|
|
TOURIST
INFORMATION |
|
 |
|
The following information will assist you to get ready for a
trek in Nepal. Nepal treks allow you to experience the Himalayan
countryside and to meet the people of the hills with a minimum
of formality and preparation. If you follow the suggestions here,
you will have all the equipment and permits you need to enjoy
your trek. Read this information carefully so that you will know
what to expect when you arrive in Nepal.
If you are not joining a group trek, you will not have a professional
trek leader. If there are more than 3 or 4 people in your party,
one of you should assume an informal leadership position to act
as spokesman for the group both in Kathmandu and on the trail.
There are many preparations that you can make before you depart
for Nepal. Most important are your clothing and trekking equipment,
medical supplies, your passport and a visa for Nepal. While some
of these projects can be postponed until the last minute (by getting
a visa at the airport in Kathmandu or renting your trekking equipment
in Nepal, for example), it is recommended that you make most preparations
in advance so that you do not waste time during your holiday satisfying
bureaucratic formalities or searching for some item of equipment
that is temporarily unavailable for rent in Kathmandu.
Formalities
Visa for Nepal
You can obtain a visa before you come to Nepal or upon arrival
in Kathmandu. You need only to fill in a form and pay a fee (in
US dollars cash only), but it takes a bit of time at the airport
after you arrive. To obtain a visa for Nepal in advance, write
to one of the addresses below for instructions and a form. Fill
in the form and return it with the appropriate fee, photos and
your passport. If you are making a side trip to India or Tibet
and then returning to Nepal, be sure to get a double entry visa.
Your passport with a visa stamped in it should be returned to
you by mail.
The visa regulations for Nepal are a bit complex. You need to
decide what kind of visa to purchase depending on how long you
plan to stay in Nepal. Visa fees are:
• 60-day single-entry: US$30
• 60-day double-entry: US$55 (useful if you are making a
side trip to Bhutan or Tibet).
• 60-day triple-entry: US$70
• 60-day multiple-entry: US$90
If you have already visited Nepal within 150 days of the same
visa year you must pay US$50 for 30 days.
Visa extensions cost US $1 for each day beyond the expiration
date of the original entry visa.
Nepalese Embassies and Consulates
• Royal Nepalese Embassy 2131 Leroy Place N.W. Washington
DC 20008 USA Tel: (202)667-4550
• Permanent Mission of Nepal to the United Nations 820 Second
Avenue, Suite 202 New York NY 10017 USA Tel: (212)370-4188
• Royal Nepalese Embassy 12A Kensington Palace Gardens London
W8 4QU England Tel: (01)229-1594/229-6231
• Royal Nepalese Embassy 14-9, Todoroki, 7-chome Setagaya-ku
Tokyo 158, Japan Tel: (03)705-5558
• Royal Nepalese Embassy IM Hag 15 D-5300 Bonn 2 West Germany
Tel: (0228)343-097
• Royal Nepalese Embassy 45 bis rue des Acacias 75017 Paris
France Tel: 46224867
Other Documents
Some other items that you should carry are:
• Your passport and extra photographs
• A vaccination certificate and record of medical history
• Your insurance form (especially insure your camera)
• Travellers cheques (carry a minimum of cash)
• A US$100 bill to be used for emergencies while trekking
• A photocopy of your passport (in case of loss)
Trekking Permits
Trekking permits are no longer required for treks to the Everest
region, Annapurna and Langtang.
A trekking permit is still required to visit restricted areas
and far eastern and western Nepal. The permit specifies the places
you may visit and the duration of your trek. It requires one full
day to obtain a trekking permit and involves a lot of queuing
and waiting in the Immigration Office unless your agent obtains
the permit for you. The cost of the trekking permit is usually
included in the trek cost. If you are going to a place where a
permit is needed, your travel schedule should include two nights
in Kathmandu or Pokhara before the trek so that your trekking
permit may be processed. You should keep your passport and air
ticket in your hotel safe in Kathmandu during your trek.
A normal trekking permit costs US$5 per week for the first four
weeks of trekking and US$10 per week thereafter. Permits for Dolpo
and Kanchenjunga treks cost US$10 per week for the first four
weeks and US$20 per week thereafter. The exorbitant fees for restricted-area
trekking permits are detailed in the section on restricted areas.
You must have a valid visa extension for the full period of trekking
before you can apply for a trekking permit.
National Park & Conservation Fees
If you trek in the Annapurna, Makalu or Kanchenjunga regions,
you will enter a Conservation Area and must pay a conservation
fee of Rs 1000 (Rs 2000 for Annapurna). This must be paid in advance
in Kathmandu. A national park fee of Rs 1000 is also collected
at the time you enter a national park.
