5 Things to know about Mera Peak climb - Namas Adventure
Descending down Mera Peak Summit
5 things to know about Mera Peak climbing
When is the best time to trek/climb Mera Peak?
March-May ( Spring ) and September - November (Autumn) is the best time to trek/climb Mera Peak.
Is Mera Peak suitable for beginner climbers and what kind of fitness do I need?
Yes, Mera Peak is a non-technical high-altitude trekking peak. To reach summit 6476M you do not need any special climbing skills with ropes, gears, and use of an ice axe. Mera Peak is a very popular destination for clients with little or no mountaineering experience. The mountain has fewer to non-technical challenges, there are 3-4 small opening crevasses during the climb but apart from that, the climb is straightforward. All climbers are recommended to partake in preparative fitness and altitude training before attempting an ascent. You should be able to carry 5-8 kgs of your bag pack, walk up and downhill every day for 15/16 days and be able to push yourself during the summit climb.
Physically for beginners, Mera Peak can be demanding. We highly suggest you train yourself well over 6 - 4 months before your trip. You will need good endurance and body strength. Aerobic exercises mixing with overall body strength-building routines should help you prepare physically for your trip.
Can I see Mt. Everest from Mera Peak?
From the summit, five 8,000m peaks are visible: Mount Everest, Lhotse, Cho Oyu, Makalu, and Kangchenjunga, as well as many other Himalayan peaks. The standard route from the north involves high-altitude glacier walking. The west and south faces of the peak offer more difficult technical routes.
How hard is it to climb to the summit of Mera Peak?
Mera Peak is classed as 1B alpine grade. When it comes to an expedition the more fitter and stronger you are, the better your chances of successfully climbing to the summit and most of all enjoying the expedition. Summiting Mera Peak mostly depends on the weather condition and your fitness level. The climb normally starts around 3/4 am in the morning and it is about 3-4 hours climb to the summit. For any climbers it is a technically straightforward ascent, the main hurdle being proper acclimatization to the high altitude.
Which Mountain can I aim for after Mera Peak that’s above 6500M?
If you have got time and you are feeling extra adventurous then you can either Mix Mera Peak with Island Peak, which takes you through a beautiful and challenging Amphu Lapsta pass. On the way, you will also come across Baruntse 7129M and Makalu 8481M. Or you can simply take on our challenge of three 6000M+ Peak expeditions. (Mera, Island and Lobuche East) Peaks (Click for expedition Link)
Our main suggestion is to take it one step at a time. The lure of Everest is there but taking small steps, gaining the right experience, and understanding your physiology is very crucial for climbing higher mountains. Amadablam 6810M, Baruntse Peak 7129M, Manaslu 8163M, Tilicho Peak 7134M are some of the 7000M+ - 8000M+ Peak expedition we operate and organize at Namas adventure.
If you do have any more questions, please ask us below in the comment section or you can email us at bookings@namasadventure.com and our team will get back to you as soon as they can.
Stay well. Challenge yourself. Dare great things and live your story.
7 remote trekking destination in Nepal - Namas Adventure
7 REMOTE TREKKING DESTINATION IN NEPAL
Photo by - Jackson Ho
Everest base camp and Annapurna region treks have rightly become one of the most popular trekking choices for travelers visiting Nepal. Why wouldn't it be? Firstly it's the charm of the world's greatest Himalayan ranges and secondly, it is easier to access these areas via flights to Lukla for all Everest trails and from Pokhara for all Annapurna trails. The momentum has only been building with rising adventure travelers coming to Nepal. 2018 was a great year for Nepal with the highest arrival to date of 1.2M travelers.
Visit Nepal 2020 is just around the corner and Nepal is seeking to welcome 2 million travelers which will be the first time in the history of Nepal's inbound tourism. With, Everest and Annapurna being the charm for most travelers we expect to see a significant rise of trekkers particularly in these trekking areas. I would say Everest base camp will be the most overcrowded and then following up to Annapurna base camp. In 2018, the Everest region saw 57,000 trekkers and the Annapurna region welcomed 1,73,000 trekkers, bearing in mind that the Annapurna region holds 5 major trekking trails. Annapurna circuit issued 28,060 permits in 2018. Annapurna base camp and Poonhill trek are the popular choices for most travelers.
So, it is only self-evident that the trajectory will rise and If I had to choose a trek in the Annapurna region then I would choose the Annapurna circuit. There are still fewer travelers compared to Annapurna base camp or Poon hill even with the rise in numbers in 2018. The traveler ratio is still half that of Everest trails. The landscapes are vast and the trail host beautiful diverse landscapes, challenging routes with the world's highest pass and the highest lake, culturally rich, and very welcoming people. If you are one for varieties in nature then this definitely is the one. Having said that if you really opt for a trek that is remote and with fewer people and you want the whole of nature to yourself then, we recommend the five remote, with no queue or even no people for several days. Just amazing nature all around you.
(Click on the images to find more about the tour info)
Manaslu Circuit trek - 17 days
2017 travelers: 6600 | 2018 travelers: 7300
The Manaslu Circuit sees fewer trekkers compared to the established trekking routes in the Annapurna region. The circuit is a stunning trek with spectacular views of Mount Manaslu (8163 m) and the Ganesh Himal Range, among others. Along the trail, you encounter an interesting mix of authentic Hindu and Tibetan-style Buddhist villages. The trail follows the spectacular Budhi Gandaki River all the way from Arugath to its source just below the Larkya Pass (5125 m). As you start low, at around 700 m, the landscapes are incredibly varied ranging from the green countryside and lush forests to spectacular high altitude landscapes skirting huge glaciers.
