What is Trekking

A TREK IS NOT 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.