No matter where you are, if you go in high altitude without acclimatization then you may face headache, nausea and shortness of breath which is called AMS – Acute Mountain Sickness. Also known as Altitude sickness, Acute Mountain Sickness not only stops people from enjoying high altitude treks, but also make people suffer from HAPE (High Altitude Pulmonary Edema ) and HACE (High Altitude Cerebral Edema)  both of which are life threatening. HAPE is a condition which causes fluid to enter the lungs and affect the lungs function whereas HACE is a state in which the brain accumulates extra fluid, swells and stops working properly.

Acute Mountain Sickness has the potential to affect all trekkers from 2500m and higher. At higher altitudes, the pressure of the air decreases which leads to less oxygen in surrounding air. At higher altitudes the air pressure is approximately half that of sea level. AMS is caused by going up high too fast and can be fatal if all the warning signals are ignored. Note that it is not the actual altitude, but the speed at which you reach higher altitudes which causes the problems.

Altitude sickness is preventable. Go up slowly, giving your body enough time to adjust. The ‘safe’ rates for the majority of trekkers is to spend 2-3 nights between 2000m and 3000m before going higher. From 3000m sleep an average of 300m higher each night with a rest day every 900-1000m. It is up to you to recognize the symptoms, and only ascend if you are relatively symptom-free. But if you catch the symptoms in the higher altitude, descend down as soon as possible before the symptoms get worse.

1. Normal Symptoms
   Don’t expect to feel perfect at altitudes of more than 3000m. There are some normal altitude symptoms that you should expect but not to worry about. Every trekker will experience some or all of these, no matter how slowly they ascend. Some of the symptoms of Acute Mountain Sickness are:

• Periods of sleeplessness.
• Need for more sleep than normal, often 10 hours or more.
• Occasional loss of appetite.
• Vivid, wild dreams at around 2500-3800m in altitude.
• Unexpected momentary shortness of breath, day and night.
• Periodic breathing that wakes you occasionally – consider taking Diamox.
• The need to rest/catch your breath frequently while trekking, especially above 4000m.
• Your nose turning into a full-time snot factory.
• Increased urination – many trekkers have to go once during the night. (a good sign that your body is acclimatizing)

2. Mild Symptoms
   You only need to get one of the symptoms to be getting altitude sickness, not all of them. Some of the mild symptoms of Acute Mountain Sickness that occurs in high altitude are:

• Headache

Headache is the symptom of pain in the face, head, or neck which can occur as a migraine, tension-type headache, or cluster headache.  Often a headache comes during the evenings and nearly always worsens during the nights. If you experience headache during high altitude treks then always consider raising your head and shoulders while trying to sleep which sometimes offers partial relief. Never take sleeping tablets.

• Nausea (feeling sick)

Nausea can occur without other symptoms, but often nausea will develop with a bad headache. If you are better in the morning take a rest day, or if you still feel bad then its better to descend.

• Dizziness (mild)

If dizziness occurs while walking, stop out of the sun and have a rest and drink. Stay at the closest teahouse.

• Lack of appetite

One of the major symptoms of altitude sickness is lack of appetite. If you experience loss in appetite which includes not wanting to eat and the idea of food makes you nauseated even if you haven’t eaten for a long time then it might be the symptom of altitude sickness.

In other words, anything other than diarrhea or a sore throat could be altitude sickness. If you have a headache from dehydration, ascending further is not dangerous, but if it’s due to AMS, the consequences could be very serious. You cannot tell the difference, so caution is the safest course. Do not try to deceive yourself and accept that you body needs more time to adapt.

Basic rule: NEVER GO HIGHER WITH MILD SYMPTOMS
If you find mild symptoms developing while walking, stop and relax with your head out of the sun and drink some fluids. If the symptoms do not go away completely then it’s better to stay in same altitude. Or if symptoms get worse, descend down as soon as possible. A small loss of elevation can make a big difference to how you feel and how you sleep. If symptoms develop at night then, unless they rapidly get worse, wait them out and see how you feel in the morning. If the symptoms have not gone after breakfast then have a rest day or descend. If they have gone, consider having a rest day or an easy day walk.
Altitude sickness should be reacted to, when symptoms are mild – going higher will definitely make it worse. You trek to enjoy, not to feel sick.