Upper Dolpo region and Phoksundo - 12-30 days
2017 travelers: 1500 | 2018 travelers: 1800
Trekking the Dolpa Circuit is an experience you'll never forget. You'll have the opportunity to experience life in the remote highlands. The trail passes through a variety of landscapes ranging from green pastures (in some ways resemblant of the European Alps) to barren rocks that extend into the Tibetan plateau. The Phoksundo Lake is of incomparable beauty, with its deep blue and emerald colors surrounded by steep bold rocks. On the way, you'll encounter small authentic villages steeped in Tibetan culture and tradition. Buddhism and Bonpo are very important for the people living in these villages and interwoven in everyday life.
Makalu BC trek - 21 Days
2017 travelers: 1550 | 2018 travelers: 1250
Image by - Doug Kofsky
Makalu Barun National Park offers some of the most spectacular scenery in the Himalayas. The rewards of trekking here are fantastic but hard-won - this is remote wilderness trekking for the experienced. The trail to Makalu Base Camp takes you deep into the high Himalayas with the giant of Makalu, The Great Black, looming above you and Everest, Lhotse, and Baruntse in view. The verdant Arun and Barun river valleys lead to Makalu Base Camp.
Upper Mustang - 17 Days
2017 travelers: 4250 | 2018 travelers: 4,100
Website link: (Upper Mustang, click here)
The Upper Mustang trek brings you into the hidden world of the old Buddhist kingdom of Mustang, also called Lo. Lo used to be part of the Tibetan empire and is therefore closely tied to Tibet in culture, language and geography.
The region’s isolation from the outside world has contributed to a highly preserved Tibetan culture and unspoiled nature. Mustang lies in the rain shadow of the Dhaulagiri massif creating a ruggedly arid land surrounded by rocks in all kinds of colors and impressive formations. This barren landscape is dotted with settlements of whitewashed houses, barley fields, and Chorten festooned with prayer flags which add a splash of color to the landscape.
Langtang trekking - 11 Days
2017 travelers: 8500 | 2018 travelers: 10,650
Image by - Cyril Jagot
Langtang trekking takes us through a dense deciduous forest of oak, maple, spruce, fir, and blue pine and bamboo havens, the agricultural lands of the Sherpa and Tamang-Tibetan people until we reach the spectacular panoramic view of Dorje Larpa (6990m.), Langtang Ri (6370m.), Langtang Lirung (7245m.). Here, in the cusp, lies the resurrected village of Langtang, a beautiful sight for sore eyes, especially when under the veil of the night and its starry skies.
Kanchenjunga Trek - 22 Days
2017 travelers: 470 | 2018 travelers: 970
Image by- Craig cassover
Please email us at namas@namasadventure.com for Kanchenjunga details
Trekking in Kanchenjunga offers the most beautiful Himalayan scenery. You will see the best views of Mt. Kanchenjunga, Mt. Makalu, and Jahnu Himal. You will also see towering heights of Mt. Rothang and Kabru above a moraine on the Nepal-Sikkim border.
TSUM Valley Trek - 19 Days
2017 travelers: 1690 | 2018 travelers: 2050
Please email us at namas@namasadventure.com for Tsum Valley trek details
Tsum Valley was a restricted area until it was opened for trekking in 2008. The Tsum Valley is a sacred Himalayan pilgrimage valley situated in northern Gorkha, Nepal. Literally “Tsum” means vivid. Against the majestic backdrop of the Ganesh Himal and Sringi Himal, and Boudha ranges, this serene Himalayan valley is rich in ancient art, culture, and religion. The local people are mostly of Tibetan origin and speak unique dialects. Trails are strewn with artistic Chortens and lined with mani walls made of thousands of stone slabs carved with drawings of deities and inscribed with prayers. The famous Kyimu Lung, a pilgrimage circuit in the central Trans-Himalaya, is well known for its center of learning and meditation. This circuit traverses the Tsum Valley the Manaslu area in Nepal, and southern parts of Tibet.
If you are the kind of traveler who is seeking a more remote pristine adventure, want to stay off the grid, and just enjoy the pure joy of silence, amazing landscapes, and pristine wilder trek then these are definitely the choices for you. Nepal holds so much more beauty and the focus has been on the Everest region mostly, so if you want to travel away from the crowd, visiting these destinations won’t disappoint you. We at Namas Adventure can organize these trekking tours for you, please email us if you want to travel to these amazing pristine beautiful destinations.
If you do have any more questions, please ask us below in the comment section or you can email us at bookings@namasadventure.com and our team will get back to you as soon as they can.
Stay well. Challenge yourself. Dare great things and live your story.
Reference:
Nepal tourism data - http://www.tourism.gov.np/
Annapurna circuit - https://thehimalayantimes.com/nepal/annapurna-circuit-witnesses-highest-number-of-tourists-in-2018/
Training for Mountain climbing Expeditions - Namas Adventure
TRAINING FOR MOUNTAIN EXPEDITION
The goal of your training is to get physically and mentally prepared to successfully complete your expedition. Your climbing goal will be to perform strong and steady throughout our expedition. Mountaineering requires a high overall level of physical conditioning. As you will be climbing in high altitudes, both your cardiovascular and motor fitness are needed to climb at different levels of intensity and to navigate challenging terrain. The greater your level of fitness, the more efficiently you can acclimate to the altitude. Fit climbers spend less energy on certain tasks, leaving their bodies ready for the task of acclimatisation.
When training you should particularly focus on two key areas of endurance building, developing cardiovascular fitness (fitness of the heart and lungs) and motor fitness (particularly endurance, strength, agility, and balance), following specific goals and timelines.
We suggest all our interested climbers commit to at least a minimum of four-six months of training time depending on your expedition.
