Alternative routes to Everest Base Camp - Nepal

Alternative routes to Everest Base Camp - Nepal

EBC tour 2019

EBC tour 2019

When it comes to Everest trails, the Everest base camp route is the one with the most adventurers from around the globe. In 2018 the region welcomed 57,000 travelers, which is only set to grow more and more in coming years. This is my third time visiting Everest base camp with my group and I can clearly see the trails getting busier every year. I get it, it is a bucket list for a lot of us, that is why we want to go there. Which I clearly admire and just seeing the mountains and taking up the challenge can be an inspiring adventure. But when it comes to the trails the busyness and the crowd is something you won’t be expecting, believe me especially if it is your first time. The great news is that there are alternative routes to go to Everest base camp apart from just the normal trekking route. The only trade-off is 4-6 additional trekking days in your itinerary but it will be totally worth it. You can avoid 70% of the crowd, will be more challenging than just Everest Base camp but more adventure for yourself.

(Click on image for more tour infos)

Gokyo with Everest Base Camp - 20 days

My first recommendation is the Gokyo trail with Everest base camp. Once we visit Everest base camp we break away from the rest of the group trails from Lobuche (Day 12). Taking you through Cho-la pass and then on to Gokyo valley. This trip sums up all the mesmerizing beauty of the Everest region. The Gokyo Lakes region at the head of the Dudh Koshi Valley provides a great alternative to the popular Everest Base Camp trek. It is a more tranquil trek through the Sherpa heartland that affords ample time for acclimatization with opportunities to savor mountain panoramas from our private permanent campsites. The highlight of the trek is our ascent of Gokyo Ri. From the summit, at over 5000m we gain superb views of Everest as well as the 8000m peaks of Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu in Tibet. Many trekkers will argue that this is one of the finest views in the Himalaya, with the awesome bulk of Everest dominating the skyline.


Three Passes Trek - 22 Days

Renjo la pass ( 5345M), Photo by- Tomislav Gracan

Renjo la pass ( 5345M), Photo by- Tomislav Gracan

If you are up for a bit of a challenge crossing 3 passes in the Everest region, visiting the emerald Gokyo lake, and then finally arriving in Everest base camp then three passes are the right option for you.

The Three Passes Trek to Everest Base Camp is arguably one of the most challenging treks in the Everest region. The trek covers a lot of variation making a traverse between the three high passes, that is how it’s named – Renjo La, Cho La, and Kongma La – each over 5,000m. The trek begins at the famous Lukla and then heading towards the famous Namche Bazaar. Here, the route splits from the main trek and heads up the Dudh Koshi valley, where you will encounter the first of the Three Passes – Renjo La (5,370m). After reaching the high point, the trail descends to the turquoise Gokyo Lakes and further on to the village of Gokyo.

I hope this article helps you in making an informed choice about visiting the Everest region and you can make alternate plans when visiting the Everest base camp. There is no way to escape the crowd during the trekking season but the alternatives routes take you on a different trail that exposes you to other gems of Everest trekking tails, which 80% of the crowd visiting won’t be attempting.

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.

Read More

7 remote trekking destination in Nepal - Namas Adventure

7 REMOTE TREKKING DESTINATION IN NEPAL

Photo by - Jackson Ho

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

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

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

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

12655495123_334bdfca77_o-min.jpg

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/

Read More

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.

Read More

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 

IMG_6019.JPG

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

 
Read More
adventures in nepal, adventure, life Namas Adventure adventures in nepal, adventure, life Namas Adventure

Altitude sickness

ALTITUDE SICKNESS

Trekkers in Dhaulagiri Base Camp

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.

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.

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)

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.

fwarrenphinney1.jpg

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. 

Read More

Nepal under £1000 | $1500

Pic - Benjamin / everest region

Pic - Benjamin / everest region

Planning your Nepal adventurers this 2018 and you are wondering what can you do under £1000 in the culturally rich mountainous country? We narrow our all-inclusive and activity tours that can be done under your £1K ( $1450 or €1150 ) budget and it is not just the one type of adventure (i.e. trekking ). Nepal does not compromise the essence of adventure whether you are there for 1 week or plus. Below are some adventures listed.

Everest Base Camp (5380 M)

Price £990, 14 days

IMG_6019.JPG

Yes it's true, Everest base camp the most well known can be experienced just at £990. When ever travelers think of Nepal, Everest base camp is the first thing which comes the mind. No, you are not climbing the mountain but rather just reaching the base camp, which is at 5380 M ( 17,600 ft) high. Yes, the most famous bucket list adventure is just got more afforadble!

We have set departures to Everest base camp, ( click here ) more infos.


