal, you can choose to trek by yourself or in groups.

If you are a seasoned trekker and have some experience of trekking or hiking in Nepal then a solo trek should be fine. But, if you are net to trekking then walking alone may not be always safe.

When you are trekking in the remotest areas, you may not meet people for many hours on the trekking trails. In such solitude, you may encounter robbers sometimes., For such reasons, it is always a good idea to carry along anti-theft backpacks to keep your belongings safe.

If you have come to Nepal alone, you can connect with the trekking company who will arrange the group for your trek.

With or Without Guide/and Porter

This case is like your choice for solo or group. There are some restricted regions of Nepal where you can not trek without hiring a local trekking staff. While in many trekking trails, you can trek without any trekking staff if you want to.

A guide helps you to save time and avoid the confusion of finding the right trail, tea house, rest stops. A guide also provides motivation during the trek. A guide can also provide you with all kinds of information about the culture, nature, surrounding peaks. So, it is always worth having a guide than not.

A porter is someone who will help you unburden. This is great when you have extra equipment, supplies for a long trek, and a heavy backpack. It is also blissful when you are trekking with family or kids. For a beginner or novice trekker, a porter can be the most worthy gift.

Trekking with a licensed guide and porter may add cost to your trek, but it has several benefits in many ways. Although hiring them is not compulsion in Nepal except for the restricted areas, you can hire them if you want.

Tea house or Camping Trek

For all treks in Nepal, you have the camping option. For many of the popular treks of Nepal, you also have the more comfortable option- tea house trek.

Tea Houses are basic lodges run by local families. Throughout your trek, you will accommodate at tea houses where you will eat, drink and sleep. Most of these are comfortable, clean and offer basic facilities.

Camping is a different style accommodating. A team of people will be there to assist you with meals or tents. They set up camps at different stops for the night. You will be with a group of local trekking staff like guides, cooks, and porters.

Homestays

There are a few villages along the popular trails that have this option. You will stay at local homes sharing their meals and getting a glimpse into their lifestyle.

What To Pack While Trekking in Nepal?

Depending on your trek destination and the season you trek in, you may need different equipment and gear. It is best to opt for good quality gears for reliability. You can rent them in Nepal or buy them.

Some of the general things to pack for your treks in Nepal are

• Thermal Layers

• Insulating jacket

• Wind stopper and waterproof jacket

• Buff (Protects your face from wind and also regulates temperatures)

• Beanie

• UV protection gears (Sunglasses, Creams, wide-brimmed hat)

• Socks (easy to dry)

• Hiking pants and shirts

• Gloves

• Hiking boots (waterproof and breathable ones)

• Sleeping bag with liners

• A dry bag is an essential item if you are carrying camera gear

• Hiking bag

• Trekking Poles

• A pair of sandals

• Full sleeved and half sleeve t-shirts

• Moisture-wicking inner wear

• Torchlight or Headlights

• First aid kit

• Toiletries

• Some of your favorite snacks   
  
  

Train Well

The treks in Nepal are not like walks in the parks. The trails are steep, rocky with several uphill and downhills. So, the harder you train, the easier and more comfortable the trek will be. You will also have less risk of injuries and sickness.

Pack Well

Check your packing list. Go through it with your guide in Nepal. Update and replace anything you need. Make sure you break into your gear especially your trekking boots before your actual hikes. New boots can result in blisters.

Moreover, if you are going for camping trek make sure to carry a right sleeping bag to enjoy a blissful night’s in the woods. Also, make sure to pick a right sleeping bag with lower temperature rating than the lowest night time temperature you expect while camping.

Listen To Your Guide

Guides are well trained and experienced trekkers in the different regions of Nepal. Listen to what they have to say, 99% of the time they know what they are talking about.

Slow and Steady

Going slow and steady is great for long duration treks. It also helps your body adjust better to the changing altitudes. Take it easy as you trek to the higher altitudes as there is less air higher up. The slower you go and have the proper rest days, the better your body will be in adapting to the thinner air.

Stay Hydrated

Always drink enough water. When it gets colder, you tend to drink much less. Avoid this, as dehydration is one of the causes for high altitude sickness.

Learn Properly About Altitude Sickness

Get as much information as you can about high altitude sickness. You need to understand the risk better and hence avoid it. You also need to recognize the symptoms. Never downplay the symptoms and let your fellow trekkers know of these. This way you can maintain your safety.

Final Say,

No matter which trek you choose to go, you are bound to have an awesome experience. To trek comfortably, make sure you have the right trekking essentials.

Trekking in Nepal offers breathtaking and ever-changing landscapes and views. Along with these, it also offers a taste of the authentic Nepali culture and diverse nature.

Trekking is fun and adventurous. It is not just the scenery and the nature that will bewilder you. Nepal has a lot more to offer.

Before you embark your journey, learn about the local culture and the people. The people are welcoming and helpful, do not hesitate to interact with them and share experiences. 

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