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Monday, 18 August 2008

Mountaineering/Trekking

Introduction

Before 1951 Nepal was inaccessible to foreign tourists, and until 1964, travel to this wonderful and mystical land, was exclusively an attraction for the hardy climbers and explorers of the unimaginable. In recent years with the advent of tourism programs and several air linkage with the outside world, travels to this land of adventure has become most coveted for all kinds of travellers. In its immensely diverse and undulating topography, varied climate and mix of people combine to produce a magical attraction for outsiders. Many of these foreign visitors come to trek one or more of the many beautiful trekking regions now opened by HMG.

To trek, one does not have to be bizarre, neither a mountaineer nor an athlete. Anyone with a pair of strong legs and the spirit for adventure will enjoy the thrills of trekking the hills of Nepal. Walking in the interior of the country follows ancient foot trails which meander through the scenic river banks, terraced fields and the forested ridges connecting picturesque hamlets and mountain villages.

For visitors on extended holiday, there is an even more varied spectrum of adventure-be it rafting on sparkling rivers, safaris in the jungles, trekking to explore deeper into the alpine valleys with perpetual snow and glistering glaciers. The more intrepid traveller may venture further up to scale any of the 18 minor trekking peaks.

The consummate classical experience in the Himalayas is to commune with nature; cutting loose from the trappings of concrete jungles and the frenzy of modern life. The attained experience is extremely rewarding and rejuvenating.

What is Trekking ?

To "Trek" in the Himalayas means to set off from a given town, village or air field and to wonder through fields and hamlets, along valleys and streams or up mountain slopes to any altitude at one's choice, but usually not above 18,000 ft. (5,500m)Trekking- hiking along the trails that form the main links between Nepal's isolated villages and settlements is one the country's main attractions. The word trekking was almost unheard of in Nepal until the sixties but many of today's visitors came to Nepal solely to trek.

Why Trek in Nepal ?

A trek in Nepal is a unique and unforgettable experience for a whole lot of reasons but four in particular stand out:

Scenery
Eight out of fourteen highest mountains in the world are in Nepal and if you want to see these up close, you must walk. While trekking you see far more than the mountains. You can walk from the tropical lowlands to alpine meadows and glacial moraines while in the spring Nepal's brilliant rhododendrons will be in bloom and you may see rare species of birds.

Diversity
The landscape of Nepal is almost continually inhabited. The majority of Nepal's population live, not in the cities, but in tiny villages. Even in the high mountains, small settlements on stone houses and yak pastures dot every possible flat space. Much of the fascination of a trek is derived from the opportunity to observe life in these villages, where people truly live off the land, using only a few manufactured items such as soap, kerosene, paper and matches. All of which are imported in bamboo baskets carried by bare foot porters.

Trekkers pass through picturesque villages inhabited by Sherpas, Magars, Gurungs and Tamangs in the highlands and Brahmins, Chhetris and Newars in the lower altitudes. These are among the many ethnic groups which exist in Nepal.

People
Trekkers are always impressed by the friendliness of the people they meet along the local trails .The hill people particularly their traditional hospitality and fascinating culture, make a trek in Nepal a special kind of mountain holiday unlike any other part of world.

Safety
Not only is scenery interesting and ever changing but it can be seen in relative safety. Theft, robbery, assault all the problems of western civilization and many Asian countries are still relatively unknown in Nepal. There was a time a few years ago When even women could trek alone in Nepal. Unfortunately things seem to be changing and treks need to be more careful than they used to be. It is advisable to trek in groups of at least two persons and if possible with a porter or a guide. But this doesn't necessarily mean that you need to trek with an organized trekking agency in an expensive way.

Height
Trekking is not mountaineering but it is as well to remember that the Himalayas begin where other mountains finish. Whether you begin your trek at a roadbed or fly into a remote mountain airstrip, a large part of your trek will be in the middle hills region at an elevations between 1000 meters and 3000 meters but the trek to Everest base camp will reach 5545 meters. Most of the time you will remain with in the altitude range 1500 to 2000 meters. In this region, there are always well-developed trails through villages and across mountain passes. Even at high altitudes there are intermittent settlements used in the summer by erders, so the trails, though often indistinct, are always there. All trails are easily traversed without the aid of ropes or any mountaineering skill. There are rare occasions when snow is encountered, and on some high passes it might be necessary to place a safety line for your companions or porter if there is deep snow, but alpine techniques are almost never used on a traditional trek. Anyone who has walked extensively in the mountains has all the skill necessary for on extended trek in Nepal.

