Mountain Walking Experience (Trek) in Nepal
A trek or hike in the mountains of Nepal is not a wilderness experience. It is rather a cultural and nature experience. It is a journey through various ethnic cultures, religion and geographical diversity of this small landlocked country. It is famous for God, Goddess, temples, brave Gurkha soldier, and climbers; of course the gleaming Himalayan range and Mt. Everest. There are rich varieties of flora and fauna within a limited area. Its topography starts from lowest elevation of about 100 meter in Terain plain to 5000 meter in the high mountain terrain. High peaks are from 6000 meter to Mt. Everest at 8848 meter above sea level. The mountains in the middle range are dotted with numerous villages. They are interlinked by footpaths. You use these networks of footpath made by local people to travel from village to village.
The people in the villages are friendly and hospitable. Depending upon season you come across local people in their distinctive ethnic dress and cultural festivals. On major trade routes like in Annapurna region you are likely to meet traders with caravan of mules, porters carrying construction and development materials.
The awesome Himalayan peaks will always remain with you giving fresh air and nostalgic feeling. You will be amazed to find the great contrast in hard life in the mountain and, happy and smiling face of the people. A trek in the mountain of Nepal always gives you time to reflect and think about your own life style; the trek may change the way you look at life.
The watershed area and the ridge of the surrounding hills of Kathmandu valley has several view-points that give fantastic views of the Himalayan range and opportunity to get first-hand experience to meet local people. In the dry season – autumn and spring, there is always chances to meet marriage parties, ceremonies, religious procession and cultural activities.
Short hike and trek can make suitable combination with sightseeing tours, jungle safari and rafting program. You can choose what you like to add on in your program and itinerary.
A day-walk starts from the nearest road head, hike up a ridge and continue to walk up and down the hill, through villages, monasteries, schools and forest. It is never more than 2000 meter unless you take a flight to remote place like Lukla in Everest or Jomsom in Annapurna.
In Kathmandu Valley we use road network to reach various starting points of hike. Though road are not as smooth as you like to have but it gives access to the area you want to visit. Nagarkot, Changunarayan, Dhulikhel in the east. Towards north-west you can start your trek from Budhanilkantha, Shivapuri or Kakani. In the north east the road goes to Sundarijal and Sankhu. In the south the road goes to Godavari and Tikabhairav. These roads extend beyond the places. Most of these places can be reached in an hour drive. We use these networks of paved road for our short treks around the rim of the Kathmandu valley. You can always starts and end at any points depending upon length of the hike you want to take with friends and families.
The other best short hikes are in the foothill of Annapurna, Langtang, Gosaikunda and Helambu areas. These areas are closer to Kathmandu; about 6 to 7 hour drive. Gaurishankar area near Jiri. It is another prime location for a short trek though the drives takes 9 hours. Langtang and Gaurishankar provide close-up view of high Himalayan mountain. These places have very interesting cultures and beautiful mountain-view amidst nature. There are Buddhist monasteries, oak and rhododendron forests in almost in all the above areas. Spring is especially good time to trek when wild flowers are blooming.
The short treks are suitable for all age group and physical fitness. Differently able person can enjoy the walk and experience; we have done this for a group of Israel war veterans. There are 24 short treks to choose from, or we can help you choose a suitable one.
