Nepal Tourist Seasons Information

Trekking in Nepal can be undertaken throughout the year depending on the region.
The year is divided into 4 different seasons in Nepal and each season has its distinct attraction to offer for trekking.

Autumn (Sept-Nov):
This is the time when you can expect better visibility, the air is fresh, and the weather is perfect and that the Nepalese most important festivals (Dashain and Tihar) are marked during this season The best season offering excellent weather and tantalizing mountain views.

Winter (Dec-Feb):
This season is noted for occasional snowfall and the air can be quite cold at higher elevations. Hence it is ideal for trekking at lower elevations, generally below 3000 meters and offers tantalizing mountain views.

Spring (March-May):
Trekking in spring is particularly lovely as the mountain slopes are covered with beautiful and colorful flowers and still have plenty of high snow to enhance your photos. The temperature is quite moderate and the mountain views are excellent.

Summer (June-Aug):
This is the favorite season to trek in the rain shadow areas like Upper Mustang, Dolpo and Kailash. This season is also recommended for forest researchers and botanist.

Altitude Sickness Information
When trekking in Nepal Himalayas “Altitude related Problems” are the important factors to be considered because there is always a real danger of mild to serious problems related to altitude and it is important that trekkers understand that they will be affected to a greater or lesser extent when they ascend to altitudes over about 3000 meters. Altitude sickness, often known as Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) and it means the effect of altitude on those who ascend too rapidly to elevation above 3000 meters. The victim can develop severe symptoms very rapidly if the mild effects are ignored.

I advise my clients to remember the following suggestion when you are on trekking in the high altitude areas above 3000 meters. The following are the basic symptoms of the altitude sickness and to avoid such sickness I recommend few important points.

• Basic Symptoms : (I) Loss of appetite (II) Sleep disturbance (III) Difficult to pass urine
• Medium Symptoms : (I) Headache which is bad (II) Irregular breathing (III) Nausea (IV) Mild weakness
• Serious Symptoms : (I) Slight swelling of hands and face (II) Cannot stand upright without swaying while eyes are closed. (III) Can hear gurgling sound in the chest. (IV) Zero energy.

I want to request my clients that please feel free to discuss any kind of trouble with me whether it is simply gastro-intestinal or altitude related.

What to do about Altitude Sickness ?
Altitude illness can be prevented by acclimatization; that is, by a graduate rate of ascent (not more than 400 – 500 meters), allowing sufficient rest at various intermediate altitudes. The dry air of the mountains tends to dehydrate you so an increased fluid intake is necessary. Try to drink at least four liters of water a day. On the trail you can drink hot garlic soup that will help you to some extent. When we reach to our destination it is better to make some hiking up to a bit higher point and come down to the camp or hotel. This is a really good way to get acclimatization. You may take a Diamox 250mg tablets the night before flying / going to altitude. After the symptoms will often disappear and the trek can be resumed.

If you feel obviously suffering from the serious symptoms of AMS then descent should not be delayed even if it means going down in dark. In such case, should an emergency situation arise, horse, or porter will be arranged; or I myself carry you and run to lower (descend) altitudes. There are 3 radios in Namche Bazaar, Doctors at Khunde hospital in the Everest Area and HRA Clinics and in some trekking areas also has the Gamow Bag. The hospital or the clinic will take fees or charges for such services. I can arrange for immediate evacuation, by horse or helicopter, depending on the severity of the case.

Health and Medicine Information

Trekking in Nepal need not be considered a risky affair as far as your health is concerned. Nevertheless, preventive measures such as a thorough medical check up and inoculations before you start trekking can save you from unexpected hazards. Since the remote places of Nepal are not supplied with necessities that are essential for modern medical treatment, and the rescue and evacuation procedures are usually measured in days, it is imperative to make a comprehensive First Aid Kit consisting of basic drugs and accessories as part of your gear for trekking. Various trekking guide books and the pamphlet published by the Himalayan Rescue Association give you detailed information and a complete list of medical supplies. These guide books are easily available in the book shops of Kathmandu. In case of serious illness or injury, prompt evacuation to Kathmandu (or Bangkok, Thailand if possible) is the best remedy. Modern dentistry is unknown in the hills of Nepal, so it is advised to have a checkup before departure from home. Tooth fillings sometimes loosen in cold temperatures and at high altitudes, so it is recommended to have them checked.

The following information is not intended to be a comprehensive medical guide; neither will medications and their use be discussed in any detail. Please consult your physician and get a complete check – up before your departure. Make sure that you are well prepared for the trek since lack of fitness can often lead to discomfort or illness. Something as simple as a foot blister can totally ruin a trek, not only for you but also for your companion. The vast majority of diseases that plague the trekker in Nepal are transmitted by food or water contaminated by infected human or animal. We Nepalese can drink water directly from the water tap without filtering, boiling because we used to. But you should assume that all water and uncooked foods in Nepal are infected. To make yourself an expert on health aspects of Nepal would not only be difficult but also troublesome. However, one should have some knowledge on Acute Mountain Sickness ( AMA) , Diarrhea, Giar-dia, Dysentery, Cholera, Hepatitis, Rabies, Typhoid, Tetanus, Meningitis, Diphtheria, Malaria and HIV/ AIDS. Common sense can often save lives.