When to Trek ?

Although trekking in Nepal can be organized throughout the year, October through May are considered to be the best months for trekking. Summer months of the year which coincides with monsoon begins in mid-June and drains in mid-September making travel wet and warm. The mountain views may not be at their best as rain clouds and haze over hang the mountains occasionally obscuring the enchanting views. These times are blessed for the keen botanist as the higher valleys and meadows blossom with flowers and lush vegetation. During monsoon it does not mean that it will rain every day. Besides, some of the most frequented trails will not be crowded and some people like it that way. It can actually be enjoyed in the upper part of the Annapurna circuit around Marfa, Jomsom and Muktinath as the monsoon does not get in this trans- Himalayan area.Note :- It is recommended to carry insect repellent when trekking during summer months.

Autumn being the best season for trekking, affronts excellent weather and tantalizing mountain views January and February are noted for cold weather with occasional snowfall at higher elevations. Again, excellent views are common. These months are popular and ideal for trekking for those who are well equipped or who remain at lower elevations below 3,000 meters.

Late February brings spring in Nepal and offers exhilarating trekking for those who are interested in flowers, birds and natural grandeur. Different varieties of wild flowers, specially the rhododendrons make the hill side above 8,000 ft haunting paradise during this season.

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

Trekking Permits

A foreigner intending to trek in any part of the Kingdom of Nepal shall have to obtain a trekking permit from the Department of Immigration, Bhrikuti Mandap, and permits are issued for trekking in any part of the country except in areas restricted for the foreigners by the government regulation.

Trekking permit is not essential for the general trekking areas such as the Everest, the Annapurna and the Langtang.

Trekking permit should be obtained for the following places :

Lower Dolpa and Kanchanjunga:
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Tajlejung District (Kanchanjunga Region):
Areas of Olangchunggola, Lelep, Papung and Yamphudin Village Development Committee.
Sankhuwasabha District (Makalu Region):
Areas of Kimathanka, Chepuwa, Hatiya and Pawakhola Village Development Committee.
Solukhumbu District (Everest Region):
all north-west area way from Thame to Nangpala of Namche Village Development Committee.

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Rasuwa District:
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Manang District:
Areas of Nar, Phu and Northern area of Tilche Village of Thochhe Village Development Committee.

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Mugu District:
Areas of Mugu, Dolpu, Pulu and Bhangri.

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Baijang District:
Areas of Kanda, Saipal, Dhuli.

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Darchula District:
Areas of Byas Village Development Committee.

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Upper Mustang and Upper Dolpa:
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Gorkha District( Manaslu Area):
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Humla District (Simikot and Yari):
Areas of Limi and Muchu village Development Committee, and area way to Tibet via Tangekhola of Darma Village.

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Note: Trekking to Dolpa, Kanchanjunga, Makalu and Upper Mustang can be undertaken through registered trekking agencies only. For fees and other details please contact This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Trekking permits are obtained from the Department of Immigration, New Baneshwor and permits are issued for trekking in any part of the country except in areas restricted for the foreigners by government regulation. For detail, please log in to http://www.immi.gov.np

Medical Matters & Advice

Trekking in Nepal need not be considered 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 Nepalese government, your embassy or the trekking agency ( if you are trekking with one) is responsible for the bill. Therefore, you are requested to insure for rescue operation also. Take care of yourself along the trail by ensuring that water is boiled. Diarrhoea and headaches can be the curse for trekkers. So, bring appropriate medication and use them with caution. Sun burn can also be a problem at altitude, a barrier cream will protect your skin and good sun glasses are also necessary. Blisters are another problem for the trekker and adequate supplies of band aids are advisable.

