Solo Trekking No Longer Permitted in Nepal, Except in Popular Everest Trekking Routes - Namas Adventure
According to a recent announcement by the Nepal Tourism Board, starting April 1, 2023, tourists visiting Nepal will be required to hire a licensed guide or porter before trekking through the country's wilderness. The move has been made to ensure the safety of tourists, as solo trekkers often face insecurities and are at risk of getting lost. This new regulation is expected to have a significant impact on Nepal's adventure tourism industry, particularly on popular trekking routes such as Annapurna Base Camp, Ghorepani-Poon Hill, and Langtang Valley, which are frequently visited by solo hikers.
Nepal Tourism Board FAQs - Link (Click here)
However, the Everest region seems to be an exception to this new rule. Technically, trekkers require a Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS) card for trekking or climbing in the Everest region. The local municipality has rejected this requirement and instead charges its own fee, which is then invested directly in the region. It remains uncertain whether the Sagarmatha National Park office will impose restrictions on solo trekkers in the future.
Official statement from Khumbu Municipality
In our opinion, this decision has its advantages and disadvantages. While famous trekking destinations with lower risk should be exempt from this rule, popular and less risky trek destinations, such as Poon Hill, Annapurna Base Camp, Mardi Himal, and Everest Base Camp, where the trails are clearly marked and have the presence of other trekkers, should be safe for solo trekkers. On the other hand, trekking destinations that pose higher risks, particularly in terms of altitude and are remote with few trekkers or local settlements, should require the presence of a guide. Examples of such trekking destinations include Manaslu Circuit Trek, Annapurna Circuit, Dolpo Circuit Trek, Upper Mustang, and Kanchenjunga Trek.
What are your thoughts on the New rules? Please comment below
Nutrition for Mountain climbing - Namas Adventure
NUTRITION FOR MOUNTAIN CLIMBING
Image- Namas Adventure, Mera Peak summit
Climbing high altitude mountains for both sports and recreational purposes is an immense physical challenge. Altitudes above 4000M to 5000 M are considered high altitudes and 5000M above are considered extreme altitudes. You have to be physically, psychologically, and mentally prepared. Preparing yourself by exercising and practicing techniques, getting the right gears are important parts of mountain climbing. However, to be able to make yourself stronger during training and climbing days getting the right nutrition is very important. Did you know that taking the right diet can improve your effort ability by 20% overall? It is easier said than done but when it comes to mountains and high altitude you might want to dedicate yourself to this regime of the right amount of exercise to make you physically fit and eating well. The right nutrition is another factor in your performance.
“ Did you know that taking the right diet can improve your effort ability by 20% overall”
Image by - Brad
Research has shown that when climbing high altitude mountains climbers can burn anywhere from 6000 - 10,000 calories per day. Losing weight is very normal and you will have to gain your strength back quickly. Your digestive system won’t work the same way as it does at a lower altitude. Your system will want to reject food as it does not want to put in much effort and forcing yourself to eat is necessary. Carbohydrate (carbs) is your best friend when it comes to nutritional value but also do not forget the proteins and fats. You will have to snack a lot with easy-to-absorb carbs, hydrate often, during your climbing hours, and when you rest during dinner at your camps more carbs and proteins. Fill up that glucose in your body as it stores fats in your body which your body will use when needed or during the hard push.
“60% - 70% of your meal nutrition should be carbs, 20-30% proteins and 5% - 10% fats”
Recommendations
High carbohydrate foods - Rice or whole grain products, bread, pasta, fruits rich in natural sugar ( banana, oranges, blueberries, grapefruit, apple) sweet potatoes, potatoes, milk, Quinoa, kidney beans & chick peaks.
You can also pack dried frozen dried meals that are easily packable, 90% lighter, preserve the natural taste, gives you nutritional value. Easy to prepare, just pour boiling water, stir and wait about 10 minutes, and feast on it. This is highly practical as it makes logistical planning much easier. We recommend (LYO FOODS) they have some great options, especially for mountaineering.