Also note that there is a time lag between arriving at altitude and the onset of symptoms. In fact it is common to suffer mild symptoms on the second night at a set altitude rather than the first night.

3. Serious Symptoms

• Persistent severe headache
• Persistent vomiting
• Ataxia – loss of co-ordination, cannot walk in a straight line, looks drunk
• Losing consciousness – cannot stay awake or understand things very well
• Liquid sounds in the lungs
• Very persistent cough
• Real difficulty breathing
• Rapid breathing or feeling breathless at rest
• Coughing blood or pink goo or lots of clear fluid
• Marked blueness of face and lips
• High resting heart beat – over 120 beats per minute
• Severe lethargy and drowsiness

Mild symptoms rapidly getting worse
Ataxia is the single most important sign for recognizing the progression from mild to severe. This is easily tested by trying to walking a straight line, heel to toe. Compare with somebody who has no symptoms. 24 hours after the onset of ataxia a coma is possible, followed by death, unless you descend.

Basic rule: Immediate and fast descent

4. Severe Medical Conditions

• High Altitude Cerebral Oedema (HACE)

This is a build-up of fluid around the brain. It causes the first 4 symptoms of the mild, and the severe symptom lists.

• High Altitude Pulmonary Oedema (HAPE)

This is an accumulation of fluid in the lungs, and since you are not a fish, this is serious. It is responsible for all the other mild and serious symptoms.

• Periodic breathing

The altitude affects the body’s breathing mechanism. While at rest or sleeping your body feels the need to breathe less and less, to the point where suddenly you require some deep breaths to recover. This cycle can be a few breaths long, where after a couple of breaths you miss a breath completely, to being a gradual cycle over a few minutes, appearing as if the breathing rate simply goes up and down regularly. It is experienced by most trekkers at 5000m, although many people are unaware of it while sleeping.

• Altitude immune suppression

At base camp altitudes, cuts and infections heal very slowly. So, for serious infections descend as soon as possible.

Drugs you can take – Diamox (Acetazolamide)
This is a mild diuretic (makes you pee a lot) that acidifies the blood which stimulates breathing. Previously it was not recommended to take it as a prophylactic (ie to prevent it, before you get it) unless you ascend rapidly, unavoidably, or have experienced undue altitude problems previously.

However, now some doctors are coming around to the idea that many people trekking above 3500m should take it using the logic that it has the potential to reduce the number of serious cases of Acute Mountain Sickness as the benefits may outweigh the risks. This topic still requires in depth research. Diamox is a sulfa drug derivative, and people allergic to this class of drugs should not take Diamox. People with renal (kidney) problems should avoid it too. The side effects are peeing a lot, tingling lips, fingers or toes but these symptoms are not an indication to stop the drug.

The older accepted recommendations are to carry it and consider using it if you experience mild but annoying symptoms, especially periodic breathing that continually wakes you up. The dosage is 125 to 250 mg (half to a whole tablet) every 12 hours. Diamox actually helps the root of the problem; so if you feel better, you are better. It does not simply hide the problem. However this does not mean that you can ascend at a faster rate than normal, or ignore altitude sickness symptoms – it is still possible to develop Acute Mountain Sickness while taking it. Note that it was recommended to start taking the drug before ascending for it to be most effective. This is not necessary, but it does help.