Altitude sickness:
Often known as Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) is particularly a important medical consideration while trekking in Nepal. Altitude sickness means the effect of altitude on those who ascend too rapidly to elevation above 3000 m. The initial symptoms of AMS are as following

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 of appearance of any of the above symptoms any further ascent should be reconsidered, otherwise more serious problem can occur which can even cause death sometimes within a few hours. The only cure for the altitude sickness is to descend to lower elevations immediately and it has no other cure or substitute. Acclimatization by ascending to no more than 300 to 500 meters per day above 3000 meters and the proper amount of rest are the best methods for prevention of AMS. Literature and pamphlet published by "Himalayan Rescue Association" consists of detailed information on AMS .The central Immigration office and all trekking agencies in Kathmandu distribute this pamphlet free of cost. Since these documents also give information on the list of suggested medical supplies for trekkers it is a compulsory item for every trekkers' medical kit.

Himalayan Rescue Association (HRA)
HRA is a Nepalese voluntary organization registered with His Majesty's Government to run a mountain rescue service in the mountain tourist areas. The Association's major role is the prevention and treatment of mountain sickness. The Association's medical research work is undertaken by a team of mainly American doctors at present. The trekkers aid posts are stuffed by the western doctors.

The Kathmandu office and Information centre of the HRA is located within the premises of Kathmandu Guest House at Thamel. They open on weekdays from 10 to 5. They also have a Trekking book in which travellers write about trekking experiences and a small library of travel books. The HRA information centre has expert and up- to -date information on all aspects of altitude sickness. All those intending to trek above 10,000 ft. are advised to visit the information centre.The HRA operates two-Trekkers' Aid posts - at Pheriche on the main trail to Everest Base camp and at Chindi about an hour walk East of Manang.

Nepal Himalaya

Nepal Himalaya is known as the rooftop of the world. The Himalayas are the highest mountains in the world. Their scenery is legendary. These mountains have had an air of mystery until recently. Even today, the vast area of the Himalaya is untouched. It has always remained a source of fascination and inspiration for people from all walks of life in the world. Himalaya ("Him" means snow and "Alaya" means abode), the abode of snow and the Gods, extends about 2500 Kilometers. The Brahmaputra (Assam) in the east and Indus river in the west demarcate the length of the Himalaya. It is 300 Kms wide and rises nine kilometers above the sea level.

The Nepal Himalaya is in the centre of the Himalayan range. Eight peaks that exceed 8000 metres including the world's highest peak Mt Everest are the prominent members of Nepal Himalaya. It has a convergence of 1310 magnificent peaks over 6,000 metres. Nepal has become famous through out the world due to these mountains.

It is a very interesting thing to know that there was a sea (the Tethys sea) between Indian Gondwana continent (Indian sub-continent and Eurasian continent). Around 70 and 80 million years ago, the Himalaya began to come into existence. It is a peak of each evolution only about 10 to 20 million years back. Therefore, the Himalaya is extremely young and geologically active. According to geologists, mountains are growing at a rate of 15 cm (6 inch) a year as the Indian plate is moving northward and forcing under the Eurasian plate. This process (plate tectonics) causes the earthquakes in this region. Geologists say that the collision of continents is squeezing up sedimentary rocks that were once below the sea. The mountains of Himalaya are the result of the collision of continents.

Nepal opened its mountains to all the mountaineers around the world in 1949. Only then mountaineers started coming to climb the mountains of Nepal. Especially, the 8000 meter peaks attracted most of the climbers. Afterward, climbers attempted the various untried routes without oxygen. Today, the Nepal Himalaya has been proved as a great theatre of mountaineering activity.

Why are the mountaineers or saints or philosophers or researchers or adventurers of the world attracted towards the Nepalese Himalaya ? It is not just the height that gives the Himalaya their grandeur, but it is also the tremendous contrast with the deep valleys that wind between the peaks. Within these deep valleys, one can see the flow of the glacier-fed rivers that are swift, white, and exciting.

