General INformation on Trekking


When to go |
The best time to trek is from October to May. The first two months of the dry season (October and November) is the ideal period for trekking in Nepal. The air is freshly washed by the monsoon rains, the mountain scenery is superb and the weather is still comfortably warm. December, January and February are still good months for trekking but the cold can be bitter at high altitudes. March and May also offer better weather when trekkers can see superb wild flowers, particularly in Nepal's wonderful rhododendron forests. During the monsoon season (June-August) trekking is possible in the rain-shadow areas of north of the Himalaya like upper Mustang and upper Dolpo. These regions are out of reach of the rain clouds because of the high mountains and are unaffected by the monsoon. |
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Duration of the Trek |
A trekking trip can be of any length you choose. Popular short treks are available around the Kathmandu and Pokhara valleys, which only take one, two or three days to complete while longer treks lasting from a week to a month. It is even possible to combine a series of popular treks together and peak climbing for months on end. |
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Choosing a Trek |
Please remember that occasionally bad weather, altitude and unfamiliar cultures can make extra demands. A sense of humor and determination are important attributes on any adventure holiday and on a trekking holiday it is important to enjoy walking. In order to help you in selecting a trek we have given each trek a grade, although this is only a simple guide. If you need help in deciding which trek is suitable, please call or send an email to us and we will be pleased to advise you further. |
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Planning a Trek |
Nepal offers plenty of opportunity for treks lasting a day or less, though most are considerably longer. Around Pokhara or the Kathmandu Valley you can complete the trek within two, three or four days but for the very popular Everest Base Camp and Annapurna Circuit treks you have to allow three weeks. |
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Trek Grades |
Easy treks involve up to 6 hours of walking a day, on good trails with plenty of time for sightseeing. Altitudes generally do not exceed 3500 meters. Anyone who enjoys regular exercise and is in god physical condition should easily cope with these treks
Moderate treks involve walking for 6 to 8 hours a day in more remote country, reaching altitudes of approximately 4500 meters. A reasonable level of fitness is required as there will be much ascent and descent with the occasional difficult day. A hill walking background is advisable. Strenuous treks are harder, suitable for regular hill walkers as they are generally more demanding any may involve 7 or 8-hour days, with altitudes up to 5500 meters. You should be physically fit and appropriate preparation is essential. Some days may involve crossing a pass with up to 10 hours walking. |
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Style of Trekking |
Teahouse Trek Full boarded camping trek |
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Altitude & Acclimatization: |
Proper acclimatization is very important and our routes are planned specifically to allow a gradual gain in altitude with many of our treks having extra days to allow for acclimatization. By slowly gaining height we reap the benefits of a gradual gain in fitness and acclimatization. We offer advice about acclimatization and with the sensible approach we take on all of our treks, anyone who is fit and healthy should have few problems. On our climbing trips in Nepal and trekking trips in Tibet we carry a portable altitude chamber as an extra safety precaution. Group Size Equipment General For Winter Season (Additional) Additional Suggestion |