Physical Conditioning
The better your physical condition, the more you will enjoy the
trek. You do not have to undergo a rigorous training programme.
Just do as much walking as you can up and down hills, up (and
down) stairs in your office. Take weekend hikes in the mountains.
Walk to work. Jogging and cycling are useful training for a trek.
Whenever possible, make your hikes in the same shoes that you
will use for the trek. You must remember that you are going on
a hiking trip among the highest mountains on earth. The hills
are steep and you may be travelling in hot weather, in snow or
in rain. You will often be tired, and you must be prepared for
this. However, anyone in good health can complete a trek if you
hike slowly, and spend a little effort now to get into good physical
condition.
Clothing & Equipment
Your trek outfitter will normally provide two person waterproof
tents, foam mattresses, and all cooking and eating utensils. You
will need your own warm clothing, walking shoes, sleeping bag
and personal equipment. During the day you will carry your camera,
jacket, and water bottle in a rucksack. The rest of your equipment,
including your sleeping bag, will be carried by porters.
All hiking will be on trails. You will not need any climbing equipment
such as ropes, ice axe, or crampons at any time during the trek.
The equipment check list that follows details the equipment you
will need for your trek. Most of these items are available for
rent or sale in Kathmandu, but all trekking equipment in Nepal
is either used equipment that was sold by other trekkers or mountaineering
expeditions or locally made reproductions of internationally known
brands. The local rucksacks, duffel bags and rain ponchos are
inexpensive and will usually stand up to the rigors of a trek
or two. Don't be fooled into thinking that you are getting a brand
name item, however; most new looking rucksacks available in the
bazaar are made in Nepal from imported Korean nylon.
In Kathmandu casual clothes are the rule, unless you get invited
to a formal Nepal government or embassy reception.
Equipment Check List
• Jeans or slacks
• Towel and toilet kit
• Underwear
• Gloves or mittens
• Sleeping bag, warm to 20 degrees F, either down or fibrefill
(or you can rent one in Kathmandu)
• Parka, down or fibrefill; a ski jacket is ok
• Sweater, wool shirt or acrylic pile jacket.
• Duffel bag, canvas or nylon, without a frame (for porters
to carry)
• Daypack or rucksack, waterproof, for you to carry
• Water bottle 1 litre or 1 quart; be sure that it does not
leak.
• Flashlight or headlamp
• Walking shoes: either boots, light hiking or running shoes,
well broken in. As there may be rain, mud or snow; boots are sometimes
necessary therefore you should bring them despite the extra hassle.
Many times the entire trek can be done in tennis shoes, but if
there is snow, you run the risk of frostbite, or at least cold
feet if you do not have boots. If your feet are small (size 10
or less), you can rent boots in Kathmandu.
• Hats, one with a brim for sun; one wool for cold weather.
• Sunglasses or goggles - very important for travel above
12,000 feet. Absolutely essential for Everest treks, optional
for Annapurna treks (though they may be necessary in December
and January when there is snow).
• Shorts - it may be warm during the day, especially near
Pokhara. You will probably not wear shorts on Everest treks. Women
should wear skirts instead of shorts.
• Socks - two or three pairs thick wool or artificial fibre.
• Shirts - three are recommended: two T shirts and one long
sleeve shirt.
• Pocket knife (Be sure this is packed in your checked baggage
to avoid hassles with airport security).
• Rainwear - a poncho; or you can buy an Indian umbrella
in Kathmandu for about $2.
• Slippers or sandals for campsite wear. Rubber "shower
shoes" are available in Kathmandu for about $1
This list is suitable for most 8 to 10 day treks. Although you
can wash clothes during the trek, you may need extra socks and
shirts etc. for longer treks. If your trek goes above 3500 metres
(about 12,000 feet) for more than one day you should pay particular
attention to warm clothing. If you are trekking to higher elevations
or during the cold season you should carry both a pile jacket
and a down or fibrefill parka.
An altimeter is an interesting addition to your gear. The weight
limit on treks and domestic flights is 15 kg (33 pounds); please
make an effort to keep your baggage within this weight limit.
Medical Considerations
On most treks, you will always be within a few days of medical
help. If you are on a group trek, the leader should have the medical
knowledge necessary to deal with emergencies and evacuation. If
you are on your own, you will have to shoulder most of the responsibility
for medical problems yourself. The sherpas who will accompany
you are not doctors, nor are they first aid practitioners. It
is essential that you bring your own first aid kit and be prepared
to take care of your own blisters, cuts and scrapes. In the event
of a real emergency, the sherpa sirdar will do his best to get
you transported quickly to a qualified physician or an airstrip
from which you may be evacuated to Kathmandu.
