New to Nepal

[CanTrekker]

Hi Everyone,

My wife & I are planning to carry out our first trekking experience in Nepal next May. Although we are not that fit :o , but we have started working out. We are hoping that living in Calgary – Canada , which is 1000 m above the sea level, will help us acclimatize to Everest’s altitude:p .

We will fly to Delhi then by land to Kathmandu. Can you please give me some info about the trail, trekking, security?

Thnx

[Rakshi]

Welcome to the wonderfull world of the mountains. It sounds that you wish to trek the EBC. Take your time and ascend slowly. Dependend how much time you have I would recommend to fly to Lukla and spend at least 3 weeks in the moutains. Go slowly up and enjoy people and the views. You can go first to Kalapatar (with the gorgeus view of Mount Everest) within 8-10 days then go back to Naamche Baazar and go to Gokyo. As far as I know there are no Maoist above Lukla. So evertything shluld be all right. ALso the temperatures in May are ok. The only disadvantage in this time of the year are the possiblu clouds.

Good luck
Rakshi

[Sharon]

Hate to break it to you but living in calgary will not be much help. Nepal is a wonderful country and I am sure you will enjoy your trip. Some of us on the site can recommend guides we have travelled with on numerous occasions. Hiking in banff and Lake Louise should help get you in condition so that your body is just dealing with altitude.

[skylinetreks]

Dear Travelers !!!

Nepal, Sits on Top of the World, is located in Southern Asia - It borders w/China on the north and India on the south - Famous for its Himalayas Mountains, Mt. Everest, trekking and mountain climbing - Besides the mountains Nepal has low land jungles where the Bengal Tiger and the One Horned Rhinos are found - Nepal is a Geographical Wonderland - Kathmandu is the Capital -

TREKKING IN NEPAL: -

Nepal is a trekker's paradise. The very organic rhythm of foot travel is a
wonderful way to explore and make meaningful contact with the country. On average, trekking consists of walking daily 5 to 7 hours, 9 to 14 kilometers on a series of ascents and descents. The immense contrasts in altitude and climates found here support an equally spectacular mix of lifestyle and wildlife. Nepal is a pioneer in the sport of trekking. Known as the Himalayan Kingdom, Nepal is dominated by eight of the world's fourteen highest mountains, including Everest. Each one is over 8000 meters (26,000ft). In all, there are 1,310 peaks of 5000 meters (16,900ft) or more. Annually, more than 200,000 tourists come here to trek. You will experience superb panoramic views of mountains, a diversity of landscape, flora and fauna, colorful cultures, friendly people and ancient history. Trekkers leave Nepal with grand tales to share with their family and friends.

Trekking Seasons

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 attitudes.

Spring (Mar-May)
Different varieties of wild flowers, especially rhododendrons make the hillsides above 5000 meters a scenic paradise in this season. The weather is mild with moderate temperature at lower elevations and at elevations over 4000 m. the mountain views are clear.

Summer (Jun-Aug)
Summer months, continuing up to mid-September, take travel wet and warm. The higher valleys and meadows blossom with flowers and bush vegetation. Insect repellent is recommended while trekking during summer months.

The cost included:

~ All land transfer as per itinerary
~ Trekking permit and National Park conservation entry permit fees
~ Accommodation and 3 meals a day while on the trek
~ Fully escorted trek with English speaking Guide & Porters
~ All program according to itineraries on full board.
~ Wages, equipment, insurance and other facilities to staffs

The cost doesn't included:

· Nepal entry visa fee per person US$ 30 only
· Items of personal nature ie. Soft/hard drinks, tips etc.
· Travel Insurance (this is a mandatory condition of booking)
. Domestic Airfare
· Medical evacuation in case of emergency
· Personal spending money
· All bar bill,
· International Airport Tax

WHAT YOU SHOULD BRING DURING THE TREK?

i/ Good and comfortable trekking boots.
ii/ Ruck-Sack
iii/ Some pairs of warm socks as well as light socks.
iv/ Warm clothes necessary for the morning and evening.
v/ Your toiletries and medical kit.
vi/ Couple of T-shirts and shorts for the day.
vii/ Hat.
viii/ Slippers/Down jackets
ix/ Sunglasses.
x/ Flash light etc

Many thanks and best wishes


Udhav Prasad Upreti
Informations and International Relations
Skyline Treks & Expedition (P.) Ltd.
Website: www.skylinetreks.com

[CanTrekker]

Thanks a lot everyone, I really appreciate your response.

Rakshi, I have planned to stay 4 days in lukla to get used to the high altitude

Sharon, do I really need a guide? I was not planning to hire one, because we will take our time, and we do not need any pressure to speed up.

Rgds

[Sharon]

No need to spend 4 days in Lukla. You actually descend from Lukla and then climb up. Most people spend 2 nights in namche then for the altitude I have met people who needed 3 nights in Namche.
Do you have to have a guide? No. You will learn more about the cultur and mountains if you have one. Also in case of illness you will have immediate assistance rather than needing some one else's guide/ porter to help you.
Lastly the injection of foreign cash into the economy is greatly needed. Most of us on the board here can recommend guides we book directly rather than through a company. Cheaper for you and more money in the guides pocket.

[CanTrekker]

Sharon,

Can you please send me contact info of guides you recommend?

Thnx

[Rakshi]

That is really true that staying in Lukla 4 days is not a need. First you go down and the you ascend slowly. During my trek I stayed in Naamche 2 nights and one more night in Pheriche (with the side trip to Chukung) on the way to Lobuche. But..... you would need to see how you react on the alltitude and the decide where to go and how slow. Personally we did not hire a guide.... but I met one at Thorung La. He lives in Khumbu region. Good luck to you

Rakshi

[Kean]

Hi we are in the same boat as the starters of this thread except we are already in india....we are inexperienced trekkers so will want a guide so to clarify could someone answer these quiestions?

a) do you need to fly to lukla to to everest base camp?
b) where do you hire guides from? katmandu or in lukla? if KTM does he then come with you on flight??? je ne comprendre pas!! (basic questions hey ha ha)
c) how much does it cost to stay in these refuges and how much is food there?

we are on a backpacker budget so want to do it as cheaply as possible but want to be sensible too and i agree with the comment on injecting cash into economy.

also is it easy to arrange with this curfew/business?

thanks a lot

kean

[Rakshi]

Hi we are in the same boat as the starters of this thread except we are already in india....we are inexperienced trekkers so will want a guide so to clarify could someone answer these quiestions?

a) do you need to fly to lukla to to everest base camp?

Not really. Depends how much time you have and how much you want to be expsed to adventures with Moist :-) SOme people say that they are present between Jiri and Lukla.
b) where do you hire guides from? katmandu or in lukla? if KTM does he then come with you on flight??? je ne comprendre pas!! (basic questions hey ha ha)
If you hire guide in KTM usually you have to pay for his trip .... As as I know there are good guides in Lukla as well.

c) how much does it cost to stay in these refuges and how much is food there?
For me it was enough $5 a day without a guide.... The bed is cheap but the food is a bit more expensive. Remember that Nepalee make make money on food


we are on a backpacker budget so want to do it as cheaply as possible but want to be sensible too and i agree with the comment on injecting cash into economy.

also is it easy to arrange with this curfew/business?

thanks a lot

Good luck to you! and have a save trip. Make sure to book the flight :-)

Rakshi

kean