ENDURANCE TRAINING
Endurance fitness is considered the most important for all mountaineers. Your expedition and body will demand various levels of intensity all day throughout. Excellent cardiovascular and motor fitness is very necessary. This can be both aerobic exercises as well as muscular endurance exercises.
Long-distance slow- running is one of the best ways to build your endurance fitness level.
CARDIOVASCULAR FITNESS
Cardiovascular Endurance is the ability of the heart and lungs to supply oxygen-rich blood to the working muscle tissues and the ability of the muscles to use oxygen to produce energy for movement. To get the most from your cardiovascular workouts, the ACSM suggests that you exercise three to five times a week at 60 to 90 percent of your maximum heart rate. Sessions should last more than 30 minutes, and you should choose exercises that use large muscle groups in a rhythmical fashion, such as long-distance cycling, running, swimming, or rowing. If you live near mountains hiking with 20/25kgs for 10miles once or twice a week is the best way to gain even more real-world experiences.
STRENGTH AND MUSCULAR ENDURANCE
In addition to leg strength, mountaineering requires a strong core (back and stomach) as heavy pack weights add a new dimension to climbing. Strength training principles are essentially the same for upper and lower bodies. Strength training can involve bodyweight exercises as well as routines using traditional weights. Kettlebell routines or even CrossFit training programs are helpful to build your overall body strength.
P.S. - Make sure you are working out your cores too.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Squats, lunges, and leg presses with weights 5 - 20 kgs
Push-ups, pull-ups, and military presses
Sit-ups, chin-ups, bicycle kick, leg raise, abdominal exercises, planks
Kettlebell - Lunges, Squats, overhead press
Training Plan example:
We have attached the training log of Bisesh’s when preparing for Baruntse climb and he will follow a similar time frame and routines for other 8000M+ expeditions.
Recommended Book for Mountain training: Training for the New Alpinism (Click here)
When you near your expedition date, begin making your workouts more mountaineering specific with hikes and climbs and occasional interval sessions aimed at broadening your range of comfort at various effort levels. Nothing beats the old and tested method of long hikes in uneven and steep terrains (adding weights to on your backpack) which best replicates the enviroment you are going to be in when climbing in Nepal, Pakistan or anywhere around the world.
P.S - Make sure you stretch after every long interval training. Stretching helps reduce muscular tension and increases flexibility.
Preparing yourself by committing to weekly training routines is very important. Expedition in the mountains/Himalayas requires a lot of physical, mental, and psychological toughness. This nature of activity demands athlete-level fitness. It is about putting yourself in the uncomfortable zone and pushing yourself to higher limits to see what you as a person can achieve. Mountaineering expeditions of any type should not be underestimated. The journey is a challenge in itself. It will push you out of your comfort zone and you will need to dig deeper mentally and physically. It is worth every effort and this will be your life’s greatest adventure. On a plus side, it will motivate you to lead a healthy and inspiring life.
Now you know how you have to train for mountain expeditions. Get yourself out there, enjoy your training, and stay fit and together with Namas Adventure’s team and like-minded adventurers, let’s take on your expeditions into Mera Peak, Island Peak, Aconcagua, Amadablam, or other higher mountains. Happy Adventure.
Article references
Live strong: https://www.livestrong.com/article/534286-six-components-of-fitness-related-to-motor-skills/
Very well fit: https://www.verywellfit.com/interval-training-workouts-3120774
Shape.com: https://www.shape.com/fitness/workouts/interval-training-short-workouts-really-pay
Here is a video of Chad Kellogg's training for Everest.
If you do have any more questions, please ask us below in the comment section or you can email us at bookings@namasadventure.com and our team will get back to you as soon as they can.
Stay well. Challenge yourself. Dare great things and live your story.
Training for trekking in Nepal
TRAINING FOR TREKKING IN NEPAL
Booked your Everest base camp tour and you have been thinking about how hard is the trek and how can I train myself for this great adventure? Trekking in Nepal can be an inspiring plan but it definitely poses a huge challenge especially for beginners who have no experience in high-altitude trekking. Preparing yourself by committing to weekly training routines is very important. Trekking up the great Himalayas requires a lot of physical, mental, and psychological toughness but it is not as bad as it sounds. More so I would say it is about putting yourself in the uncomfortable zone and pushing yourself to higher limits to what you as a person can achieve.
It’s important to have understandings of trekking in high altitudes in Nepal. Treks like Everest Base Camp, Annapurna Circuit Trek, and other base camp treks are normally a long route. On average most days you will have to trek for 5 - 8 hours climbing 200M - 300M a day slowly gaining elevation. All our itineraries are designed with acclimatization rest and hiking days. Slow and steady is the best way to safely enjoy the journey and minimize symptoms of altitude sickness.
We certainly believe anyone with the will, the right attitude, and some preparations can successfully complete the adventure. Following our suggested training exercises will make the journey even wonderful and you can stay fit and enjoy the unique culture and grand beauty of the Himalayas. So if you ask what training programs should you focus on, we have listed some key areas.
Endurance building training
When trekking up in the Himalayas, on average you will be walking for 5 - 8 hours a day and some days 10 - 12 hours just to cover up the distance, mostly during the summit days. So you need to be able to walk for long distances without stopping for longer intervals. Studies show that endurance training is one of the best ways to improve your cardiovascular fitness.
The best way to build your stamina is to do long slow-paced jogging exercises. You can start by walking if you have had longer breaks from running or any exercises. Take is slow and slowly increase your timing by 10% every week. Set a goal to run 30min to 40 min at least 2-3 times a week. Short uphill sprints will also further enhance your endurance fitness. Other recommended exercises are cycling or cross-train, swimming (try to hold your breath as long as possible), Zumba, aerobics, and spinning classes.
