Trekking

Trekking in Nepal take you through the country that has captured the imagination of mountaineers and explores for over a 100 years. You will encounter people in remote mountain villages whose life style has not changed in generations, yet they will convey a trust of foreigners which is made possible by their secure position as Nepal is the only country in the world that has never been ruled by any foreign power. Trekking in Nepal will have an opportunity to observe great variety of the Kingdom and the villages that embrace ethnic groups and cultures, accompanied by the picturesque villages, beautiful terraced landscape and majestic snow-capped mountains. Your trek is your holiday and AMTREK aims to help you enjoy it as much as possible.  AMTREK's field staff will do their best to cater for your every wish.

In order to provide you a rough idea of the trekking standards we are providing here some general information and classification of Himalayan trek:

GRADE I:
Generally between (900 to 2000 m.) with lots of "ups & downs", one should be fairly physically fit and a fairly good walker for this trek.

Varies between (900 to 3000 m.) a moderate trek with possibility of side trips to higher elevation.

GRADE III:
A fairly demanding trek, at an altitude of around 4000m with possible side trips to higher elevation.  Remote & unpopulated mountain trails are involved.

GRADE IV:
It is considered a demanding trek reaching up to 5500 m.  That requires an excellent health and physically fit condition.

ALPINE:
Under this category, may include climbing of trekking peaks and trekking through remote areas on rough terrain therefore it is considered as an extremely demanding trek.  The trekker should have at least minimum experience of ALPINE TREK with basic knowledge of using crampons and an ice axe.  A medical certificate from a qualified doctor is needed before winding this trek.

TREKKING SEASON
Trekking in Nepal can be undertaken throughout the year.  There are four seasons in Nepal.  Each season has its distinct attraction to offer.  The seasons are classified as follows:-

AUTUMN (September – November)
This season offers excellent weather and tantalizing mountain views.

WINTER (December – February)
This season is noted for snowfall at higher elevations.  Hence it is ideal for trekking at lower elevations.  Generally below 3000 metres.

SPRING (March – May)
Different varieties of wild flowers, especially the rhododendrons make the hillside above 3000 metres a haunting paradise during this season.  It is mildly warm at lower elevations and at higher elevation over 4000 metres the mountain views are excellent and temperature is quite moderate.

SUMMER (June – August)
Summer months, continues up to mid September making travel wet and warm.  These times are blessed for the keen botanist as the higher valleys and meadows blossom with flowers and lush vegetation.  It is recommended to carry insect repellent when trekking during summer months.


SELECTION OF YOUR ADVENTURE VACATION
There are a number of ways – and countless destinations – to trek in the Himalayas.  The best way to decide where, when and how to go is to discuss your interests, time frame, abilities and expectations with us, who offers the following options:-

ORGANIZED CAMPING TREK (OCT)
In this traditional styles of trekking, trekkers will be accompanied by a team of Sirdar (guide), cooks, Kitchen helpers and local porters with all food provisions, and camping / kitchen equipment.  Most first-time trekkers are amazed by the number of field staff that are involved with their trek, as there are always more staff then guests!  But, as we walk as a self-contained team, carrying the majority of our food supplies with us from Kathmandu (apart from fresh local vegetables) there is a need for so many.  Also, AMTREK’s pioneering conservation policies mean that we do not use scare timber resources from the fragile areas that we visit, for cooking your meals.  We carry sufficient fuel stocks to last the duration of the trek.  

Sleep on thick mattresses inside the two men tent, take your meals in a private dinning tent, and have the luxury of a private toilet tent.

Porters carry all of your gear, except for your day-pack, “Sherpa” staff accompany you on the trail, set up camp and are ready to assist at any moment.  Your Sirdar (guide) takes you to cultural sites, into friends’ homes, and enriches your experience with high tales and fascinating encounters.  The kitchen staffs take every precaution to assure clean and tasty food, and even bake a wonderful birthday cakes.

LODGE / TEA HOUSE TREK (THT)
When native peoples travel in the Himalayas, they spend each night in a “bhatti”, or local lodge, sleeping on a wooden cot under a thick quilt, eating the local meal – DAL BHAAT (rice and lentils soup), the local fare, and enjoying the companionship of their hosts and other travelers.  Our lodge/ teahouse treks follow this custom of sharing the hearth with villagers and follow travelers, partaking in the house hold’s every day activities, or in festivals or weddings that are happened upon.  This is an ideal chance to experience family life in different  villages, to trey local foods prepared in lodges or home kitchens, and to make friends along the way.  Accompanied by a guide from the same region, and porters to carry your gear, our lodge/ teahouse trek generally stick to more well traveled routes (such as Everest, Annapurna and Langtang) where better quality and hygienic facilities are available.

TREKS + PEAK CLIMB (TPC)
Not every mountaineer has the ability nor finances to launch a full scale Himalayan expedition.  Nepal has designated trekking peaks (under 7000 meters) open for short duration climbs.  Permits can be readily obtained, and royalties and support service costs are considerable lower than for major mountaineering expeditions.  Some of the popular trekking peaks are located along major trek routes, while other take you far from the trekking lodges and campsites.  Our trained mountaineering guides accompany you on the trek , refining your skills and assuring your acclimatization for the ascent.

 
LIST OF CLOTHING EQUIPMENT AND PERSONAL EFFECTS:

-  Lightweight walking boots.  
If new one is being bought.  “Walk then in” to avoid blisters.  Also bring spare laces.

-   A pair of trackshoes.  
To wear in the camp at night or when the boot is wet.

-    Warm jacket.  
Goretex or Fiberfill or down should be adequate.  This is specially 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 sweater.  
During winter months.  December through February.  These items are essential.  Thick sweaters can be purchased in Kathmandu also.

-    A pair of lightweight/heavy trousers.  
Jeans are unsuitable to wear on treks.  Cheap loose cotton pants are also available in Kathmandu.  Heavyweight trousers are useful higher up in the mountains in the morning and at night.  Windproof/ water proof trousers are necessary on all treks going above 10000 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/ Sun hat
to wear in the morning and at night.  During winter it is an essential item.  A sunhat and ensure it has wide brim to cover the face and neck.

-    A pair of gloves.  
Leather with lining and woolen are the best.

-    1 pair of sandals
to wear in the cities and in camp site.

-    1 pair of thick and 2 pair of thick woolen socks.

-    Undergarment.  Normal quantity.

-    Duffle bag or Kit bag
to carry the gear while on trekking.

-    Day pack:
This is a small rucksack to carry personal requirements for the day e.g. toilet items, camera, film, towel etc.. etc..

-    Water  bottle

-    Snow glasses and sunglasses

-    2-4 large plastic bags
to separate clean cloths from dirty ones.  6-10 smaller plastic bags to dispose garbage.

-    Wallet and/or money belt with compartment.

-    Toiletries with large and small towels.  

-    Small headlamp and /or torch light
with spare batteries and bulbs, candles and lighter to burn toilet paper.

-    Snow gaiter
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 waling 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, binoculars (optional), a small pillow or headrest(optional), Personal medical supplies.