We can tell you everything about trekking in Nepal.
Everyone knows that Nepal is one of the most popular trekking destinations in the world. And indeed, the country has some of the best trekking trails in the world. If you are reading this article, you are surely planning to trek here.
However, we receive many questions about trekking in Nepal. So, below we have compiled a list of frequently asked questions to help you with your plans:
Is Trekking In Nepal Safe?
Before going on a trekking tour in the Himalayas, many people wonder whether Nepal is safe or not. I would like to answer this question by giving you detailed information about how safe it is to trek in Nepal and what precautions you should take before heading into the mountains of this small country.
Let us find out! Is trekking in Nepal safe?
The short answer to this question is YES! Trekking in Nepal is absolutely safe. In fact, it is one of the safest countries for travel and tourism. It has been selected as one of the 10 safest countries for travelers in 2019.
Yes, there are certain places that may not be as safe, but those are clearly mentioned in every itinerary we offer. We have carefully crafted our trips with your safety and security as our priority.
So what makes trekking in Nepal safe?
The locals are very friendly and open-minded towards foreigners. Therefore, their top priority is to make you feel comfortable and welcome at all times. This means that you do not have to worry about anything happening to you while exploring this beautiful country.
Nepal has been a country without any political unrest since 2006.
Do I Need Visa To Enter Nepal?
Yes, you will need a visa to enter Nepal. You can obtain a tourist visa upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu or at the Kakadvitta, Birgunj, Bhairahawa, Nepalgunj and Kodari border crossings.
A tourist visa can also be obtained from the nearest Nepalese embassy or consulate before departure to Nepal.
How difficult is trekking in Nepal?
It is not easy to trek in the Himalayas, but it is not impossible for most people. As long as you are fit and healthy, you should be fine. I would say that it is not difficult to trek in Nepal, but there is a difference between easy and difficult.
The difficulty of a trek depends mainly on the altitude of the trek. The higher you get, the steeper and therefore more difficult it becomes. You can choose a trek that suits your physical fitness level. You can also find treks that do not require any prior knowledge or technical skills.
The other aspect that determines the difficulty of a hike is its duration. If you decide to go for a long hike, you should be prepared for more strenuous hikes. However, if you are physically fit, these hikes should not be a big problem for you.
Trekking in Nepal is not easy, but it is not difficult either. It has its challenges like any other form of travel, but it is worth persevering for the rewards at the end of each day and your final destination.
What Is Tea House Trekking In Nepal?
Teahouse trekking or lodge-to-lodge trekking has become increasingly popular in Nepal in recent years.
Instead of carrying all your gear and food on your back like traditional camping treks, you can now enjoy the mountains with the added comfort of a warm bed each night.
You stay in teahouses or lodges and carry only a daypack. This means you have more energy to take in the culture and breathtaking scenery around you.
The teahouses are simply furnished with a twin bedded room, a western style toilet and hot water for showers for an additional fee. You can choose between Nepalese food or Western dishes such as pasta and pizza.
The teahouse trekking is perfect for those who want to trek independently and at their own pace without a guide or porters.
Some people call it freedom trekking because you do not have to hire a guide or porter or book in advance, and there are many routes with well-marked signs and maps that you can buy at the teahouses along the way.
Nepal offers a range of easy, moderate and challenging teahouse treks, from short half-day trips to multi-day treks that can last from 3 days to 20+ days, depending on your fitness level.
Why Do I Need A Trekking Guide In Nepal?
When you trek in Nepal, you want to get in touch with nature, escape the hustle and bustle of the city, explore new places, meet new people, and experience a different culture.
The last thing you want is to worry about finding your way or if there is a better place to stay.
Trekking in Nepal is an experience that many people dream of. But if you are not prepared, your dream could turn into a nightmare.
It is best to take a guide before trekking in Nepal. This is because most trekkers do not have the knowledge or experience to safely navigate the mountains.
A guide can help you avoid getting lost, find the best routes and places to stay, and make sure you are never alone when you are away from civilization for days at a time.
Is It Possible To Trek In Nepal In Winter?
The answer is yes, you can go for trekking in Nepal even in winter. Annapurna Base Camp, Everest Base Camp, Poonhil, Mardi Himal and Langtang region are three of the best options.