Doctors Notes
HACE – can occur in 12 hours but normally within 1-3 days. At first sign of ataxia, begin descent. If it is developed try 4mg of dexamethazone 6 hourly, Diamox 250mg 12 hourly and 2-4l/min O2 or a Gamow bag (if available).
HAPE – descend, Diamox 250mg 12 hourly, Nifed orally, 10mg 8 hourly and 2-4l/min O2 or a Gamow bag.
Oxygen – supplementary O2 does not immediately reverse all the symptoms although it does help significantly. Descent in conjunction with O2 is more effective.
Gamow bag/PAC bag/CERTEC bag – The latest devices to assist with severe Acute Mountain Sickness. Basically, it is a plastic tube that the patient is zipped into. A pump is used to raise the pressure inside the bag simulating going to a lower altitude. It is very effective.
HAF – High altitude farts – slang for HAFE.
HAFE – High altitude flatulence emission. The cure – let it rip! You’re not a balloon that needs blowing up.

AMS Practicals
Rates of acclimatization
Individual rates of acclimatization vary enormously but ascending very rapidly and staying there always result in problems. Even Sherpas who live in Kathmandu upon returning to Khumbu occasionally get Acute Mountain Sickness. Studies have shown that people who live at moderate altitudes (1000m-2000m) are acclimatized to those altitudes. They are much less susceptible to AMS when ascending to around 3000m (ie going to Namche).

However, the benefits decrease once higher and they should follow the same acclimatization program as others. This has implications for people who have spent a week or two in Kathmandu (at an altitude of 1400m/4593ft): they are becoming acclimatized to that altitude. For trekkers that fly from sea level to Kathmandu then almost immediately walk to Namche, they have no advantage and are more likely to suffer AMS. Unfortunately, it is usually these people who are in a hurry to go higher. This is perhaps why it appears that group trekkers are initially more susceptible to troublesome AMS than individual trekkers, who often walk from Jiri or spend time in Kathmandu beforehand.

The acclimatization Process
In a matter of hours your body quickly realizes that there is less oxygen available and it’s first reaction is to breathe more – hyperventilate. This means more oxygen (O2) in but also more carbon dioxide (CO2) is breathed out and with the O2-CO2 balance upset the pH of the blood is altered.

Your body determines how deeply to breathe by the pH level (mainly the dissolved CO2 in your blood) – at sea level a high level of exertion means your muscles produce a lot of CO2 so you breathe hard and fast. While resting, your body is using little energy so little CO2 is produced, demonstrating that you only need to breathe shallowly.
The problem is at altitude this balance is upset and your body often believes that it can breathe less than its real requirements. Over several days your body tries to correct this imbalance by disposing of bicarbonate (CO2 in water) in the urine to compensate, hence the need to drink a lot because it is not very soluble. Diamox assists by allowing the kidneys to do this more efficiently therefore enhancing some peoples’ ability to acclimatize. In addition, after a day or two, the body moves some fluid out of the blood effectively increasing the hemoglobin concentration. After 4-5 days more new red blood cells are released than normal.

Individual rates of acclimatization are essentially dependent on how fast your body reacts to compensate the altered pH level of the blood. For slow starters Diamox can provide a kick-start but for people already adapting well the effect is often less noticeable.
If you stay at altitude for several weeks then there are more changes, your muscles’ mitochondria (the energy converters in the muscle) multiply, a denser network of capillaries develop and your maximum work rate increases slowly with these changes. Expeditions have often run medical programs with some interesting results.
Climbers who experience periodic breathing (the majority) at base camp never shake it off and have great difficulty maintaining their normal body weight. Muscles will strengthen and stamina is increased but not the muscle bulk. Interestingly Sherpas who have always lived at altitude, never experience periodic breathing and can actually put on weight with enough food.

How long does acclimatization last?
It varies, but if you were at altitude for a month or more your improved work rates can persist for weeks meaning you still feel fit upon returning to altitude. You still should not ascend faster than normal if you return to sea level for a few days, otherwise you are susceptible to HAPE.
If you have been to 5000m/16,404ft then go down to 3500m for a few days, returning rapidly to 5000m should cause no problems, ie having been to Lobuche and Kala Pattar, then rested for two days in Namche you should be able to ascend to Gokyo quickly without problems.