Medical research on higher altitude performance has suggested that you stop your endurance training 2 weeks before your adventure and focus on strength training.
Strength
As you are walking on uneven terrains, going long uphill and downhill, you will be depending a lot on your lower body strength. Medical research has shown that endurance training and strength training cannot be combined into the same routines. We suggest alternating your training routines every 3-4 weeks.
One of the ways to build your strength is through squats, lunges, and steep walking treadmills or uphills. Building lean and strong muscle is the goal here so work on smaller weights but with higher reps. Many of the most avoidable trekking injuries are due to a lack of flexibility. We recommend stretching properly before and after your workouts, as well as before and after hiking on the actual trek.
Finally, it is important to eat a quality diet while training and trekking.
Right Nutrition.
Carbohydrates are sugars and starches that fuel our bodies much like gasoline fuels a race car. Each gram of carbohydrate contains ~4 calories worth of fuel. The human body stores carbohydrates as glycogen in both our muscles and the liver. These glycogen reserves are relied upon to stabilize blood sugars and allow for optimal muscle function.
Include carbs at each meal and, if needed, in additional snacks to meet your training needs. Some easy high-carbohydrate meals include a sandwich, fruit, and yogurt at lunch, and pasta or rice, chicken, side salad, fruit, and milk at dinner.
PROTEINS provides a small amount of the energy needed for long training sessions, it is essential in supporting muscle development and recovery. Obtaining an adequate amount of protein each day is important.
FAT is an essential part of an endurance athlete’s diet because it is a primary energy source during periods of rest and low-intensity activity. Fat, in conjunction with carbohydrates, is also used as a source of energy during moderate-intensity exercise. Fat also plays an important role in proper immune function.
Water Make sure you are drinking plenty of water during your training days. It plays an essential role in every major organ and system, therefore should not be overlooked.
Trekking in Nepal should not be underestimated. The journey is a challenge in itself. It will push you out of your comfort zone and you will need to dig deeper mentally and physically. It is worth every effort and this will be your life’s greatest adventure. On a plus side, it will motivate you to lead a healthy and inspiring life. It might even motivate you to take on higher altitude challenges like Mera Peak, Island Peak, or other higher mountains.
Now you know how you have to train for trekking adventures in Nepal. Get yourself out there, enjoy your training, and stay fit and together with Namas Adventure’s team and like-minded adventurers, let’s take on your adventure into Everest Base Camp or other trekking adventures. Happy Adventure.
If you do have any more questions, please ask us below in the comment section or you can email us at bookings@namasadventure.com and our team will get back to you as soon as they can.
Stay well. Challenge yourself. Dare great things and live your story.
Written by - Bisesh Gurung
Trekking in Nepal gear list
You have plans to go trekking in Nepal and wondering what are the right gears to pack for the rugged terrains in the Himalayas. Packing the right gear is crucial to successfully completing your adventures in high altitude landscapes of Nepal. We have listed some of the necessary gears to take on any trekking you undertake in the mountains. Trekking such as Everest base camp, Upper Mustang, Annapurna circuit or even short ones like Mardi Himal trek or Poon hill trek requires the right gears.
Trekking Equipment checklist
Footwears
* Hiking shoes for the trek to base camp with ankle protection
* Gaiters
* Midweight thermal socks: 5 pairs
* Liner socks or equivalent: 2 pairs
Body Layers
* 1 merino base layers: top / bottom set
* Quick-dry sports bra (for women)
* 1 mid layer top: breathable Underwear
* Lightweight waterproof/breathable rain pants
* Convertible hiking pants
* Hooded Soft Shell jacket To be worn over other layers
* Midweight down or synthetic parka with hood
* Hooded Hard Shell: Gore Tex and breathable
* Insulated Down Jacket
* Long jones equivalent to Rab’s Polartec or equivalent: 2 pairs
Headgear and Hand wear:
* Wool hat (ski hat)
* Sunhat: To shade your face / neck from the sun on a hot day
* Buff: To protect your neck / face from the sun
* Under helmet Balaclava
* Glacier glasses: Full protection with side covers or wrap around
* Lightweight synthetic liner gloves: For wearing on a hot day; 2 pairs
* Soft shell gloves: To wear for moderate cold / wind
* Expedition Mitts for bad weather
Personal Gear:
* 20-30L Trekking Backpack: To carry on the trek to base camp. Simple and light.
* Sleeping Bag: Rated to at least -10 to -20C. Goose down or synthetic
* Compression stuff sacks: 2 large ones; for reducing volume of the sleeping bag, down parka, etc., in your pack.
* Trekking poles with snow baskets: Adjustable poles
* Head torch: 1 normal for base camp and 1 with remote battery systems for climbing at night. This will be used whilst climbing at night
* Sunscreen: SPF 50 or above
* Lip balm with sunblock
* Water bottles: 1 wide mouth bottles with 1L capacity
* Thermos: 1 litre (buy a good ones to keep your water warm for longer hours)
* Toiletry bag: Include toilet paper and hand sanitiser and small towel
* Hand warmers & toe warmers
* Pen Knife or multi tool (optional)
* Camera: bring extra batteries and memory cards
* Personal solar charging system (optional but recommended)
* Travel Clothes
Duffel bags (1) with locks
* Base Camp extra Items: Kindle, I pad, books, smart phone, etc
Cell phone in waterproof case
Cell phone charging cable
Local SIM card for cell phone (purchase in Nepal)
Portable power device (for recharging phone or other electronics)
* Snack food: Please bring a few days of your favourite climbing snack food such as bars, energy gels, nuts, beef jerky, etc. A variety of salty and sweet is recommended to give you extra energy.
