Trekking Nepal 2013 Season - Himalaya | Trekking | Volunteer | Kathmandu Nepal

Trekking Nepal 2013 Season - Himalaya | Trekking | Volunteer | Kathmandu Nepal

Our trekking season is already getting underway early this year, and I am glad to see it!  Already we have seen more tourism than previous years -  Nepal has become a nice short break trip for expats traveling from Dubai, Qatar and other places in the Middle East when they have Eid and Ramadan holidays.  It's also increasing in popularity as a summer break destination for families and university students.

For 2013 - Himalayan Kingdom of Mustang Trek with Karma Mustangi!

We found Karma through a New York Times article written by Jason Wong (NYT Asia Correspondent), and we are excited to have him on board with us at TREKT Himalaya. We are taking private bookings for Mustang Trek with Karma for Spring 2013, and will have public treks starting in September 2013. Mustang is a good alternative for those who wanted to visit Tibet, but can not due to border closure. Karma will show you his unique Himalayan culture steeped in Tibetan Buddhist traditions and often hailed as the lost Shangri-La.

Everest Base Camp and EBC Mini-Trek

A trek to Everest Base Camp has become a "must-do" adventure for most travelers to Nepal.  But for those who want to see the Solu Khumbu region and do not have a lot of time, many companies (like us) have started offering an Everest short trek that starts at Lukla and does a quick 4 day circuit.   It's great for Himalayan views, Sherpa culture and a visit to Himalayan Buddhist monasteries.  Prices vary, but it is usually under $1000 including the Lukla Flight.    Our Everest expert guide is Tashi Sherpa - if you want to know more about Tashi and his homeland, send us an email at info@trekthimalaya.com.

High altitude trek - Solu Khumbu region - Everest Base Camp Nepal

Off Season Trekking In Nepal

I have always been a big fan of trekking in Nepal's off season because you get to enjoy things at a less crowded pace.    This year, we are kicking off Annapurna Circuit trek in the first week of April, but for less crowds, try June or September.   For Monsoon time, it's better to stick to Langtang, Poon Hill, or Helambu Treks.

Here are some common things to think about when trekking "off-season" in Nepal:

1) Ask for discounts.  Many trekking agents in Nepal have really slow times during our monsoon, and they offer activities at a discounted price.  So always ask!

2) Watch out for leaches and landslides!   The downside of trekking while the monsoon is on or at the tail end is that Nepal has been deluged with water for 2 months.   This creates landslides that block roads leading to many of the popular trekking routes.  Also, I'd like to say, "watch out for leeches," but you really can't.  You just have to deal with them.    Here's a couple web sites that give ideas for leech repellent.   The only real option is anything but eco-friendly.  I have tried insecticides all over my sock and pants, but those leeches will find you.  I even got one in between my fingers once.  Gross!

http://www.traveldudes.org/travel-tips/5-simple-steps-how-avoid-leeches-borneo/10036

http://www.ehow.com/how_8732438_repel-leeches.html

3) Take a longer (or shorter) trek.   I encourage you to take as long as you can on any trek.  I have never understood the whole rush to get to Everest Base Camp or around the Annapurna Circuit... although the 14 Day Everest Trek is our most popular.  I guess many tourist only have a couple weeks holiday from work to spend in Nepal, and they are trying to take in all the sites.   Well, I then, try a trek that is traditionally 8 - 10 days and extend it to 14 days.   The Tamang Heritage Trail is awesome.   The benefit of trekking slowly is you get to meet people and experience the "real Nepal."   Running from teahouse to teahouse is like running the Rock-n-Roll Marathon and forgetting to listen to the music.    Our Nepal Himalaya are so beautiful, please enjoy them slowly.

4) Take a language class.  There are many "Monsoon Language" course that have sprung up.  I LOVE that idea.  You will get a lot more out of your stay in Nepal if you take at least one week of language class before you head out on your trek.  Just enjoy Kathmandu, take you class and then head to the Himalaya!

KEEP offers one of the many summer language classes.

Rafting and Canyoning Trips in Nepal

Canyoning with Hardcore Nepal Adventures! 

Congratulations Hardcore Nepal for being the most recommended rock climbing and canyoning guides by Lonely Planet Nepal! 

info@hardcorenepal.com

Check out our blog at http://www.kayaknepal.blogspot.com/

Get Nepal Travel Information at http://www.trekthimalaya.com/

Have a Hardcore Day!

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This week on EBC Trek

This week we had Swedish trekker, Elin, return from Everest Base Camp trek.   If you read the previous story about AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness),  Elin was part of the group who was with our guide Maila.  They spent a couple days at Tengbuche (Tangboche)  with the "trekker in distress" (who was airlifted to Kathmandu, and is now better and happily enjoying rock climbing lessons with Hardcore Nepal Climbing) and then trekked on to Everest Base Camp.