Sleeping at altitude
Many people have trouble sleeping in a new environment, especially if it changes every day. Altitude adds to the problems. The decrease of oxygen means that some people experience wild dreams with this often happening at around 3000m. Compound this with a few people suffering from headaches or nausea, a couple of toilet visits, a few snorers and periodic breathers, and it takes someone who sleeps like the proverbial log (or very tired trekker) to ignore all the goings on at night in a large dormitory. Smaller rooms are a definite improvement, and tents, although not soundproof still manage to be relatively peaceful.

Appetite
Some people lose appetite and do not enjoy eating. Sometimes equally worrying, although it is a good sign, is a huge appetite. Your energy consumption, even at rest is significantly higher than normal because your body is generating heat to combat the constant cold, especially while sleeping. Energetic trekkers, no matter how much they eat often be unable to replace the huge quantities of energy used.

Day trips and what to do if…
The normal accepted recommendations are to go high during the day and sleep low at night, the sleeping altitude being the most important. This is fine for trekkers experiencing no AMS symptoms whatsoever, and will probably aid the acclimatization process, for example in the Everest region, going up to Chhukhung from Dingboche or Pheriche, or visiting Thame from Namche. However if you are experiencing mild or even very mild AMS then this is not the best advice. Instead your body is already having trouble coping so it doesn’t need the additional stress of more altitude. Instead stay at the same elevation. Mild exercise is considered beneficial, rather than being a total sloth but take it as a rest day.
If you have troublesome mild symptoms then descent for a few hours may be more beneficial.  

One of the most popular trekking areas, Annapurna region is situated in Central Himalaya of Nepal. Annapurna region is the home of amazing mountains of the world, beautiful landscapes, variety of floras and faunas, diverse culture and ethnic communities of Nepal. Some of the gigantic mountains include Annapurna I, Annapurna II, Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhre and many more. Trekking in Annapurna region gives you the opportunity to experience all these in the most memorable way. We can guarantee that the astonishing scenery along the trek will not only blow your mind away but will also let you have the sense of accomplishment that you will treasure for your whole life.  So, if you want to have some life changing adventures in this amazing region, here is the list of some of the popular treks of the region.

• Annapurna Base Camp Trek

Annapurna Base Camp Trek, one of the most famous and loved trekking in Annapurna region, is an ideal adventure for cultural insight and astonishing views of tallest mountains like Annapurna II (7937 m), Annapurna III (7555 m), Gangapurna (7455 m), Machhapuchhre (6993 m) etc. You can experience the kaleidoscopic beauty of the villages, terrace farmlands, beautiful rhododendron forests and meet friendly local people throughout the trek. The maximum duration of this trek is around 7 days and the maximum elevation is 4130 m (Annapurna Base Camp). If you want to trek in this beautiful place, then autumn and spring are the best seasons as weather is nice during this time and you can experience the most beautiful panoramic views of mountains and glaciers.

Brief Itinerary

Day 1 : Drive to Ghandruk (2012m)

Day 2 : Trek to Upper Sinuwa (2360m)

Day 3 : Trek to Deurali (3200m)

Day 4 : Trek to Annapurna Base Camp (4130m) and return to Machhapuchhre Base Camp (3712m)

Day 5 : Trek to Jhinu (1736m)

Day 6 : Drive to Pokhara (822m)

Day 7 : Return drive to Kathmandu

• Annapurna Circuit Trek

Annapurna Circuit Trek, known as one of the most diverse treks in Nepal, is a classic trek which takes you all the way from subtropical jungle to high-altitude plateau, reaching to Thorung La pass at 5,419 m. It offers one of the most exciting journey and beautiful life changing experience. This Circuit is often considered to be the best trek not only in Nepal, but also in the world. The reason for this is the stunning vistas and constant views of Annapurna summits as well as the cultural variety from Hindu villages at the low foothills to the Tibetan culture of Manang Valley and lower Mustang in higher elevations. This circuit takes you through terraced paddy fields, sub-tropical forests, rural farmland, high lands and glacial zones. One can also see the majestic views of some of the world’s giant mountains including Annapurna I, Annapurna Massif (I-IV), Manaslu (8,156 meters) and Dhaulagiri (8,176 meters). 