Proteins sources mile & cheese, meats, tofu, eggs, lentils and seeds, and nuts.
Fats source dried meats, butter or ghee, chocolate, olives.
Keeping yourself hydrated throughout is very very important. You will sweat a lot, we recommend you to intake anywhere from 4l- 6l of water every day. Just drinking normal water is not enough. It is necessary to add hydrating tables with electrolytes in your water. Products recommended ( SIS hydration tablets, Nunu Hydration tablets )
Mini brunches when hiking/climbing for 6- 10+ hours is very crucial. Your body quickly burns all the nutrition within 2-3 hours and you will need to often replenish those nutrients. You will need foods that don’t have to be cooked, easily packable, and rich in nutrition. Bananas, chocolate, nuts& seeds, jerky or dried meat, hydration tablets, energy gels, and bars are highly recommended. Every night prepare it in a sealed bag or an area of your backpack where you can store and reach them easily. These superfoods will give you that much-needed energy, thus, you’ll feel active for a longer time.
I hope this article was helpful. It is very important that you pay attention to your diet nutrition especially during your climbing days. Remember to take in a lot of carbs during your trekking/expedition lunch or dinner time. Snack a lot, almost like a mini brunch every 2-3 hours, to give your body a constant flow of energy and stay hydrated (add hydrating tables) every time. I personally have suffered during my climbing days for not eating well or not staying properly hydrated. So I hope you can follow the suggestion and enjoy your climbing. During your trekking/expedition on all our itineraries, meals with these nutritional values are served at the lodges we rest or during camping. Extra food is always helpful. Please ask our team how much you will need to personally pack.
One more thing, do not intake any alcohol, especially during your climbing days. You will see Sherpas or porters who have always been climbing drink but you need to remember that their bodies have always been through this every year in and out. So comparing it won’t help, instead, save it for the last and enjoy your beer after your climbing is finished when you return to base camp or the nearest lodging area.
Also, please carry your waste with you all the time and dump them on your next village or lodging spot. Encourage your team not to litter the mountains as the waste might never be removed from these remote and pristine areas.
Keep exploring, eat well take on that challenge. Mountains are calling. Go live your story.
References -
https://lyofood.com/blogs/lyofood-blog/nutrition-at-high-altitude?welcome
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/12-healthy-high-carb-foods
Written by - Bisesh
15 Important things to know about Everest Base Camp
15 IMPORTANT THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT
EVEREST BASE CAMP
Everest Base Camp 5340M
Climbing Everest Base Camp has been an iconic destination for many adventure travelers. I have had the luxury of traveling to Everest base camp since it was on my dream adventure list before heading into higher mountains. Through my experience of trekking solo and other times guiding with fellow Sherpa leaders, I want to share some valuable tips that will make your trip easier.
Tips are in no particular order, they are just written down as I learned them through my experience.
1. Bring cash USD and Rupees
If you have booked your tour with a travel/tour agencies then all your necessary expenses are covered. But you would want to bring in extra cash just in case you want to buy anything that is not included in your package (ie alcohol, chocolate, or energy bars). If you are traveling solo then Nepalese rupees is a must, I would recommend around (Rs 1 Lakh 50 thousand or $1500). You want to make sure you have enough cash to tip your guides and porters and for any unplanned events.
2. Get insurance
Buying normal travel insurance and travel insurance for Everest base camp is hugely different. You will be standing at 5,644.5 m (18,519 ft) above sea level and on top of that, you are traveling to one of the most remote and rugged regions on Earth. There is no vehicle roads there so the only option is helicopter evacuation or the other option is a painful Dzo/mule ride down the terrains. High altitude-related illness, accidents, diarrhea, cough, and natural disasters like avalanches and rockfalls, are expected while trekking in Everest Base Camp. My best suggestion is to get the travel insurance that covers helicopter evacuation, repatriation, and independent trekking (if you are going solo) up to 6000 m (18,510 ft) and higher if you are doing side trips to Mt Lobuche, Mera, or Island Peak. It is very important to spend some time going over terms and conditions that could ease the process should you need to claim it back.