Highlights of Everest Trek
When I asked Elin the highlights of her trip she said 1) meeting the monks at the Tengboche Monastery and feeling the indescribable spirit that is in the air and 2) the view from Kala Patthar.   No doubt many would share both sentiments!!   Spirituality or whatever that thing you "feel" is when you are here is nothing like anywhere else in the world.  Even none-believers start to wonder if maybe this really IS the land of the gods.  Afterall, we have Mount Kalaish in our midst, Everest's real name is Chomolungma (holy mother, or Mother Goddess) and let's not forget the Lord Buddha was born in Nepal.

View From Kala Patthar

From Kala Patthar, you can see many Himalayan peaks including  Ama Dablam, Nuptse, Pumo Ri and Thamseku. Most treks to EBC will save one morning for an early hike up Kala Patthar.   It's best head up for an early morning view before the clouds move in on the peaks.  This is pretty much true of any place you are viewing Himalayan peaks (for example, if you over night in Nagarkot near Kathmandu, you would still want to get up early to see the panorama, sames holds true when staying in Pokhara).

Planning Everest Trek, or "Self Trek" - Ask Us

Planning a trip to EBC?  We are always happy to help travelers enjoy our Shangri-La; you don't have to trek with us... we just want you to love it here.  People in Kathmandu used to laugh at me because I hung a "free tourist information" sign outside of our office.  But it's true -- We are happy to answer your questions, even if you "self-trek," we'll give you as much info. as we know, so send us an email at info@trekthimalaya.com.  Or trek with us sometime. www.trekthimalaya.com

Everest Trek and Altitude Sickness

This week we had to send a helicopter to Tangbuche to rescue a trekker with altitude sickness, or Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS).  I have always thought "mountain sickness" is a bit of misnomer, so I prefer to call it Altitude Sickness.

Every year thousands of people head for the trekking route that leads to Everest Base Camp. The majority of them take the hike of a lifetime, but for some the journey becomes uncomfortable and leads to unbearable.

We don't know why certain people are affected by Altitude Sickness, also called Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), and others are not.   But here's what we DO know: You can take certain measures to help prevent it's onset.

1) Drink Plenty of Water

2) Try Cocoa - pure dark chocolate.  (Mountaineers do not carry chocolate just to pass out to kids; it was a long held Native American cure to chew Coca leaves to relieve altitude sickness.)

3) ACCLIMATIZE  - In our 14 day Everest Base Camp trek, we have two very important days to rest and acclimatize to altitude, but if you are not in a hurry, why not do a 16 day trek and go at a leisurely pace?   If you get AMS, you will not make it at all, so you might as well take it easy.

Trekker in Distress
So, what happens if you have done all of that, and you still get AMS?  This happened to us this week with a couple who were on our EBC trek.  Both were very physically fit thirty-somethings and enjoyed on outdoor lifestyle in their home country.  (And can I just digress for a second, I don't care where you live and how outdoorsy you are, unless you have been living in the Hindu Kush or similar, nothing Western style "outdoorsy" is like the Himalaya.   For some, it is complete and utter culture shock.)  Anyway, on the 3rd day into their Everest trek, the husband started having symptoms of AMS.  He was vomiting continuously, had a headache, and was severely constipated (this is not an official symptom, but can make the others just that much worse).

Experienced Guide Makes a Difference
Our guide, Maila, knew he had to get him to lower altitude, so he reversed the group and took them down from 5000 meters to a lodge at 2600 meters.    By now, our client, let's call him Dan, had been very uncomfortable for about 2 days.  The lower altitude should have relieved his symptoms, but it did not.   Dan took his altitude meds, saw a doctor at the lodge, and still continued to feel bad.

Helicopter to the Rescue
For many trekkers, the lower altitude helps them feel better, and sometimes they continue on with their trek.  But Dan's wife made the call, she had travelers insurance and she wanted a helicopter.   We had one at her lodge by the next morning.  I am happy to report that Dan is in Kathmandu and feeling much better.  There are still a lot of cool things for him to do in Kathmandu that are NOT high altitude and he has joined a rock climbing and kayaking trip with Hardcore Nepal, our extreme adventure team.

The Good News...
But here's what is good about this whole thing.  First, that Dan and his wife, Sara, were smart enough to have insurance, the bill for a helicopter evacuation from that area starts at $5000 USD.    There are NO trekking agencies that pay this for you; all of them (including us) have an agreement clause that clearly states you understand that you are on an extreme adventure and you are responsible for your own medical care.  And let's be honest, in a country where most of the citizens have very limited access to even basic health care, this is fair.    So, if you are coming to Nepal, just pay the bit extra for travel insurance.  I have known several tourists to our region who have benefited from it.