* Small personal first aid kit: Include athletic tape, Band-Aid’s, Ibuprofen, blister care, personal medications, etc
Toothbrush (travel size)
Toothpaste (travel size)
Toilet paper
Personal wipes
Women’s hygiene items
Pee bottle
Hand sanitizer
Shampoo and conditioner
Biodegradable soap
Deodorant
Dental floss
Razor and shaving cream
Skin lotion
* Medications and Prescriptions: Bring antibiotics (Azithromycin, etc.), and altitude medicine such as Diamox and dexamethasone*
Companies recommended
Trekking Boots - La Sportiva, Northface, Patagonia, Mammut
Body Layers - Northface, Mountain hardware, Mammut, Patagonia, Arctyrex, Marmot, Rab
Headgear and hand wear - Northface, Mountain hardware, Patagonia, Mammut
Glasses - Julbo
Other gear companies: Exped, Garmin, Goal zero, Bio lite, MSR Gears
P.s- You can hire a lot of these items in Kathmandu (Thamel), if you do not wish to buy them.
Hiring Porters or Guides in Nepal.
HIRING PORTERS OR GUIDES IN NEPAL
One question that most of the travelers have while trekking in Nepal is do I need to hire a guide or a porter while trekking in Nepal?
The simple answer is NO. Let me explain, you do not really need a porter or a guide if you are a travel-savvy person and can carry all your trekking luggage for 5 - 14 days in Nepal. The trail is marked pretty clearly in most of the famous trails and you can always ask people for help. So, if you are traveling on a budget and you are ok with carrying your loads of 15 -20 kgs with a wanderer spirit and have this confusion of whether it is compulsory to hire a porter/guide, it is not. But do make sure you get a permit to trek and which is a must. You can apply it at the office. (click here)
We do not recommend trekking alone on routes like Dolpa, Makalu without a guide or a porter service. The reason being these are one of the less trekked routes and for a long stretch of trekking days there are no places to stay and you will have to set up tents and have your own water and food supplies. This is why at Namas Adventure we arrange staff to carry all the rations and tents for these long haul trekking. But most of the trek routes are very well facilitated in Nepal. Trekking Nepal on your own, below are some pros and cons
Cons
Safety concerns
Carrying your own luggage of 15 - 20 kgs
You have to sweat the details of your itinerary
No level of guarantee for hotel stay during peak season
Pros
You choose your own pace of adventure.
Saves costs on porter/guide service
Freedom with schedule
Hiring a porter
Hiring a porter is one of the cheapest ways to trek the great Himalayan adventure. Now how to get a porter without proper connections? It depends on which region you are trekking. If you are trekking the Everest region, once you land in Lukla there are a group of porters lining up for a job, so you can get one there. But for most of the other treks asking your hotels to make the arrangements is a safer option. Bear in mind the hotels will not be responsible after that. Another thing to be aware of is that do not expect a higher level of English from porters. Porters speak less to non-English. Their main job is to carry your luggage for your entire journey. They might help you find a hotel on your stops and you will be responsible for their food and accommodations. The standard wage for porter service in Nepal is $12 for every 30Kgs per day but we ask all our readers or travelers, once you hire them please pay them $20 per load of $30 kgs per day. Also, do resist hiring any children to carry your luggage. So, hiring a porter will free you from worrying about the load and you can enjoy the trip load-free and instead enjoy the adventure and beauty of the trails. Maybe you would want to take great selfies and landscape pictures. Also to be aware that they might not be able to keep up with your pace every-time so be patient and eventually they will catch up.
Cons
Extra expenses of $30-$40 per day ( including Porter charges with food and accommodations )
Communication barriers with porters being less/non-english speaking
Sweat the detail of your itinerary
Consider porters walking pace
Pros
Load free and enjoy the trekking
Some level of porter-led guidance
Some level of safety and local guidance
Hiring a guide
If you are looking for an immersive level adventure then guided service trekking in Nepal is the one for you. Hiring a guide will mean various services but make sure you are clear on it once you have made the agreement. Essential like your permits, local transport ticketing, and even porters. The costs do add up but at least someone is there to take care of it for you. Make sure your guides are TAAN licensed and most of the guides in Nepal have a good level of English and most senior guide leaders having least 5 - 10+ years of guiding experiences. They know the ins and out of the routes and with their relations in every village they will make sure you are well-taken care of. They will explain to you about different places, cultures, people and local lifestyles. Depending on your budget you can ask your guide to arrange a porter for your trekking days as most of the guide will only help you with guidance service. Some may help you with your luggage but be aware they have their own stuff and it is out of their own goodwill.
As a company, we arrange 1 guide for every 4 customers so if you are a group of more than 4 people we recommend you to hire a guide on that basis. As they won’t be able to guide everyone at once and having that extra person in a large group will definitely help with guidance service. If you want them to also arrange your local transport like domestic flights and hotels them, I ask you to do at least 1-2 month in advance especially for the well-known routes (i.e. Everest or Annapurna region). It can be hard to get tickets and hotel reservations.
Cons
Expenses on Guides $30 - $40 per day
May need extra expenses for porter services
Consider the pace of adventure with the guides
A credibility check has to be done on your own.
Pros
Guidance and local knowledge
Safety and guidance for your entire journey
Well English spoken
Booking with travel agencies or tour operators
This is where Namas Adventure as a company comes for all-inclusive services. Once you book through us everything is taken care of for you. From the very minute, you arrive and until your departure day. Through our network and key relationships with the locals, we make sure our best level of quality service is provided in all our adventure tours. We are careful from hiring the best mountain and trekking leaders to being responsible for treating our porters ethically and respectfully. Details are key and we make sure all our Sherpa leaders are licensed/trained and are well English is spoken or preferred language speaking guides can be arranged with the request in advance. We keep checks on the type of hotels that are used in the cities to make sure our clients do not fall ill into any health conditions. We also have a strong relationship with the network of rescue teams/helicopters and hospitals to provide assistance if anything is to go wrong. This is where we stand out on our services and we are committed to being one of the best service providers.
