Nepal and trekking have become synonymous. There are just so many routes for trekking in Nepal and all very gratifying. Everest Base Camp Luxury Trek is one of them. Statistically, it is the mountain regions that get most of the crowd, though there are plenty of lower altitude trails. But no matter what kind of trail you want to undertake, there are some things you need to know.
Time: When planning the trip don’t make the schedule too tight. Flight in Nepal can be delayed or canceled with no concern to your emergencies. Add an extra day or two, especially if you are trekking to mountain regions that have a domestic flight in the itinerary. A little inconsistency in the weather and high altitude flights like that is not going to take off.
Permits: Check what kind of permits are required. Some places are restricted and some places cannot be traveled solo or without a guide. Some might need you to apply few weeks or months earlier.
Shoes: Shoes are important no matter where you are trekking. According to where you are trekking, get the right shoes and don’t forget to break in. Trekking in the mountains are long and arduous. The last thing you want are new shoe blisters few minutes into the trek.
Backpack: Pack only the essentials if you are trekking high. Not only does the trek takes days, but in thin air things weigh heavier.
Money: ATMs are easily available only in the major cities like Kathmandu, Pokhara and Namche. So, You do need to carry plenty of cash during your trek. Don’t keep all your cash at the same place. Carry cash needed during the day separately in a convenient place.
Safety
First Aid Kit: It is always a good idea to carry a first aid kit. In remote areas or mountain regions, health posts are few and far between. And in places like that, the wounds are more prone to infection. Even a small problem becomes big in the mountains.
AMS: Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) should not be taken lightly. It can be fatal. Take proper precautions. Do not try to push it. Don’t rush, it is not a race. Instead, walk at a slow pace enjoying the beautiful mountains around you.
Partner Up: Many solo trekkers have gone missing. Nepal is not a place to go missing. Partner up or better yet, take a guide. A partner will have your back. They can go call for help if something happens. Basically, they will be there for you.
Yaks: If you are trekking in the mountain regions, you are sure to meet the yaks or other animals of burden. Give them space. If they are crossing the bridge, let them go first. Some tourists have been pushed off the hillside by them. So always walk on the wall side. You hear them come when you hear the bells.
Essentials
- Squat toilets with no toilet paper, but only a bucket of water are the reality of most toilets. Therefore, do not forget to carry your own roll of toilet paper and hand sanitizer.
- Popular destinations have learned to cater to the needs of tourists. You don’t have to worry about safe drinking water. But for other areas, carry water purifying tablets. When trekking, you can fill your bottles from the clear streams, and use filters and purifying tablets to make it drinkable. But whether in trekking areas or in cities, tap waters are not for drinking. Safe drinking water is a separate.
- A sleeping bag for warmth. Houses in Nepal do not have a heating system and a blanket provided in the high altitude lodges are not sufficient.
- A light raincoat. The best time to trek the mountains are autumn and spring, but it also rains in these seasons.
Cultural Awareness
- Trekking routes will not take you to the cities where people have more or less become accustomed, but outside cities where one should dress modestly. Too revealing clothes can make the locals uncomfortable.
- Nepal is still largely a conservative society so Public Display of Affection (PDA) is another thing that can make the locals uncomfortable.
- When greeting, you could put your hands together in a classic praying style and say ‘Namaste’ or ‘Namaskar’. You could say hello or hi too, but you shouldn’t try to shake hands, hug or kiss.
- The Sherpa is a caste. All the porters in the mountain regions are not Sherpas and that is not all that all Sherpas Referring to the porters as ‘my Sherpa’ is demeaning and rude.
- Some places do not allow killing animals.
- The cow is the national animal of Nepal and killing it is illegal in the country.
Conclusion
Hopefully, these points can better your trekking experience and lessen confusion or cultural shock on both sides.