The weather conditions will not be as good as in spring and autumn, but if you are lucky and catch a clear weather period, you can enjoy amazing views of the mountains.
During these months, temperatures on these hikes can drop below freezing at night, so it is important to have proper equipment and preparation for this opportunity.
If you are not an experienced hiker, you should take an experienced guide or porter who knows the area well enough to deal with unexpected situations that may arise.
Can I go Trekking Alone In Nepal?
Yes, you can trek alone in Nepal. Trekking alone is not a big problem on the popular routes where you will find tea houses and people.
You just need to take care of yourself and your belongings. You need to take care of yourself and your belongings.
The best way to trek alone in Nepal is to choose the right route for you so that you can enjoy and adapt to the environment.
Everest Base Camp, Annapurna Circuit, Jomsom Muktinath, Poon Hill Ghorepani Circuit and Langtang treks are some of the best treks for solo trekkers in Nepal.
However, if you plan to go on these walks alone, you need to take some precautions:
- Before starting your hike, make sure you have all the necessary permits and documents with you.
- Always carry a first aid kit and learn how to use it. You can also take a first aid course before you start your hike.
- Always keep your friends, family or relatives informed of your whereabouts. Let them know when you will be going offline. Check in with them every day or week if possible and let them know you are doing well.
- Before you start your hike, take out a good insurance policy that will help you in case of emergency situations during your hike.
How Long Do I Have To Trek Every Day In Nepal?
Trekking in Nepal offers a variety of terrains. But elevation is one of the main factors that can affect the distance you will walk each day. The higher you go, the slower you will walk.
If you are trekking at lower elevations up to 3000m, you can easily walk 6-8 hours per day. However, if your trek takes you above 3000 meters, do not hurry and take steady steps.
For example, when I was trekking Manaslu Circuit, we walked on average 5-6 hours per day and sometimes we were even walking 7-8 hours per day.
But in Everest Base Camp trekking, we had to cover 5-6 hours per day and sometimes we extended our walking time to 7-8 hours per day because we took some rest days in between.
But it also depends on the physical fitness of the individual. Some people can walk longer distances than others, so there may be some variation in the distances.
As a general rule of thumb, try not to walk for more than 8 hours per day, because at higher elevations it can be really difficult for many people to walk for more than 8 hours per day.
How To Stay Healthy And Fit During Trek?
Even if your primary goal is trekking in Nepal, you need to take great care of your health. This is because Nepal is under-devolped and poor country. The environment there is not as favorable as in other developed countries.
The living standard of people there is also different from ours. So you should always be vigilant to protect your health there. Before you leave for Nepal, make sure that you have completed all the required vaccinations for trekking in Nepal.
First, take an adequate amount of water with you and drink only filtered water. Otherwise, you may experience serious health problems such as diarrhea and vomiting. You can use iodine tablets or a filter for this purpose.
Avoid raw vegetables and fruits as much as possible while trekking in Nepal. If you do want to ingest some, wash it thoroughly before eating. Since many people do not know how to wash properly, it is better to avoid these things as much as possible.
Do not think of drinking alcohol during your trekking days in Nepal as it will affect your body badly and you will not be able to continue your trek smoothly and properly.
Do I need A Trekking Permit To Go Trekking In Nepal?
If you plan to trek in more restricted areas of Nepal, such as Everest Base Camp, Annapurna Sanctuary, or Upper Mustang Valley, you will need a permit.
This is to protect the areas for both locals and tourists and to keep them free from excessive tourism. These permits are very easy to apply for and usually only cost about 30 USD.
All trekkers must have a TIMS (Trekkers’ Information Management System) card, which you can easily pick up from the Nepal Tourism Board in Kathmandu or Pokhara.
The TIMS card costs $10 USD at the Nepal Tourism Board offices, but is free of charge if you get it through a tour operator or travel agent. You will need to bring two passport photos and your passport to get the card, which will be valid for one year.
All hikers must have their permits checked by officials at checkpoints along the trails, so do not forget to bring them (and your passport). You are allowed to hike without a guide, but if you are traveling alone, you may need to join an organized group.
What is the Nepal Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS)?
The Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) is a database that helps track and manage incoming visitors to protected areas, national parks, and wildlife sanctuaries in Nepal.
This system was developed by the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) and the Immigration Department to maintain an online database of tourists visiting protected areas.
The TIMS registration process involves filling out a TIMS application form and paying a fee to obtain the card, which is valid for one year.
TIMS registration involves filling out a TIMS application form and paying a fee to receive the card, which is valid for one year. For foreigners, the fee is NRs. 2,000, while SAARC nationals NRs. 1,000. The card is issued on the spot, but if you are hiking in a group, it can take up to 24 hours.
What Are Some of Best Places To Trek In Nepal?
The best places to trek in Nepal depend on the season, your duration and your fitness level.
For someone looking for a short trek, the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek is a good option. It is only a week long and offers breathtaking views of the Annapurna range, including Mount Macchapucchre (Fishtail) and Dhaulagiri.
If you want a more challenging trek, you might consider Everest Base Camp or Annapurna Base Camp. These tours take two weeks each, but are definitely worth it.
You can see Everest or Machhapuchhre up close and cross high altitude passes. On these hikes you can also see the deepest gorge in the world (Kaligandaki Gorge).
How Expensive Is Trekking In Nepal?
In general, trekking in Nepal is relatively inexpensive. The cost of trekking depends on the duration and difficulty of the trek. A particular route can be as cheap as $50 per day or as expensive as $300 per day.
However, most people spend between $100 and $200 per day when trekking in Nepal. The biggest expenses during trekking are food and lodging.
Accommodation and food costs in Nepal:
When you are trekking, you will stay in teahouses or lodges. The price of the teahouse depends on how popular the particular teahouse is and how far it is from the trailhead. In some places there may be no roads at all, so you will have to pay more for accommodation.
On average, expect to pay about $5 for a room in a twin share. You will also have to pay for your meals separately, which can cost you about $5 to $10 per meal.
You should also factor in tips for porters and guides if you have hired them. This will be about 10% of the total bill.
Is Nepal A Safe Trekking Destination For Solo Female Travelers?
There are many female travelers in Nepal, including women traveling alone. Although the country is not generally considered unsafe for women traveling alone, it is a good idea to take extra precautions when you are in Nepal.
Here are some tips on how to travel safely in Nepal as a woman:
- Dress conservatively
- Do not walk around alone at night
- Ask your hotel staff for advice on how to stay safe
- Consider joining group tours
- If you are traveling alone, it is a good idea to carry a whistle or personal alarm.
- Do not drink alcohol alone (or with someone you do not know well)
Do I Need To Hire a Porter to Carry my load ?
Trekking in Nepal is a great experience, but not everyone can trek alone. Some people need a porter or guide for their trek.
So, do you need a porter for your trekking? Well, the answer depends on what kind of trekker you are.
If you are an independent trekker who is able to carry your own backpack and walk independently, then of course you do not need a porter.
However, if you are not able to carry your backpack or have health problems, then I think it is good for you to hire a porter.
Some travelers may think that hiring a porter means being lazy, but that is not true. Hiring porters helps the locals make money from tourism, so it is always good to hire them when they are needed.
Is Internet Available During Trekking in Nepal?
Yes, internet access is available while trekking in Nepal, but it may be limited. While most of the trekking routes are quite remote, a mobile network can be available at a few places where you can access the internet. Some trekkers also carry a portable modem and dongle to access the internet.
However, do not expect that you will have an internet connection throughout your whole trek.
How Much Should I Tip The Guides and Porters In Nepal?
A guide and a porter are among the human resources available in Nepal. They provide trekking and tour related services to the tourists. They guide you to the places, carry your luggage and facilitate your journey. Therefore, it is important that they are rewarded for their services.
So how much should I tip the guides and porters in Nepal?
When we talk about tipping in Nepal, there is no set amount that you have to give as a reward. It is entirely up to you how much you can give them.
Nowadays, most of the travel agencies in Kathmandu pay their guides and porters more than enough money as per the government standards.
So, if you book your Nepal trekking package through the particular travel agency where they work as guides or porters, you do not need to tip guides and porters. If not, then you should definitely give them a reward so that they can also earn something from their services.