Cons
Expenses for the services
Consider other travelers in groups
Note: We are careful with local employments and at Namas, all our trekking Sherpa leaders are locals and most of the Mountain Leaders so far but with the level of expertise in different areas in mountaineering there will be international mountain leaders working with local expedition leaders.
Pros
Fully serviced tours
You don't have to sweat the details of your travel
Confidence and accountability
Safety and trust
Experiences in the mountain of Nepal and a great network with logistics and emergency service partners
Written by - Bisesh Gurung
10 Health, Mental and Physical benefits of outdoor adventure travel
10 HEALTH, MENTAL AND PHYSICAL BENEFITS OF OUTDOOR ADVENTURE TRAVEL
Photo by- Jamie Mc Guiness / Flickr
Seeing the beauty of Nepal is enough to keep you alive, your soul resuscitates and vibrates to the theme of the beauty of Nepal, think about trekking the Himalayan terrains to Paragliding in Pokhara, Yoga rafting in the Sunkoshi river, or how about enduro motocross or mountain biking in Upper Mustang. This is one of the best things that can ever happen to anyone. Life is beautiful when we know how to enjoy it. Recent studies have shown that a merry heart does more good than medicine. In the puzzle of this age, young people are finding it difficult to enjoy the true beauty of living, they are so engrossed in making a lot of money which is not bad in itself but living truly is examining the true beauty of your world.
What is outdoor adventure travel?
This is making the best moment of time by exploring new places, checking for what is not missing, and having a wonderful time digging out the true beauty of nature. For reference, we want to use Nepal as an outdoor adventure destination. I might sound bias but if you have done outdoor adventure travel somewhere else except Nepal or Peru, am sorry to say you are missing out on some of the world's greatest adventures. If you haven't visited Nepal and maybe while growing up you never had enough resources to visit astonishing places like Nepal, now that you're a young adult you should visit these amazing places. If you are around age 45 - 54, you would still have enough strength to explore.
Remember in as much as adventure travel is quite fun, it would require you to leave your comfort zone and might exercise you a little bit, but if you're fun-loving, you'd be happy you went for one. Before I go into the benefits of outdoor adventure travel, let me quickly take you by hand into the beauty of Nepal, if you stay outside Nepal and you're ever looking for a place to have your outdoor adventure travel, after reading this, I bet you'd be convinced to try Nepal.
1) Trekking in Nepal
Have you ever thought of walking on the toughest terrain before, the true beauty of Nature is seen when you walk and climb the terrains and you flex muscles like never before, feel the mild intensity of the weather and the cool breeze flowing? There is no beauty as such anywhere in the world. What better exercise can keep the brain and muscles alive, to keep them functioning in their best form.
2) Go for Paramotoring
Have you ever thought of flying like a bird, it takes away your fears and allows you to feel what it is to conquer the sky, it broadens your horizon and gives you one of the most beautiful sights of Pokhara and nearby hills.
3) Mountain Biking in Nepal
Mountain biking in Nepal will provide the golden opportunity to the visitors to enjoy the great natural view of the high hills along with the local settlements of the different places of Nepal. The mountain biking in Nepal will take the visitors to the local settlements of the Nepalese people where you learn their local culture and tradition and daily life. The cultural heritage and the traditional lifestyle of the Nepalese and Tibetan people can be observed through the microscopic view. The famous and usual mountain biking routes are Dhulikhel, Nagarkot, Chisapani or for longer rides, you can join our tours into Annapurna Circuit, Upper Mustang, and other different places of Nepal.
4) White Water Rafting in Trishuli river
There are places you go that boost your self-confidence, by default they allow you to face bold life challenges especially if you're between age 30-40 one of those places is the Trishuli river. The strength of the gushing white water, the terrific flow is enough to make you forget your fears and pains, life is truly beautiful when we know how to enjoy it.
5) Enduro Motocross in Nepal
Enduro motocross is fairly a new form of adventure service in Nepal. Although Nepal has more numbers of bikes than cars, local operators are tapping into new ways of adventure activities and motocross tours being one. Why not adventure travel and feel the thrill of off-road riding in Nepal with us.
6) Kayaking in Seti River
You would be wrong if you think kayaking is the same as canoeing, here the sitting position of the paddler is different, and also the number of blades on the paddle. Kayaking is interesting and makes the mind active and alert. Doing it in Nepal is uniquely different when as you are kayaking in one of the biggest tidal rivers of Nepal.
7) Go for Mountain Expeditions in Nepal
Are you ready for some real physical exercise, get your bag packs and ropes ready for some alpine climbing and let's get lost together climbing the great Himalayas and seeing Nature that will leave us mesmerized? And a lot more.
By now you should want to visit Nepal and have some outdoor travel adventure. You should know for certain these activities come with A lot of benefits which I will discuss now.
1) Get dirty!
In the 21st, too much emphasis has been placed on hygiene, and recent research shows that this might be leading to allergies and some other bowel diseases. Imagine going Rock Climbing on Nagarjuna and getting dirty. It simply means you'd be getting healthier in the real sense of it. Getting dirty improves your physical health.
2) Pack descriptions
Doctors are now handing over park descriptions to patients to help them fight some health problems, at times some doctors in Nepal would advise patients suffering from heart disease to obesity, and all other similar illnesses to have some kayaking and other outdoor travel adventure.
