Month: May 2019

Wondering how to make trekking cheap in Nepal? We provide few secret tips for cheap trekking in Nepal for the first time.It is true, boycotting the trekking agency and trekking as a backpacker makes the trekking cheap in Nepal. But in sake of saving couple of bucks does traveling alone worth? However, we do not discourage solo trekkers in Nepal citing security or any other reasons. Besides security concern, there are many more benefits a trekker can get booking a trekking through local-based trekking agency and organizer. More importantly, fierce competition among the trekking agency of Nepal can make trekking significantly cheap. As well, Nepalese economic heavily rely on tourism and of course it is not unusual to expect some direct benefits and contributions from travelers and trekkers. Specially community, society, people dependent on tourism industry of Nepal. Our suggestion, use trekking agency/organizer and save the money as well. Mutual benefits.

We respect your heard earnings and suggest you to spend wisely. We genuinely don’t say these given points are milestone to cut-down price of trekking in Nepal. But we can say, out of many more options there, these are few reliable and easy secret tips for cheap trekking in Nepal.

1.Making trekking group size as large as possible.

This is one of the biggest secret for cheap trekking in Nepal. More friends in your group, cheaper the price. Any trekking agency will consider the quoted price if you have big group of trekkers. Say if you have a group of 10 people you will get better deal. Once you are trekking in larger group the price is equally shared. Guide/Porter cost, hiring private car, sharing room and so on.

So, we suggest a trekker, spread your message of “travelling to Nepal” as much possible in between family, co-workers and colleagues. Moreover, ask them to join to trek to Nepal. There is nothing wrong giving them a call, sending email and informing about your plan. Planning 6 months in advance is the best way so everybody can have enough time to decide and make necessary adjustments. Principle of booking flight tickets apply as well in booking trekking in Nepal. Early booking is secret tips for cheap trekking in Nepal.

2.Selecting (Choosing) less crowded itinerary/trekking region/number of trekking days

Selecting less crowded itinerary or trekking region is another secret tips for cheap trekking in Nepal. It is hard yet possible. Ranking cheap trekking region Langtang trekking region< Annapurna trekking region< Everest trekking region. Also, the number of days is important. Longer the trekking itinerary, cheaper the price. For example, there is massive chance a trekking agency will provide cheap price to Annapurna Round trekking in comparison to Annapurna Base Camp trekking. Here number of days play important role. However, if you have already decided the trekking region/ itinerary/ number of days it is worthy to ask for few considerations. After all, Nepali proverb says “customers are god”.

3.Booking medium-priced hotel over five-star hotel

This is not in actual secret tips for cheap trekking in Nepal. In a sense everybody are aware about it.There is nothing new to explain in this topic. There are lots of accommodation (hotel) category in Nepal. Starting from as less as USD 5.00 to USD 250.00+. However, general trekkers are happy with luxury and service of medium-priced hotels. Generally, around USD 40.00 per night. Even though, this is personal choice of any trekker we recommend using hotel in between the range of USD 40.00 to USD 60.00 to get maximum benefits. Again, this is personal choice of trekker and there is no reason for us to influence their personal decision.

4.Asking for appropriate mode of transportation

Local bus<tourist bus<private car/flight in order of cheap to expensive mode of transportation in Nepal. Usually, we do not recommend local bus since they are crowded and slow and some of them are really old. Tourist bus can be appropriate for trekker to reduce the cost. Private car/jeep/bus becomes cheap for individual trekker if there are other trekkers to share the cost. Otherwise flight would be the best option for solo traveller specially to save the time. To go to Pokhara for Annapurna trekking region, using tourist bus is the best option to cut the price. However, service of tourist bus is limited to some region of Nepal, especially around Pokhara and Chitwan only. Ask trekking agency all the transportation options available in trekking region. For example, most of the itinerary of Annapurna trekking region is well-connected with gravel road and a trekker has option to drive instead of trekking to make the itinerary short.

