Trekking Grade In Nepal
The level of difficulty of our treks is symbolized by one to five trekkers. While grading our treks we have taken the following factors into account
• The total duration of the trekking.
• The duration of stay at high altitude (+3000m).
• The maximum difference in altitude per day.
• The condition of the terrain.
• The average duration of the daily stages.
• The night temperatures.
Nevertheless we want to warn our trekkers that the level of difficulty of a trek is very subjective. Weather conditions, your physical condition, possible health problems during the trek and other factors can have an important influence on the way you experience a trek.
Grade 3 - Moderate :
These trips are not so hard. Maximum walking 6-7 hours and it's below 4000 meters. Any reasonably fit person should be able to manage these trips. This grade applies for 7-16 days walking.
Grade 4 - Moderate + :
These trips are not so hard either. The elevation comes below 5000 meters and the duration of these trips is 12-19 days. Any reasonably active person should be able to manage these trips.
Grade 5 - Strenuous :
We consider this level the hardest available trek in Nepal, but still these treks are in reach of most people. However, you must be very fit for this sort of trip. Those who suffer from asthma, high blood pressure, heart disease or complicated medical conditions adversely affected by strenuous exercise may not participate. These trips are above 5000 meters and for the duration of 20 days and above.
Grade 6 - Strenuous + :
Extremely demanding treks sometimes in very remote areas on rough terrain and perhaps including (in Nepal) one or more of the so-called 'trekking peaks' - maximum altitude, Mt. Mera at 6,461m/21,192ft. participants should have at least a basic knowledge of use of crampons and ice axes, though first time climbers may be accepted on some of the so-called 'easy' routes on these peaks. Medical certificates are required prior to acceptance on any climbing treks.
Trekking Seasons In Nepal
Trekking in Nepal can be undertaken throughout the year depending on the region.
The year is divided into 4 different seasons in Nepal and each season has its distinct attraction to offer for trekking.
Autumn (Sept-Nov) : This is the time when you can expect better visibility, the air is fresh, and the weather is perfect and that the Nepalese most important festivals (Dashain and Tihar) are
marked during this season The best season offering excellent weather and tantalizing mountain views.
Winter (Dec-Feb) : This season is noted for occasional snowfall and the air can be quite cold at higher elevations. Hence it is ideal for trekking at lower elevations, generally below 3000 meters and offers tantalizing mountain views.
Spring (March-May) : Trekking in spring is particularly lovely as the mountain slopes are covered with beautiful and colorful flowers and still have plenty of high snow to enhance your photos. The temperature is quite moderate and the mountain views are excellent.
Summer (June-Aug) : This is the favorite season to trek in the rain shadow areas like Upper Mustang, Dolpo and Kailash. This season is also recommended for forest researchers and botanist.
Trekking Style In Nepal
Nepal Camping Trek :
This classic style of trekking are especially conducted in remote areas of Nepal supplying all camping equipments along with the food and employ porters to carry your gear and sherpas to set up tents where you will be sleeping and well- trained cook will prepare hot meals to serve you. You carry your small backpack with a water bottle, camera and your day clothes. As a guide I take care of everything, I employs the appropriate number of porters to carry all equipment, trekking gear and lead the whole crew.
Typical Day on the Camping Trek:
In a typical Camping Trek day starts around 6 a.m.with a cup of hot tea brought to your tent, along with a bowl of hot water for your morning wash. Breakfast will be laid on the table consisting of porridge, toasts, eggs, pancakes and tea/coffee. During breakfast we staffs will pack the tents so please have your bags packed before breakfast. After breakfast by 7’ o’clock everyone should be ready to start walking. The reason for this early is to take advantage of the cool morning when walking is easiest; also the morning air is very clear, allowing a better view of the mountains than at other times of the day.
Porters carry trekker’s all personal belongings. Everyone walks at his or her own pace and as the group spreads out along the trail. There is a plenty of time to enjoy the views, meet the local people, take photographs and enjoy the flora and fauna. Even though you are with a group you can walk alone. The porters are slower and cook crews (Sherpas) rush ahead to prepare lunch, which should then be ready when the groups arrive at around 11 o’clock. Afternoon trek end about 3pm when you round ahead to discover your tents already set up by Sherpas in a field near village. The kitchen crew again prepares tea coffee; biscuits will be available in the camp. As we oftern camp near villages a trip to the local inn can provide some light entertainment. Later on, you have free choice to read book or explore surrounding area. The food provided is a combination of western and local cuisine by around 6 pm. The cooks and kitchen staff are fully trained to the highest standard so hygiene. In the evening all staffs makes fun by singing and dancing in the groups. After that around 8 pm most trekkers turn to their tents to enjoy a sound sleep.
Nepal Tea House Style / lodge Trekking :
This type of trekking is popular in the certain regions of Nepal where lodges are available. Particularly in the Everest Region. Annapurna Region, and Langtang Region . In these areas one can trek with a bare minimum equipment and rely on lodge. The basic idea of trekking is same; Here are the services that I provide on tea house treks:
• All ground transfer. Three times of meals (Bed tea, Breakfast, Lunch and dinner)
accommodation for entire the trek.
• Necessary equipments like sleeping bag, down jacket, trouser and raincoat, mattresses for
you entire the trek.
• Necessary porters and their all expense for the trek.
• Trekking permit, National park fee.
Here the porters carries client's gears and I will be accompany with you as a guide during the day. We sleep in the available lodges on the trails and eat hot meals according to the lodge menu and I take care of all the arrangements. Every day, trek start between 7 to 8 am. Before that we provide you hot water to shower and hot drinks tea/coffee/hot chocolate with Breakfast. Lunch provide between 11 to 12 am and day end.