3) Stress reliever
John T.Andrew says a walk in Nature lowers pulse rate and stress levels more than walking in the city. The beauty and silence of nature are enough medicine for stress. In our world where the noise of automobiles and industries machines is on the hike, taking a walk around helps to release the tension on the muscle and make one stressless.
4) Prevention of Virus diseases
Studies are proving again and again that not only does nature give you the social and mental benefits of making you a nicer and happier person, partaking of it is physically good for you, too. A series of recent study results from Japan shows that taking a walk through the woods might protect you from the common cold and other viruses. It’s postulated that being exposed to phytoncides, aromatic oils with infection-fighting properties that certain trees emit, bestows immunity. In yet another Japanese study, it was found that participants had lower pulse rates and lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol after a short nature walk as opposed to taking a brief jaunt on a city street.
5) What If I told you outdoor travel adventure might give you a bigger brain.
Yes, it is difficult to believe but this is the magic of travel adventure, on a normal day as one grows older especially those around the age of 50, the ability to retain gets smaller due to the fact that the hippocampus gets smaller and thus leading to memory loss. But now, research was done on young adults within the age of 45-54 years, who walked 45 minutes daily for a year and it was discovered that their hippocampi grew on an average of 3%. Walking and hiking keep you mentally alert.
6) Outdoor travel adventure helps you to reflect better.
You can easily recall what you saw and how they look like this even helps your brain to stay active, this attribute is very important when you can reflect on your daily activities, it gives you an edge over others as you can know where to adapt quickly and adjust your life.
7) It dissolves your fear.
Imagine having a mountain climbing where you're are moving up the hill, naturally, your winning instincts comes alive and you would always want to try new things out, people who are happy going and always smiling tends to have a long happy life because they reached out for their dreams and aspirations.
8) Adventure travel feeds your dreams and builds your confidence.
The editor of National Geographic Traveler Magazine once suggested that the “Cycle of Travel” went like this: 1) dream, 2) plan, 3) go, 4) share. But no matter how many steps it takes to get there, the one thing that’s certain about traveling to spectacular nature spots is that it soon becomes addictive. Experiencing one wilderness just doesn’t seem to be enough; your soul quickly calls for more. And each time you go, you find yourself changing. Adventures build your confidence; and with each successive one, you challenge yourself just a little bit more. I would add a fifth step to the Travel Cycle: dream bigger.
9) Physical fitness.
Engaging in outdoor travel adventure like mountain climbing also help stay fit, your muscles rejuvenate and come alive, it is one of the most effective forms of exercise you can ever dream of. People who go for outdoor adventure activities are always physically fit.
10) Long life
Researchers at the University of Massachusetts recently found that going on vacation and doing vigorous outdoor activities while there may help extend your life. They found that vacations actually reduced the risk of untimely death and heart disease in a group of at-risk middle-aged men. What a convenient thing to tell your boss!
Waterfall rappelling, river rafting, world-class mountaineering, enduro motocross and more are waiting for you in Nepal. Now that you know the benefits Of Outdoor adventure travel, you might want to know about some more interesting places to go in Nepal.
Upper Mustang Hike trekking in Nepal.
Trekking/walking is beautiful and if you do it regularly, chances are you have a sharper memory even at your old age. The Upper Mustang trek brings you into the hidden world of the old Buddhist kingdom of Mustang, also called Lo. Lo used to be part of the Tibetan empire and is therefore closely tied to Tibet in culture, language and geography. The region’s isolation from the outside world has contributed to a highly preserved Tibetan culture and unspoiled nature. Mustang lies in the rain shadow of the Dhaulagiri massif creating a ruggedly arid land surrounded by rocks in all kinds of colors and impressive formations. This barren landscape is dotted with settlements of whitewashed houses, barley fields, and Chortens festooned with prayer flags which add a splash of color to the landscape. If you are not a native of Nepal, you would instantly wish you were born there. ( Click here for tour info)
Mera Peak Climbing in Nepal
Peak climbing in Nepal is one of the most fun and thrilling adventure activities to try in this paradise of mountains and valleys. In such adventure activities, the participants will be properly tied with the rope for their safety and the destination to the summit will be marked, every participant has to try their best to reach the summit so as to win the competition. ( Click here for Mera peak climbing infos )
Zip Flying in Nepal
If you ever come to Nepal and you didn't do zip flying your outdoor adventure travel is never complete, Nepal has dangle 600 meters in thin air while roaring forward at 140 km per hour 1.8 km long! The world's tallest and longest zipline! The zipline at Nepal now offers the rush of extreme zip lining, the first of its kind in the whole of Asia. Zip flying in Nepal is not just another zipline; it is the world’s longest, steepest and fastest zip-line to give you the ultimate adventure experience. The launchpad is situated at the peak of Sarangkot, Pokhara, offering the most spectacular views of the Annapurna mountain range and the Pokhara Valley. Zip flying has been in operation since June 2, 2012. Safety is the leading criteria, and the system by Zip-flyer TM LLC, USA is designed with the most advanced technologies and has delivered a state-of-the-art zipline. So get ready to experience the ultimate adrenaline rush!
What are you waiting for again, this activity will mentally keep you alive and keep your daring spirit soaring. Experience specialized guided adventure tour in Nepal with Namas Adventure.
Email us at namas@namasadventure.com for any tour info or if you would like us to arrange a bespoke/tailor-made adventure travel itinerary (Click here) to Nepal or Peru we are here to assist and help you achieve your dream adventure.
If you do have any more questions, please ask us below in the comment section or you can email us at bookings@namasadventure.com and our team will get back to you as soon as they can.
Stay well. Challenge yourself. Dare great things and live your story.
