The Nepal Himalaya has always been known as "The abode of the Gods". Many of the primordial history, religion, culture and tradition as well as legends and myths emanate from the awesome Himalaya. The Nepal Himalaya harbors many holy temples and shrines, monasteries and sacred lakes in the wilderness and remote parts of the region. These sites are frequently visited by pilgrims. It is a land of piety and stillness. The Himalayas is the youngest and highest mountain chain on earth. A full third of its stretches - the formidable Great Himalayan Range of 800 kilometers lies within the Nepal Himalaya. It has a convergence of 1310 magnificent peaks over 6,000 meters, including 8 of the world's highest 14 peaks of 8000 meters.

Nestling in the rain shadows of these unique vistas of soaring summits unravel a profusion of lofty foothills, the home of the many Nepalese who delight in warm hospitality and friendship. These verdant terraced hills meander down to lush green valleys with turbulent rivers and to the tropical lowland and jungles teeming with countless wildlife.

In its immensely diverse and undulating topography, varied climate and mix of people Nepal combines to produce a magical attraction for outsiders. Many foreign visitors come to trek one or more beautiful trekking regions. To trek, one does not have to be bizarre, neither a mountaineer nor a athlete. Anyone with a pair of strong legs, and the spirit for adventure to explore the exotic, will enjoy the thrills of trekking in the hills of Nepal. Walking in the interior of the country follows ancient foot trails which meander through the scenic river banks, intricately terraced fields and the forested ridges connecting picturesque hamlets and mountain villages. These highly developed and well defined trails have been used for centuries and are the hive of activities to come in contact with the locals.

For visitors on extended holiday and with less restraints, there is an even more varied spectrum of adventure - be it rafting on the sparking rivers, safaris in the jungles, trekking to explore deeper into the alpine valley with perpetual snow and glistening glaciers. The more intrepid traveler may venture further up to scale any of the 18 minor trekking peaks.

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REGION

Nepal offers an astonishing topographical variation with the altitude ranging from 70 meters to 8848 meters amidst a width of 193 kilometers. Similarly, within its limited area and bounds, Nepal enjoys all the climates with alpine, temperate and the tropical jungle regions determined by its incredible altitude variation.

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VISA & TREKKING PERMIT

Unlike some countries with strict visa regulations, Nepal extends trouble - free issuance of visa to all the citizens worldwide. Indian Nationals do not require visa to enter Nepal. The Royal Nepalese Embassies or Consulates abroad and at entry point's Immigration Offices provide a visa upon the presentation of a valid passport, two passport size photos and payment of Visa fees. Visa can be extended at the Immigration Department, Thamel, Kathmandu or at Immigration Office, Pokhara. A trekking permit is required to trek in any part of Nepal. If trekking is planned in two different areas, two trekking permits are needed. Each trekking permit details and outlines the trekking route and region and it is necessary that trekkers do not deviate from the prescribed routes and regional boundaries. The Department of Immigration located at Tridevi Marg, Thamel (Tel: 412337) issues trekking permit for the tourists who intend to trek any part of the country. Trekking permit fee for different trekking areas are fixed as follows.

Note: Trekking to Dolpa, Kanchanjunga, Manaslu and Mustang can be undertaken through registered trekking agencies only. Fourteen areas of Nepal have been designated National Parks; Wildlife Reserved & Conservation areas. They are; Langtang, Rara, Royal Chitwan, Sagarmatha (Everest), Shey Phoksundo, Khaptad, Bardia and Barun, Shivapuri, Makalu Barun, Annapurna. To trek in any of these area a permit is necessary which can be obtained from the Department of Immigration. There are several government registered trekking agencies in Nepal to conduct such trekking program. In order to have assumed quality and safe treks it is advisable to use them.

Working Hours
The Immigration Office is open from 10:00 to 17.00 hours from February 13th to November 16th and from 10.00 to 16.00 hours from November 17th to February 12th Sunday through Thursday. On Friday it is closed at 15.00 hours. Visa extension and trekking permit applications are accepted from 10:00 to 13:00 p.m. only. These application are not accepted after 12:00 p.m. on Friday. The Immigration Office remain closed on Saturdays and on other government holidays. It is recommended to allocate one day to get the trekking permit.