Second, Dan and Sara, booked with a trekking company (ours) that was knowledgeable, well-connected and customer service oriented.   Aren't they all, you ask?   No, they are not.  Remember, this is a developing country.   Business ethics and standards can be very different than what you are used to.  Some companies are great, but others may not even have the idea of what type of service is expected from clients from the west.  So, choose wisely traveler!  You don't have to trek with TREKT Himalaya; there are a lot of good companies (of course I think ours is the best), but just try to establish a rapport early to be sure they got your back when you need them.

Contact me at TREKThimalaya.com

How to Prepare for Trekking in Nepal

How to Prepare for Trekking

Trekking in Nepal is one of the most exciting, surreal, and arduous adventures you can take.   There is so much “unknown” to still be discovered.  Perhaps the biggest mysteries you will unlock will come from within yourself.  Indeed, many who embark on the Everest Base, Gosainkunda, or Annapurna treks return with absolutely different view of their place on this planet.  

Is it the people, the scenery, or the fact that you immersed yourself in a beautiful survival experience and came through?  Probably all. 

You think survival might sound like an extreme word for these treks, but it’s not.  Many instances along your path are life challenging.  From narrow paths traversing deep gorges, to ice bridges, to the altitude adjustments in your body, there are real mental and physical feats you will have to face.  But they are all “doable” (the people who live up here do it all the time!).   When you return to Kathmandu or Pokhara after your 2 weeks in the Himalaya, you will be a new person.  You will want to celebrate and reflect.  You will be at the same time introspective and extroverted.  What a great combination! 

So, before you go for your hike into Himalayan Spiritual Enlightenment, prepare yourself to make the best of it.  Here are some things you’ll need:

Things You Need (or neeed to know) Before You Go:

Good shoes.  It is your #1 best investment.   An old proverb says, “Your feet carry you forward in life, take good care of them.”  Get a pair of shoes that are sturdy, broken in, and infallibly comfortable.  You will never want to see them again after your trek, so give them up to the porter or guide who may ask for them at the end of your journey.  When you see the broken shoes and plastic sandals that Himalayan people scale the mountains in, you will be glad you did.  For more on good shoes, read the article on this blog titled “Trekking in Everest Area - Choose Shoes Wisely.”

A light backpack.   Every gram of weight you carry will feel like ten times more than you think after 2-3 days of trekking in the Himalayas.  It’s not just the constant uphill climb, it’s also the lessening of oxygen as you get higher each day.   So, start with a backpack that does not weigh much itself, and then pack as light as you can. 

Multi-function clothing.   Yes, it’s a 14 day or more ordeal, but you really only need 1-2 changes of clothing.   Wear your pants, shirts and socks as many days in a row as you can.  Nobody cares what you look like – honestly.    Showers are limited or non-existent, but there is a water spout or stream or similar at each tea house, so use it and just keep your body as clean as possible.   This will keep your clothes a little fresher.  Don’t take denim jeans or jackets.  They are heavy, dry slowly, and not very flexible.  Take neoprene or nylon clothes and be sure to have a fleece and some warm layers for underneath.   Himalayan passes are freezing.  You can go from extremely hot to extremely cold in the same day.   Avoid cotton everything.  If you can buy nylon underwear, they are light and dry quickly if you have to wash them, so get those.   Men can find these at most sports stores (think Under Armour).  Do take some type of light raincoat, you will probably need it for Sep, Oct, Apr, and May.   Other trekking months can be extremely cold, so get some thermal cold weather gear that is not too bulky.

Just a few gadgets.  You need a flashlight (small), a camera, spare batteries, and that’s about it.  Electricity is sparse on the rooftop of the world.  Some villages do not have any electricity at all, and the ones that do are subjected to “load shedding” (long power outages) like the rest of us in Nepal.  So don’t bother with electronic stuff that you don’t really need.   If you are making a video blog, or documentary or the like, by all means, take your stuff and consider hiring a porter.   Just be sure you have charged back-up batteries for everything. 

Get 100 rupee notes.   Before you leave Kathmandu or Pokhara for your trek, get your big notes changed into 100 rupee denominations.  You will find almost no one that can give you change for 1000 rupees on your trekking route.   Even 500 rupees can be hard to change.  You will be looked upon as the rich, inconsiderate tourist flashing your money around if you pull out a 1000 rupee note at a teahouse.  Just get some small money.  Your trekking outfitter usually provides your food and lodging, so you should not need a lot of money enroute.  However, things like a beer or soda or snacks are “extra” and way more expensive than in Kathmandu.  So take some fun money, but keep it small.

