Trekking in Nepal for Beginners
A land famed for its snowcapped Himalayan giants, ever changing landscapes, diverse terrains, abundance of wildlife, and a rich cultural heritage, Nepal is known to be the trekker’s paradise.
Trekkers from all over the world visit Nepal to explore new trekking trails and push their limits as they take on challenging adventure while exploring high altitude regions and varied challenging terrains.
Known for the breathtaking adventures, Nepal is also home to some simpler trekking routes which lure beginner trekkers to explore the country’s majestic realms too.
If you too are one such beginner trekker wanting to explore the country but don’t know where to start, you have come to the right place. In this blog, we will cover all the things that you should know while trekking in Nepal as a beginner.
Why is Nepal ideal for beginner trekkers?
First and foremost, let us discuss why Nepal should be your ideal trekking destination as a beginner when you have so many best treks in the world to choose from.
Well, the diverse topography of Nepal ensures that the trekking trails have something for everyone. And worry not, as you have the liberty to customize the trek as per your liking and comfort.
There are plenty of treks ranging from gentle and low altitude treks to taxing treks taking you to high altitude areas, and you are free to choose any trek from these. The trails cater to adventurers of all levels.
Along with that, you will find a perfect tandem of adventure and accessibility here with well-marked trails, comfortable teahouses, and experienced guides and porters available for hire throughout the trek.
And to top it all, you will find yourself immersed in the local cultures as you walk around the remote villages of the treks. You will find that the people here are extremely hospitable, and you will leave with at least one friendship for a lifetime.
Understanding Trekking in Nepal
Best Season for Trekking in Nepal
Nepal features a variety of seasons, and you will see spring, autumn, monsoon, and winter in the seasonal cycle of Nepal. Not all the seasons are considered suitable for trekking in Nepal.
Usually, the months of Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November) are peak trekking seasons in Nepal due to favorable climatic conditions.
However, for some trekkers preferring solitude during the trek, winters (December to February) and monsoons (June to August) can also be a good option as the trails won’t be heavily crowded during these seasons.
But as far as beginners are concerned, we would recommend sticking to the peak trekking seasons as trekking during off seasons can be significantly more risky and does require prior trekking experience.
Yes, if you are exploring the rain shadow areas like the Upper Mustang trek or Upper Dolpo trek, you can opt for monsoon trekking. Otherwise, it is not advisable to explore beyond the ordinary for beginners.
Understanding Permits and Regulations
Before you embark on your trekking adventure in Nepal, it is important that you be aware of the permits and other trekking regulations that are put in place by the Nepal government.
You will compulsorily require permits while trekking in Nepal, and the type and number of permits varies based on the location, duration, and difficulty of your chosen trek.
A mandatory trekking permit for all the trekking routes in Nepal is the Trekker’s Information Management System (TIMS) Card which is there to ensure the safety and security of the trekkers.
Besides that, if you are trekking in national parks or conservation areas of Nepal, you will need to carry ACAP (for Annapurna region), MCAP (for Manaslu region), or other such permits accordingly. Trekking to restricted areas will require you to carry a restricted area permit (RAP) too.
Once your permit is sorted, there are other rules which are laid out for the trekkers. You need to have a licensed trekking guide in your trekking journey and only then you will be allowed to trek in Nepal, and this has been done to ensure your own safety.
Besides that, you need to indulge in sustainable trekking, stay on designated trails, avoid littering around, not disturb wildlife, and be mindful of the local traditions and customs.
Preparing for Your Trek
Now that you know the basics of trekking in Nepal, it is imperative that you know the know-how of preparing for your trekking adventure in Nepal, as no trek can be smooth without proper preparation.
Physical Preparation
As a beginner, you will find that trekking trails in Nepal are quite challenging even after preparation. So never make the mistake of going for the trek without proper physical preparation as the treks in Nepal require at least basic physical fitness.
Indulge in proper workouts at least 3 months before your trek and make a comprehensive fitness routine including exercises that can help you with the basics of your trekking.
Do cardiovascular exercises like swimming, cycling, running, and more to increase the strength of your heart and lungs as you will be trekking in high altitude areas with limited availability of oxygen.
Besides that, also include strength training and weightlifting as you will be trekking for long hours with the additional weight of your backpack on your back. It will help you build your endurance and stamina.
Focus on your core muscles, shoulders, back, and legs when exercising. Other than this, you can go for frequent small hikes or treks in nearby areas. You can also climb up and get down the stairs of a tall building.
Mental Preparation
As a first-time trekker, let us warn you beforehand that it will not be easy. Being in a new country with all these strangers and putting your body in challenging situations all day will take a toll on your mental health too.
So, you should prepare your mind for it beforehand. Engage in mindfulness exercises and breathing exercises. Try to visualize successfully conquering the trek and be prepared for some discomfort at the same time.
