A TREK IS NPT A CLIMBING
TRIP
Whether you begin your trek at a roadhead or fly into a remote mountain
airstrip, a large part of it will be in the Middle Hills region at
elevations
between 500 and 3000 metres. In this region, there are always
well-developed
trails through villages and across mountain passes. Even at high
altitudes there
are intermittent settlements used during summer by shepherds, so the
trails,
though often indistinct, are always there. You can easily travel on any
trail
without the aid of ropes or mountaineering skills. There are rare
occasions when
there is snow on the trail, and on some high passes it might be
necessary to
place a safety line for your companions or porters if there is deep
snow. Still,
alpine techniques are almost never used on a traditional trek. Anyone
who has
walked extensively in the mountains has all the skills necessary for an
extended
trek in Nepal.
Though some treks venture near glaciers, and even cross the foot of
them, most
treks do not allow the fulfilment of any Himalayan mountaineering
ambitions.
Nepal's mountaineering regulations allow trekkers to climb 18 specified
peaks
with a minimum of formality, but you must still make a few advance
arrangements
for such climbs. Many agents offer so-called climbing treks which
include the
ascent of one of these peaks as a feature of the trek. There are a few
peaks
that, under ideal conditions, are within the resources of individual
trekkers. A
climb can be arranged in Kathmandu if conditions are right, but a climb
of one
of the more difficult peaks should be planned well in advance.
A TREK REQUIRES PHYSICAL EFFORT
A trek is physically demanding because of its length and the almost
unbelievable
changes in elevation. During the 300-km trek from Jiri to Everest base
camp and
return, for example, the trail gains and loses more than 9000 metres of
elevation during many steep ascents and descents. On most treks, the
daily gain
is less than 800 metres in about 15 km, though ascents of as much as
1200 metres
are possible on some days. You can always take plenty of time during the
day to
cover this distance, so the physical exertion, though quite strenuous at
times,
is not sustained. You also can stop frequently and take plenty of time
for rest.
Probably the only physical problem that may make a trek impossible is a
history
of knee problems on descents. In Nepal the descents are long, steep and
unrelenting. There is hardly a level stretch of trail in the entire
country. If
you are an experienced walker and often hike 15 km a day with a pack, a
trek
should prove no difficulty. You will be pleasantly surprised at how easy
the
hiking can be if you only carry a light backpack and do not have to
worry about
meal preparation.
Previous experience in hiking and living outdoors is, however, helpful
as you
make plans for your trek. The first night of a month-long trip is too
late to
discover that you do not like to sleep in a sleeping bag. Mountaineering
experience is not necessary, but you must enjoy walking.
TREK GRADATION
It becomes necessary to know which trek matches most with your physical
capabilities in order to enjoy your trekking in Nepal. Thus, we have
categorized
all our treks in the following ranks.
Grade (Easy) : Easy trekking by Himalayan Standard is generally up to
2000m.
There are plenty of ups and downs on well-maintained trails. This type
of trip
is best suited for those who leaves a reasonably active life. The trek
takes
about 3 to 7 days, walking about 4 to 5 hours a day.
Grade (Moderate) : It involves longer treks (five to ten days) on
maintained
trails. This type of trek includes perhaps day excursions to higher
elevations.
It is desirable to have some previous hill- walking experience. On these
trek,
generally we attain the altitude between 900m to 3000m.
Grade (Moderate to Strenuous) : It is a reasonably demanding trek at an
altitude
up to 4000m with side trips to higher elevations. This is classified as
ill –
defined trails, away from habitation. Grade (Strenuous) : These treks must be fully
supported. The altitude
attained between 3500 to 5000m. & this trek also involves several
night stays
above 4000m. For this trek, trekkers should be fit & enthusiastic
hill walkers
prepared to tackle difficult terrain in remote areas.
Grade (Very Strenuous) : This trek is best described as Alpine Trek.
This trek
is suitable for those in excellent health, capable of carrying a
backpack as the
treks sometime will be in very remote areas reaching crossing. During
trek, you
have to cross snow - covered passes in very remote areas or climb up to
6500m.
There it is normally desirable to have some previous experience of
handling axes
& crampons. It is essential to accept medical certificates prior to
start the
trek. |