The Nepal Himalaya can be divided into nine mountain regions, which are as follows:

Khumbu Himal Region
Kanchanjunga Region
Rolwaling Himal Region
Langtang and Jugal Himal Region
Manaslu and Ganesh Himal Region
Annapurna Himal Region
Dhaulagiri Himal Region
Kanjiroba Himal Region
Far West Himal Region

Interesting Facts About the Himalaya

The word 'Himalaya' means the home or abode of snow.
According to Hindu mythology, God Shiva resides in the Himalaya.
There are eight peaks with a total of 19 points above 8000 metres in Nepal.
Fourteen mountains in the Himalaya exceed 8000 metres.
There are 25 points in all which exceed 8000 metres in the Himalaya.
Nameha Barwa peak is the easternmost and Nanga Parbat is the westernmost peak of the Himalaya.
The geological age of the Himalaya is approximately 70 million years.
Himalayan rivers are older than the Himalayan peaks.
Kumbhakarna is the new name of mount Jannu (7,710 m).
Gosainthan (8046 m) is the Nepali name for Shisha Pangma.
Ninety-five percent of earthquakes occur in mountainous regions.
Sir Andrew Waugh, Surveyor General of India wished to honour his predecessor, Sir George Everest. For this, Sir Andrew pretended that there was no local name for Everest and hence named the mountain as Mount Everest though there were two local names of the mountain. e.g. Sagarmatha in Nepal and Chomolungma in Tibet.
Sir Andrew Waugh announced the name 'Mount Everest' in 1865.
The ideal height gain per day for mountaineers is 1,000 ft above 10,000 ft.
Nepal opened its borders to the world in 1949.
Mallory described Mount Everest from Rongbuk as, 'a great white fang excrescent on the jawbone of the earth'.
Why do men climb Everest ? Mallory said, "Because it is there."
Sir Edmund Hillary led an expedition to find the Yeti in 1958.
According to Dr. George Schaller, the existence of Yeti unknown to science cannot be ruled out at high altitude.
Reinhold Messner climbed Everest alone without oxygen.
Tenzing buried his daughter's red and blue pencils on the top of Everest.
Approximately 150 people have died in different expeditions of Mount Everest so far.
Tenzing was known as 'Himalayan Club Sherpa No 48'.

Top Peaks of the World

Mountain	Country	Height	Date of Ascent
1. Everest	Nepal	8848m / 29028ft	29-May-53
2. K2	Pakistan	8611 m / 28251ft	31-July-54
3. Kanchanjunga	Nepal	8586m / 28169ft	25-May-55
4. Lhotse	Nepal	8501m / 2789Oft	18-May-56
5. Makalu	Nepal	8463m / 27765ft	15-May-55
6. Cho-Oyu	Nepal	8201 m / 26906ft	19-Oct-54
7. Dhaulagiri	Nepal	8167m / 26794ft	13-May-60
8. Manaslu	Nepal	8156m / 26758ft	9-May-56
9. Nanga Parbat	Pakistan	8126m / 26660ft	3-Juan-53
10. Annapurna	Nepal	8091m / 26545ft	3-June-50

Trekking Peaks

For the more adventurous traveller, there are 18 minor peaks open for Alpine climbing under Nepal Mountaineering Association. The climbing of these peaks is controlled under the rules and regulations formulated by this Association. Detailed information and application for climbing permits are available from the Association's Office or contact your trekking agency in Kathmandu. It should be noted that in most cases the climbing of these minor peaks (Trekking Peaks) require snow and ice climbing experience. Trekking Agents provide qualified and trained climbing guides to take non climbers for convenience, safety and expected successes. By Himalayan standards these are considered minor peaks, but in fact some of them provide relatively challenging snow and ice climbing of high standard, and more so in winter. The royalty for these peaks ranges from US$ 200.00 - US$ 300.00 depending on the particular peak for upto 10 member climbing team.