Packing
Once you have covered the physical and mental bases of preparation, it is time to move to another aspect which plays a crucial role in making your trek successful, and that is packing the essential gear for the trek.
While it is not possible to fit the entire packing list in this small section of the blog, we will mention the essentials that you need to carry. You can get a detailed packing list based on the trek that you are doing. For e.g.: Manaslu Circuit Trek Packing List.
Carry a good amount of clothes for proper layering to stay safe from any kind of weather-related issues. Ensure that you have a warm base layer, a basic mid layer, and a protective outer layer.
Make sure to pack good trekking footwear which is well broken in before the trek. Pair it with good base layer socks and gaiter. A footwear with good ankle support is best.
Carry a comfortable and lightweight backpack with a good rain cover. A good quality zero degree sleeping bag is crucial to tackle the challenging weather conditions of the trek.
Other trekking essentials include trekking poles, headlamps, solar chargers, sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, a first aid kit, and nutritional snacks. Make sure to carry all your essential documents.
Choosing Your First Trek
Choosing the first trek for your Himalayan adventure can be exciting and overwhelming at the same time and you might end up making mistakes and choosing a trek which is not the best fit for you. So, it is best to follow these steps to choose your first trek:
Assess Your Fitness Level
The first thing that you should consider when trekking in Nepal as a beginner is to assess your physical fitness. Be completely honest and realistic about your physical condition.
While exercising can certainly help you to attain a basic level of physical fitness, don’t expect a workout of three months to do a miraculous modification on you and set realistic goals.
It is also important that you understand that altitude affects every person differently and it can affect you regardless of your level of fitness. So, it is best to choose a trek with lower altitude as a beginner.
Determine Your Timeframe
Based on the trekking route that you are choosing, all the trekking routes in Nepal span across different durations as well as difficulty level. So, it is important to understand the timeframe that you are comfortable with.
If you have less time in your hands, you can go for a 4 to 5 days trek like the Ghorepani Poonhill Trek. But if you have ample time in your hands, you can also opt for longer treks and include proper rest and acclimatization days in between.
Set Your Budget
Depending on the duration and the popularity of the trek that you are going for, you will have a varied range of budgets. So, if you want to go for budget trekking in Nepal, pick your trek accordingly.
When deciding the budget, consider every expense including accommodation, food, transportation, guide, porter, trekking equipment, extra daily costs per day, as well as tipping charges.
Even for the same trekking route, you can make your customization in a way that it matches your budget. You can either opt for a luxury option if you have an ample budget or go for regular and budget options in case of a limited trekking budget.
Consider Your Interests
The suitable trek for you will highly depend on what you are really looking for in the trek. Assess whether you want to explore mountains, high altitude deserts, quaint valleys, lush forests, or simply engage in the rich cultural nuances of the country and pick accordingly.
Also decide whether you want to opt for popular trekking routes and be part of a big crowd or opt for the underrated trails and enjoy serenity in between the Himalayas.
Popular Trekking Routes for Beginners
Once you have considered all these things, you can pick your own options from a wide range of beginner friendly trekking routes in Nepal. If you still have doubts, we have some recommendations for you.
The first one is the Ghorepani Poonhill Trek which is best for a beginner with limited time as it takes you on a 4 to 5 days trek without much altitude gain and gives you a stunning Himalayan experience too.
The Langtang Valley Trek and Mardi Himal Trek are other relatively short and doable trek for beginners, and it will take you through diverse landscapes with a moderate level of difficulty.
Other popular options even include the Annapurna Base Camp trek, Everest Base Camp Panorama Trek, and more when planned with proper itinerary and good enough preparation.
Additional Tips for a Successful Trek
- Make sure that you are indulging in responsible trekking. Embrace the leave no trace principle and do not litter in the trekking regions as they have a delicate ecosystem.
- You are entering the territory of local people, so make sure that you respect the traditions and customs of the locals. Learn a few basic Nepali phrases like ‘Namaste’ and ‘Dhanyabad’.
- Support local businesses as their livelihood highly depends on the income generated by the trekking industry. Purchase souvenirs and meals from the local businesses.
- Regardless of how easy of a trek you choose, make sure to acclimatize well. Drink plenty of fluids and have a proper balanced diet and nutritional snacks to prevent altitude sickness.
- Carry a well-stocked first aid kit including all the necessary medications and ointments. Do not forget any prescribed medications as you might not get them in the trekking areas.
- When trekking, don’t forget to capture the essence of the region. Capture the local cultures and beauty of the landscapes with a camera. However, engage in responsible use of camera.
- Make sure that you don’t disturb the wildlife while trekking as you are the one going to their home and not the other way around.