The minimum duration of this challenging and difficult trek is around 15 to 20 days and total distance of this trek varies between 160 and 230 kilometers (100-145 miles), depending on the options one chooses to trek. The periods for trekking Annapurna Circuit are October – early December, and late Feb – March. This trek starts in Besisahar and ends in Tatopani, but road construction has opened up a number of options at both the beginning and end of the trek.

Brief Itinerary

Day 01 – Drive to Besisahar, and Trek to Bulbule

Day 02 – Trek to Chamje (1410m) 

Day 03 – Trek to Bagarchhap (2160m) 

Day 04 – Trek to Chame (2710m) 

Day 05 – Trek to Pisang (3240m) 

Day 06 – Trek to Manang (3540m) 

Day 07 – Acclimatization in Manang 

Day 08 – Trek to Yak Kharka (4120m) 

Day 09 – Trek to Thorung Phedi (4560m) 

Day 10 – reaching Thorung La (5416m), Trek to Muktinath (3802m)  

Day 11 – Trek to Jomsom (2750m)

Day 12 – Drive to Tatopani (1190)

Day 13 – Trek to Ghorepani (2750m) 

Day 14 – Trek to Nayapul, and Drive to Pokhara  

Day 15 – Return drive to Kathmandu

• Poonhill Trek

Poonhill Trek not only gives you the access to classic viewpoints of Annapurna ranges, but also gives you the chance to experience the culture of Gurung communities. You will get to know the ancient trails which connect local communities, pass through beautiful rhododendron forests and paddy terraces, and also get to enjoy the views of fascinating snow covered mountains. It is Nepal’s one of the shortest and easiest trek where you can enjoy the sight of fields and mountains including Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, Machhapuchhre, Annapurna I and Annapurna South at once.

The maximum duration of this trek is 5 days and maximum elevation you reach is 3210 m (Poonhill). The best season for Poonhill trek is September – November and  March – May. But if you are fond of rhododendrons and beautiful green landscapes, then it’s better to visit Poonhill in April as the whole region will be in full bloom during this time.

Brief Itinerary

Day 1: Drive to Pokhara

Day 2: Drive to Nayapul and start trek to Ulleri (1500m)

Day 3: Trek to Ghorepani (2874m)

Day 4: Trek to Poonhill and return back to Ulleri (1500m)

Day 5: Drive to Pokhara and return back to Kathmandu

• Tilicho Lake Trek

A trek to world’s highest altitude lake Tilicho lake is a rewarding trek in Nepal that leads you to the magnificent routes along with traditional Manangi villages, beautiful landscapes of gorgeous Himalayan ranges, monasteries, waterfalls and fresh water lakes along the trail. This challenging Trek offers you the astonishing views of gigantic mountains like Annapurna II, Annapurna III, Annapurna IV, Gangapurna, Lamjung Himal, Tilicho Peak, Chulu East and West and many other mountains around the trails. The maximum duration of this trek is about 10 days and the maximum elevation is 4919 m ( Tilicho Lake ). As other treks in Annapurna region, Tilicho Lake Trek is also ideal during March – May and September – February.

Brief Itinerary

Day 1 : Drive to Chame (2650m)

Day 2 : Trek to Pisang (3250m)

Day 3 : Trek to Manang (3540m)

Day 4 : Manang ( Acclimitization )

Day 5 : Trek to Khangsar village (3756m)

Day 6 : Trek to Tilicho Base Camp (4200m)

Day 7 : Trek to Tilicho lake (4919m) and return to Tilicho Base Camp

Day 8 : Trek to Manang (3540m)

Day 9 : Trek to Chame (2650m)