Obviously this trek will also provide equal opportunity to enjoy the views of the nature and culture. The Camping Trek has richer service than Tea-House Trek because Camping Trekkers pay more for whole crew members.
Altitude Sickness During In Nepal
When trekking in Nepal Himalayas “Altitude related Problems” are the important factors to be considered because there is always a real danger of mild to serious problems related to altitude and it is important that trekkers understand that they will be affected to a greater or lesser extent when they ascend to altitudes over about 3000 meters. Altitude sickness,
often known as Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) and it means the
effect of altitude on those who ascend too rapidly to elevation above 3000 meters. The victim can develop severe symptoms very rapidly if the mild effects are ignored.
I advise my clients to remember the following suggestion when you are on trekking in the high altitude areas above 3000 meters. The following are the basic symptoms of the altitude sickness and to avoid such sickness I recommend few important points.
1. Basic Symptoms :
(I) Loss of appetite
(II) Sleep disturbance
(III) Difficult to pass urine
2. Medium Symptoms :
(I) Headache which is bad
(II) Irregular breathing
(III) Nausea
(IV) Mild weakness
3. Serious Symptoms :
(I) Slight swelling of hands and face
(II) Cannot stand upright without swaying while eyes are closed.
(III) Can hear gurgling sound in the chest.
(IV) Zero energy.
I want to request my clients that please feel free to discuss any kind of trouble with me whether it is simply gastro-intestinal or altitude related.
What to do about Altitude Sickness ?
Altitude illness can be prevented by acclimatization; that is, by a graduate rate of ascent (not more than 400 – 500 meters), allowing sufficient rest at various intermediate altitudes. The dry air of the mountains tends to dehydrate you so an increased fluid intake is necessary. Try to drink at least four liters of water a day. On the trail you can drink hot garlic soup that will help you to some extent. When we reach to our destination it is better to make some hiking up to a bit higher point and come down to the camp or hotel. This is a really good way to get acclimatization. You may take a Diamox 250mg tablets the night before flying / going to altitude. After the symptoms will often disappear and the trek can be resumed.
If you feel obviously suffering from the serious symptoms of AMS then descent should not be delayed even if it means going down in dark. In such case, should an emergency situation arise, horse, or porter will be arranged; or I myself carry you and run to lower (descend) altitudes. There are 3 radios in Namche Bazaar, Doctors at Khunde hospital in the Everest Area and HRA Clinics and in some trekking areas also has the Gamow Bag. The hospital or the clinic will take fees or charges for such services. I can arrange for immediate evacuation, by horse or helicopter, depending on the severity of the case.
Clothing and Equipments For Trekking In Nepal
Certain basic trekking equipment is essential on all routes I described in this site. Depending on the area and season, I will provide you with a comprehensive list of necessities.
Here are some recommended Equipments List for trekking in Nepal Himalayas.
Clothing
• Lightweight walking boots. If
new one is being bought, “ walk then in” to avoid blisters. Also bring spare laces.
• A pair of track shoes. To wear in the camp at night or when the boot is wet.
• Warm jacket. Fiber fill or down should be adequate. This is especially necessary during winter
from December to February.
• A rainproof jacket with hood or a poncho. Get the one that is guaranteed waterproof.
• Woolen shirts and thick sweaters. During winter months, December through February these
items are essential. Thick sweaters can be purchased in Kathmandu.
• A pair of lightweight/ heavy weight trousers. Jeans are unsuitable to wear on treks. Cheap
loose cotton pants are available in Kathmandu.
• Heavyweight trousers are useful higher up in the mountains in the morning and at night.
Windproof/ waterproof trousers are necessary on all treks going above 10.00ft.
• Thermal underwear. These are excellent to sleep in at night in the winter months
thermal underwear are quite invaluable.
• A tracksuit useful for wearing in camp and in the tent. 2 pair of loose fitting long shorts/ skirts.
1 lightweight long sleeved –shirt is particularly suitable for avoiding sun burn.
• A woolen hat to wear in the morning and at night. During winter it is an essential item. A
sunhat and ensure it has a wide brim to cover the face and neck.
A pair of gloves. Leather with lining and woolen are best.
1 pair of sandals to wear in the cities and in camp.
2 pairs of thin and 2 pair of thick woolen socks.
Underwear” normal quantity and swimming costume, hankies.
Equipment and Accessories
• Duffle bag or kit bag to carry to gear while trekking
• Daypack: This is a small rucksack to carry personal requirement for the day e.g. toilet
items, camera, film towel, soap, a boot etc.
• Water bottle.
• Snow glasses and sunglasses
• 2-4 large plastic bags to separate clean clothes from dirty ones. 6-10 smaller plastic bags
to dispose garbage.
• Wallet and /or money belt with compartment for coins.
• Toiletries with large and small towels. Toilet paper can be by in Kathmandu and some villages
in the mountains.
• Small headlamp and/ or torch with spare batteries and bulbs candles and lighter to burn
toilet paper.
• Snow gaiters essential during wither and all treks going over at other times.
• An umbrella (optional), which is quite useful to as a sunshade and useful when it rains.
• Reading materials, camera and film, game items (optional), note book, rubber band, pen
and pencil, envelopes, a diary, a calendar, a pocket knife, binoculars (optional), a small pillow
or headrest (optional). Thermoses (optional)- an inflatable sleeping mat, trekking
map, adequate quantities of passport photographa
For more information contact us at
Unique Adventure International Pvt. Ltd (Head office)
P.O. Box : 10849
Thamel, Kathmandu, Nepal
Tel : 977 1 4415474, 4441482
Fax : 977 1 4427324
Email : unique@ccsl.com.np, info@uniquetreks.com
Websites : http://www.nepalclimbing.com , http://www.uniquetreks.com
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