Trekking in Nepal is one of the best ways to take a break from everyday life. It is also one of the best ways to experience the breathtaking views of the Himalayas and indulge in the local culture. Yet, before you start your trek, you should know about trekking safety in Nepal. While trekking in Nepal is generally safe, you can still face some difficulties. Therefore, knowing a few tips and tricks is always a good option.
In this blog, we talk about the various advice and tips for trekking in Nepal. So, with this in mind, let's get started!
Tips for Trekking in Nepal
Trekking in Nepal is an enjoyable experience. However, if you are not careful, mishaps can happen, which can hamper your experience. At Explorer Adventurer, we're here to help you with tips and advice to make sure your trekking experience goes smoothly.
1. Research the trekking route before you go.
One of the best advice we can give you is to research the trekking route before you go. This includes researching every aspect of the trekking route, such as difficulty, terrain, cultures, ideal time, and expected inventory. This allows you to be prepared and provide you with insights regarding the journey. Furthermore, you should also research the prices for the trekking itinerary. Researching prices allows you to plan your budget better.
2. Trek slowly
Trekking is all about enjoying the journey. So, what's the use of rushing the trek? Take time to enjoy the trek and enjoy the scenery. Furthermore, taking the trek slowly also prevents Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). Therefore, do not rush during the trek. Take it slowly and enjoy the surroundings to create an unforgettable memory. This is especially so for treks around the Everest Base Camp and Annapurna Base Camp.
3. Inform people about your trek.
Although it may seem tempting to just pack your bag and leave for trekking in Nepal, it is always a good idea to keep your close ones informed. Before leaving for trekking in Nepal, you should inform your family, friends, and hotel staff regarding your trekking plan. This allows them to easily contact you or inform the associated authorities should any mishap happen during the trek. Although trekking here is generally safe, it is always a good idea to follow this advice regarding trekking safety in Nepal.
4. Get insurance for your trekking.
Getting travel and health insurance is another one of the best tips we have for you. Doing so ensures that you get compensation should anything go wrong. While travel insurance generally does not compensate for search and rescue, it will still cover travel and health mishaps. Therefore, before you leave for the trek, apply for travel and health insurance.
5. Travel in Groups
Nothing prevents you from going on a solo trek in Nepal. However, if you are not experienced in Nepali trekking, do not go there alone. Nepalese culture is different from most Western cultures. Along with the cultural aspect, if you are new to traveling in Nepal, you can easily get lost and or face unexpected events that are hard to handle. Going in groups lessens the impact of these issues. That said, if you have adequate experience trekking in Nepal, then you can, by all means, go on a solo trek.
6. Don't shorten your enjoyment over budget.
While it may be tempting to save your budget by shortening the trekking days, it is not always the best option. Going on a shorter trek means that you will either need to rush forward or choose a route without the best trekking experience. Furthermore, this is not the only thing people do to save money. Some travelers just avoid the guides and porters to save budget. Needless to say, this is a dangerous choice to make. Additionally, shortening treks increases the risk of altitude sickness. If you cannot afford longer treks, you can go on short but complete ones. This allows you to get the best trekking experience safely and on a budget.
7. Optimize your inventory
One of the key mistakes trekkers often make is overpacking. Sure, you need to pack a decent number of things for the best trekking experience. However, you should also only pack the necessary inventories. Try to optimize your packing the best you can. Although trekking companies like Explorer Adventurer will provide you with porters, you should remember that they, too, have a maximum weight limit. Similarly, it is also straightforward not to pack the required inventories. For this, you can check out the required inventories for your destination and pack accordingly.
Note* Even if you forget to pack some of the necessary items, you can easily buy them in Kathmandu.
8. Don't Expect Luxury
Trekking is all about enjoying nature and traversing through untainted terrains. Therefore, you should not expect luxury during the treks. While you will not need to stay in the wilderness, you should not expect luxury. Most of the trekking routes in Nepal offer accommodation in local tea houses and lodges. These lodges provide you with a basic room with warm blankets and simple electricity services. The good aspect is that this lack of luxury enables you to connect deeply with your group, local people, and nature.
9. Respect the Nature and Local Culture
At this point, we all are aware of eco-trekking. Therefore, respecting nature and leaving no trash behind is a given. However, along with nature, you should also respect the local cultures. While the local cultures can be foreign and unusual, you should remember that these cultures have survived for thousands of years. Furthermore, these cultures are interwoven into the society. Therefore, even if you do not understand some cultures, you should remember that they are significant to local people.
10. Take Enough Cash
Most of Nepal's trekking routes pass through remote areas. Therefore, having cash in hand is a must. Although you can use a digital wallet in urban areas, you will hardly find these services available on the majority of the trekking routes. Therefore, we advise you to take the cash out of the bank and carry enough to last the whole trekking period in Nepal.
Conclusion
Trekking in Nepal is a great way to enjoy the breathtaking sceneries of the Himalayas and wonderful hills. Therefore, it is understandable that Nepal is a popular trekking destination. However, before you travel to this nation, it is essential to understand the trekking safety in Nepal. This includes aspects such as researching the trekking route, informing people, optimizing your inventory, and taking enough cash for the treks.
In this blog, we covered some of the common trekking safety tips and advice. We hope you found this helpful. If you want further insights into the various aspects of trekking, do check out some of our other blogs. And as always, thank you for reading till the end.
FAQ on Tips for Trekking in Nepal
1. What are the best months for trekking in Nepal?
The ideal months for trekking in Nepal are generally spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). The weather is more stable, and the views are spectacular.
2. How can I prevent altitude sickness while trekking in Nepal?
It's important to acclimatize properly by ascending gradually, staying hydrated, and taking adequate rest.
3. Are permits required for trekking in Nepal?
Yes, you need to obtain the necessary permits for most trekking regions in Nepal. That said, the types of permits and their costs can vary depending on the area.
