5 things to know when trekking in Nepal

Thinking of the Himalayas? Love following where ever your feet take you? Done your research? Maybe there are a few things the guide books don’t say.

There are a multitude of reasons for going to Nepal and even more for experiencing their trekking trails and mountain highways in their element. Here’s some handy tips for exploring the inspiring mountains of Nepal.

As a country Nepal is almost entirely covered by mountainous regions and terraced farms astride mountain peaks, great earthen ridges, some dwelling up into the clouds and beyond. The locals say; ‘The Sherpa people have special lungs’ to live at the altitude they do, which they also say is impossible to do for most foreigners and local Nepali people alike.

On trek, there are a great many miles a head of you, and some things you will simply just have to learn for yourself. But here are some tips for those on 2 wheels, no wheels or even 4, Nepal is an awe inspiring place and has a great deal to teach and show to the world.

1. Barter away! Nepalese people love to haggle and negotiate on prices, if you are polite and confidant you can easily obtain a room for the night, absolutely free! Provided you eat dinner from their kitchen. Rooms are often only a few dollars even a single dollar in some places, which may not sound like much, but over 4 weeks or more of being on your feet, those saved Rupees may get you another hot meal or even save your behind if you miscalculate your budget!
2. Pockets and Socks! While one trekking should never find one begging for spare socks, Access to ATM’S on the trails is highly limited and there may only be one larger town in the area with such links. For example in the Annapurna region there is Jomsom, which contains most of the area’s mechanics, upscale hotels and the only 2 ATM’s within 50 Km. So Stock up while you can and don’t store it all in one place!
3. Altitude. Effects of being high above sea level are no joke, ascending too rapidly via vehicle can lead to serious repercussions once you settle down to sleep, high above your start point. Red ears, red eyes, lips and nose for those who don’t take it slow. On foot however, taking the occasional rest day is good and also allows you to see the local area and to acclimatise yourself to the altitude, fit it into your schedule if your route takes you somewhere intriguing or a greater altitude, have a break for a day, you’ve earned it.
4. Mountain Roads. Sometimes a portion of your route will take you to a sparsely populated or through an undesirable detour, there’s noting that says you can Catch a ride! local buses and jeeps can be found following the main roads between villages, you can find tickets to catch these buses or barter with the divers for passage. Be careful though and use your judgement when choosing a jeep driver, some are respected members of the local community, being the local bus and postman, some are even unwilling to bare foreigners, avoiding any responsibility should we come to harm, or simply holding out for a better price.
5. Foods Wisely. Many menu items on trekking routes are subject to seasonal availability of ingredients, and while fresh vegetables and starches are available for most of the year, the supply of meat is not consistent. Local chef’s take it upon them selves to attempt to please as many foreign customers as possible. In order to comply with a customer’s order they will do as best they can, but sticking to spring rolls, rice dishes and Thukpa (the Nepali fantastic take on thick soup) you will never have a problem. Further more the traditional trekkers evening meal is Dahl Baht, and consists of almost a tasting menu or curries and pickles, with unlimited rice and lentil soup, the perfect high protein, high energy intake any explorer needs!