5.We offer special discount those contributing www.snowpathtrek.com (suggestions/involvement in B2B linking/site promotion and so on)

So, this is an extra effort of www.snowpathtrek.com for mutual benefits of trekker and us as a travel agency in Nepal. Help us in anyway you can, after recognizing your effort we genuinely provide some benefits to you including few discounts to Free Treks in Nepal as our promotional tools. Contribute us with your suggestions, involve in B2B linking and any other genuine idea for promoting us (especially in your home country). In doing so both the party should enter in mutual understandings and agreements. However, all the rights and final decisions are reserved within authority of www.snowpathtrek.com in doing so.

6.Use Nepal based trekking agency (local organizer) if possible.

Some trekkers like to book trekking in Nepal through travel/ trekking agency based (registered/operating) on their home country. Especially those trekkers, who want to secure themselves from scam and unwanted legal issues that might arise during their stay in Nepal. Respecting your concerns, these kinds of cases are very rear in Nepal. Negligible. We can proudly say Nepalese people are honest and friendly especially those working in tourism sectors. Mark our word, trust Nepalese trekking and travel agency to trek in Nepal directly without any doubt. For sure this will cut down trekking price massively. And most importantly your direct involvement in Nepal through the local trekking agency/ person / organizer will provide more benefit to Nepalese community.

Difficulty level of trekking in Nepal is generally divided to Easy, Moderate and Difficult (hard). Mostly considering an altitude, a trekker gains during the trekking. In addition, number of days, remoteness, terrain (uphill/downhill) are other factors to determine the difficulty level of trekking in Nepal. But let’s take different approach to categorize the difficulty level of trekking in Nepal. There are other factors (including our experiences), to conclude a trekking easy, moderate or hard beside only altitude.

Of course, previous experiences of trekker in Nepal can make the trekking easy moderate or difficult. Trekking to Everest base camp is easy/moderate to those trekkers who visit Nepal more frequently. While the same trekking can be difficult and hard for the first-time trekker. But not always is the case.It is hard to point out single factor on determining the difficulty level of trekking in Nepal.

Climbing or Descending which one is easier???

First, walking uphill or downhill does not determine the difficulty level of trekking in Nepal of any trekking itinerary. Some trekker finds easy walking uphill rather than walking downhill and vice versa. So, what is going on? A trekker is trying to defeat the gravity while walking uphill which of course needs more energy. In reverse, he/she is trying to resist/ absorb the gravity while going downhill, passing the energy to knee joint or other muscular parts of body which is painful. No solid conclusion, whether it is difficult to walk uphill or downhill. From our experience, in general, younger trekker finds easy to trek downhill while older trekker finds easy to walk uphill. The only way to get through it, is adjusting your style of trekking, in either terrain (uphill/ downhill).

Most of the trekker often need to trek steep downhill or uphill, especially in lower trekking region. Climbing to/descending from Namche Bazaar (Everest trekking), Climbing to/descending from Ulleri (Annapurna trekking), Climbing to/descending from Gatlang (Langtang trekking) are some example of steep climbing and descending. Though there are too many to name steep ascend and descend, most of the trekking itinerary are well-balanced for general trekkers. Trekker must be mentally prepared to such climbs and descends while trekking in Nepal.

Does remoteness make trekking harder???

Remote trekking in Nepal are all those trekking itineraries where there is lack of infrastructures. No feasible transportation, electricity, communication, luxury tea houses. A trekker must have sufficient information regarding such kind of remote trekking. Even popular trekking region has some isolated places. These places do not see more trekkers even during peak trekking season.

Consider, Kang-La pass (5320m) of Nar Phu valley trekking, and Thorong- La pass (5416m) both belongs to Annapurna trekking region. While Throng-La pass is moderate pass, Kang-La pass is difficult/ hard / strenuous. Crossing Mesokanto-La pass(5340m) after trekking to Tilicho lake has different story in same Annapurna trekking region. (More than hard/difficult for general trekkers ???). Comparatively, crossing Thorong-La pass(5416m) of Round Annapurna trekking after spending night at Thorong Phedi is easier than crossing Larkey-La from Dharmashala.