Written by - Shirle
Altitude sickness
ALTITUDE SICKNESS
Trekkers in Dhaulagiri Base Camp
As adventure travelers, we naturally have the urge to defy the challenges that we see or want to take head-on so that we can accomplish our sense of adventure. There are also times when your body defies all the expectations, all science and we do have the capacity to prove all the numbers wrong but it is wise to understand the warnings and worst-case scenarios of our daring adventures. Also, another piece of advice is just because you didn't have it on the first run doesn't mean you will not have it on your next high altitude adventure. 'Prevention is better than cure', applies in the mountains.
While trekking or mountaineering adventure you have to be aware of acute mountain sickness going into the high altitude zones. We cannot point out precisely exactly what type of person certainly suffers from this, but the signs and symptoms are there when ascending the great Himalayas peaks, Andes, or any high altitude mountains. In this post, we will cover the science behind it and some of the suggestions that have been developed so far to overcome altitude sickness. In fairness, even mountain climbers who have climbed Everest 10 + times suffer from the symptoms, they are just better at dealing with it. There is no escaping and it is normal to feel its effect but it is very important to follow the precautions and guidelines to be safe, enjoy and complete your adventure.
I met Danuru Sherpa(Senior Mountain Sherpa Leader), who has summited Everest 13+ times. Even he mentioned that headaches are normal in high altitudes. At Lobuche 4940M.
So what is Altitude sickness and its three types?
It is a group of symptoms only experienced when elevating high altitudes too quickly. We say on average people start to feel the effects from 2500M above sea level.
Lukla Airport 2860M. Don’t be surprised or discouraged if you start to feel the altitude (lightness feeling) once you land in Lukla. This will be your very first day when starting your treks or mountain climbing trip in Everest region.
Three types of altitude sickness:
1. Acute mountain sickness (2500 M +) is the mildest form and it’s very common. The symptoms can feel like a hangover-dizziness, headache, muscle aches, nausea.
2. High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE, 3200 M+) is a buildup of fluid in the lungs that can be very dangerous and even life-threatening.
3. High Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE 4300 M+) is the most severe form of altitude sickness and happens when there’s fluid in the brain. It’s life-threatening and you need to seek medical attention right away.
Symptoms of Altitude sickness?
Normal signs
Headache
Dizziness
Nausea or Vomiting
tiredness
Shortness of breath
Loss of appetite
Some of the extreme signs that need immediate attention
Face, eyes, and lips color turns dark red to blue
Extreme Stomach ache and constant Vomiting
Loss in consciousness and fainting
Do not panic, when you have any of these signs. Follow the instruction from the guides and remember your body has the capacity to overcome and adapt to the new environment. Also, do not rush on your itineraries, as longer days itinerary are designed to help your body adapt to the high altitudes and we advise our travelers not to skip their acclimatization day. It is usually placed during the rest days to climb up to 300M - 500M high so that your body adapts to the environment. So that your body adapts and develops extra red blood cells in your bloodstream which in turn helps your body and brain to better utilize the oxygen in your body.
Note - It is very important that you have the right insurance (with Repatriation) and Helicopter rescue. Helicopter rescue is very effective in Nepal. You will need to provide all your insurance details (emergency hotline) to your operators so that when needed rescue is sent immediately. Please check our trusted insurance provides page (click here). Although there has been news of scams, reputable companies/operators won’t risk this, cheap tour prices are one of the main indicators.
Himalayas, Nepal. (Ama Dablam in centre)
Prevention and treatments.
Mountains as beautiful and magnificent they are, comes with hostility and challenges which we are not used to in our daily lives. We have laid down some preventions to overcome them.
Avoid flying directly to areas above 3000M high
Avoid alcohol and heavy smoking
Drink enough water. (3l - 4l) per day.
Do not overstress your body and avoid heavy exercise.
Walk at a mild comfortable pace. ( It is not a race, you want to overcome the challenge but understanding your body and mind is important, do not let your ego take over)
Acclimatization day is important, Stop and rest when you can.
Energy or Chocolate bars are helpful
Every night before sleep, drink hot tea or water. Jasmine tea is our favorite.
If you fall sick allow your body to fall sick and get some rest, there’s natural ease when you allow your body to accept what you are feeling instead of fighting it.
Treatments
Drop altitude immediately, we recommend anywhere from 500M - 1000M.
Take bottled oxygen (Normally for mountaineering or in an extreme case)
Take medication (all our guides will be carrying first aid kits )
Control your breathing and be mindfully aware of your heartbeat.
Finally, it would also be wise to follow local ways to dealing with altitude sickness. We can share few local tips
Garlic soups are the best while trekking the Himalayas. Garlic’s natural properties assist in thinning your blood which helps for better circulation.
If you can take a spicy taste, potato wedges with spicy Nepalese chutney (local ingredient) help with headache
Try to avoid sleeping during day, try and resist the pain and sip warm Jasmine tea or water.
Dal Bhat power 24 hours, it rhymes but definitely has its benefits. The carbs give you the strength and energy needed to ascend the hills of Nepal.
And lastly, check the level of oxygen in your body when you stop for the night. All our local guides will be carrying one set of fingertip oxygen level checkers to make sure your body has the right amount of oxygen needed. Based on that and their experience, they will advise you on how to recover and give their extra needed attention for your care.
Oxygen level chart ( click here )
Note - It is very important that you have the right insurance (with Repatriation) and Helicopter rescue. Helicopter rescue is very effective in Nepal. You will need to provide all your insurance details (emergency hotline) to your operators so that when needed rescue is sent immediately. Please check our trusted insurance provides page (click here). Although there has been news of scams, reputable companies/operators won’t risk this, cheap tour prices are one of the main indicators.
Get set on your adventure into these challenging areas, be safe. Defy the odds but equally, be aware of what could go wrong equally. Happy and healthy adventures.
Live your story.