TREKKING ARRANGEMENTS

There are different approaches to trekking in Nepal and the choice depends on time available, budget, experience and personal preference. Some of the travel agencies abroad in collaboration with the Nepalese trekking agencies book trekking packages for Nepal in advance. Trekkers who are alone or who do not have much time can book with these overseas agencies. One can also contact trekking agencies by mail, or contact them personally on arrival in Nepal. There are quite a few government recognized trekking agencies which have professional staff to handle trekking activities. A fully equipped trek primarily consists of essential logistical arrangements including porters, guide, cook, food, tents, sleeping bags, mattresses, transport to and from trekking starting points, flight arrangement, permits, staff insurance and so on.

These agent also provide a choice of itineraries and necessary information on trekking health care etc. The cost of an all inclusive trek ranges from about US$25.00 to US$ 100.00 per person per day depending upon the quality of service, number of days and number of persons in the package. This style of trekking is relatively expensive compared to that of backpacking but a few extra dollars guarantees comfort and security, eliminates time consuming ordeal of organization and ensure a trouble free holiday. There are limited areas where a backpacking type of trek can be undertaken by an individual.

A companion guide is helpful in the remote wilderness and is enjoyable to talk to on the trail. It is strongly advised not to employ free-lance guides or the services of any agency not recognized by the government.

LIST OF CLOTHING EQUIPMENT & PERSONAL EFFECTS:

• Lightweight walking boots. If new one is being bought, "walk then in" to avoid blisters. Also bring spare laces.
• A Pair of track shoes. To wear in the camp at night or when the boot is wet.
• Warm jacket. Fib refill or down should be adequate. This is especially necessary during winter from December to February.
• A rainproof jacket with hood or a puncho. Get the one that is guaranteed waterproof.
• Woolen shirts and thick sweaters. During winter months, December through February, these items are essential. Thick sweaters can be purchased in Kathmandu.
• A pair of light weight / heavy weight trousers. Jeans are unsuitable to wear on treks. Cheap loose cotton pants are available in Kathmandu. Heavyweight trousers are useful higher up in the mountains in the morning and at night. Windproof/ waterproof trousers are necessary on all treks going above 10,000 ft.
• Thermal underwear: These are excellent to sleep in at night. In the winter months thermal underwear are quite invaluable.
• A tracksuit. Useful for wearing in camp and in the tent.
• 2 pair of loose fitting long shorts/skirts.
• 2 cotton T-shirts.
• 1 lightweight long sleeved-shirt is particularly suitable for avoiding sun burn.
• A woolen hat to wear in the morning and at night. During winter it is an essential item. A sunhat and ensure it has a wide brim to cover the face and neck.
• A pair of gloves. Leather with lining and woolen are best.
• 1 pair of sandals to wear in the cities and in camp.
• 2 pairs of thin and 2 pairs of thick woolen socks.
• Underwear: normal quantity and swimming costume, hankies.

EQUIPMENT :

• Duffle bag or kit bag to carry to gear while trekking.
• Daypack: This is a small rucksack to carry personal requirement for the day e.g., toilet items, camera, film, towel, soap, a boot etc.
• Water bottle.
• Snow glasses and sunglasses.
• 2-4 large plastic bags to separate clean clothes from dirty ones. 6-10 smaller plastic bags to dispose garbage.
• Wallet and/or money belt with compartment for coins.
• Toiletries with large and small towels. Toilet paper can be buy in Kathmandu and some villages in the mountains.
• Small headlamp and/or torch with spare batteries and bulbs, candles and lighter to burn toilet paper.
• Snow gaiters essential during winter and all treks going over at other times.
• An umbrella ( optional) which is quite useful to ward of the dogs, suitable as a walking stick, to use as a sunshade and useful when it rains.
• Reading materials, camera and film, game items (optional), note book, rubber band, pen and pencil, envelopes, a diary, a calendar, a pocket knife, Ibinoculars (optional), a small pillow or headrest (optional). Thermarest (optional) - an inflatable sleeping mat, trekking map, adequate quantities of passport photograph.
• Personal medical supplies.

MONEY MATTER

Nepal has modern banking facilities and some of the international Banks have their own offices in Kathmandu. Almost all foreign currencies along with credit cards such as American Express, Visa and Master-card, etc. are accepted in Nepal. All visitors are required to exchange their money through the bank or authorized agents. In Kathmandu banks with money exchange counter are found everywhere and most hotels also have exchange counter. These facilities to change money are quicker and more convenient. It is necessary to ask for receipts when money is changed.

Remember to retain Rs. 600 for airport tax to SAARC countries and Rs. 700 to other International destatations. It is generally not possible to change foreign currency/ travelers cheques in the mountains. One must therefore change required money in Kathmandu before the trek starts. When cashing money for the trek always ask for small denominations (one, two, fives, tens, twenties, fifties and five hundreds), and be careful of torn banknotes. The people in the village may not accept them.

INTRODUCTION TO MOUNTAINEERING ADVENTURE

For the more adventurous traveller, there are 18 minor peaks open for Alpine climbing under Nepal Mountaineering Association. The climbing of these peaks is controlled under the rules and regulations formulated by this Association. Detailed information and application for climbing permits are available from the Association's Office or contact your trekking agency in Kathmandu. It should be noted that in most cases the climbing of these minor peaks (Trekking Peaks) require snow and ice climbing experience. Trekking Agents provide qualified and trained climbing guides to take non climbers for convenience, safety and expected successes. By Himalayan standards these are considered minor peaks, but in fact some of them provide relatively challenging snow and ice climbing of high standard, and more so in Winter. The royalty for these peaks ranges from US$ 200.00 - US$ 300.00 depending on the particular peak for upto 10 member climbing team.

Peaks currently open for trekking and other groups are as follow

Names of the Peaks Height in meters

SOME USEFUL SUGGESTINGS

During your trekking sojourn in the hills and the mountains of Nepal you should be aware and remember that you are traveling back in time and into the wilderness not usually frequented by many foreigner, away from normal, policing. Although the people of hills of Nepal are exceptionally hospitable, honest and friendly by any standard, the possibilities of some trekkers encountering bad elements who take advantage of foreigners, cannot be eliminated. It would be wise to exercise the following basic rules as regards security and safely during your trekking :

• Trekking organized through recognized Trekking Agent ensures comfort and convenience, safety and security and greatly affords the unique experience. This approach to trekking not only prevents you from any unforeseen hazards and accidents but also provide educational information and rewarding experiences on the mountain, people and life in rural Nepal.
• All foreign nationals are required by law to pay their hotels, travel and trekking agent's bill in foreign currency. Exchange your money through authorized banks/money changers only. Insist on a receipt when exchanging your money and retain all change receipts with you.
• Littering mars the purity of environment. Avoid the use of non-biodegradable items as much as possible. Your attempts to burn oddments and carry out the unburnable ones will be a great help in the efforts to conserve the environment.
• Avoid dispute with local people, most particularly when you are alone. Avoid drunkards and lunatics.
• Do not encourage beggars by giving them money or other articles.
• Be most economical with all fuel. Avoid hot showers which use firewood and discourage campfires. Avoid lodges using firewood and insist on use of Kerosene for cooking to Trekking Agents.
• We strongly recommend that you take out a personal travel insurance to cover against illness, accidents, loss and theft of items and materials, travel alteration and deviations, rescues and evacuation.
• It is recommended not to travel alone in the remote areas while traveling in Nepal particularly in the case of females. If you do not have a fellow trekkers as companion, you should engage a guide/porter except through a third party who has responsibility for the person engaged.

All the information including fees and tariffs mentioned are subject to change with prior notice.