Peaks currently open for trekking and other groups are as follows :

Names of the Peaks Height in meters

1.	Mt. Cholatse	6440 m.	Khumbu
2.	Mt. Machermo	6273 m.	Mahalangur
3.	Mt. Kyazo Ri	6186 m.	Mahalangur
4.	Mt. Phari Lapcha	6017 m.	Mahalangur
5.	Mt. Nirekha	6159 m.	Mahalangur
6.	Mt. Langsisa Ri	6427 m.	Jugal
7.	Mt. Ombigaichen	6340 m.	Mahalangur
8.	Mt. Bokta	6143 m.	Kanchenjunga
9.	Mt. Chekigo	6257 m.	Gaurishankar
10.	Mt. Lobuje West	6145 m.	Khumbu
11.	Mt. Larkya Peak	6010 m.	Manaslu
12.	M2t. ABI	6097 m.	Mahalangur
13.	Mt. Yubra Himal	6035 m.	Langtang Himal
14.	Mt. Chhukung Ri	5550 m.	Khumbu
15.	Mt. Yala PeakHiunchuli	5732 m.	Khumbu
16.	Hiunchuli	6441 m.	Annapurna Himal, Gandaki
17.	Singu Chuli (Fluted peak)	6501 m.	Annapurna Himal, Gandaki
18.	Mera peak	6654 m.	Khumbu Himal, Sagarmatha
19.	Kusum Kangru	6367 m.	Khumbu Himal, Sagarmatha
20.	Kwangde	6011 m.	Khumbu Himal, Sagarmatha
21.	Chulu West	6419 m.	Manang District, Gandaki
22.	Chulu East	6584 m.	Manang District, Gandaki
23.	Imja Tse (Island Peak)	6160 m.	Khumbu Himal, Sagarmatha
24.	Parchemuche	6187 m.	Rolwaling Himal, Janakpur
25.	Lobuje	6119 m.	Khumbu Himal, Sagarmatha
26.	Ramdung	5925 m.	Rolwaling Himal, Janakpur
27.	Pisang peak	6091 m.	Manang District, Gandaki
28.	Tharpu Chuli (Tent Peak)	5663 m.	Annapurna Himal, Gandaki
29.	Khongma Tse (Mehra peak)	5849 m.	Khumbu Himal, Sagarmatha
30.	Ganja La Chuli (Naya kanga)	5844 m.	Langtang Himal, Bagmati
31.	Pokhalde	5806 m.	Khumbu Himal, Sagarmatha
32.	Mardi Himal	5587 m.	Annapurna Himal, Gandaki
33.	Paldor Peak	5896 m.	Langtang Himal, Bagmati

Mountaineering

Nepal is a country well known for its Himalaya mountains. Among the 10 highest peaks in the world, eight, including the highest peak Mt. Everest, crown this country. Nothing on earth can beat the exhilaration of scaling them. No wonder Nepal is the favorite destination for mountaineers and every year more than 600 expeditions trudge up the Himalaya, including the trekking peaks.

Seasons
There are four mountaineering seasons: spring (March-May), summer (June-August), autumn (September-November) and winter (December-February). A total of 153 Himalayan peaks are open to mountaineers. Climbing permits are issued by the Ministry of Tourism & Civil Aviation (MOTCA) for 135 peaks known as mountaineering peaks, and by the Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA) for 18 smaller peaks, known as trekking peaks, which range from 5,587 to 6,654 m in altitude.

Permission
The following documents have to be sent to MOTCA, Mountaineering Division when applying for a climbing permit: completed application, endorsement of the National Alpine Club, short biographies of all the members of the expedition (with photograph and signature), map and/or photograph of the mountain indicating climbing route and approach route map. Enlistment of the expedition's name does not require any fee and it should not be paid before receiving the permit from the Ministry of Tourism.

Permits to climb the 18 trekking peaks are issued by NMA on "first come first served" basis. It is necessary to appoint a government recognised trekking agency of Nepal as a local liaison for the expedition in Kathmandu. The trekking agency will look after all the requirements during the expedition.

Fees
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Restrictions
Food and equipment imported for expeditions require an import license and should be custom cleared. Walky-talkies, transreceiver sets and other communication equipment are controlled items in Nepal and have to be declared at the customs office at the entry point.

Contact
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Website: www.tourism.gov.np

Nepal Mountaineering Association
Naxal, Kathmandu.
Tel: 4434525, 4435442
Fax: 977-1-4434578
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Website: www.nma.com.np

Last Updated ( Wednesday, 20 August 2008 )

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