Trekking Season

Trekking in Nepal can be undertaken throughout the year. There are four seasons in Nepal. Each season has its distinct attractions to offer. The seasons are classified as follows:

Autumn (Sept-Nov) This season offers excellent weather and tantalizing mountain views.

Winter (Dec-Feb) This season is noted for occasional snowfall only at higher elevations. Hence it is ideal for trekking at lower elevations, generally below 3000 meters.

Spring (March-May) Different varieties of wild flowers, specially the rhododendrons make the hillside above 5000 meters a haunting paradise during this season. It is mildly warm at lower elevations and at higher elevation over 4000 meters the mountain views are excellent and temperature is quite moderate.

Summer (June - Aug) Summer months really continue up to mid-September making travel wet and warm. These times are blessed for the keen botanist as the higher valleys and meadows blossom with flowers and lush vegetation.

It is recommended to carry insect repellent when trekking during summer months.

The best Trekking season in Nepal is during spring & autumn seasons February to May & September to November. Warm days make this season favorable for trekking & Expeditions. The monsoon seasons are June, July and August. During this period, trekking is possible in the Mustang, Dolpo, Humla, Jumla, Rara Lake of Nepal and some Trekking areas in Tibet.

Trekkers' Information Management System (TIMS)

From Jan 01, 2008 Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal (TAAN) and Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) have implemented the provision of Trekkers' Information Management System (TIMS). The main objective of TIMS is to control illegal trekking operations and ensure safety and security of the trekkers in general trekking areas through the mechanism of Prompt Information Service as and when required.

 Every trekker who is going to any trekking route of Nepal should obtain TIMS Card. This card can be obtained from government registered Trekking Companies, TAAN and NTB office. It contains trekker’s detail like personal information of trekkers, trekking area, trekking routes, handling agencies, duration, etc. The data generated from the system will be useful to all stakeholders: - tourism organizations, Government agencies, diplomatic missions, tour operators, research institute, etc.

 TIMS REGULATORY PROVISIONS

1. Every trekker has to compulsorily obtain a TIMS Card before they enter any of the prescribed trekking regions and routes.
2. A Free individual trekker (FIT) or organized group trekkers are required to keep TIMS along with them throughout their treks.
3. TIMS has to be shown to TAAN / NTB authorities, national park check posts, conservation area check posts and police check posts on demand.
4. Trekkers are required to keep their copies of passports along with them for verification during trekking.
5. TIMS shall be non-transferable, non-endorsable and valid only for single entry.

TIMS will not be required for:

1.The expedition members permitted to climb the mountains.
2. The visitors in the controlled areas permitted by the Department of Immigration.
3. The foreign guests invited by the Government of Nepal.
4. The authorities from different diplomatic missions in the country, who is holding official letter/s and traveling, own risk.
5. Visitors on certain mission recommended by the concerned department of the Government.
6. Foreign Nationals having the residential visa.

Mountaineering Adventure for Non-Climbers

  Medical Matters and Advice

Trekking in Nepal need not be considered a risky affair as far as your health is concerned. Nevertheless, preventive measures such as a thorough medical check p and inoculations before you start trekking can save you from unexpected hazards. Since the remote places of Nepal are not supplied with necessities that are essential for modern medical facilities, and as the rescue and evacuation are measured in days, it is imperative to make a comprehensive First Aid Box consisting of basic drugs and accessories as part of the paraphernalia for trekking. Various trekking guide books and the pamphlet published by the Himalayan Rescue Association give you detailed information on a complete list of medical supplies. These guide books are easily available in the bookshops of Kathmandu. In case of serious illness or injury, prompt evacuation to Kathmandu is the best remedy. Modern dentistry is unknown in the hills of Nepal, so it is advised to have a checkup before departure from home. Tooth fillings sometimes loosen in cold temperatures and at high altitudes, so it is recommended to have them checked.