Altitude-Gain and Difficulty level

Altitude is the number one thing, most of the trekking agency consider before classifying the difficulty level of any trekking (Easy/Moderate/Difficult). This is true, especially considering the level of oxygen that changes with altitude. Roughly, sea level air has 20.9% of oxygen(1014mbar), while top of Everest has only 6.89%. of oxygen (337mbar). It means you need to breathe thrice in top of Everest to get same amount of oxygen you gain at sea level. Doubtless, level of oxygen in atmosphere can greatly affect human capacity and behaviour. And thus, has coined the well-known but unpopular word Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) among the trekkers.

Again, most of the trekking itinerary are well balanced considering the general trekkers. There is nothing hard and fast rule to avoid Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). Even experienced trekker/ climber gets Acute mountain Sickness. So is one of the reasons many climbers might not summit Everest(8848m) on first attempt, beside weather. Inexperienced trekker can do Everest Base Camp trekking but might need to add few extra days (more than regular trekking itinerary days) to cope with the environment as acclimatization day. A trekker needs to pay extra attention in general trekking itinerary and needs to evaluate with own situation. Even Everest base camp and Annapurna base camp are not a match considering the difficulty level of trekking in Nepal.

Burning Calorie and Energy requirement.

According to World Health Organization (WHO), intensity of any physical activity depends upon Metabolic Equivalent of Tasks (METs). It is a ratio, which measures the amount of energy spent doing any physical activity. Sitting calm and doing nothing has the METs value of 1. In ideal situation, any physical activity in between Metabolic Equivalent Task of 3-6 are moderate physical activity. Dancing, house works, gardening, walking at speed of 3.5 mph are some moderate physical activities. METs value higher than 6 are vigorous physical activity. Running, fast swimming, jogging, carrying weight< 20 kgs, climbing uphill quickly are some high intensity physical activity.

However, the above METs value might be greatly different while trekking in Nepal. Altitude, temperature, environment, oxygen level can greatly affect those values. Health of particular trekker, body weight and trekking hour also can highly affect those findings. It is nearly impossible to provide exact METs value to each itinerary, since it requires extensive scientific study.

Roughly considering METs 7.0 for Everest Base camp trekking,
Trekker’s Body weight X METs value X Average walking hour in a day = Total energy required for a day during EBC Trekking
65kg X 7.0 X 6 hr = 2730 calories per day

Consider METs 6.0 for Annapurna Base Camp trekking,
65kg X 6.0 X 6 hr = 2340 calories per day

Consider METs 6.5 for Manaslu Round trekking,
65kg X 6.5 X 7hr = 2957 calories per day

Are you first time trekker in Nepal? These listed trekking can be the best treks for first time trekker in Nepal. Easy & short treks in Nepal are targeted for amateur/beginner trekkers. They are in fact; not as much easy it sounds. The only condition to put these trekking under easy treks, is based upon less altitude a trekker gains during trekking. Trekker often has to make numerous ups and downs in these trekking as well. The only better part is they don’t need to go high altitude landscape to enjoy the trekking in Nepal. These itineraries mostly cover the tropical, temperate and sub-alpine trekking region of Nepal. More to that, comparatively a short trekking is also cheap due to less number of trekking days.

Ghorepani Ghandruk circuit trekking, Langtang Valley trekking, Short Everest Tengboche trekking are some itinerary for first time trekker in Nepal to start trekking. As already said, a trekker still needs to make numerous ups and downs in these trekking as well. A trekker can enjoy the beautiful cultural, natural aspects of trekking without reaching alpine and snowline of the region. For example, Ghorepani Ghandruk circuit trekking in Annapurna trekking region, a maximum height a trekker gain is 3210m (Poonhill). But still, needs to climb ups and descend downs which can be difficult for amateur trekkers. In other hand, every first-time trekker in Nepal rank this trekking one of the most beautiful in lower trekking region of Nepal. As well, these listed trekking can be boon to experienced trekkers as well. Specially for those who have limited time to trek in Nepal. So, lets find out why these trekking are the best treks for first time trekker in Nepal.

