Trekking in Nepal

The moment one hears a name of Everest it is enough for anyone to picture a moment standing in a place on top of the world with peaceful environment and breathtaking panoramic view of the mountains. Everest which stands 8848Mts high has other names popular in Nepal it is popularly known as “SAGARMATHA” in Nepali meaning “Higher than the Sky” and “CHHOMOLUNGMA” in Tibetan meaning “Mother Goddess of the Earth”.

The route stretches in the highest wildlife reserve in the world, the “Sagarmatha National Park.” It covers an average area of 1,148 sq. km. of Himalayan ecological zone. The park altitudes ranges from 2,845m at Monju to the top of the world, UNESCO listed the park as a World Heritage Site in 1979 for its unique natural, cultural and landscape characteristics. It is also the home to two eight thousand meters giants Cho Oyu (8,201m) and Lhotse (8,516m) besides these there are several other famous peaks above 6,000m. Apparently Everest region trekking changes trekkers some sort of self- pretentious because being near and around to the highest part of the world provides a sense of delight and glorifying achievement.

The trek in this region pursue through the track of the Dudh Kosi, the ‘River of Milk’, gradually climbing through forests covered by rhododendron and magnolia. It takes one to the foothills of the mightiest of the mountains in the world. Through the trail, one passes through rhododendron and pine forests, crystal clear water rivers, Sherpa villages and Buddhist Monasteries from temperate to snow line regions. Trekkers acquire a spectacular close view of the world’s greatest mountains, Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, Thamserku, Tawache and many other unnamed mountains and peaks.

The people of this exotic province, the hard crumble in the daily life in the high Himalayas is interrupted by seasons of feasts and festivals, marked by dancing and general merry making. Most of the festivals are of religious importance and celebrated in the temples and monasteries, with rites conducted by lamas (priests). These festivals are extended through the full moon days of May, June, July, August and November in different sections of the Himalayas. While the Sherpas are the most prevalent inhabitants of Solukhumbu, in the lower region of Solu, the Khaling Rai culture reign as well. In Khumbu which has a limited land for agriculture, livestock raising and trade is more imperative, while Solu with less severe winters grows a mixture of staple crops.

The Annapurna region is a majestic section of the Himalayas which is one of the most geographically and culturally diverse regions for trekking! King Mahendra Trust for Nature Conservation and The (ACAP) Annapurna Conservation Area Project has been working together and has declared the region as area of conservation and sustainable development. Stretched over 7629 sq. km., the area swanks a variety of diverse cultures, tribes and castes as the Brahmins, Chettris, Newars, Gurungs, Magars, Manangis and the Tibetans. This area is also rich in sub-tropical lowlands, deep valleys, bamboo plants, oak and rhododendron tree forests, alpine meadows, desolate desert plateaus and the gigantic Annapurna Mountains.

Annapurna Himal and the town of Pokhara dominates Annapurna area. Three major trekking routes in this region are Jomsom, to Annapurna sanctuary and Annapurna circuit. Pokhara is also a good starting place for a number of short treks of 1 to 4 days duration. The famous Annapurna Circuit Trek, Annapurna Sanctuary Trek, Jomsom Muktinath Trek and The Royal Trek are some of the most prominent hiking and trekking trails within the Annapurna Region. Short and long trekking is practicable in Annapurna region which are equally interesting and adventerous. You can visit such one of world’s highest lake, which is popularly known as Tilicho lake and another newly founded lake which goes by the name Ice Lake. The ice lake, can be hiked up back to Manang in Same day. Upper Mustang trekking area also goes along with Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP permit) via Jomsom.

The Annapurna Region was emblazoned as a Conservation Area in 1986. Around half of the hikers visiting Nepal visit to the Annapurna Region every year. With ample of guest houses and hotels it has become rather become easier for us to provide you the best accommodation and cuisines during the trek. This region offers unbelievably assorted landscape, with high extravagant mountains and low land. This route also proffers unique Gurung culture to expose and familiarize with them. Annapurna region trekking can let you glance into a breath taking views of top mountains such as Dhaulagiri (8,167m), Manaslu (8,156m), Annapurna I (8,091m), Machhapuchhre (6,996m), Nilgiri (6,940m), Tukche peak (6,920m), Annapurna South (7,219m) and many more which goes without any precise names.

The Langtang Valley lies to the North of Kathmandu extending to the borders of Tibet. It is a beautiful alpine region which includes some principal examples of temperate and sub alpine vegetation. Trekking in Langtang ensures you a trek across a less crowded hiking trail which indeed is a beautiful land. Langtang region is easily reachable from the capital city Kathmandu, its Southern border is located only 32 kilometers away from the valley. Langtang though is one of the most accessible trekking regions but it offers a wasteland experience without the sometimes grueling travel involved.

The Langtang Region is protected and also known as the Langtang National Park which spreading around an area of 1,710 sq.km. Although this region is close to Kathmandu, its hiking trails are not very teeming as most of the trekkers visiting Nepal choose to trek around the Annapurna and Everest region. Trek to Langtang can be started from Kathmandu where you can drive approximately 40 minutes from a place called Sundarijal or Dhunche/Syabru Benshi which requires about 6/7 hours drive. Trekking for Tamang heritage and Ganesh Himal trek also starts from Syabru Benshi. Langtang region inhabited mostly by ethnic groups and mostly follows traditionally Tibetan Buddhism. Most people from this region depend on agricultural and some are into tourism professions like running of lodges for tourism purpose.

A visit to the Langtang valley offers an immense opportunity to survey the Tamang culture and their villages, climbing small peaks and visiting glaciers at a more comfortable elevation than other exhausting trekking regions. Treks may vary in this region, some can return to the road head at Dhunche for the journey back to Kathmandu or alternatively continue exploring extending a further six days to trek through the Sacred Lakes of Gosainkund (4300 meters) and the Helambu region. Helambu region lies to the south of the Langtang region; it is a flourishing area to the north of Kathmandu inhabited by Sherpa and Tamang people. The Sherpas of this region surprisingly are very different in their day to day practices from their cousins in the Everest region. The region comprises beautiful forests and very lively and interesting villages. This area is easily accessible from Kathmandu and is ideal for people with less time to spare in Nepal.