Category: trekking peaks

Beginners guide to peak climbing in Nepal

Posted on by Plan Holidays

Nepal, widely known as the lap of Himalayas, is known as so for a reason. The tourists from all over the world don’t only get spellbound by the natural and scenic beauty but also admire it for the full range of Himalayan activities it offers. If you love to gather experiences of Himalayan activities, Nepal is undoubtedly a country you would not want to miss. Mountaineering and Peak Climbing in Nepal have been one of the major tourist attractions. Nepal has been the top destination for mountaineers and climbers to achieve a lifetime experience and record; after the first successful expedition on Mount Everest by Sir Edmund Hillary from New Zealand and Tenzing Norgay Sherpa from Nepal on 29 May 1953. Here we are giving the Beginners guide to peak climbing in Nepal.

peak climbing in Nepal
peak climbing in Nepal

Nepal offers visitors with more than 1310 peaks, which are over 5500 m, with the highest being 8848 m above the sea level. Most of the mountains are open to climb. However, some of them have not yet opened. These wide ranges of peaks are categories as trekking peaks and expedition peaks. Nepal Mountaineering Association has 18 trekking peaks over 6000 m to 6500 m under it for the trekkers to explore while in their journey to Nepal.

Every peak climbing experience can differ in accordance to the type of peak. But, it is generalized into one whole idea of an essential guide. So, if you are looking forward to peak climbing in Nepal, here’s a list of a few things you would not want to miss:

1. Plan your journey in advance

It surely is a preferred way among the travelers to explore spontaneously, but when it comes to peaks, you might not want to do that. It is always wise to plan your trip. Do some research regarding the altitude, technicality, and previous trekking experiences. Know your destination before you plan to reach one.

trekking in nepal
planning trekking

2. Climbing Gears

Since exploring the trekking peaks in Nepal does not require any mountaineering skills, climbing gears can surely be your companion throughout the journey. Climbing gears are readily available on rent from Pokhara and Kathmandu in case you don’t look forward to buying it. 

Climbing gears ensure you with safety and precautions. Furthermore, it is always advisable to carry a medical kit with you for further protection.

 

3. Opt for base camps of the peaks

Along with the climbing gear, you can also opt for trekking to the base camps of the ridges so that you get acclimatized once you get to the top.

4. Stay on route

It is always the best idea to hire an experienced guide who can help you explore the peaks in safer ways. The guides can also help you with the knowledge of rock climbing, how to walk on icy pathways, techniques of using the rope knots, and any other dangers. 

Always try to trek with a guide. If not, at least travel with someone from the community who has been to the peak before. Always follow the instructions and stay on route. Don’t overlook their advice. Know that they have been there before and know how things back.

trek with a guide
trek with a guide

5. Travel insurance

The purchase of travel insurance will get you prepared and assured both economically and mentally. Before you decide to explore the higher altitudes of Nepal, it is better to get yourself a travel insurance that covers at least 6000 meters of a helicopter rescue operation.

These are some of the tips for Beginners guide to peak climbing in Nepal. Find more of similar travel tips on our websites. 

How Difficult Is The Everest Base Camp Trek

Posted on by Plan Holidays

As intimidating as it may sound, the Everest Base Camp trek is not difficult at all, and the death rate is pretty low considering that more than 30,000 people each year trek through Khumbu Valley up to the Everest Base Camp. However, only a few successfully summit the Everest each year.

The Everest base camp trek generally doesn’t require any experience of expertise and people of all ages have completed it over the years. It’s just a long trek at a very high altitude. Generally, 12-14 days, which is the actual deal-breaker for a lot of people since people aren’t accustomed to trekking for such long. However, despite its relative ease and is achievable, there are certain things that you need to keep in mind before setting off.

Everest Base Camp Trekking
Everest Base Camp Trekking

Altitude 

If it were not for the altitude, the trek would be pretty basic. So, this is certainly the factor you need to consider the most, a lot take this lightly and end up facing deadly consequences like altitude sickness (AMS), which should not be underestimated as a minor issue as it can eventually result in death! The starting point of the trek is just below 3000 meters, which is already enough to induce AMS while the altitude will go up to 5500 meters, more or less.

Make sure to know the symptoms and treatments of AMS available there before your trip. Also, keep in mind you need to have 2-3 days fixed to acclimatization and have a slow approach to high altitudes. Your outward leg should take at least 70% of the total time of your trek. Furthermore, AMS is not related to your fitness or age, so everyone is vulnerable!

