Trekking is by far Nepal’s biggest attraction. Pioneered by Col. Jimmy Roberts in the early 1960s, most tourists embark on some trek or the other and many do multiple treks before heading back home. Some arrive each year to do a different trek each time. A trek is also the best means of seeing the country and to understand its people.  Walking through emerald rice fields; through rhododendron forests; crossing streams, camping out on a hilltop in the wilderness with towering mountains in the background, make trekking an unforgettable experience.

One can also do pony treks in some remote places, which is equally enthralling for visitors. Pony treks are offered mostly in western region of Pokhara, Dolpo and Lo Manthang (Mustang).

The term “Trekking Peak” is a misnomer as these peaks do require proper climbing gear and climbing experience. All of them are under 7000m and permits for climbing them are issued by Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA) which has its offices in Naxal. There are currently only 33 of these peaks open for climbing and the most popular are Island Peak and Mera Peak. No liaison officer is required for climbing these peaks.



For more information about trekking peaks, please log on to www.nepalmountaineering.org, official web site of the Nepal Mountaineering Association.

In a bid to control illegal trekking operations and ensure the safety and security of the trekkers in the general trekking areas, Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) and Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal (TAAN) have made it mandatory for trekkers to sign up for the Trekkers' Information Management System (TIMS) Card from April 1, 2010. TIMS cards are available from the

NTB office, TAAN office and government registered trekking companies in Kathmandu and Pokhara.



Under the new rule, all visitors who go trekking through a trekking company must pay US$10 and free individual trekkers (FIT) US$20 per trekking route per person per entry in equivalent Nepalese Rupees only. Part of the collection will go into maintaining the trekkers' database and in the rescue of trekkers in need of emergency services. The fund will also be

spent on infrastructure expansion, conservation and maintenance of existing trekking trails. For information, contact (Tel +977-1-444 3003, 444 0920) or visit www.timsnepal.com

It is possible to hire guides, porters or yaks at Lukla but for safety a guide from Kathmandu is preferable. The extra cost of his airfare will outweigh the possibility of not finding a suitable guide at Lukla, especially during the peak seasons. Porters are always available at Lukla. Pure yaks will not be found at Lukla, as it is too low for them to operate, but yak crossbreeds will be found there. For a small group only carrying personal gear, porters are preferable. The cost will depend on the seasonal demand for their services. If your trek starts at Jiri, then you will only find porters available there. Guides should definitely be hired from Kathmandu.



Hiring local staff directly contributes to the local economy. However, we suggest that you make sure that they are registered with the Government or licensed, before you hire them.

Much has been said about the deteriorating environment of the Himalaya. Over that past few years, due to effort by many overseas expeditions and organizations such as the Sagarmatha Pollution Control Committee and Nepal Mountaineering Association, education programmes and clean-up campaigns have, to a large extent, solved many of the problems. The eco-system of the high Himalaya is a very fragile and is easily put out of balance. Certain initiatives within the National Park area such as the banning of glass bottles had resulted in a reduction of the amount of non-biodegradable rubbish being left behind. Much more needs to be done, however, particularly by the trekkers themselves. The KEEP code of trekking conduct is a perfect example.

The Model Trekker:

1. Cooking dal bhaat takes less fuel. Order the same meals at the same time as other trekkers.


2. Bring adequate warm clothes so as not to depend on fires for warmth. See that staff and porters are properly outfitted.


3. Please don’t give to begging children. Pay fair prices for food, lodging and services. Buying local products benefits hill economies, but buying antiques and artifacts robs Nepal of its culture.


4. Carry a plastic bag for litter. Pack out all non-biodegradables and burn papers discreetly.


5. For women a mid-calf length skirt or loose pants, and for men pants or knee-length shorts (long pants in monasteries) are respectful of local customs.


6. Use your hand. Don’t hike too high too fast. And don’t trek alone (women or men). Register your name with TIMS, or your embassy/ consulate.


7. Be respectful when photographing people. Always ask first, try to establish a friendly rapport and please don’t pay money.


8. Burn all toilet paper, and be careful to avoid sacred places when relieving yourself.


9. No nudity when bathing please. Women should wear a loongi (sarong) covering them from chest to knees.


10. Don’t put soaps (even bio-degradable) in streams. Throw soapy water away from streams. Take hot showers only when the water is heated by no-wood or fuel saving stoves.


11. Don’t buy bottled water on trek. Instead, use a canteen or water bottle, and add iodine to treat drinking water.


12. Stick to main trails to prevent erosion.

Although treks in Nepal can be organized throughout the year, October through May is considered good for trekking. The monsoon begins in mid-June and ends around mid-September making travel wet and warm. The mountain views may not be at their best as rain clouds and haze obscure the enchanting views. It’s a great time for botanists, however as the higher valleys and meadows come alive with blossoming flowers and lush vegetation. Monsoons don’t mean rain all the time. Besides, some of the most frequented trails will be less crowded and you may prefer a quieter time in the mountains. The upper parts of the Annapurna circuit around Marpha, Jomsom and Muktinath fall in the rain shadow area and are perfect for trekking during the monsoon. Note: Insect repellent should be carried when trekking during the summer months.

Autumn being the best season for trekking, excellent weather and spectacular mountain views greet trekkers as they hike up. January and February are noted for cold weather with occasional snowfall at higher elevations. Some routes may be blocked by snowfall, But views are excellent.

Spring arrives in late February in Nepal and it’s the ideal time for those who are interested in flowers, birds and the splendors of nature. Many varieties of wild flowers, especially rhododendrons turn the hillside into a colorful paradise.

April and May are the expedition season and the best time for mountain climbing. It is mildly warm at lower elevations but occasional haze may obscure the view of mountains. At higher elevations over 4,000 meters, the mountain views are excellent and temperatures are quite moderate even at night.

Trekking in Nepal need not be considered a risky affair as far as your health is concerned. But very little medical care along the trail is available, so make sure you are physically fit and healthy before departing. In case of serious illness or injury, prompt evacuation to Kathmandu is the best remedy. Helicopter rescue service is extremely expensive. Neither the Government of Nepal nor your embassy nor the trekking agency (if you are trekking with one) is responsible for footing the bill. Therefore, you are requested to insure for rescue operations as well.



Altitude sickness: Altitude sickness is also known as Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) and is a particularly important medical consideration while trekking in Nepal. Altitude sickness means the effect of altitude on those who ascend too rapidly to elevations above 3000 m. The initial symptoms of AMS are: Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, insomnia / sleeplessness, persistent headache, dizziness, lightheadedness, confusion; disorientation, drunken gait, weakness, fatigue, lassitude, heavy legs, slight swelling of hands and face, breathlessness and breathing irregularity, reduced urine output. These symptoms are to be taken very seriously. In case any of these symptoms appear, immediately stop further ascent, otherwise more serious problems can occur which can even cause death, sometimes within hours. The only cure for altitude sickness is to descend to a lower elevation immediately. This must be taken seriously as there is no other cure. Acclimatization by ascending to no more than 300 to 500 meters per day above 3000 meters and proper amount of rest are the best means of preventing AMS. Literature and pamphlets published by "Himalayan Rescue Association" give detailed information on AMS .The central Immigration Office and all trekking agencies in Kathmandu distribute these pamphlets free of cost. Since these documents also give information on the list of suggested medical supplies for trekkers, it should be included in every trekker’s' medical kit.