How to avoid Altitude sickness during trekking?

  • Above 2,500 meters limit your daily ascent to 500 meters between night stops.
  • Have a rest day every 3 days or 1,000 meters ascent, whichever comes first.
  • Drink 4 liters of fluid every day.
  • Preventive use of acetazolamide (Diamox) must be considered in addition to the aforementioned points. [Refer with your medicine provider for intake guide]
  • In the case of allergic reaction to acetazolamide, dexamethasone can be used.
  • If prior history of High Altitude Pulmonary Edema is present, nifedipine must be used preventively.
  • Make sure you are warmly clothed at all times. Carry a fleece in your day pack and make use of your Windstopper.
  • Avoid alcohol at all costs.
  • Do not take sleeping pills.

What immunizations will I need?

Important immunizations to get before you start you trek in Nepal are:

  • Hepatitis A.
  • Typhoid Fever.
  • Chickenpox.
  • Measles
  • Influenza
  • Tetanus
  • Rabies

What are the safety measures during my trip?

The safety measures you need to take before and during your trek are:

  • Get proper immunizations.
  • Proper trekking insurance.
  • Carry bottled water with you at all time. You also need to constantly have water purifying tablets. These tablets will be available at a local pharmacy.
  • Avoid Altitude Mountain Sickness by climbing gradually and allowing enough time for acclimatization.
  • Carry proper layers of clothing.
  • Have appropriate trekking gear.

When is the best time for trekking in Nepal?

Spring is the ideal season to trek in Nepal. Spring season falls between early March to early May. As winter fades away and spring pushes in, temperatures in regions with elevations over 4000m have moderate temperatures, making way for sunny, clear and warm trekking conditions.

The best time to trek in Nepal is considered to be in Autumn. The autumn season in Nepal falls between mid September to mid November.

Summer typically brings the monsoon rains from late May to mid September in Nepal. Mountainous regions are usually enveloped in clouds, and the lower routes are generally muddy with large numbers of leeches. Hence, Summer trekking is not recommended.

Trekking in winter is only reserved for the most physically fit. The downside during winter, however, is that most of the high passes are covered in snow and are inaccessible. Colder temperatures require more planning and preparation, but the rewards are worthwhile.

Should I carry my baggage?

You can carry your baggage. It is recommended that any valuables and non-essentials be left in a locker room of your hotel. While during your journey, porters are available to carry your load. This is another great way to help build the local economy.

Do I need to buy or can hire trekking gears?

There are plenty of places in the capital or other trekking stopoves such as Pokhara or Jomsom or Namche Bazaar to buy trekking gears from. These places also give you the option to rent the gear instead of buying.

What kinds of clothes and trekking gears are needed for Trekking in Nepal?

The base layer needs to be fit and comfortable as it is the layer that is closest to your body. The base layer is extremely important when you reach the highest points along the trek.
The second layer is also known as the insulation layer. Fleece is the material that is mostly used for the construction of clothes that make up the second layer.
The third and the outermost layer becomes the most important of all the layers because it is often the thickest and helps keep snow and extreme cold temperatures at bay.
A waterproof jacket can be extremely useful in times of rain.

General Gear:

Along with the above mentioned clothing layer, you will also need:

  • A pair of hiking trousers and hiking shorts.
  • Lightweight nylon or polyester trekking shirts.
  • Waterproof shell jacket and trousers will come in handy in case of rain.
  • Pairs of Sports underwear for women as well as men.

Headwear:

Headwear will protect your from the sunlight, or cold that you will encounter during your ascent.

  • A trekking hat with a brim will be sufficient to keep harsh sunlight away.
  • A woolen hat for keeping your head warm during the cold.
  • A balaclava will be perfect to protect your neck region. If you are looking for something that is lightweight, you can try out a scarf or a face cover.

Gloves:

  • Wearing inner gloves will come in handy when the temperature is mild.
  • Your outer gloves will go a long way to protect your fingers from the harsh cold.

Footwear:

  • Hiking Boots
  • Trekking Shoes
  • Hiking socks will keep the moisture away and keep you comfortable in lower altitudes.
  • Thermal socks will be important in very high altitudes with low temperatures such as base camp or high passes.

Other gears:

  • Duffel Bag
  • Backpack
  • Rain cover
  • Sleeping gear
Nepal Tourism Activities