Annapurna Base Camp (4310 M),

Price £720, 12 Days

David Min.jpg

The most famous trek after Everest base camp. This trek is vastly different from Everest region considering the landscapes, culture, heritage and the Himalayas. Annapurna is one of the most varied trek in Nepal from arid-desert land to hot springs. Travelers go through the villages which are mostly resided by the Gurung tribes, compared to Everest region which is mostly occupied by Sherpa tribes of Nepal. 

We have set departures to Annapurna base camp, ( click here ) more infos.


Mardi Himal trekking (4500 M),

Price £750, 11 Days

25101897698_bd1a35dc51_o.jpg

Mardi Himal is one for the adventurers who seeks something new. This trek site is slowly gaining attention from adventure seekers. If you are one looking for off the beaten trek route, this is be your option until it gets will surely get the massive influx of adventurers.

To enquire about Mardi Himal trek please email us at namas@namasadventure.com ( Minimum 2 bookings required)


Poonhill trekking (3210 M)

Price £650, 8 Days

5A733C98-5CB5-4DEF-9701-8AE33580B539.JPG

Poonhill is considered the most luxurious trekking site of Nepal. It is the shortest and quickest trek sites which takes adventurers closest to the Western Himalayas of Nepal. One highlight is the 3000 steps from Tirkhedhunga to Ulleri, and of course the final day Poonhill itself for panoramic view of western Himalayas of Nepal.  

To inquire about Poonhill trek please email us at namas@namasadventure.com (Minimum 2 bookings required)


Motocross Adventure, Hills of Kathmandu.

Price £ 999, 6 Days

x3.jpg

This one is for the riders and frankly it is also a unique introduction to the biking terrains of Nepalese hills. Motocross adventure itineraries are considered amongst the most extreme in Nepal. Nagarkot and Shivapuri still gives you the thrill of dirt bike adventure, which we recommend for beginners to moderate experienced riders. While a fairly new development for tourist adventurers, Nepalese people tend to always explore as bike riders rather than 4 wheel drivers. 

To inquire about Motocross Adventure, please email us at namas@namasadventure.com (Minimum 5 bookings required)


Mountain Biking Nagarkot,

Price £ 145, 2 Days 1 Night

mtb nagarkot 4.jpg

This Nagorkot tour is for the adventurers interested in culture, sightseeing and mountain views but also enjoy their cycling. Nagarkot is famous for is wide-ranging views of the Himalaya from Annapurna in the west to Everest it the east. From Kathmandu you ride along the flat river valley behind Thimi, through a series of back alleys and walking tracks. Once in the ancient town of Sankhu, we climb up from around 13 km on a mix of dirt road and jeep road to Nagarkot. 

We have set departures to Nagarkot MTB everyday, (click here) more infos. Minimum of 2 bookings required.


Yoga Rafting

Price £ 950 | 11 Days

y4.jpg

Yoga rafting is a new concept and the customer satisfaction has been overwhelming. Nepal being a very spiritual country, Yoga is an activity that has been integrated into trekking and now in rafting activities. Your day starts with an early sunrise yoga session that warms up the body and prepares us for a day of paddling on the beautiful river, whilst immersed in the most beautiful scenery. Practicing sun salutations with the rays of the Himalayan sun on your face will awaken your body as well as your spirit. This rafting trip is at grade II river and is beginner-friendly. This trip focuses on your body, mind and soul's health, wellbeing and awakening.

This is an exclusive tour and our teams only runs it few times in a year. For more information about the trip ( click here ) .


Rafting, Canyoning and Kayaking

Price £ 250, 3 Days

grg adv raft.jpg

Nepal is considered to be one of the largest source in fresh water relative to the land mass base. You can guess where the waters mostly come from, of course the great Himalayas! The condition is perfect for river based adventures. Rafting and Kayaking in the rivers of Nepal has always been there, but hasn't gained its fair share of attention amongst adventurers as trekking. Maybe we are pushing it but this one is for the adventure thrill seekers.

We have set departures for Rafting, Canyoning and Kayaking everyday, (click here) more infos. Minimum of 2 bookings required.


Bungee jump, Canyoning or rafting

Price £ 210, 2 Days 1 Night

LR30.jpg

Consider the hills and the hanging bridges of Nepal and its height. All in all, Nepal has the perfect condition for the crazy adventure seekers. Currently there are only 2 bungee sites in Nepal with Last Resort being the 2nd highest in the world. This one is for the one who dares and seeks the thrill of height and jumps. Maybe it is never too late to give it a try. 

To inquire about bungee, canyoning or rafting, please email us at namas@namasadventure.com . Minimum of 2 bookings required .

Ready to adventure travel Nepal this year !? Our team is here to answer all your adventure calls, lets talk adventure.

Written by - Bisesh Gurung (Founder)

 

Read More