Major attractions of trekking in Nepalese Himalayas

When you hear about Nepal, what comes to your mind at first? Humongous, glittering, and slow-clad Himalayas, and with it comes to the temptation of conquering them, right? The magnificence of these natural extravaganzas can’t be ignored. There is one more adventurous activity, second to mountaineering that can’t be ignored. Yes, you guessed it right! Trekking around the foothills of Nepal Himalayas is another such thing.

Trekking is another adventurous activity in Nepal that gives you the opportunity of challenging your limits to a greater extent as well as the pleasure of being up close and personal with the mountain peaks. Trekkers like you can have insight into the unique cultural and traditional heritages, explore the diverse flora and fauna, marvel at the pristine rivers, lakes, and glaciers as well as adore the panoramic view of the Himalayas. Trekking provides everything you wish to have in the mystical and enchanting nation of the Himalayas.

What shall you love while trekking in Nepal?

Basically everything! From the majestic Himalayas and its panoramic view, along almost all the trekking routes, to the rich heritage of cultural and architectural significance and the diverse biotic existence, you shall fall in love with everything. The diverse landscape and culture in the Annapurna trekking region to the sense of accomplishment in the Everest Base Camp Trekking in the Everest region, Tibet alike terrain, and cultures in the Mustang and Manang valley, serene lakes and glaciers in Gokyo region trekking and off the beaten tracks of Tsum Valley trekking are all capable of making you want more after the trek.

Famous trekking destinations for adventurers

Every trekking destination is a treat to the backpackers. However, while trekking looks for some destinations more than other trekking trails. Some of the popular ones are mentioned as:

• Trekking to Everest Region:

The most popular trekking destination, Reaching the vicinity of the mighty Everest is the main goal.

• Popular Treks:

Everest Base Camp Trek, Gokyo Valley Trek, High Pass Treks, Trekking to Island Peak (Imja Tse).

• Highlights: Close view of world’s tallest peak and other Himalayas (Mt. Ama Dablam, Lhotse, Pumori, and others), challenging passes (Cho La Pass, Renjo La Pass, etc.) diverse wildlife and forests, serene lakes and glaciers including the Khumbu Glacier and Ngozumpa Glacier, Sherpa culture, ancient Monasteries, Festivals like Mani Rimdu, etc.

• Trekking to Annapurna Region:

Most diverse trekking destination, Trekkers aim for natural, scenic, and cultural diversity

• Popular Treks:

Annapurna Base Camp Trek, Annapurna Circuit Trekking, Annapurna Sanctuary Trek, Ghorepani Poonhill Ghandruk Trekking, Jomsom Muktinath Trekking, Mustang valley trekking, Nar Phu Trekking, Manang and the Marsyangdi valley trek, Mardi Himal trek, Dhampus Trek, etc

• Highlights:

Varied feast of scenery and culture, well-managed logistics, Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP), a blend of Hindu and Buddhist culture, panoramic mountain views, the majestic Himalayas such as Annapurna massif, Machhapuchhre or Fishtail mountain, climbing peaks such as Mardi peak, deepest Kaligandaki Gorge, Religious shrine of Muktinath, diverse landscape (from hills to alpine and desert-like landscape), Challenging passes (Thorung La pass), magnificent Tilicho Lake, Scenic city of Pokhara as the initial point of the majority of treks, etc.

• Trekking to Langtang Region:

Nearest trekking region from Kathmandu, Trail less explored by trekkers and home to pristine wilderness

• Popular Treks:

Langtang Gosaikunda Trekking, Langtang Valley Trek, Tamang Heritage Trek, Helambu Trek

• Highlights

Nearer to Kathmandu Valley, Holy lake of Gosaikunda, Tamang and Sherpa culture, Langtang and Jugal Mountain, Beautiful villages (Kusumtang, Chisapani, etc), Influence of Hyalmo Buddhism, serene-looking monasteries (Kyanjin and Sing Gompa), Langtang National Park, demanding Laurabina La Pass (4610m), mossy rhododendron forests, Langtang Glacier, etc.

• Other Trekking Regions

Trekking extends beyond the above-mentioned destinations in Nepal. Other notable trekking regions and destinations are:

    Manaslu Trekking

Popular Treks:

Manaslu Circuit Trekking, Manaslu Trekking with Tsum Valley

Highlights:

An alternative to the Annapurna trekking trail, majestic Manaslu massif, Annapurna II peak (7900m), solitude and lesser impact of commercialization, unspoiled and varied countryside, natural and scenic diversity, Budhi Gandaki valley, Manaslu Conservation Area, rich cultural heritage of Gurung community, Challenging passe (Larkya La Pass 5135m, the heritage of Gorkha Palace, etc

Kanchanjungha Trekking, Upper and Lower Dolpo Trekking are other some of the trekking destinations besides the other various trekking routes that are customized by the concerned trekking companies.

Don’ts while Trekking 

While you are trekking, besides exploring the natural, cultural, and biotic heritages you should also consider some tips that should be avoided preferably. These points may be summarized as follows:

• Trekking in hurry or without acclimatization
• Ignoring local culture, tradition, and norms of local society
• Trekking without guide
• Not getting travel insurance with terms covering major risks such as emergency evacuation
• Disturbing the path of Yaks and locals including porters
• Ignoring the aspect of sanitation, water purification, and hampering the natural environment
• Disobeying the rules regarding taking photographs

When you are trekking make sure you keep these don’ts in mind so that you are saved from a fair share of trouble.

Basic checklist before going trekking 

Except for the information in the preceding sections, while trekking, trekkers should also keep the following things before going to a trekking destination.

• Basic information about the trekking destination (altitude, base, miles), local culture, and traditions
• Trekking gears
• Visa information, travel rules, and related information
• Price details, things included and excluded
• Sufficient days of Acclimatization in the itinerary
• Specific dos and don’ts of the particular region

Thus, trekking in Nepal is a ‘must-do's activity for an adventurer who seeks excitement and a challenging landscape beside the diversity along the trail. Any backpacker who selects the routes in Nepal for trekking purposes is always left with lifelong memory and longing for trekking again and again. Join the adventurous, diverse, and scenic trekking trails in Nepal. Happy trekking!