3. Flight to Lukla and buffer days ( Very important )
Weather conditions in the Himalayas can change rapidly and aviation schedules are not as reliable as you might expect. The flight between Kathmandu and Lukla where the Everest Base Camp trek starts is frequently delayed and maybe canceled for the day or several days in succession. In the event your flight is canceled you will need to either rebook your flight for the following day or attempt to get you on a chartered helicopter. You are responsible for the extra costs of helicopter flights which might be $250 - $400 per person or more. If you end up taking a helicopter instead of your flight you can ask for a refund of $150 of the flight fare. A similar case applies when you want to return from Lukla to Kathmandu. If you have booked your trip with travel/tour agencies like ours then the reps from the company should give you these options and take care of the refund amounts.
This happened to me when I was at Lukla, waiting for my flights back to Kathmandu. Flights were canceled due to poor weather. Some people were stuck in Lukla for 2 days waiting with no way out. If they had to fly the next day home, they would have missed their flight. So we chartered the helicopter to get back to Kathmandu.
Best seat - Sit at either the front or back of the plane on the left-hand side when flying to Lukla for best views. The Himalayas are on the left and the front and back are not obscured by the wings of the plane. Sit here for your first glimpse of Mount Everest before your trek. It will help to build excitement and the view is awe-inspiring.
4. Buy the right gear. ( Do not compromise on quality gears)
I highly suggest you buy the right clothing and gear before coming to Nepal. But even if you forget or wish you do not want to carry all those loads all the way then everything you could possibly need to climb to Everest Base Camp is available in Nepal. If you need it or forgot it, you can get it in Kathmandu. Check out our gear checklist blog.
5. Filtered water bottle
I cannot stress enough the importance of a filtered water bottle when coming to Nepal. You do not want to be buying plastic water bottles every time so instead, use bottles like (Life-straw or similar brands) which I find it is a lifesaver where ever I go in Nepal. Save the environment by not using plastic bottles and save money by using water from natural sources.
6. Pack a map and books to read
You will want to reference regularly, check altitude symptoms, illnesses, your route, and what to expect. Trekking to base camp takes several days and it can get a little boring at times. You may only have the energy to lay in bed and read a book, so bring a good one. You can buy books in Kathmandu and at Namche Bazaar.
7. Hand-wipes and sanitizer.
Showering is really not recommended in high altitude cold temperatures. You won't be showering much. Nobody does on Everest after their fifth day of the trek or until their 11th day. Showers are not very appealing at -10 degrees Celcius and you won’t be getting proper shower facilities after Namche Bazaar. Hand wipes and hand sanitizer are lifesavers, keeps you clean and smelling fresh.
8. Give ways to Yaks and Sherpa's at all times and traffic on trails
When trekking a yak train comes, move to the mountainside to get out of the way. You don't want to be nudged off a cliff by a yak or get hit by one. Sherpa's and porters work hard on the Everest trail, they are constantly taking supplies up and down the mountain. Help make their life easier by staying out of their way.
Everest trail is one of the most famous trails in Nepal and during the peak season the region welcomes around 15 - 20 thousand travelers. So you should expect a bit of traffic and don’t be surprised by so many travelers. The busiest month is April as it is the only time for mountain expeditions so a lot of mountain climbers will be heading up the route and October is another busiest month. So, if you want to avoid traffic plan your trek around early March, September, or towards November and December.
9. Keep batteries close to your body.
Sleep with them in your sleeping bags. Charging batteries is very expensive per hour (almost $5 per hour) The cold drains batteries quickly, extends their life by keeping them warm. Charges for batteries near or below Namche Bazaar 100-150 NPR/hour – Closer to Base Camp 300 NPR/hour
10. Everest viewpoints
Mount Everest, Nuptse, Ama Dablam seen in background
Everest is only visible from a few points during the Everest Base Camp trek. On your acclimatization day at Namche make sure you take the acclimatization hike to Everest view point hotel for an amazing panoramic view of Everest and other Himalayan ranges. Tengboche is another site from where the tip of Everest will be visible and the finally the mighty walk to Kalapatthar where the long stretch of Everest and Himalayas are right in front of you. Hike early and take your photos in the early hours for your memories to last forever.