Medical Supplies
The supplies listed here are recommended for any trek. Since some
of them are prescription drugs, you should visit your doctor and
discuss the trip with them and obtain prescriptions. If your doctor
makes recommendations contrary to the suggestions here, follow
your doctor's advice, and obtain substitutes for these items.
It is not necessary to burden yourself with a lot of medicines
for the trek, though you should carry enough to take care of minor
problems. The ones listed here are sufficient for most situations.
You should be sure to provide your supply of own aspirin, band
aids, etc. If you are taking an extended trek, you should consult
Dr David Shlim's medical chapter in Stan Armington's Trekking
in the Nepal Himalaya and equip your party to deal with possible
problems and emergencies.
Basic first aid supplies
• Suntan lotion or sun blocking cream
• Lip salve (Chapstick, Blistex, or Glacier Cream)
• Foot powder
• Bandaids (plasters) and tape
• Moleskin or other blister pads
• Elastic (Ace) bandage
• Antiseptic cream
• Aspirin
• Throat lozenges or cough drops
• Decongestant tablets
• Iodine - small bottle for water purification
• Toilet paper & matches or a cigarette lighter to burn
used TP
• Bactrim, Norbactin or other diarrhoea remedy
Immunisations
Your own physician and your local Public Health Service are the best sources of information about immunisations necessary for Nepal. The list of recommended injections here includes immunisations usually recommended for trekkers in Nepal. Hepatitus and Meningitis protection is also strongly recommended. It is a good practice to have your jabs recorded in a yellow international health certificate.
Recommended Injections
• Cholera
• Typhoid-paratyphoid
• Tetanus
• Polio (oral)
• Malaria (only if you will be visiting a jungle lodge)
• Typhus
• Hepatitis
• Meningitis Meningococcal A/C vaccin
Altitude:
Acclimatization is important for the trekking above 3500m. Our trekking schedules have been carefully designed to maximize your ability to acclimatize safely. We ascend slowly and ensure an adequate number of rest days. However, it is still possible for mountain sickness and your tour leader or Sirdar will be watching for symptoms with an experienced eye throughout the trip. These symptoms are commonly headache, nausea, lethargy and sometime breathlessness. If you or any of the group members display any of these symptoms he will be able to provide informed advice and ensure a proper course of action. Your tour leader will advise you more thoroughly regarding the altitude and most of the problems prior to starting on trail.
Comparative Oxygen Varied Rate in Different Altitude Level
Altitude Level Oxygen Rate
8,848m/ 29,028 feet 33%
8,000m/ 26,247 feet 36%
7,000m/ 22,966 feet 41%
6,000m/ 19,865 feet 47%
5,500m/ 18,045 feet 50%
5,200m/ 17,061 feet 52%
5,000m/ 16,404 feet 53%
4,500m/ 14,764 feet 57%
4,000m/ 13,123 feet 60%
3,500m/ 11,483 feet 64%
3,000m/ 9,843 feet 68%
2,500m/ 8,202 feet 73%
1,000m/ 3,281 feet 88%
760mmHg (Sea Level) 100%
The above given oxygen varied percentage rates of different altitude level provide you least of an idea to know yourself for your trekking/climbing journey. Which is listed from the highest point of world Mt Everest (8,848m/ 29,028 feet) top and 760mmHg standard sea level.
Insurance:
Your medical insurance policy should cover for helicopter evacuation,
many policies leave this out so be sure to check yours. The fee
for such an evacuation can amount to US$ 2000.00 per rescue.
First aid kit:
We provide a first aid kit on our group treks. We suggest you
bring the following supplementary items with you:
Anti-diarrhea tablets, blister pads, sterile plain and crepe bandages,
tube of antiseptic cream, decongestants/antihistamines, throat
lozenges, paracetamol or aspirin and personal medicines as prescribed
by your physician.
Trekking permit:
A valid permit is required for certain areas, which we will obtain
upon your arrival. We will require two working days and two passports
size photographs. Permits are not required for the Annapurna,
Everest and Langtang treks. However, conservation fees are required
for these national parks.
Disposal of rubbish:
We recommend that each trekker have keep a small bag during the
course of the trip. Each morning a small fire is lit for burnable
rubbish. Any non-burnable or non-biodegradable rubbish should
be carried back to Katmandu and disposed appropriately.