Physical Fitness

All trekking demands a level of fitness that will enable one to put in a good day's walking, up hill and down. Most treks should not be taken to gain more than 500 meters in one day above 3,000 meters. There should be plenty of time during the day to cover this distance, so the physical exertion though quite strenuous at times, is not sustained. The best preparation for trekking is cycling, swimming, jogging, squash, tennis and long walks involving up and down hills. Good physical conditioning will certainly help maximize your enjoyment of your treks.

  Rescue Service

Many helicopter companies can provide evacuation by Helicopter for severely injured or ill people. However, someone in Kathmandu must guarantee the payment of the flight before the rescue. If you send rescue request to us then we will arrange the flight. Almost it always takes at least twenty-four hours to arrange a rescue, including passing the message. Now days, there are many private airlines, which provide helicopter services to evacuate trekkers in an emergency.

  Rescue Service

If your country has an embassy/consulate in Kathmandu, register with them before you trek and record the details of rescue process. If your country does not have an embassy or consulate in Kathmandu and you are trekking on your own, you will have trouble getting rescued unless you arrange something in advance. Make sure to check this with your travel insurance scheme; you can now buy helicopter rescue insurance in Kathmandu

There are two Trekkers' Aid Posts operated by Himalayan Rescue Association as follows:

EVEREST AREA
At Pheriche on the main trail to Everest Base Camp, one day north of Thyanboche. This Aid Post is well equipped and staffed by two Western doctors during the main trekking season. Trekkers intending to go to Kala Patthar and Everest Base Camp are advised to contact the Pheriche Aid Post.

MANANG AREA
At Manang village in Manang. The Aid Post is well noticeable and has a sign posted. Regular talks on dangers of altitude sickness are given here every alternate day during trekking season. The Aid Post is staffed by a Western doctor. Trekkers intending to cross Thorong La Pass and visiting the surrounding areas are advised to contact the HRA aid post either at Chindi or at Manang.

Medical Rescue Transport and Communication Facilities

1. EVEREST AND KANCHENJUNGA TREKS
A small hospital and airstrip at Jiri, Phaplu and Khunde (Syangboche). Similarly a medical facility operated by Himalayan Rescue Association is situated at Pheriche. There are also radio station at Chainpur, Khandhari, Taplejung, Phidim, Bhojpur, Terhathum, Dhankuta, Dharan, Illam, Chandra-gadhi, Jiri, Namche Bazaar, Thayangboche, Pheriche, Lobuche and Salleri,

2. HELAMBU, GOSAIKUNDA AND LANGTANG
Modern medical facilities are not available in the Helambu area. For Gosaikunda and Langtang, there is a government hospital at Trishuli Bazaar and a dispensary at Dhunche. There is also radio and telephone link to Kathmandu at Trishuli Bazaar. An airstrip is located near Kyangjin in Langtang Valley. The other two radio stations are on the Bhote Koshi at Rasuwa Gadhi on the Tibetan Border and in Dhunche.

3. AROUND POKHARA, LAMJUNG, JOMSOM, MUKTINATH & MANANG
Pokhara has an all weather airport, telecommunication network and a modern hospital. District hospitals are located in Baglung, Besisahar, and Jomsom. There is a Trekker's Aid post run by the Himalayan Rescue Association in Manang. Additionally a small government dispensary at Hongde and Chame, the headquarter of Manang district also serve both foreigners and locals. Airstrips are located at Jomsom, Hongde and Balewa of Baglung. There are radio stations at Chame, Kusma, Baglung, Beni and Jomsom.

There are also radio stations at Gorkha and Besisahar. A government hospital is located in Gorkha. The united Mission to Nepal runs a hospital at Ampipal of Gorkha.

4. JUMLA & RARA
Airstrips are located in Dhorpatan, Jumla and Simikot. There is a government hospital and a radio station Jumla. A dispensary is run at Gumgadi.

Mountaineering Adventure for Non-Climbers
For the more adventurous traveler, there are 18 minor peaks open for Alpine climbing under the Nepal Mountaineering Association. The climbing of these peaks is controlled under the rules and regulations formulated by this Association. Detailed information and application for climbing permits are available from the Association's office or contact us. Please note that in most require snow and ice climbing experience we provide qualified and trained climbing guides to take non-climbers for convenience, safety and expected successes. By Himalayan standards, these are considered minor peaks, but in fact some of them provide relatively challenging snow and ice climbing of high standard, and more so in Winter. The royalty for these peaks ranges from US$ 350.00 to US$ 600.00 depending on the particular peak for up to 12 member climbing team.

