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[TREKKING
IN NEPAL]
 Nepal is a trekkers' paradise. Besides 10 of the world's
highest mountains, Nepal offers a variety of trekking routes
with spectacular views and wonderful opportunities to
experience the Nepalese village life. There are treks to suit
both novices and experienced hikers. Trails vary from gentle
slopes to steep taxing paths, providing an exhilarating
experience.
Most treks that go through populated areas remains in between
1000 and 3000 metres, although the Everest Base Camp trek and
the Annapurna circuit trek reach over 5000 metres. On high
altitude treks like these, it is wise to ensure adequate
acclimatisation. A typical day's walk lasts from five to seven
hours and involves a number of ascents and descents.
EVEREST TREK:
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The land of the Sherpas, the Mt. Everest region is deservingly
one of the most popular trekking destinations in the world.
Trek in the Khumbu region usually starts with an eye-opening
flight into Lukla at 2800m in an 18-seated Twin Otter
aircraft. These treks explore Himalayan villages and glacial
valleys guarded by some of the highest and most beautiful
mountains in the world. Trips to the serene villages of Thame,
Khunde/Khumjung, Thyangboche and Dingboche visit Sherpa
communities and ancient monasteries that have become the last
preserve of Tibetan Buddhism. Namche, the gateway to the
Khumbu was, and still is, an important trading post for goods
being ferried across the border to Tibet by yak caravans along
the ancient trade routes. Due to the many ascents and
descents, the trek is rated as "strenuous". There are a number
of routes to the Khumbu region, each one a classic in its own
right.
ANNAPURNA TREK:
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The Annapurna region is the most varied of Nepal's popular
trekking destinations. It harbours an incredible array of
tropical to alpine flora and fauna, an ever-changing tapestry
of lowland Aryans to highland Mongoloid peoples. The Annapurna
region, bounded by Marsyangdi River in the east and the
fascinating Kali Gandaki River in the west, offers constant
close-up views of the Annapurna peaks. The region boasts of
the deepest gorge in the world, and within 40 miles between
the two rivers, there are 12 mountains higher than 7000m, and
many others above 6000m. Starting at lower altitudes, treks in
this region pass through lush agricultural lands, which
eventually unroll to green terraced fields and occasionally
giving way to high, arid desert landscapes.
LANGTANG TREK:
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The Langtang Valley is the second largest among Nepal's
National Parks. Situated north of Kathmandu
on the Tibetan frontiers,
it covers an area of 1700 sq. km. Designated a National Park
in 1976, it is the natural habitat of more than 1000 plants,
150 species of birds and number of mammals such as
Blue Ship and rare Red Pandas.
Two major river systems Trisuli and Sun Koshi rush through the
lush forests, and owing to its proximity to Kathmandu is among
the most easily accessible trekking destinations. The
eight-day Langshisha tour offers rich insights into the life
and culture of the Sherpa community, who
depend on agriculture and Yak rearing.
Amongst the least crowded trekking destinations in Nepal, it
is most suitable for those who do not have an extended
vacation.
MUSTANG TREK:
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The trek ventures into the remotely placed Kingdom of Mustang,
which was forbidden to outsiders until October 1991. The
'mystique' Mustang, lying behind the Himalayan range in the
rain shadow area to the north of Jomsom and Pokhara, offers an
unforgettable experience. It is one of the popular new
destinations among trekkers due to its outstanding landscape,
resembling the Tibetan Plateau.
In the capital of Lo Manthang, an old walled town undisturbed
and untouched by modern civilization, life goes on as it had
for centuries. With numerous Gompa, eternal ritual,
breath-taking scenery of Mt Annapurna, Mt Dhaulagiri and Mt
Nilgiri, a trip into Mustang is bound to be one of the
self-realisations inspired by the all-encompassing teachings
of Tibetan Buddhism.
This formerly restricted area has been reopened to a limited
number of tourists. A government liaison officer should
accompany the trekking party.
DHAULAGIRI TREK:
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Dhaulagiri (8167m) is the sixth highest mountain in the world.
This challenging and outstanding journey begins from Baglung
and ends in Pokhara. This region is a land of dramatic
contrast, due to its unexpected geography and strenuous
trekking routes you need a sense of adventure and basic
mountaineering skills to trek this region.
Separated
from the Annapurna region by the Kali Gandaki Gorge (the
deepest gorge in the world), the Dhaulagiri (White Mountain)
massif includes some fifteen 7000m peaks in its westward sweep
of about 40 miles from the Kali Gandaki. Closed to trekkers
for some time the region was reopened to trekking about five
years ago.
DOLPO TREK:
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Dolpo, the magical region of Peter Matheson's "Snow Leopard",
is unlike any other trekking region. The arid valleys with
their pastel hues offer a spectacular contrast to the
semi-tropical lushness of other parts of Nepal. Dolpo,
isolated from the modern world, is the home to the people of
Tibetan origin living much the same way as they did for
centuries. Dolpo offers a unique experience of bygone pioneers
— adventure, ruggedness and solitude. Phoksundo Lake (3627
metres) is the highlight of the whole trek, a basin of
turquoise blue ringed by rocky crags and forest, framed by
snow-capped peaks.
KANCHANJUNGA TREK:
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Traversing the remote and rarely visited northeastern corner
of Nepal Mt Kanchanjunga (8598m), the world's third highest
mountain, has so much to offer for the trekker looking for
adventure and something different. Restricted for many years,
the route to Kanchanjunga leads through picturesque farmland,
rugged alpine valley of rhododendron and bamboo forest to
Ramze. After crossing the Mirgin La pass, one can enjoy
magnificent views of Makalu, Chamlang, Everest and
Kanchanjunga and encounter various wild animals such as musk
deer and blue ship. Along the route, visit Ghunsa, a small
Tibetan settlement adorned with fluttering prayer flags and
smiling villagers. The final destination reveals the north
face of Kanchanjunga.
ROUTES IN THE EAST:
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Before we actually start trek, first we fly to Tumlingtar
(937m) from where the trek starts to the Base Camp. We follow
the Arun River and pass through the picturesque villages like
SEDUA and NUM. After crossing the Barun Pass (4,110m) we reach
the upper valley of Barun Khola, which offers a magnificent
view of mighty MAKALU (8,463m) and CHAMLANG (7,317m) and
ultimately the trail takes us to the Base Camp. Our way back
trek will be to follow the same route but we camp at different
villages. As this trek involves high altitude, trekkers will
have to be physically fit. One with previous trekking
experience in Nepal is a plus point.
NORTH OF KATHMANDU:
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The
Langtang-Helambu-Gosainkunda region is easily accessible from
Kathmandu. Each destination is most rewarding for those with
limited time, as one can cover any of the areas in one week to
ten days time. A three-week trip could cover all three but
would involve crossing high mountain passes. Although the
Himalayan views are not quite as spectacular as in the
Annapurna or Khumbu region, they too leave an unforgettable
impression. In addition, the trails are less crowded and the
people are friendly. In all of these regions, food and lodging
are available along the route, except for a few passes.
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