Trekking
Nepal is one of the most spectacular trekking destinations 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 where the life style has not changed in generations. While trekking, you will see the great cultural, biographical and geographical diversity of Nepal. Here the villages embrace many ethnic groups and cultures. The beauty and attraction of Nepalese Himalayas origins not only from the mountains, but also from their surroundings. Nepal is a country of friendly people, picturesque villages and a great variety of cultures and traditions. Only trekkings can offer you a deep insight and interaction with this unique culture and adventurous landscape.
A trekking in Nepal is a unique event and differs a lot from other countries or regions like the Alps. Just outside the capital of Kathmandu you enter a new world. A world that brings you in an extraordinary culture that best is been experienced…..by foot! It takes a lot of effort, but the reward is undoubtly great. Following the footsteps on ancient trails offer you every chance of encountering culture and nature. So enrich yourself! Every step you take in one way or another follows the historic bold tracks that Edmund Hillary, Tenzing Norgay and other Himalayan explorers made 50 years ago. Some areas are even undiscovered by foreigners so in rare cases you will find yourself hundred years back in time. The adventure begins!
A trekking does not mean that you are technically climbing a mountain. Trekking can even be relaxing, although you probably will walk most of the time on a greater height than the highest mountain in the Alps!
Trekking means that you immerse in the diversity of culture and nature. As a good example, the Dhaulagiri Circuit takes you through various zones: jungles, highlands, mountains -in less than 130km, and you meet very different ethnic groups and cultures. This includes trekking in the Khumbu (Mount Everest) the Langtang, Annapurna, Kanchanjanga, Makalu, Gaurishankar region and some restricted areas.
In Nepal, we always strongly advise to take a guide and porter to make your holidays enjoyable and safe. Only a guide can explain about culture, nature, and other aspects of Nepalese society. He knows everything there is to know and you can enrich yourself with this important and interesting information. The porter will carry a part of your luggage, so you can more easily enjoy the surroundings. By this way you also contribute to the employment in Nepal whereas many local people rely heavy on employment this sector.
Himalayan leaders is a fully registered trekking company that offers trekkings to Nepal, India, Bhutan and Tibet, by choice to to the most remote regions or along regular trails. We organize a qualified full (porter, cook, guide) team and lodging in tea houses or camping for both individuals and groups. Trekking in Nepal can last for as long as 2 months but even for just 2 days. There are adventurous trails for the die hards and those of you who prefer a more gentle ramble: we offer also. So do not think the Himalayas are only suitable for the Indiana jones like travelers, hard and rugged, there are many, many other trails that fit less experienced or more cultural oriented trekkers!
Lodge trek (tea house):
There are three major areas in Nepal where it is possible to walk well defined trails and stay at local teahouses, which vary from (very) basic hotels to small family homes. The areas are Annapurna, Langtang/Helambu and Everest. Your food and accommodation is included along the trail and you will stay in local tea houses. You will meet many other trekkers and if you wish socialize. All the tea houses are run by Nepali, so you will not miss any opportunities to mix with the local people. Nepalese guides by nature have patience and an enthusiasm for life envied and respected by nearly all visitors to Nepal. As you encounter the people with your guide, they heartily welcome and provide you with an opportunity of experiencing of typical Nepalese life existing on the mountains. All of our guides speak English and have proper knowledge of the areas you are visiting. 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. (However, we can provide many of those!). See the trekking equipment list. Himalayan Leaders organizes all required trekking crews, permits, food and accommodation.
Organized trek (camping):
A camping 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 the wilderness of Nepal. Our organized treks involve trekking with a fully self sustaining team, complete with cooks, porters, Sherpas and a guide. However this is not necesarrily rough or exhausting! Camping with a good crew in Nepal must be described as a great experience, not an endurance exercise. Every morning, you have a hot cup of tea brought to you and then a hot bowl of water for you to wash. Basic, but part of the adventure. The food that our team cook over kerosene stoves should be mentioned in best selling cooking book, so do not expect to lose weight. An organized trek is a great way to mix with Nepalese people. And of course, there must be fun! So enjoy experiencing some entertainment along the way with local songs and dances of Nepal.
You will trek for around 4 to 6 hours a day bit at a relaxed pace and stopping on the routes if preferred to see local village life. Whilst trekking just carry your small back pack with the things you may need for the day.
General Information:
Please respect the local culture of Nepal and all you will meet the appreciation. It is important to dress properly all the time
Medical Insurance/Health:
It is critical that you consult your doctor and dentist before venturing into the Himalayas. All trekkers must have adequate medical insurance to cover the possibility of helicopter evacuation and admittance to a hospital. Himalayan Leaders do have all necessary first aid experience and direct access to medical help.
Porter Protection:
We are proud members of IPPG (International Porter Protection Group) and require that all of our staff be trained and equipped for their own, and your safety.
Security:
Please be aware that the security of your personal valuables is your own responsibility all the time.
Environment:
Take only photos and leave only footprints. Please avoid bringing non- disposable plastics and any other non-biodegradable articles on your trekkings.
??Policy for those who have to cut their trek short :
1. Emergency
2. Sickness (not life threatening)
3. Complication
4. Other??
Personal trekking equipments (up to 5,500m/18,000ft).
Your do not need to buy expensive trekking materials in your home country. They can be bought more cheaply in Nepal or rented! You can combine what you have with what you can rent in either Kathmandu or Pokhara. We will make sure you get all advice and assistance that you require. Normal trek gear renting costs vary around $US 2 per day. Items marked with * can be hired in Kathmandu and Pokhara. Items marked with (?) are optional.
1 Pair strong mountain/ hiking boots
(walking shoes or trainers are sufficient for treks of 3,000m or below in Oct/Nov & Mar/Apr- or take boots and shoes)
1 Medium/large rucksack/backpack (carried by porters)
1 Small day pack (10-15 liters)
1 Four season sleeping bag (comfortable to minus 10c)
1 Down jacket/ all weather Anorak
1 Light water &windproof Jackets
2 Water bottles (a 1 liter)
1 Pair waterproof gaiters/over trousers
1 Inner sleeping sheet
1 Torch/flashlight & spare batteries
1 Swiss Army type knife
1 Swimming costume/bathing suit
1 Medium sized towel
1 Washing kit to include:
Personal hygiene: Medicated talcum powder, Moleskin for blister, Biodegradable soaps/shampoo, Any personal medication
2 Pairs lightweight trousers
1 Pairs shorts
Fleece/warm sweaters
1 Sweatshirts/ light sweaters
2 T-shirts
2 Long-sleeve cotton (or Polypropylenes) shirts
Pairs of heavy wool socks
2 Pairs light socks
Underwear (including thermals)
Cotton Headscarf/bandana
Sunglass and sunhat
Warm hat and gloves (preferably waterproof)
Money belt (!)
Note: All ‘communal’ trekking equipment: tents, sleeping mats, first aid kit, toilet paper (at camp), private transportation to start of trek, trek permit etc. are provided by Himalayan Leaders.
Note: All ‘communal’ trekking equipment: tents, sleeping mats, first aid kit, toilet paper (at camp), private transportation to start of trek, trek permit etc. are provided by us.