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FLIGHT TO REMOTE AREAS

Royal Nepal Airlines, the national flag carrier, offers extensive domestic air services to almost all the parts of the country; Taplejung, Bhojpur, Meghauli, Pokhara, Jomsom, Manang, Jumla Dolpa, Sanphebagar are the remote destinations where one can take a flight from Kathmandu. The other domestic airlines such as Nepal Airways, Everest Air, Necon Air, Asian Helicopter and Lumbini Airways also provide regular and charter services to different popular domestic destinations. Please contact your trekking or travel agencies for more detail.

Flight into and out of the remote areas and airports are sometimes prone to cancellation and delays due to inclement weather. It is advisable to allow some layovers day While planning a flight out of airports like Lukla, Jumla, Taplejung and Jomsom. When these flights are considered in the itinerary it is also recommended to carry extra money to buy food and accommodation in case of delays.

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TREKKING SEASON

Trekking in Nepal can be undertaken throughout the year. There are four seasons in Nepal. Each season has its distinct attraction to offer. The seasons are classified as follows:

AUTUMN (SEPT.-NOV.) This season offers excellent weather and tantalizing mountain views.

WINTER (DEC.-FEB.) This season is noted for occasional snowfall only at higher elevations. Hence it is ideal for trekking at lower elevations, generally below 3000 meters.

Spring (March - May) Different varieties of wild flowers, specially the rhododendrons make the hillside above 5000 meters a haunting paradise during this season. It is mildly warm at lower elevations and at higher elevation over 4000 meters the mountain views are excellent and temperature is quite moderate.

Summer (Jun-Aug.) Summer months, continues up to mid September making travel wet and warm. These times are blessed for the keen botanist as the higher valleys and meadows blossom with flowers and lush vegetation. It is recommended to carry insect repellent when trekking during summer months.

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MEDICAL MATTERS & ADVICE

Trekking in Nepal need not be considered risky affair as far as your health is concerned. Nevertheless, preventive measures such as a thorough medical check up and inoculations before you start trekking can save you from unexpected hazards. Since the remote places of Nepal are not supplied with necessities that are essential for modern medical facilities and as the rescue and evacuation are measured in days, it is imperative to make a comprehensive First Aid Box consisting of basic drugs and accessories as part of the paraphernalia for trekking. Various trekking guide books and the pamphlet published by the Himalayan Rescue Association gives you detailed information on a complete list of medical supplies.

These guide book are easily available in the book - shops of Kathmandu. In case of serious illness or injury, prompt evacuation of Kathmandu is the best remedy. Modern dentistry is unknown in the hills of Nepal, so it is advised to have a checkup before departure from home. Tooth fillings sometimes loosen in cold temperatures and at high altitudes, so it is recommended to have them checked.

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FITNESS

All trekking demands a level of fitness that will enable one to put a good day's walking, up hill and down. Most treks should not be taken to gain more than 300 meters in one day above 3,000 meters. There should be plenty of time during the day to cover this distance, so the physical exertion though quite strenuous at times, is not sustained. The best preparation for trekking is cycling, swimming, jogging, squash, tennis and long walks involving up and down hill. Good physical conditioning will probably help for the maximum enjoyment of the treks.

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ALTITUDE SICKNESS

Altitude Sickness, often known as Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) is particularly a important medical consideration while trekking in Nepal. Altitude Sickness means the effect of altitude on those who ascend too rapidly to elevations above 3,000 meters. The initial symptoms of AMS are as following:

• Nausea, vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• Insomnia / sleeplessness
• Persistent headache
• Dizziness, light headedness, confusion,
• Disorientation, drunken gait
• Weakness, fatigue, lassitude, heavy legs
• Slight swelling of hand and face
• Breathlessness and Breathing irregularity
• Reduced urine output

These symptoms are to be taken very seriously. In case of appearance of any of the above symptoms any further ascent should be reconsidered otherwise more serious problems can occur which can even cause death sometimes within a few hours, the only cure for the Altitude Sickness is to descend to a lower elevations immediately. Acclimatization by ascending to no more than 300 to 500 meters per day above 3,000 meters and the proper amount of rest are the best methods for preventions of AMS.

