Travellers' Info - General Information

The best way to experience Nepal's unbeatable combination of natural beauty and cultural riches is to walk through them. The immense contrasts in altitudes and climates found here supports an equally spectacular mix of lifestyles, flora, fauna and wildlife. One-fourth of all visitors to Nepal go trekking.

The entire length and breadth of Nepal's kingdom is a paradise for trekkers. There are easy walks lasting a few days and there are strenuous expeditions that takes several weeks. All of them will leave you with memories that will last a lifetime.

The most popular trekking route in Nepal, you will be walking through rhododendron forest over the foothills of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. The Kali Gandaki Gorge, the deepest in the world, and Lake Tilicho (4919m.) the highest lake, are located here. Treks to the Annapurna region start from the Lakeside resort town of Pokhara.

The highest mountain in the world continues to lure adventurers today as it did when Nepal first opened its boarders to tourists in the early 1950's. One can either walk or fly to Lukla. From here is where you begin the higher elevation walking through the famous Sherpa village of Namche Bazaar. After, you will move on to Tengboche Monastery with the mesmerizing peak of Amadablam hovering in the sky. Then it's over the glaciers to the foot of Everest for the view of a lifetime.

The third most popular trekking region in the kingdom of Nepal, lies directly to the north of Kathmandu. The Gosaikunda Lakes situated here are a much-revered Hindu pilgrimage site. Langtang offers baffling extremes in topography and climate conditions. In just one day you can traverse five different vegetation zones trekking from the subtropics to timberline.

For those who want to get off the beaten track, there is the trail to Mustang (maximum elevation 5,400m.) north of the Annapurna Range, which offers mind-boggling landscape and mystical cultures. Dhaulagiri Round and Manaslu in west central Nepal (maximum elevation 5,213m.) offers a diverse range of pristine eco-systems. Makalu, Rolwaling and Kanchanjunga in the eastern part of the country (maximum elevation 5,500m.) takes you through isolated valleys and high mountain passes to the base of the highest peaks on earth. Dolpo and Rara Lake in eastern Nepal (maximum elevation 4,500m.) captivate visitors with its Phoksundo Lake and unparalleled scenery.

You'll pass jungle-covered mountains, rhododendron forests, high yak pastures, turquoise lakes, snow capped peaks, beautiful temples, and rustic villages nestled in the mountains among shimmering, terraced rice fields. Playful children love to skip along beside you for an hour or so as you walk through the dizzy heights of their beautiful homeland. Nepal has only been open to the outside world for 50 years so there are still very few roads in Nepal and only a few are paved, but there are innumerable foot routes winding through the mountainous, yet pastoral countryside. For most Nepalese, trekking is the only way to go and they say you haven't visited Nepal until you've gone trekking! So join us for a trek of a lifetime.

You do not need to be a mountaineer with rippling muscles to enjoy trekking. If you are reasonably fit, have an adventurous spirit and are not afraid of walking - you qualify. Holy Land Adventure will take care of all the details. All you have to do on the trails is concentrate on putting one foot before the other and enjoying yourself. On many of the popular trekking trails, you will experience "Teahouse Style" trekking. Teahouse Style eating & lodging is one of the best ways to experience, firsthand, the various cultures of Nepal. Teahouse treks are typically run in the more popular trekking routes. If you are looking for "into the wild" or "off the beaten track" experiences then it is recommended that you choose fully supported camping treks.

In our fully supported wilderness treks we provide the following equipment: tents, sleeping mats, excellent food, extensive first aid kit, toilet paper, private transport to and from the trek, conservation fees, and the trek permit.

One treks to enjoy the scenery on the trail, not to get to any particular place in a hurry. The main precaution that needs to be taken while trekking is not to go up too high, too fast. The body should be given plenty of time to acclimatize. Acute mountain sickness (AMS) refers to the effects of the thin air at high altitudes, which can be very dangerous and may even result in death. If you get initial symptoms like nausea, dizziness, swelling in the face and breathlessness, descend to a lower elevation immediately and seek medical help. Comprehensive travel and medical insurance is advised to cover emergencies, like helicopter evacuation and medical treatment in case of accidents on the trail.

All visitors require a trekking permit to visit Nepal's interior regions i.e. Annapurna, Everest and Langtang. Trekking permits (TIMS) are available from any legally registered trekking agencies and from the Nepal Tourism Board for individual travellers, or from the Department of Immigration (for some restricted areas).

You need to pay a park fee of RS. 1000 to enter a National Park or wildlife reserve. The fee is payable at the park entrance. Trekkers going to the Annapurna Region, however, must pay a fee of RS. 2000 (RS 100 for SAARC nationals) which is payable only in Kathmandu or in Pokhara. The fee is utilized for environmental conservation and maintenance of the area.

A wide variety of accommodations are available both in Kathmandu and in Pokhara. Prices range from US$ 10 for lodges (depending on season i.e. high & low), and goes all the way above US$ 300 or more for deluxe rooms in luxury hotels. There are more than a hundred hotels in Kathmandu, so you will have a variety of options to choose from. If you have the desire to stay amongst fellow tourists, Thamel is the top choice. But For those wanting to stay away from crowded streets of Thamel, there is the option of selecting hotels in surrounding quiet areas in the capital.