What Is a Trek?

08/11/2019

What is a Trek?

Foremost one should know that a Trek is Not a Climbing Trip. It is a multi-day hike in the hills and mountains. Trekking in Nepal offers many diverse trails that cannot be observed anywhere else in the world making it an exceptional experience.

The trek usually begins at a roadhead or will have to take a flight into a remote mountain airstrip, then, for a considerable part, the trekking will take place in between the elevations of 500 to 3000m in the mid hilly/mountainous regions. The trails are well developed and maintained and in some cases also with sign posts. The trails run through villages and mountain passes where the trekkers will be able to find accommodation, food and encounter other trekkers and also get a chance to socialize with the locals. The accommodations are well appointed with basic facilities in almost all of them. Even at high altitudes there are intermittent settlements used during summer by shepherds, so the trails, though often indistinct, are always there. Most of the trails can be navigated without the aid of ropes or special mountaineering skills. But there are rare occasions where safety lines are required especially when there’s snow on the high passes. A person with mid to extensive experience of walking in the mountainous areas already has the necessary skill to trek in the extended trails of Nepal. No mountain climbing skills and techniques are required to engage on a traditional trek in Nepal.

Trek in Nepal is an exhausting but enthralling activity all because of the changes in elevations and the duration. A trekker might endure a gain or loss of elevation of about 8000-9000m during their steep ascents and descents of the entire trek. On an average a daily ascent of 800m to a max of 1200m can be observed during a 15-20km trek in a day. Although quite arduous, one can always take their time, make frequent stops to rest, to cover the distance in the day so as to not physically exert themselves continuously. The descents might make the trek a little complicated to those with knee problems as the descents are long, sharp and relentless.

Some of the treks lead the trekkers very close to glaciers, bases of mountains but theses treks do not provide the complete experience of a Himalayan mountain (peak) climbing. There are about 18 peaks that a trekker could ascent with minimal of formalities that can be incorporated into the traditional treks as per the Nepal’s mountaineering regulation. It is advisable to make arrangements in advance rather than making arrangements after your arrival in Kathmandu. Although some peaks, under ideal conditions are within the resources of an individual trekker.

As mentioned already, a regular walker who has the experience of hiking just about 10-15km a day with a backpack will have no difficulty at all during the trek. For first timers, although a bit strenuous, will definitely find it surprisingly pleasant and moderate. No special skills or prior experience of mountaineering is necessary, just relishing a walk would be enough. However a prior experience in hiking and living outdoors is very useful.

The most popular trekking regions in Nepal are the Everest and the Annapurna region where many different trails can be followed while the other popular trails are in langtang and Kanchenjunga.

It is advised to travel as light as possible. However, here is a list of few equipment’s and gear advisable for a trekker to have before trekking in Nepal. These are meant to keep you mobile and comfortable in a range of unexpected weather conditions. Trekking gear can be rented or purchased in Kathmandu at cheaper prices, just remember Nepal is the home of Mount Everest and Annapurna, there are a plenty of choices and we can assist you with the necessary arrangements. If you choose to have a porter, except for your day pack, all luggage will be carried by them. Additional personal items not needed for the trekking portion of the trip can be checked in the hotel’s storage room for no extra cost.

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