Secure your trekking pass in advance.  It can take a few days to a week to get a trekking pass from the tourist board.  You will need a copy of your passport and a photo.  Some treks are no longer available to do on your own, and you must go with a registered Nepali guide.  In that case, the trekking company will arrange your passes for you. 

Never trek alone.  As great as it seems to be out there experiencing nature in a quiet, meditative way, too many tourists have gone missing in the last few years.  Especially in Solo Khumbu, Langtang, and Gosainkunda areas.  We don’t know why.  They were never found.  The only thing they have in common is that they were all trekking alone.   If you don’t have a trekking partner.  Go with a trekking company guide, or look around Thamel at places like Pumperknickel café on the notice boards for a trekking partner. 

Get some cultural information before you leave.  The Sherpa, Tamang and Rai people of the Himalayas represent a beautiful ancient culture.   They share a spiritual and cultural heritage with Tibetans and their language is quite similar.   Nepali and Tibetan are spoken in the high country, so a friendly “Namaste” or “Tasidele” is always appreciated.  Please don’t refer to your porter as “your” Sherpa.  Sherpa is a culture and a last name, but definitely not something that Western tourists own.  Of course, no one will correct you on this because they are quietly proud people; but would you like to be called something like that? Unfortunately Westerners have reduced an entire diverse culture to people who carry things.  Sherpa has become synonymous with porter in the West.  But Sherpas are very diverse people with many roles in this country.   Just be considerate.   Just because someone is a Himalayan guide or porter does not mean they are Sherpa.   They could be Rai, Tamang, Gurung, Magar or any number of Nepali ethnic groups. 

For more trekking in Nepal info. check out the official trekking site of Nepal at http://www.taan.org.np/

Trekking By Yourself -- Rewarding or Risky?

I have had tons of tourists come into my office in Kathmandu and ask, "Can't I just follow the map and trek to base camp myself?"  My answer is always, "Of course!"  But do you really want to?

The stories I get upon return of the self-trek are about 50-50.  Fifty percent say, it was fine and no problems.  The other fifty percent hired a guide at Lukla or Namche, and decided going alone just was not for them.  

In the past few years, many trekkers have gone missing while trekking alone.   And if common sense is your guide, it is clear that no matter where you are in the world, setting out on a lone adventure always holds it's share of danger.  Since the disappearance of American trekker, Aubrey Sacco, in the Langtang area of Nepal in April 2009, I no longer recommend trekking alone to anyone. 

The Himalayan landscape is unique and extremely rugged.  The extreme climbs, deep drop-offs, and narrow ledges come as a surprise to many first-time trekkers.  Tourists need to watch every step.   If you are alone, what will you do when you sprain your ankle, begin suffering from AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness), or it is starting to get dark and you have no idea how far the next village is.   What if there are no more rooms available when you actually reach the next village?

If you go on an organized trek or with a guide from one of the hundreds of trekking agencies in Kathmandu, you have the benefit of enjoying the Himalayan trails, talking with the locals (unless you speak Nepali, who will translate for you?) and getting care should you need it.   The price for a guide is relatively inexpensive, and the upside is, you are employing someone in an economy where unemployment is over 50%, and the per capita income is around $400.

If you are the type that likes being alone and a more do-it-yourself style trek, ( I get it --- there is more reward in being quiet, peaceful, and alone in the majesty of the Himalayas), you can hire a porter at Lukla.   But just remember, he is your employee now, and you will have to take care of everything.  It is best to know at least a little Nepali if you are going to go this route.  That way you can communicate with your porter, and help negotiate your lodging and meals en route.   Remember, porters are not guides, they are people who carry your pack and show you they way, you should expect little else.   A "trekking guide" speaks English, knows what Westerners expect, and arranges all of your meals, lodging and entertainment.  In Nepal, guides are registered with the Nepal Guide Association and the companies for which they work should be registered with the Trekking Agents Association of Nepal (TAAN). 

It's important to hire a reputable agency (small is fine; just make sure they are registered) because there have been a few stories of trekkers being ditched by their guide after day 2 of a 14 day trek.  Mind you they had already paid in full for their meals, lodging and guide.  The guide, having over 80000 (1100 USD) Nepalese Rupees with him for their expenses just disappeared -- and it's easy to do in Nepal (as mentined above). 
So, choose the trekking experience that is right for you.   Do your homework, learn some Nepali (even a one week crash course in Kathmandu will help) and NEVER go alone. 

Whichever way you go, get ready for a trek of a lifetime.  The Nepal Himalayas are amazing, the Sherpa, Rai and Tamang villages idyllic, and the experience is "priceless."