Day 10 : Drive to Pokhara and Return back to Kathmandu

Are you fond of beautiful landscapes of stunning highest mountains of the world? Do you like to experience highland culture of Sherpas, the brave mountaineers? If yes, trekking in the land of Everest is just for you. The region offers you one of the most life changing experiences and once in a lifetime memory you will never forget. Everest region has world’s famous trekking routes where you will get to witness the world’s highest peak, Everest (8,848m) which is locally known as ‘Sagarmatha’ and several other mountains over 8000m, like- Lhotse, Cho Oyu and Makalu. Apart from the gigantic snow-white mountains, you can experience the culture of local Sherpa community, mountain ecosystem, highest glaciers, and observe wide varieties of plants and animal life in the region. Some of the major attractions of Everest Treks are Namche Bazar and its Sherpa Museum, monasteries at Tengboche, Khumjung and Pangboche, Everest Base Camp, Kalapatthar, Gokyo Lake, three passes that include Cho-La (5300m), Kongma-La (5500m), and Renjo-La (5400m) and many more.

Not just the natural and cultural wonders, the region also has well-developed trails, comfortable teahouses and lodges, and other necessary amenities. So, anyone visiting the region should not have to worry about comfort despite its remoteness. If you ever wish to visit this amazing place, here is a list of some of the popular Everest treks you can pick from.

• Everest Base Camp Trek:

Everest is more than a mountain and the journey to its base camp is more than just a trek. Considered as “The Steps To Heaven”, Everest Base Camp Trek, is a spectacular high altitude trek in the mountains of Nepal. One of the most popular Everest Treks in the world where one can experience the jaw-dropping scenery and unique cultural experience, the trek takes us through challenging routes towards the base of the highest mountain. The picturesque views of the world’s highest mountain such as Mt. Everest (8848 m), Mt. Lhotse (8516 m), Mt Makalu (8485 m), Mt. Amadablam (6812 m), Mt Cho Oyu (8201 m) etc. can be experienced during this trek.

You can begin the trek from Lukla at an elevation of 2840 m. Over the course of the first 8 days, you will slowly make your way further into Sagarmatha National Park as you hike during the day and sleep in local teahouses at night. During the trek, teahouses provide modest selection of foods from typical Nepali dal-bhat, soups, snacks, momos, fried rice to Chinese and continental dishes like noodles, spaghetti, and spring rolls etc.

EBC Trek Overview:

Difficulty: Moderate to hard

Trek duration: 12 days+

Max. elevation: 5,545m

Accommodation: Trekking lodges or tea houses

Starting point: Lukla

EBC Trek Itinerary Overview :

Day 1: Kathmandu – Lukla – Phakding

Day 2: Phakding – Namche bazaar

Day 3: Namche (acclimatization)

Day 4: Namche – Tengboche

Day 5: Tengboche – Dingboche

Day 6: Dingboche (acclimatization)

Day 7: Dingboche – Lobuche

Day 8: Lobuche – Gorak Shep – Everest Base Camp – Gorak Shep

Day 9: Gorakshep – Kalapatthar – Pheriche

Day 10: Pheriche – Namche

Day 11: Namche – Lukla

Day 13: Lukla – Kathmandu

• Gokyo Trek

Gokyo Trek, one of the adventurous trek in Nepal is trip in which one traverses through delightful valleys, crystal clear turquoise lakes and world’s biggest ice glacier called Ngozumpa glacier dominated by the nearest mountain of Everest Himalayan range. The main attraction of this trek is Gokyo lake. The glacial Gokyo Lake is a holy pilgrimage place for both Hindu and Buddhist. Gokyo Ri is nearby Gokyo Lake. From the top, you can have one of the most stunning views of Everest, Lhotse, Amadablam and Cho Oyu. The majestic Gokyo region is inhabited by Sherpa people following Tibetan- Buddhism. They still practice ancient way of life dating back to centuries old time. This trek is less travelled and has peaceful route.

