Photo credit: Caitlinn van der Kuilen
Trekking in Nepal is on people’s bucket list for a reason. Not only does it introduce you to a one of a kind adventures in an ancient land and culture, but it is also an unforgettable experience in nature with both jungle and mountainous terrain. Exposing yourself to the home of the Himalayas is being open to the idea of a physical, mental and emotional challenge. With its potholed roads, torrential rains, many bugs (yes!), extreme temperatures, and challenging trekking routes Nepal is not for the faint of heart. That said, the incredible vistas, heartwarming locals, and deep-rooted culture make every minute worth it.
To be prepared for this hiking adventure here are some tips and tricks to have the best experience.
Trek Nepal with a flexible mindset
In Nepal, not everything happens as planned. Traffic can be seemingly impossible, luggage can get lost, flights get delayed, service can be slow, sickness can happen. Tip number one is to have a mindset of patience and flexibility when the mishaps happen. Build in space to your itinerary and don’t over plan. Be mentally and logistically prepared for the various factors you can’t control, like the weather, any injuries or accidents, and infrastructure. Remember, once you decide to travel somewhere unknown, it is helpful to open up to a mindset of the inevitable. Not everything will follow according to plan, but that is the magic of adventure and stepping outside your comfort zone. You will learn from experience and slowly become better when dealing with bumps on the road.
Photo credit: Caitlinn van der Kuilen
Keep cash on hand
Always have local currency at hand while trekking. While in the mountain, you won’t be able to access places for money exchange. You’ll need cash for bathrooms, food along the trail, your accommodation, and mementos you might want to buy like a warm yak scarf or jewelry made from old Tibetan coins. It’s also helpful in the city or small towns to have cash for little local shops where you can find unique and traditional souvenirs like thangka artwork and singing bowls.
Stay nourished & hydrated
It’s extremely important to consistently drink water during your trek as dehydration can take a toll on your body and affect the rest of your trip. Teahouses will have nourishing options like chai with yak milk, ginger and lemon tea, and curries made with local herbs and greens. Trekking in Nepal is a physical challenge and it is critical to properly fuel the body. Along with hydration, consume nutrient-dense snacks that will make you feel energized and strong while trekking.
Also, remember that tap water is not potable in Nepal. To avoid plastic waste, which is a major environmental concern in Nepal, use a water filter like the Grayl.
Photo credit Ashley Blake
Be aware of altitude sickness
If you’re hiking above 8,000 feet (2400 meters) be aware of Acute Mountain Sickness. AMS is a condition that happens when your body is not capable of handling high altitudes and its symptoms include dizziness and nausea, headaches and even vomiting. Therefore, it is important to climb slowly in order to acclimatize during the trek, with plenty of rests.
Prepare for a challenge – in body & mind
Trekking in Nepal is not only physically challenging with many steep climbs and stairs and extreme temperatures but also has obstacles that can mess with the mind. Do you know what happens in the Annapurnas when it rains? Leeches come out! While these little suckers won’t actually physically make you sick, they’re a mental challenge, to say the least. Prepare your mindset in a spirit of calm and groundedness.
Looking for a challenge and adventure in Nepal? Check out our small group itinerary here!