Money and valuable securities:
Always carry Nepalese rupees in small bills on your trek. The
amount to be cared depends on the area and the duration of the
trek. A guideline for this will be presented during our trek briefing.
Money will only be required for the purchase of soft/hard bottled
drinks and souvenirs along the way. Other money and valuables
should be kept in a safe deposit box in your hotel in Katmandu.
The kingdom of Nepal is located between India in the south and
China in the north at Latitude 26* 22" to 30* 27" and
Longitude 80* 4 " to 88 * 12" east. Crowned by eight
of the world's 10 highest mountains, Nepal compresses lush tropics
and summit of Mt. Everest( Mt. Sagarmatha), the highest peak of
the planet.
The climate of the world can be find within the 120 km. range
of land in Nepal. It is another enjoyable part of the tour and
trek
Consists of northern two-third dominated by the Himalayan and
mountain range, and the southern third by the Ganges plain. There
are about 240 peaks higher then 600 m Including Everest, 8850m
height
This is the kingdom known as the unique and cultural destination
in the tourism map of the world that combines the aesthetic and
spiritual excitement and adventure
CLIMATE:
Tropical and temperate depending on the altitude and time of the
year. The cold season starts from October to March and is also
the best time to visit the country. The night temperature drops
to freezing point while the day temperature has a comfortable
average 25-28 0 C. The sky is generally very clear and bright;
air is dry and warm. In April, May and early June, the weather,
becomes hot and stuffy, with occasional evening thunder-`storms.
Nature is in full bloom though the landscapes are hidden in heat
mist with temperature between 30-38 0 C. By end of June the monsoon
arrives and lasts almost 3 months.
Time: 5hrs. 45min. Ahead of GMT.
For treks going above 3500m we are very careful with acclimatization
to altitude. Our trekking schedules have been carefully designed
to minimize the effects. We ascend slowly and ensure an adequate
number of rest days to enable safe acclimatization. It is still
possible for mountain sickness to occur, so a close watch is kept
on each group member by the sardar, who is trained in recognizing
early symptoms of acute mountain sickness. These Symptoms include,
nausea, lethargy and in extreme cases ataxia or loss of co-ordination
and serves breathless- ness on rest. A mild headache and breathless-
ness are not uncommon at altitude but in combination with any
of these symptoms could be dangerous. So, please make sure that
you inform the sardar immediately. It is essential at altitude
that you fluid intake up and it is important that you drink at
lest 4 liters o liquid per day.
Your Sarder can advice you more thoroughly regarding altitude
problems. If you wish to know that more about acute mountain sickness
a pamphlet is available free from the Himalayan Rescue Association
in Kathmandu or refer to any of the trekking books in our Recommended
Reading list.
EARLY AUTUMN (September 15-15 Oct):
The monsoon ends with very bright sky. The countryside is fresh
and lush green. Khumbu, Rolwaling, Hongu Valley, Dhaulagiri, Annapurna
Regions are best at this time of the year.
AUTUMN:
(15 Oct- 20 Nov), The very best season for treks to all parts
of Nepal. Perhaps little crowded due to high season. But the weather
is climatic factor makes it the best time to visit Nepal.
WINTER:
(Nov-Feb) Winter arrives in Kathmandu by mid Nov. Low –level
treks within elevation of 3500m.are best at this time of the year
due to good sunny weather and very little rain. But one should
avoid crossing high passes after first week of Dec. due to snow.
Khumbu, north of Kathamndu (both Helambu and Langtang), Pokhara
valleys Trek, Ghorepani Circuit are all good trips to be considered
at this time of the year.
SPRING (March):
spring arrives when we reach the month of March. Little early
for crossing high passes, but excellent time for Helambu, (not
crossing Gosaikkunda Pass) Langtang Khumbu, Pokhara Valley and
Ghorepani area.
2nd HALF SPRING (April):
Excellent time to trek to Milk Danda and Makalu base camp for
rhododendron and varieties of wild flowers in full bloom. The
temperature starts getting warm and afternoon clouds and shower
in most places. Low elevation of Pokhara starts getting hotter
and quite hazy day by day, Khumhu offers excellent area for the
hikes. It would be better to fly to Lukla as the walk from Jiri
can be disappointing due to haze.
PRE-MONSOON(May & June):
The two pre-monsoon months are heavy with heat and haze at lower
elevation. The trek at this time of the year should be at higher
altitude to avoid the heat. The areas that are recommendable at
this time of the year would be Khumbu (both way fly in and fly
out) Rolwaling, Hongu, Langtang with Ganja La Pass and Annapurna
Circuit.
|
| |
| |
| |
|