11. Rewards yourself give yourself a few days after the trek before you have to fly home.
After you have walked all that way, you might as well encourage and reward yourself. After my Everest Base Camp trek, I stayed in a beautiful, cozy Dwarikas Resort in Dhulikhel with a hot shower, super comfy bed, massage, and a moment to myself. It added a sense of fulfillment, happy energy, excitement to see more, reflect, and added encouragement to explore higher mountains. I feel it is important to encourage and motivate yourself to do the things you want to do and once you accomplish it, reward and enjoy yourself. The entire journey of the Everest base camp trail is an experience in itself. There is something to admire about every turn. The regions monasteries, cultivated fields, grazing yaks, hot momos, Dal Bhat overlooking stunning mountains, the experience of trekking the rugged terrains with giant mountains, the view from Everest Base Camp, Kala Patthar, smiles of the locals, to fellow trekkers. Slow down every now and again to look around and take in the giant mountains, gorge, river, shops, homes, and life that all happens right along the path. There is nowhere else in the world like it.
12. Respect local culture
During trekking, you are exposed to new cultures and traditions. A lot of the way of doing things won’t be your way of doing so go with an open mind. When trekking Prayer rocks, walls and flags are meant to be kept to the right at all times. Also, ask before taking any photographs, many people do not want their photos taken.
13. Back to basics
I would highly suggest not to rely on WIFI or internet connections. Firstly wifi connection is very slow after Tengboche and expensive. 500 MB costs Rs 500 ($5) which to my experience is just not worth it. The other thing to keep in mind is that charging your phone will also cost you and the prices increases, the higher you go the higher the prices. So, staying out of touch with the post of the world and just living the experiences and not worrying about anything would be the best way to enjoy the trek. You may have the urge to share everything in that moment but this is the perfect moment to be in nature and allow yourself a digital detox, which is healthy for your mind and body.
14. Physically demanding than you think.
The terrains of the Everest region is raw and rugged. Reaching the lap of Mount Everest, the highest peak on Earth, is not easy but definitely doable with the right training preparations and will. Read our blog post on training for trekking in Nepal. It isn't recommended if you have knee problems or weak ankles because of steep ascents and descents, rocky paths, a lot of rock steps, and some moraine walking. Plus, people carrying significant extra weight are likely to struggle with this trek at altitude.
15. Prepare for altitude sickness.
Make sure you take the acclimatization rest day and the acclimatization hike day. There are fewer ways to prepare yourself for high altitude, so the rest days in your itineraries are a must. Please read our blog post on altitude sickness.
I hope the pointer listed above will help you when preparing for your Everest base camp trek. You have made one of the best decisions and you will not be disappointed, that I can promise. Stay healthy and fit. Enjoy your adventure and take lots of pictures. This will be a memory for a lifetime. Who knows you might be inspired to go higher and go on other challenging adventures.
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.
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.
Summer Adventures in Nepal
Photo by Jamie McGuinness of Phoksundo lake Dolpo.
As most of the world gears up for the June - July summer holidays, and as a traveler, if Nepal is on your travel list during these months then we have a handful of recommendations. Monsoon season usually starts from mid June/July ending during the last week of August. during these months it will rain heavily but luckily not every day. Nevetheless, there is something magical in the air at this time and the most pristine and less traveled trek sites open and accessible during monsoon season. Adventure all around Nepal resumes from September.
So, where can I go in Nepal during June - August?
Below are some of the amazing trek sites you can access during your summer holiday. ( Note * - for trekking adventures please have additional days as contingency plan on your itineraries, as travel disruptions are likely to happen with local transportation due to chances of landslides in highway connecting routes).
Trekking adventures
The best part about trekking during June - August is the small number of crowds (to no crowd) in all trekking sites. Trekking can be done in the region where it falls in the Himalayan rain shadow, meaning there is no rainfall in these areas of Nepal.