1.Ghorepani Ghandruk Circuit Trekking

There is no need of always trekking in deep snowline of Himalayas to enjoy the trekking. Trekking to Poonhill(3210m), actually summarizes the whole Annapurna trekking. Mark our words, there is no other possible way to capture Mount Annapurna, Mount Dhaulagiri, Fishtail, Himchuli from a single spot. Gurung culture during the trekking, especially around the beautiful countryside villages of Ghorepani, Ghandruk makes the trekking more versatile. Deep dense forest, small waterfalls and streams, terraced crop lands, during the trekking add more fun. Moreover, being the trekking itinerary short, still it is very flexible.This is one of the best treks for first time trekker in Nepal.

2.Langtang Valley Trekking

Even though, Langtang valley trekking seems to be high-altitude trekking considering the height of Tserko-ri(5030m), it is not. More to that, Tserko-ri is only a day hike to enjoy the beautiful Langtang valley trekking. Otherwise, a trekker would spend nights in Kyanjing village at the height of 3870m. Which we believe is not high-altitude trekking for amateur and beginner trekkers. Again, deep dense forest around Bamboo, Lama Hotel, Ghodetabela is home to beautiful animal like Red Panda. Tamang culture around the village of Langtang and Kyanjing are something special a trekker can enjoy. Another best treks for first time trekker in Nepal.

3.Short Everest Tengboche Trekking

A bit unusual considering the expensive price for flights of Kathmandu-Lukla-Kathmandu. But this is the best short and easy trekking an amateur as well experienced trekker can expect. With in few days, a trekker is in beautiful sub-alpine villages of Namche, Khumjung, Khunde and Tengboche dominated by Sherpa culture and traditions. Monasteries at Tengboche and Khumjung are bonus. Plus, unrestricted view of Mount Everest, Mount Lhotse, Mount Nuptse, Ama Dablam, Thamserku, Kongde peak from a single spot of height 3880m is priceless. Moreover, a trekker can continue to Everest Base Camp or Gokyo trekking once they feel comfortable. Flexible right?

4.Short Trekking around Kathmandu valley

Nearby places around Kathmandu valley like Sundarijal, Nagrakot, Changunarayan makes a short round trekking itinerary in northern part of Kathmandu. The Shivapuri National park is very popular to enjoy the Langtang and Ganesh Himal ranges. Chitlang, Kulekhani is popular in southern part of the valley. These places are awesome for homestays and as a cultural trekking itinerary. One can combine this short trekking with any other activity like sightseeing, cycling, birdwatching. Easy, cheap, beautiful, fun and what else?

5.Langtang Tamang Heritage trekking

Langtang Tamang Heritage trekking itinerary brings culture and nature together. Tamang villages like Gatlang, Thuman, Briddim have raw culture of Tamang people to see day to day activity. Places like Nagthali is ideal spot to enjoy the deep green valley on southern part, while Northern part is to capture the Himalayan ranges of Langtang trekking region. Even more, you can see the nearby Tibetan land from Nagthali. Tatopani (hot spring) used to have high significance until April earthquake made the hot water source disappear. Near yet far, far yet near.

Note: Even though these trekking are short, there is small possibility of changing the itinerary on the desired requirement. Not only first time trekker (amateurs), these trekking are well-appreciated by experienced trekkers as well.

Why Trekker needs to consider trekking in Langtang? There are numerous reasons. In paper, Langtang trekking region stands at third position after Annapurna and Everest trekking region considering the popularity rate. However, the Langtang trekking region is still struggling to attract decent number of trekkers. No 8000m mountains (Probably??). Might be the reason Langtang is underrated trekking of Nepal. But there are numerous other reasons why trekker needs to consider trekking in Langtang region.

Nearby Kathmandu, the underrated trekking region has the easiest transportation availability. Not as much cheap it should have been, but still the trekking is slightly cheaper than Everest and Annapurna. As well this underrated trekking region has numerous exit and entry point joint by the road access, that makes the itinerary really flexible. Confined to Langtang trekking region, Tamang people and their culture plus tradition are something a trekker cannot miss. Beautiful Tamang villages Gatlang, Langtang, Kyanjing are must see places to understand Tamang people and their culture. Langtang trekking region is also rich in wild flora and fauna comparing other trekking regions. It is mysterious why Langtang is underrated trekking of Nepal beside such massive potential. Definitely we provide enough reasons why trekker needs to consider trekking in Langtang.

