Accommodations

Nepal is one of the most popular trekking destinations in the world. Every year thousands of trekkers and mountaineers are attracted to Nepal. There are hundreds of trekking routes with different length and difficulty level. Trekking in Nepal can last from a week to even months as per the route you choose. You will be on the trail for many days, and you need to prepare ahead for the accommodation. At length, on popular trekking routes like Everest, Annapurna, and the Langtang region. There are lodges with good infrastructures and facilities. These lodges are commonly called Tea Houses. Those tea houses comes with electricity, Wi-Fi, hot showers and some even with attached baths. Generally you pay extra for hot showers, Wi-Fi and battery recharge. Whereas in the less touristic areas like the Kanchenjunga, Dolpo, and the Manaslu region there are limited infrastructure with basic facilities. Therefore you need to prepare beforehand regarding accommodation before you make the trip.

Food

On popular trek routes like the Annapurna, Everest and the Langtang region. You will have full options to select your menu. Meals include verities of Chinese, Nepales, Western along with ethnic cuisines, including Sherpa stew, fresh vegetable items, noodles, soups, handmade bread items, spaghetti, pizza, eggs, potatoes recipes, apple pie, and the most common Dal Bhat and noodles. In some popular places like Ghandruk, Namche Bazaar, and Manang, you can even find German bakeries, Italian coffee shop and Pizzerias. Besides you can get various kinds of drinks like black tea, lemon tea, ginger tea, milk coffee/tea, green tea, and black coffee are available. Breakfast and dinner will be served at the lodge where you spend the night. Lunch will be served, along the way. Only one welcome or farewell dinner will be served in Kathmandu. While in Kathmandu you will get breakfast only, for dinner and lunch, you have to pay for yourself.

Physical fitness and experience

Most high altitude treks in Nepal usually require previous trekking experience and fitness level. Usually a trek day last 5-6hrs, or sometimes even for 7-8hrs. Walking in higher altitudes is more physically demanding than walking in the lower altitudes; however, if we are in excellent health with average physical fitness, have a positive attitude, self-confidence, and strong determination, we can accomplish the trek. Exercising or jogging regularly for some weeks before the trip is a good idea to enhance your strength and stability. Past hiking experience would be an asset. You must consult with your doctor before you decide to take up any high altitude in Nepal. Participants with pre-existing medical conditions such as heart, lung, and blood diseases should inform their doctor and Service Provider (Wind Horse Tours).

Best Time to Trek in Nepal

The best season for trekking is during the fall (Sept to Nov) and spring (March to May) The weather is sunny and warm with outstanding views. But the nights are cold and can fall to a freezing level in higher elevations. Winter (Dec, Jan, Feb) is also good for low altitude treks in the Lower Annapurna region; the only issue is cold (obviously). Trekking in summer or during monsoon (June to Aug) will be affected by the rain, trails get muddy and the views get obscure due to the cloud. But trekking in summer can be done in the rain shadow areas of Upper Mustang, Manang and the Dolpo region. During spring and autumn, the trekking routes are usually crowded. But during summer and winter, the routes are not packed, and visitors can enjoy the best that nature has to offer.

Health Safety

Trekking in Nepal involves high altitude. So, you must have some knowledge of high altitude sickness(AMS). Even a physically fit trekker can also get sick, if he goes faster on the altitude. Therefore, we recommend you a good acclimatizing and rest days in between to avoid acute mountain sickness. And other health problems are likely to be minor, such as stomach upsets and blisters, and common-sense precautions are all that are required to avoid illness. Make sure you and your teeth are in good health before departing, as there is very little medical or dental attention along the trails.

Trekking Safety

It is easy to forget that mountainous terrain carries an inherent risk. In rural areas of Nepal, rescue services are limited, and medical facilities are primitive or nonexistent. Helicopter evacuations are possible, but the costs run into thousands of US dollars. Only tiny minorities of trekkers end up in trouble, but accidents can often be avoided or risk minimized if people have a realistic understanding of trekking requirements. Don’t take on a Himalayan trek lightly. Follow the basic rules of trekking such as:
Don’t trek alone, don’t make ostentatious displays of valuable possessions, and don’t leave lodge doors unlocked or valuables unattended.

Trail Conditions & Percussion

Walking at high altitudes on rough trails can be dangerous. Watch your footing on narrow, slippery trails, and keep your eyes on the trail. Never underestimate the changeability of the weather at high altitudes – at any time of the year. If you are crossing high passes where snow is a possibility, never walk with fewer than three people. Carry a supply of emergency rations, have a map and compass (and know how to use them), and have sufficient clothing and equipment to deal with cold, wet, blizzard conditions. You will be sharing the trail with porters, mules, and yaks, all usually carrying heavy loads, so give them the right of way. If you see a mule or yak train approaching, always move to the high side of the trail to avoid being knocked over the edge.

Altitude 

Walking the trails of Nepal often entails a great deal of altitude gain and loss. Most treks that go through populated areas stick to between 1000m and 3000m. The Everest Base Camp Trek and the Annapurna Circuit Trek reach over 5000m. On treks such as these ensure adequate acclimatization by limiting altitude gain above 3000m to 500m per day. The maxim of ‘walking high, sleeping low’ is a piece of good advice; your night halt should be at a lower level than the highest point reached in the day. Make a point to catch the free altitude lectures given by the Himalayan Rescue Association in Kathmandu, Manang in Annapurna Region, and Pheriche, Macchermo, and Gokyo in Everest Region aid posts on the Annapurna and Everest treks.

Rescue Insurance

Check that your travel insurance policy does not exclude mountaineering or ‘alpinism’. Although you will not be engaging in these activities on a trek, you may have trouble convincing the insurance company of this fact.