If you are considering trekking in Nepal, these seven tips will help you have a pleasant trip. While they are certainly not meant to be exhaustive, they are a good starting point for researching what you need to know.
1. Know when to go
The two most pleasant seasons for hiking are spring and autumn. The spring months are considered to be from March to May. The average temperature in March is in the low 60s Fahrenheit range and warms up to the upper 70s in May. The fall season is slightly cooler with average temperatures starting in the upper 60s in October and cooling down to the lower 50s in December. December is also generally the driest month of the year.
During the spring months, flowers bloom in the woods, so it can be quite beautiful, although it can also be cloudy, especially in the morning. In the fall you will get the best views of the mountains, with clear skies usually all day.
Trekking in Nepal is possible at any time of the year. That said, it’s worth remembering that they receive eighty percent of their annual rainfall from late June to mid-September. This period is considered summer, but it is also known as monsoon season, so if you live in a climate that has dry summer months, don’t be fooled.
Winter in Nepal is considered to be the period from December to February and the thing to keep in mind about these months is that the temperatures can be quite cool depending on where you are. In the central valleys during this time of year the temperatures can definitely drop below zero. The Kathmandu Valley, at an altitude of 4,297 ft/1,310 m, will typically see temperatures ranging from 36 to 68 degrees Fahrenheit. In the higher parts of the Himalayas, temperatures will drop below freezing and it can be very cold at night.
2. Know where to go The most popular treks in Nepal are in the Annapurna and Everest regions. There are also very popular treks in the Langtang valley that can be easily reached from Kathmandu and completed in less than a week. In the Annapurna region you can choose between the rich forests and serene beauty of the Annaupurna Sanctuary or the more Tibetan villages and arid terrain from the Kali Gandaki Gorge to Muktinath. Any of these walks is an incredible experience. They usually take about two weeks. Itreknepal, a unique trekking provider, can put together everything you need including guide, porters and accommodation for one of these and many other treks.
3. Protect your health Staying healthy is key to a happy journey. Most of the bad health situations in Nepal are the result of intestinal complications. These can be easily avoided by taking a few simple precautions. In general, you should boil or purify all your water. ITrekNepal also recommends carrying at least one water bottle with a special filter so that you always have access to purified water wherever you are. Also be sure to wash your hands before eating or putting them in your mouth. These two simple things can help you avoid most problems.
Recommended vaccines include typhoid (typhoid vaccine (Typhim Vi-injectable)), hepatitis A (brand names (Havrix, Vaqta, Avaxim) or Twinrix (combined A and B)), polio (usually as a child, check with your own doctor if a booster is necessary). ), tetanus (valid for 10 years), rabies (valid for 3 years). If you are traveling to western Nepal (rural areas) it would be advisable to prevent Japanese encephalitis (vaccinate at least 2 weeks before departure), a yellow fever vaccination certificate is not necessary as you are not traveling from a country with yellow fever . risk of fever transmission.
Altitude sickness, also known as acute mountain sickness (AMS), usually doesn’t become a problem until you reach an elevation of 10,000 feet or more. There is no way to know if you will get AMS and just because you have traveled to an elevation before and not had it is no guarantee that you will not receive it in the future. However, one precaution you can take is to ascend slowly over a matter of days. This will give your body time to acclimate. If you are at altitude and start to feel nauseated, dizzy, have severe headaches or insomnia, you may be experiencing MAM and the best treatment is to move to a lower elevation.
4. Have the proper travel documentation. Passports are required for all visitors from the US, UK, Canada, Australia and all member countries of the European Union. Unlike some countries, Nepal does not require you to have a return ticket upon entry. Tourist visas, which are valid for six months from the date of issue, can be obtained upon arrival at the airport.
5. When you are in Nepal, do like the Nepalese. In order to have the most successful trip possible and avoid social offenses, you will want to follow the customs of Nepal. There are a number of things that are considered rude and may not even occur to you in your home country. While you may have been taught not to point at people in Nepal, this rule extends to not only pointing at people but also at statues. It is considered rude to step over someone’s feet. Other foot-related social conventions include removing shoes before entering someone’s home, kitchen, or eating area, which are sometimes separate. You should also always remove your shoes before entering a shrine. Never stand next to someone who is eating, although it is okay to sit or kneel next to them. When passing through the Chorten and local shrines, always do so in a clockwise direction. Shaking hands is not the norm, so to greet someone you will want to bring your palms together in a prayer-like gesture.
6. What to wear When packing for a trip to Nepal, remember that layers are the key to comfort. You will want to put clothes on and take them off as you need to adapt to changes in temperature. Bring an insulated jacket if you’re hiking in the winter or above 10,000 feet. Men will want to bring walking shorts and pants, women will want to bring skirts and pants. Bring shirts and blouses, but nothing too revealing. Obviously, you will want to bring several changes of underwear and socks. A sun hat and a cool weather hat. If you’re going to be hiking above 10,000 feet, you’ll need insulated pants, long underwear, gloves, gaiters, nylon windbreakers, and a windbreaker. As a general rule, cotton is great at keeping you cool, but bad at keeping you warm. Cotton also takes time to dry, so choose synthetics or wool when possible.
7. Travel insurance It is a good idea to have travel insurance whenever you travel and this is certainly true in Nepal. Not all travel insurance is created equal, so make sure your travel insurance covers the activities you will be doing, especially that there is no exclusion for alpine activities. Helicopter rescue insurance is also available at a premium starting at around US$100.
Nepal is a land of great beauty and trekking in Nepal can be the trip of a lifetime. Following the tips above will help ensure a safe and enjoyable trip, but don’t let this be the end of your investigation. The more you know, the more you will enjoy. Namaste.
Comment here