The Himalayas are the world’s most majestic mountain ranges, with the highest peaks on earth. This vast expanse of rugged peaks is awe-inspiring, and visitors often rate a trekking vacation here among the top experiences in their lives. The word Himalaya means “abode of snow”, and with the oversized peaks here, it’s easy to see why. One third of this magnificent rocky spine lies within the country of Nepal, along with the world’s highest peak (Mount Everest) and third highest (Kanchenjunga). It’s an incredible windswept landscape of rock and ice, little touched by the works of mankind.
As you travel through Nepal, you’ll also find great valleys ringed by imposing peaks. You’ll find isolated villages a thousand years old. You’ll meet charming people, known for their culture and hospitality. A trekking vacation immerses you in the land like no other type of trip.
Mount Everest is the best known and most popular destination, and about 35,000 people a year make the trek to Everest base camp. While you may want to boast to the folks back at the office about trekking to Everest, if you want an unspoiled, uncrowded experience, consider one of the less-travelled treks in the region. With mountains like these, you’ve got a lot of options!
Trekking the Himalayas
Many people’s image of a trekking trip is a couple of twenty-somethings with backpacks, traveling through the country on a shoestring budget. You can still travel this way if you want, taking local buses to rural trailheads, and spending your nights in a tent. There are other options, now, too. In some places, there are luxury lodges where you can stay in comfort, with view that belongs on a postcard. You can also try a home stay where locals welcome you into their house for the night, and you truly get to see how the people live.
Teahouse treks are popular with people who like to carry a lighter load, and relax in greater comfort in the evenings. In a teahouse trek, you stay in a village each evening, with lodging and hot food provided. You don’t need to carry your camping and cooking gear, just your clothes and personal items. You can even have a porter to carry those things, if you really want to go light.
There are many organized group trekking vacations. This is an easy way to travel, since the entire trip is pre-planned for you, and you don’t need to worry about anything. There are guides with the trip from start to finish who speak the language, understand the local customs, and know where to go. More adventurous do-it-yourself types can plan their own trips – you get more flexibility this way, but there’s more hassle involved with organizing your accommodations, transportation, and permits.
Challenging yet rewarding treks to the Himalayas
Many treks in the Nepalese Himalayas are rated as difficult, based on the length of the trip and how strenuous the terrain is. It’s true that some routes can involve weeks of strenuous hiking, with wilderness camping along the way. There are easier paths, however, and even treks that are suitable for a family adventure. The key is to choose a trip that fits your abilities, and don’t overestimate what you can do. You’ll be happier if you’re not sore from overexertion.
The most popular months for trekking in the Nepalese Himalayas are March-April and October-November. This avoids the summer monsoon season and its torrential rains. If you travel in February or December, you’ll find fewer people and quieter trails, but it will also be colder in the mountains. When you explore this dramatic land on foot, you get to experience it up close, and the scale of the landscape is almost overwhelming. A trekking vacation to the Nepalese Himalayas is an extraordinary adventure you’ll never forget.
Are you ready for an unforgettable adventure? Nepal is all set to amaze you with its rugged wildlife, abundant fauna, and spectacular landscapes. The beauty of the mountains is beyond compare; enjoy every moment to the fullest and trek paths others haven’t had the courage to take. The Himalayan mountain chain is like a hidden paradise and you’ll have to explore its surroundings to stumble upon spectacular pathways.
About the Author
Edward is a passionate traveller and writer. He writes on behalf of http://www.shaktihimalaya.com/.