Medical Kit:

• A simple but adequate medical kit can be most useful without taking much space in your baggage. The following is recommended as tried and true list of items.
• Aspirin or Panadol – for pain or fever.
• Antihistamine – useful as a decongestant for colds, allergies, to ease the itch from insect bites and stings or to help prevent motion sickness.
• Antibiotis – useful especially while trekking well off the beaten track but they must be prescribed.
• Kaolin preparation ( Pepto – Bismol), Imodium or Lomotil – for stomach upsets.
• Rehydration mixture – for treatment of servere diarrhoea.
• Antiseptic, mercurochrome and antibiotic powder or similar ”dry” spray – for cuts and grazes.
• Calamine lotion – to ease irritation from bites or stings.
• Bandages and band – Aids – for minor injuries.
• Scissors, tweezers and a thermometer
• Insect repellent, sun block, suntalotion, chapsticks and water – purification tablets.
• Throuat lozenges (Strepsils).
• Moleskin.
• Sulamyd 10% eye drops.
• Acetarninophen (Paracetamol)
• Antacid tablets.
• Diamox (altitude sickness - can be bought in Kathmandu)
• Sterile Syringe set (anti-AIDS precaution)

Trekker's Information Managment System (TIMS)
Trekking Agencies Assocition of Nepal (TAAN) and Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) implementation the Trekkers' Information Management System (TIMS) effective from 1st January 2008 with the objective of maintainning the datebase of trekkers and discouraging illegal operation in trekking industries of Nepal.As per the provision, all trekkers should have the valid TIMS Certificate that is distributed free of charge by the TIMS counters of TAAN and NTB.As TAAN informed that the TIMS mechanism would be help secure for the trekkers and only authorized trekking agents as it discourages independent trekking operator, leaders that were robbing the trekking agents off their business. On the other hand , without Government registard trekking company of Nepal , to participiate in the trekking is more hazardes/risky cuase of the individual trekking and Illegal trekking operator can't provide any kind of insurance for their staff while their staff/Trekking crews are trekking in Nepal Himalaya and if clients get problem during their trekking in Nepal Himalaya with out government Registard trekking unable to send the Helicopter for Rescue if you follow with Government registard trekking company might be more comfortable and safety jourenys in Himalayas even Illegal/ Individual trekking operator can operate the trekking in Nepal.For the effective distribution of TIMS certificates, TAAN will use the offices of all its member agents as TIMS Counter.TAAN has said that it would collect Rs. 100 per trekkers from the trekking agency against the TIMS. TAAN intends to use the collected amount for rescue, tourism awareness, publicity and administrative expenses and it will help us to ascertain the number of trekkers in a particular trekking route.

Nepal Trekking Foods Information:

There are varieties of choices of western and Asian foods dishes or a mixture of both in all the major destinations you visit. During a trek you can expect 3 full meals a day as well as well as regular tea and coffee breaks on both tea-house style or camping treks where food is freshly prepared daily. During our tea-house trek we offer a selection of tea-houses. Most teahouses cook a delicious range of mostly vegetarian fare. Of course it depends on the season and destinations you choose. But most tea-houses offers pasta, tuna bakes, noodles, potatoes, eggs, dhal bhat, bread, soups, fresh vegetables and even some desserts like apple pies, pancakes, and some interesting attempts at custard. We also are familiar with providing interesting vegetarian meals and are able to adjust to meet your requirements, for example cooking Asian dishes less spicy for children. In many larger villages you may find some meat on the menu. You can always get hot chocolate, tea, and hot lemon drinks, as well as soft drinks, and treats like chocolate and crisps. If you are on a camping trek the cook can prepare specially requested food if you advise before leaving Kathmandu. In any case, you will have similar fare to teahouses, except that along the way we may buy some fresh local produce such as fish, chicken or cheese to supplement the supplies. And the cost of all the food we prepare is included in the price of the camping treks – you can eat as much as you like. Whichever option you choose, you can be assured that the food is fresh, nutritious and tasty. We give the high priority to the health of our guests; we provide a hygienic food during our camping trek. Our cooks are well trained and very experienced at preparing both western and eastern dishes.

Annapurna and Everest regions are well developed, nice and comfortable lodges can be found all along the routes. Most lodges in popular tea-house routes offers hot shower except in remote part of Nepal. But you might not want to even taking off your cloths in high Himalayan region because of too cold. Namche Bazzar in Everest region has been rapidly changing since few years. Now you can get deluxe accommodation with attached bath rooms. In Ghorepani, Ghandruk, Jomsom and many other popular village offers luxury accommodation. Langtang region is a bit different. Lodges are more basic with small and unheated wooden boxes with double beds. In our camping treks we carry good quality two men tent, sleeping bags, down jackets, sleeping pillow, insulted mattresses and hot water bottles to ensure you are warm during the cold nights. We also carry toilet tent and dining tent with tables and backrest chairs, which provide a cozy comfortable atmosphere to eat and chat with fellow trekkers in the evening. We want to assure you to satisfy providing the quality accommodation, hygienic food, comfortable transportation, helpful and informative guides and so on.