Peaks currently open for trekking and other groups are as follows:

Name of the peaks and heights in meters

Some Useful Suggestions

During your trekking sojourn in the hills and the mountains of Nepal you should be aware and remember that you are traveling back in time and into the wilderness not usually frequented by many foreigners and away from normal policing. Although the people of the hills of Nepal are exceptionally hospitable, honest and friendly by any standards, the possibilities of some trekkers encountering bad elements who take advantage of foreigners cannot be eliminated. It would be wise to exercise the following basic rules as regards. Security and safety during your trekking: Trekking organized through recognized Trekking Agent ensures comfort and convenience, safety and security and greatly affords the unique experience. This approach to trekking not only prevents you from any unforeseen hazards and accidents but also provide educational information and rewarding experiences on the mountains, people and in rural Nepal. All foreign nationals are required by law to pay their hotel, travel, and trekking agents' bill in foreign currency.

Exchange your money through authorized banks/money changers only. Insist on a receipt when exchanging your money and retain all exchange receipts with you. Littering mars the purity of environment. Avoid the use of non-biodegradable items as mush as possible. Your attempts to burn oddments and carry out the unburnable ones will be a great help in the efforts to conserve the environment. Avoid dispute with local people, most particularly when you are alone. Avoid drunkards and lunatics. Do not encourage beggars by giving them money or other articles. Be most economical with all fuel. Avoid hot showers which use firewood and discourage campfires. Avoid lodges using firewood and insist on use of kerosene for cooking to Trekking Agents. We strongly recommend that you take out a personal travel insurance to cover against illness, accidents, loss and theft of items and materials, travel alterations and deviations, rescues and evacuations.

What to bring for trekking?

We suggest you to pack your luggage as lightly as possible. We provide one porter for every two travelers; your trekking gear will be carried by the porter in duffel that we will provide. The maximum the porters are allowed to carry is 7.5kg/16.5lb per passenger. Some of your luggage can be left in Kathmandu (the hotel may charge a storage fee), but you will need to take all your trekking gear with you. Please read the 'Checklist' section of this trip notes for additional details of what you need to bring for the trek on this trip.

Checklist

• Hand sanitizing lotion
• Reading/writing material
• Camera & Binoculars
• First-aid kit (should contain lip salve, Aspirin, Band Aids, anti-histamine, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, re-hydration powder, extra prescription drugs you may be taking, Chlorine Dioxide for water sterilization).
• Protein bars, chocolate, dried fruits, candies and snack foods.
• Travel documents: passport, visa, travel insurance, air tickets
• Money: travelers cheques/cash/credit card
• Spare Boot Laces
• Sleeping Bag
• Light weight Towel
• Toiletries
• Day pack to carry your personal needs during the day
• Torch/flashlight - headlamp style is ideal
• Sunscreen and lip balm
• Refillable water bottle - Min 1 Litre Aluminium or Nalgene polypropylene are best
• Hat
• Gloves - wool or fleeced
• Scarf
• Sewing Kit
• Wind and waterproof Jacket & Pants
• Umbrella especially in summer (May to September)
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Socks: thick wool blend and thin cotton to be worn in combination - ensure boots fit
• Running shoes or sandals for evening
• Wool jumper / sweater / fleece. Lightweight during summer, 1 heavyweight or 2 lightweights during winter months. Down jackets in winter.
• Fleece Jacket
• T Shirts 2 or 3
• Shirt - Long Sleeved
• Pants - lightweight long trouser (jeans are unsuitable)
• Extra warm clothing during winter (December to March) layered clothing - thermals.

Note: If there is some equipment that you do not have, you can easily buy or rent it from one of Nepal’s many trekking shops. Much of the equipment available is of adequate quality and the rental charges are generally not excessive but few deposits are required.