Gokyo Trek Overview:

Difficulty: Moderate to hard

Trek duration: 12-14 days

Max. elevation: 5360m

Accommodation: Trekking lodges or tea houses

Starting point: Lukla

Gokyo Itinerary Overview:

Day 1: Kathmandu – Lukla – Phakding

Day 2 : Phakding – Namche

Day 3 : Namche (acclimatization)

Day 4 : Namche – Khumjung via Syangboche

Day 6 : Khumjung – Dole

Day 7 : Dole – Machermo

Day 8 : Machermo – Gokyo Lake

Day 9 : Gokyo Lake and Glacier Excursion

Day 10 : Gokyo Lake – Machermo

Day 11: Machermo – Namche

Day 12 : Namche – Lukla

Day 13 : Lukla – Kathmandu

• Three Passes Trek

One of the most challenging and thrilling trek, Three Passes Trek offers an amazingly scenic circular route with crossing challenging passes Renjo La, Cho La and Kongma La. This trek route not only proffers the stunning view of mountains and glaciers but also encourages you to experience the local Sherpa culture in the region. If you are planning to do this trek and other treks in Everest region, March – May and October – November can be the best months as weather is clear during this time and beautiful landscapes can be seen in these months. There are adequate number of lodges and teahouses serving good meals and accommodation during the trek.  

Three Passes Trek Overview :

Difficulty : Moderate to Challenging

Trek Duration : 15 Days

Maximum elevation : 5545 m ( Kalapatthar )

Accomodation : Tea houses

Trek starting Point : Lukla

Three Passes Trek Itinerary Overview:

Day 1 : Kathmandu – Lukla – Phakding

Day 2 : Phakding – Namche

Day 3 : Namche (Acclimitization)

Day 4 : Namche – Thame

Day 5 : Thame – Lungden

Day 6 : Lungden – Renjo La Pass – Gokyo

Day 7 : Gokyo ( Acclimatization)

Day 8 : Gokyo  – Thagnak

Day 9 : Thagnak – Cho La Pass – Dzongla

Day 10 : Dzongla – Lobuche

Day 11 : Lobuche – Kongma La- Chhukung

Day 12 : Chhukung – Tengboche

Day 13 : Tengboche – Namche

Day 14 :  Namche  – Lukla

Day 15 : Lukla – Kathmandu

Trekking in Nepal is all about exploring the wilderness, clambering the hills, negotiating with the glaciers, and time and again being patient with the caravans of yaks, sighing at the soaring mountains, and sweating in the chills – sounds like a lot of actions, right? It is exactly true. But trekking in Nepal is not just about actions only, it’s also about rest, relaxation and resetting your button as elsewhere. While the whole day you be a super excited adventurer, the nights are all for hard-earned rest. So, accommodation while trekking in Nepal is a very concerning matter. Here, we have got some information on accommodation while trekking in Nepal. We hope you will find it helpful while planning your travel. 

TENTED CAMPS

Tented Camps are outdoor tents. They are either double layered “A” shaped-Triangular Three or Five Poles Tent made with water proof fabrics. Inner layer will be cotton fabric to provide warmth whereas, the outer layer is water proof polyster fabric strong enough to sustain wind and water. You can also find expedition styled light weight dome tents which are easy to install and lighter in weight for the porters to carry. Normally each tent comes twin mattresses made of foam for sleeping where the day pack can be adjusted to work as the pillow to comfort your head. Sleeping Bags are also provided but on rental basis if requested.  Most of the trekkers bring their own. It’s better to bring separate inner liner with the sleeping bag for extra warmth.

You can also get single tent accommodation but it may apply extra charge. There will be a separate dining tent with seats and table for you to have suppers and spend time chatting with fellow trekkers. Kitchen and toilet tents are also set near your sleeping tents. Tented camps are not as comfortable as the accommodation at teahouses, however it offers better exposure to nature. This type of accommodation is common in remote and off the beaten trails like Dhaulagiri and Dolpo region. In major trekking regions like Everest, Annapurna, Langtang etc, teahouses are used more than camps due to their widespread availability.

TEAHOUSES

Teahouses are small mountain houses run by local families. They are modest and cheerful outlets providing basic accommodation facilities. The standard of Teahouses have improved a lot over time. Nowadays, Teahouses in regular trekking trails are well equipped with different facilities including hot shower, telephone, western toilets, small bar, and dining halls. Rooms are basic, and comes with two beds with cushions and blankets. If requested the owners can provide extra blanket but it can’t be ensured during peak time. So, it is better to bring your own sleeping bag.