Though trekking has no 8000m mountains the landscape is still amazing that stretches from tropical region to snowline. Even though, trekking is categorized as easy/moderate, still you need to make fair amount of ascends and descends. As well trekking around 5030m (Tserko ri) and Gosaikunda (4460m) is not an easy thing to do. Let’s list out why trekker needs to consider trekking in Langtang region of Nepal and deserves more trekkers.

1.Easy transportation availability that makes the trekking flexible.

Drive to Dhunche/ Syabrubeshi/ Gatlang/ Sundarijal to start the trek. Moreover, you can also end the trekking at those places accordingly. 9 days trekking including international arrival and departure, you can trek 20+ days in the region. Particularly, there are three popular itineraries for general trekkers. Langtang valley trekking, Langtang Tamang Heritage trekking and Langtang Gosaikunda Helambu trekking. The best part is, trekkers can combine either of those itineraries as per budget, number of days and personal preferences.

2. Beautiful Landscape including Gosaikunda Lake and Tserko-ri.

Divided to tropical, temperate, sub-alpine, alpine and snowline climatic region, the trekking holds true legacy for diversified landscapes. Trekking starts with terraced farm lands, dense forest, beautiful villages at lower trekking region. Nagthali, Langtang, Kyanjing, Lauribinayak are popular sub-alpine and alpine stop-overs. From these places you can enjoy the true landscapes of Langtang trekking. Moreover, Tserko ri is a great spot to enjoy the deep Himalayan section of Langtang trekking region. Gosaikunda rich for numerous lakes in high altitude, surely amazes every trekker. Definitely makes trekker astonished, why Langtang is underrated trekking of Nepal, besides such beautiful and unique landscape.

3. Rich in Culture and Tradition of Tamang people.

Though lower trekking region has mixed community of different ethnics group, the upper region trekking is over-powered by the culture and tradition of Tamang people. Moreover, the Langtang National Park is the only place in Nepal where Tamang people lives so uniformly and densely. It is amazing to see day to day life of Tamang people engaging in farming, animal husbandry plus few in tourism industry. Gatlang, Thuman, Langtang, Kyanjing and Thulo Syabrubeshi are hotspot to know and see Tamang people. Though, they are influenced by Tibetan culture and follows Buddhism they are quite different and unique.Though Langtang is underrated trekking of Nepal, it is very rich in culture and tradition of indigenous Tamang people.

4. Rich Natural flora and fauna

The Langtang trekking is very rich in wild vegetations and flora. Most of the tropical and temperate region has the forest rhododendron, pine, oak, bamboo, spruce and juniper. Specially around places like Thuman, Kahanjim, Lama hotel, Ghodetabela, Thulo Syabrubeshi, Simgompa, Ghopte, Tarkeghyang. These places with dense forest is also home to beautiful wild animals like Red panda, Himalayan black bear, musk deer. Similarly, Lophophorous, Himalayan snow cock, Himalayan vultures are some interesting birds seen around the region. The upper trekking region has open dry pasturelands with small juniper bushes, providing the unrestricted view of beautiful mountainous landscape at horizon.

5. Other Reasons why trekker needs to consider trekking in Langtang

Comparatively cheap comparing Everest trekking and Annapurna trekking. The best trekking region to start trekking in Nepal for any amateur and beginner trekkers. Peak climbing option is also popular adventurous activity in the region. The trekking is also nearby the Tibet boarder. There is possibility to trek in the region, combining three different popular itineraries at single time. Geographic/ Cultural/ Natural researches and study purposes are other few topics to list out. One of the best yak cheese is available in the Langtang trekking region. Also, Gosaikunda lake carries high significant for Buddhists as well as Hindus reflecting cultural harmony. It is not allowed to make any kind of animal sacrifices in the Langtang village and carries important history behind it.