Upper-Mustang ( 17 Days )
Months during summer ( Monsoon in Nepal ) recommended: Early June and Mid August
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 kind of colours 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 colour to the landscape.
The trail follows the ancient salt caravan route through which the people of Mustang traded Tibetan salt for grain from the lowlands. The goal of the Upper Mustang trek is the capital of Upper Mustang, Lo Manthang. From the pass Lo La (3950 m) you can see the walled medieval capital in the distance, the white-washed 6-meter tall wall sticking out in sharp contrast to the barren landscape. Upper Mustang is one of the driest region in Nepal and this is the only time of the year where the floras and faunas bloom which occurs due to light rain sprinkles brought by the escaped monsoon clouds from the Himalayas.
If you would like to travel to Upper Mustang region, we have fixed departure dates announced. ( Click here ) for detailed trekking adventure information.
Annapurna Circuit ( 17 Days )
Months during summer ( Monsoon in Nepal ) recommended: Early June and Mid August
The Annapurna Circuit - appropriately known as Nepal's classic trek - offers more variety than any other equivalent length trek, and will take you through virtually every type of scenery that Nepal has to offer. You will witness superb views of the Annapurna and the Dhaulagiri mountain ranges and an amazing variety of landscapes varying from sub-tropical through alpine peaks to an arid semi-desert akin to Tibet. The climax of the trekking involves crossing the iconic Thorong La Pass (5416m). The majority of the trip will be based in tea-houses throughout the route where you will also get time to spend in villages inhabited by many of Nepal's different peoples, both Buddhist and Hindu. Like Mustang region, this is the only time of the year where the floras and faunas bloom which occurs due to light rain sprinkles brought by the escaped monsoon clouds from the Himalayas.
If you would like to travel to Annapurna circuit, we have fixed departure dates announced. ( Click here ) for detailed trekking adventure information.
Dolpo and Phoksundo ( 30 days )
Months during summer ( Monsoon in Nepal ) recommended: Early June and Mid August
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 an 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. Bonpo religion is the oldest spiritual tradition of Tibet. It is very closely related to Buddhism but has more shamanistic and animistic influences contributing much to the region’s mythical appeal. Due to its remote location, Dolpa is still an “off the beaten track destination”. Tourists are few and far between, especially in the summer months. The Dolpa Circuit is a quite strenuous trekking with some steep climbs. The trail ascends to two high passes, Numa La (5318 m) and Baga La (5190 m). These crossings involve long climbs and long descents. That being said, the scenery on the way, the views from the passes and the encounters you will have with the Dolpa people will make it all worth it. Camping is recommended for this trek. There are basic guesthouses in Juphal, Dunai, Lingdo, Dho Tarap, Ringmo, close to Sanduwa (next to the Amchi Hospital), Chhepka and Kageni. At the other places, you will have to camp.
If you would like to travel to Dolpo region, we have fixed departure dates announced. ( Click here ) for detailed trekking adventure information.
Soft Adventures ( Culture and tours )
Kathmandu is open for tourism throughout the year. If you are looking for short relaxed local guided tours with spells of cultural activities in your travel plans then tours like temple run ( click here ) and visiting monasteries, UNESCO heritage durbar squares, museums are recommended.
Also, tours around outskirt villages of Kathmandu are possible. Paddy plantation festival falls around mid-July every year and this can be experienced around this time of the year. This is one of the activities that is unique and has been drawing attention for authentic travel experience.
To plan your adventure, please email us at namas@namasadventure.com for travel advise and other expert advice on adventure travel recommendations.
Written by - Bisesh Gurung / Founder
Credits:
Pictures by
Dolpo - Jamie McGuinness (https://www.flickr.com/photos/jamie8848/albums)
Dolpo - Mayriam Kaba
Upper Mustang - Jamie McGuinness (https://www.flickr.com/photos/jamie8848/albums)
Annapurna circuit: Huey yoong (https://www.flickr.com/photos/bluryee/)