10 Tips for Trekking in Nepal

Nepal is by far one of the most picturesque country on the planet. The highest mountains in the world i.e Mt. Everest, Annapurna, Cho Oyo , Dhaulagiri , Makalu, Manasalu et all (all 8000m+) are located in Nepal and are one of the main attractions of this Himalayan country. The stunning alpine lakes, quaint villages in the country side and buzzing cities and towns provide a good travel experience depending if you are looking for leisure or adventure . Here we will list some points to keep in mind if you decide to trek in Nepal (not in any order).

10. Choosing your Trek in Nepal

A number of trekking options are available in Nepal. You can day hike to small little villages outside Kathmandu and Pokahara. Small treks ranging from 2-5 days like the Ghorepani Poonhill trek near Pokhara or the Gosaikunda Lake trek in Langtang region are good options. Popular circuits like the Everest Base Camp trek or the Annanpurna circuit usually last 14 days. If you are looking for more days in the mountains and wilderness then head towards the Mustang/ Upper Dolpo region or Western Nepal. All trails in Nepal and little mountain lodges which provide meals and lodging. There are hygienic and usually provide a mix of local and international cuisines.

9. Best months for trekking in Nepal

The best months for trekking in Nepal are March, April, May i.e before the Monsoon sets in and  October and November i.e post the monsoon season. It rains a lot in Nepal during the monsoon season and it is better to avoid the trails due to landslides and flash floods.

 
8. Hire a guide

There are a lot of popular trails in Nepal where you do not need to take a guide. However, we would urge you to always hire a guide for a trek. These guides will give you a local perspective to your trek and it is also great to talk to the locals and get to know more about their culture. You will also be supporting the country’s economy as it is a form of employment for the local population. There are a some adventure travel companies that make sure to employ local guides and porters.

7. Prior Vaccinations

As a precaution, it is recommended to take the required vaccinations, according to the time that you are travelling. It is always better to consult your doctor, to be more accurate, but some of the most common vaccinations include Diphtheria, Tetanus, Typhoid, Hepatitis A and Polio, if you’re travelling with children, especially.

 
6. Carry cash with you at ALL times

Of all the important tips for Nepal travelers, one of the most useful ones has to be to that you absolutely must have cash on you at all times and you cannot rely on using your card all the time. Most of the places in rural towns and villages don’t accept cards and there may not be an ATM available in the vicinity. Therefore, you need to make sure that you always have the local currency on you to avoid getting into any problems or complications. USD and INR are readily exchanged in the cities. Please note that INR 500 & 2000 notes are not accepted in Nepal right now.

5. The higher you go, the more expensive it will get

That’s the way the bill rolls in Nepal. As you go higher, you will be charged more and more for every single thing. A bottle of water could start at NPR (Nepali rupees) 40 on a trail and could be NPR 160 in the next 3-4 days. You will be charged for refilling your hot water, charging your phone, bathing etc. A budget of NPR 3000-4000 per day should be sufficient for you meals and other requirements on a popular trekking route in Nepal.

4. Tipping etiquette in Nepal

It is normal to tip in Nepal. As there is no service charge, tipping is a way of saying thank you to your guide, porter, cook, etc. 10-15% is a good measure of tip for your guide and porters depending on how long your trek is and also if the guide is to your liking. For waiters and taxi drivers, NPR 50-60 is a good amount.

 
3. Suggested treks by region in Nepal
Everest Region
·       Everest Base Camp
·       Everest Basecamp via Gokyo Lakes
 
Annapurna Region
·       Annapurna Panorama Trek (Poon Hill)
·       Annapurna Circuit
·       Mardi Himal Trek
 
Mustang
·       The Mustang Trek
 
Western Nepal
·       Phoksumdo Lake to Shey Gompa Trek
·       Kagmara La Trek
·       Rara Lake trek
 
Eastern Nepal
·       Kanchenjunga Northern Trek
 
Langtang, Manaslu and Makalu
·       Gosaikunda Trek
·       Langtang Trek
·       Manasalu circuit
·       Makalu circuit

2. Plan contingency days for your treks

It is best to have 2 to 3 days of contingency days while planning a trip to Nepal. Mountains are full of surprises, every day you find something new. But, the weather in the mountain region of Nepal is unpredictable. The internal flights to Lukla, Jomsom, Taplejung, Pokhara or any other areas of Nepal may get delayed or cancelled due to weather. By including a few extra days into your trekking tour you will get a peace of mind even when your internal flights get delayed.
Even if your flights take off at the scheduled time, you will never get bored in the vibrant cities of Nepal. You can always spend your extra days by relaxing your exhausted muscles in a spa or going around the city exploring the rich art and culture.

1. Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS)

If you are trekking over the altitude of 3000 m, you may suffer from altitude sickness. So, it is very important to have knowledge on symptoms and precautions for Acute Mountain Sickness( AMS). It is very common while trekking in Nepal. When you ascend higher, the oxygen level in air drops down leading to shortness of breath and nausea. If you feel those symptoms you need to take immediate action to keep yourself safe i.e descend to lower altitude. Gradual ascent and hydration is a key to avoid the AMS. Watch out for any early symptoms of altitude sickness and treat it well.