Literatures and pamphlet published by Himalayan Rescue Association consists of detailed information on AMS. The Central Immigration Office and all trekking agencies in Kathmandu distribute this pamphlet free of Cost. Since these medical also give information on the list of suggested documents supplies for trekkers it is a compulsory item for every trekkers' medical kit.

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HIMALAYAN RESCUE ASSOCIATION (HRA)

HRA is a Nepalese voluntary organization registered with His Majesty's Government to run a mountain rescue service in the mountain tourist areas. The Association's major role is the prevention and treatment of mountain sickness. The association's medical research work is undertaken by a team or foreign doctors at present.

The Kathmandu office and Information Centre of the HRA is located at Thamel. The HRA information Centre has expert and up to date information on all aspects of altitude sickness. All those intending to trek above 10,000 ft. are advised to visit the information Centre.

HRA operates two - Trekkers' Posts - as follows:

EVEREST AREA If you travel Khumbu region you can contact at Pheriche and Khunde hospitals on the main trail to Everest Base Camp, one day north of Thyangboche and near to Namche. The Aid Posts are well equipped and staffed by Western doctors during main trekking seasons. All trekkers intending to go to Kala Patthar and Everest Base Camp are advised to contact the Aid Posts.

MANANG AREA At Manang village in Manang, the Aid Post, is well noticeable and has a sign posted. Regular talks on dangers of altitude sickness are given here every alternate day during trekking season. The Aid Post is staffed by Western doctors. Trekkers intending to cross Thorong La Pass visiting the surrounding areas are advised to contact the HRA aid post either at Chindi or at Manang.

Medical, rescue transport and communication facilities
on some major trekking route are given below:

1. EVEREST AND KANCHENJUNGA TREKS
A small hospital and an airstrip at Jiri, Phaplu and Khunde (Syangboche). Similarly a medical facility operated by HRA is situated at Pheriche and Khunde. There are tale-communication facilities at Chainpur, Khandbari, Taplejung, Phidim, Bhojpur, Terhathum, Dhankuta, Dharan llam Chandra-gadi, Jiri & Khumjung Namche Bazaar.

2. HELAMBU, GOSAINKUNDA AND LANGTANG
Modern medical facilities are not available in the Helambu area. For Gosainkunda and Langtang, there is a government hospital at Trishuli Bazaar and a dispensary at Dhunche. There is telephone link to Kathmandu at Trishuli Bazaar and Dhunche. An airstrip is located near Kyangjin in Langtang Valley. The other two radio stations are on the Bhote Koshi at Rasuwa Gadhi on the Tibetan Border.

3. AROUND POKHARA, LAMJUNG, JOMSONG  MUKTINATH & MANANG
Pokhara has an all-weather airport, good telecommunication network and a modern hospital. District hospitals are located in Baglung, Basisahar and Jomsom. There is a Trekkers' Aid post run by the Himalaya Rescue Association in Manang. Additionally a small government dispensary at Hongde and Chame, the headquarters of Manang district, also serve both foreigners & locals. Airstrips are located at Jomsom, Hongde and Balewa of Baglung. There are tele communication facilities at Chame, Kusma, Baglung, Beni, Gorkha, Beshi Sahar and in trekking routes. A government hospital is located in Besi Sahar & Gorkha. The United Mission to Nepal runs a hospital at Ampipal of Gorkha.

4. JUMLA & RARA
Airstrips are located in Dhorpatan, Jumla and Simikot. There is a government hospital and telecommunication link in Jumla. A dispensary is run at Gumgadi.

All the information including fees and tariffs mentioned are subject to change with prior notice.

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