Single rooms are also available in some teahouses but they are not easily available in peak time. Toilets are normally common. Rooms with attached bath are also available but in very limited number. Facilities like hot showers, electricity to charge mobiles and batteries, WIFI cost additional charges. Dorm rooms are also available and they cheaper than other rooms. This type of accommodation is the most popular one while trekking in Nepal and they are quite ideal for backpackers.

LODGES/HOTELS

Photo Courtesy: https://hoteleverestview.com/

There are some local and chain hotels in popular trekking areas like Everest and Annapurna. They are expensive and provide deluxe facilities. They offer luxury rooms with services like  en suite washrooms, comfortable beds with electric covers, hot water showers, exquisite  furniture and free WiFi services. Hotel Everest View  and Yeti Mountain Home in Everest region and Ker and Downey lodges in Annapurna region are the examples of such accommodation. If you seek for extra comfort in the middle of wilderness, they are the perfect choice.

How hard is the trek? What is the level of fitness required? Can I do it? These are the most common questions one asks when he or she thinks or plans to do trekking in the Himalaya. We think there is no right answer as difficulty level of a trek is not an absolute idea, especially in the Himalaya. Of course factors like altitude, distance and time are measurable factors that can determine the grade of a trek to some extent. However, how a person’s body and his mental fortitude respond to these things makes the whole difference. So, there is no generally accepted trekking grade system in Nepal. However, based on our experience, we have categorized the trekking grade in Nepal taking some common factors like walking hours, altitude, terrain difficulty into consideration.  Our grading system is to be taken as a general guideline. Deciding the right one is subject to your personal level of physical and mental fitness.

1. Soft Adventure treks

These treks are only about a week to 10 days in duration. They generally don’t go above 4000 meters and each day, you can expect to be walking for around 4 – 5 hours. They are a perfect introduction to trekking in Nepal. Most of the time, it is walking from one village to other village above 2500m, discovering the lifestyles and culture of rural communities of Nepal. You can see the panoramic views of mountains, exciting village life and do wonderful wilderness walk. The activity level is fairly easy as there is no difficult climbing or snowy walks. But don’t expect it to be all easy going, as it is still a trek and there will still be some big hills to climb as well as the well-known ‘Nepali flat’ – a little bit up and a little bit down. Such soft adventure treks are ideal for Family Adventure and Corporate Retreats. No previous experience is required.  Example: A Week Below Everest

2. Moderate to fairly challenging treks

This trekking grade involves longer treks going right into high mountain country above 4000m, to some of the famous mountaineering Base Camps like Everest Base Camp (5357m) with occasional crossing over high passes. Most of the trekking in Nepal falls under this category. Climbing and descending are very usual experiences for this type of trekking and you may have to cross glaciers as well. Physically quite tiring and more challenging than soft adventure treks, it includes approx. 6-8 hours trekking along rocky ridges of high Himalayan peaks. This kind of trekking gives you an experience of a lifetime, with memorable walking surrounded by spectacular mountains. Previous experience is not required but preferable for this trekking. You should be moderately fit, used to some regular exercise and enjoy walking in the high altitude conditions. It is ideal for you if you want to challenge yourself with longer and demanding trekking days. Example: Everest Base Camp & Annapurna Circuit

3. Strenuous treks

On the way to Larke Pass (5106m)

Strenuous treks are normally longer treks that go far beyond the normal haunts of trekkers and tourists, to remote areas of the country where the landscapes are wild and untamed and where the local inhabitants have seen little change in their way of life for centuries- untouched corners of an increasingly crowded planet. Most of the time, you will be trekking in very rocky terrain, crossing glaciers through wilderness, and sometime may have to use crampons. It normally goes above 5500m and is appropriate for those seeking real adventure. Physically challenging, likely to include unfavorable weather conditions and strenuous activities. Should not be super fit but definitely not for beginners! However, it is not impossible to take as the first adventure if you are committed to take some extra challenges. Example: Dolpo Trek & Dhaulagiri Trek