Equipment List Information for Nepal Traveller

For Low and Moderate Altitude Trekking

Equipment and clothing:
The following equipment lists are suggested and essential for both camp & teahouse treks in the Himalayas. Make use of this list as a guideline; some of the equipment can be hired in Katmandu as well. Besides, keep in mind trekking gear can be bought in the many adventure shops in Katmandu, the majority of gear is locally manufactured (hence a lot cheaper) although it is becoming more common for gear to be imported from China and therefore of better quality.

Luggage:

• 1 large duffel bag: This will carry all your personal gear on the trek. It should be strong and durable. The best size would be around 30" x 14", with a full-length zipper and handles.
• 1 small padlock: Your duffel bag should be locked.
• 1 rucksack or day pack: This should accommodate a sweater, rain gear, water bottle, camera and accessories and any miscellaneous items you want to have during the day. We recommend a pack with at least 1450cu. In capacity, or smaller if you are not carrying a large amount of camera equipment.
• 1 small duffel bag or suitcase: Items not needed on the trek can be left at the hotel in Kathmandu. This bag should also have a lock. Be sure to leave room for purchases, or buy one in Kathmandu they have many good quality ones available

Head and Face Gear:

• Sunhat
• A Bandana
• Sunglasses
• Warm hat
• Sunscreen with a very high SPF factor
• Lip balm with a high SPF factor

Hands:

• Lightweight gloves
• Heavyweight gloves or mittens with a waterproof shell outer

Inner Clothing:

• T-shirts
• Thermal underwear- Top and bottom. Synthetic is best
• Underwear
• 2 Long shorts
• 2 Trousers- (loose and comfortable) One thin, one thick and warm

Outer Clothing:

• Down Jacket
• Fleece Jacket (or a windproof jacket)
• Waterproof jacket with a hood (or a poncho)
• Waterproof pants
• Baggy pants
• 2 pairs of gloves/mittens (1 thin and 1 thick)
• 1 sweater to be worn under the fleece jacket

Footwear:

• Light weight walking boots- (leather is recommended)
• Spare laces
• 2 pairs of thick woolen socks.
• 2 pairs of thin socks to be worn under the woolen socks
• One pair of sandals or comfortable shoes for camp

Drinking Equipment:

• 1 thermos- Water tends to freeze in ‘normal’ water bottles at high altitude temperatures.
• 2 one-liter water bottles
• Purification equipment- Boiled drinking water will be provided but further purification with iodine or purification tablets is highly recommended.

Sleeping and Carrying Equipment:

• 30-40 liter daypack
• Rucksack- Without aluminum support
• Water Proof Bag- A water proof bag to cover the rucksack
• Sleeping Bag- Please brings a bag that can resist temperatures as low as -15 degrees Celsius.

Personal Medical Kit:

• Bandage for sprains
• Plasters/Band-aids
• Iodine or water filter
• Moleskin/Second skin - for blisters
• Antiseptic ointment for cuts
• Anti-bacterial throat lozenges (with antiseptic)
• Aspirin/paracetamol - general painkiller
• Oral rehydration salts
• Broad-spectrum antibiotic (norfloxacin or ciprofloxin)
• Anti-diarrhea medication (antibiotic)
• Diarrhea stopper (Imodium - optional)
• Antibiotic for Giardia or similar microbe or bacteria
• Diamox (altitude sickness - can be bought in Kathmandu)
• Sterile Syringe set (anti-AIDS precaution)

Extras/Luxuries:

• Binoculars
• Reading book
• Trail Map/Guide book
• Journal & Pen
• Walkman
• Travel game i.e. chess, backgammon, scrabble

Toiletries:

• 1 medium sized quick drying towel
• Toothbrush/paste (preferably biodegradable)
• Multipurpose soap (preferably biodegradable)
• Deodorant
• Nail clippers
• Face and body moisturizer
• Feminine hygiene products
• Small mirror

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

The initial symptoms of AMS are as following :

• Nausea, vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• Insomnia / Sleeplessness
• Persistent headache
• Dizziness, lightheadedness, confusion,
• Disorientation, drunken gait.
• Weakness, fatigue, lassitude, heavy legs.
• Slight swelling of hands and face
• Breathlessness and breathing irregularity
• Reduced urine output.

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

Prevention of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS)

• Allow sufficient time for acclimatization (After 3000 meters)
• Don’t make rapid Ascent. Don’t go too far too fast
• No Alcohol, Sleeping pills and Smoking
• Drink more fluid 3-4 Liters a day, clean water-boiled or treated / tea / coffee / soup / juice etc.
• Climb high and sleep low
• Do not trek/travel alone, take guide/porter
• Follow the advice from your guide, hotel, local, guide book
• Descent if mild symptoms rapidly getting worse.
• Never leave or descent sick person along.
• Avoid getting cold.
• Take easy and comfortable trekking rout even it is longer.