Length 

Essentially, the distance between Lukla, your starting point, and Everest base camp  is around 65 km. However, you will have to cover a round trip, which is more or less, 130 km.

Initially, this may sound like a lot of distance to you if you’re not an experienced trekker, but according to the mathematics, you will only have to walk 15 km/day as 2-3 days are spent in acclimatization, which doesn’t seem much as an average human walks with a speed of 5 km/hr.

Still, you should be prepared as the altitude will be increasing with every step and the terrain would be quite rough, so the walk will not be that easy keeping in mind that you will have a lot of baggage with you as well. But luckily most tour operators have porters or mules to carry your baggage so you may not have to worry about that.

Training 

While Everest base camp trek does not require any prior training and any novice-trekker can generally handle it, but due to the altitude and the length of trekking, having some basic level of low-key training would help you get through your trip without running into any discomforts.

As we read, some things make Everest base camp trek stand apart from any other treks, so it is advisable to have a few weeks spent in the gym before pursuing your trip. A leg workout should be the top priority, which will help you carry yourself up to the mountains, and don’t forget the squats, you won’t regret it!

Trekking

Choosing Between Hiking, Trekking or Peak Climbing

Posted on by Plan Holidays

Hiking, trekking or peak climbing, also known in some places as mountaineering are three different words that mean almost synonymous to a large number of people. On paper, however, the differences are quite noticeable and should be kept in mind when choosing any one of them. So, to understand completely, you first need to have an idea between the significant differences in them. Thus, we will be explaining them very briefly for you to develop a plan.

trekking
trekking alone

Major Differences between The Three

The type of terrain, difficulty level, and the equipment used account for the differences in them. Hiking means only an act of walking on clearly indicated trails without needing any climbing skills or equipment. Trekking, on the other hand, is a bit rough; there are no well-established trails, the terrain may be rough making it more difficult, but it too does not require any technical skills or special equipment and lasts for more than two days usually. Peak climbing, on the other hand, is entirely different. It needs specialized equipment, technical skills, and the right fitness level. Now that we have basic knowledge, so let’s decide what you should pick.

trekking with guides
trekking with guides

Are You a Leisure Time Hiker?

If you are looking to spend your precious leisure time walking up mountains, hiking should be your instant pick. You can start from one-day hikes, and then after some successful trips, you can increase the number of days as your body gets more used to it.

Duration of the Trip

How many days are you planning to spend on your trip? If you don’t have much time and are looking for something to be completed within two days, hiking should be it. If you want to go for a longer time and not to look for a considerable difficulty, then you could go for a trek, and finally, if you have the skills and you have months to spend, there can be nothing more enjoyable than peak climbing.

Medical and Physical Fitness

These two key factors are probably the most important ones to bear in mind for your very own safety purposes. As you may not be conscious of it, but peak climbing requires a great combination of excellent medical and physical fitness. It demands very long endurance training sessions as well as other technical training so you can’t just go straight up without having all of it or you may have to face severe problems caused by high altitudes, varying temperatures, unpredictable weather along with other technical issues.

cycling tour
cycling tour

Equipment You Are Willing to Use

The gear you have is essential, as well. While you don’t need anything for hiking, you may need some elementary equipment for trekking. And as for peak climbing, it’s a different thing. You need exceptional gear, and you have to know how to use them like fixing of ropes, using crampons, etc.

equipment for trekking
equipment for trekking

Conclusion

we are pretty sure you have already decided what you want and made up your mind. Now It’s easy Choosing Between Hiking, Trekking or Peak Climbing. If it’s a leisure time walk to see nature, go hiking. If you’re going to approach the countryside and increase the duration and adventure of your trip and you’re somewhat physically fit too, go trekking. However, if you have had adequate training and equipment, and have a lot of time and want to see the beauty of the mountains to the most and stand at its summit, go for peak climbing without having any second thoughts.

 

Most popular treks in the Everest region of Nepal

Posted on by Plan Holidays

The Everest region in Nepal is one of the most famous and breath-taking regions in the Himalayas, and it is much more than just an iconic peak. The main inhabitants of the region are the famous Sherpa people who follow Buddhism. However, they are very friendly and generous and have a very colorful lifestyle which allows us to spend some quality time along with them during our trek. Below listed are some of the Most popular treks in the Everest region of Nepal.

Everest Base Camp Trek

This is the most famous trek of all and Most popular treks in the Everest region of Nepal it takes around 13 days to complete. The usual starting point is Lukla, and you can easily fly over there, however, if you want to add more challenge, you can trek from Salleri. The trek consists of a well-guided trail, passing through the river valleys, through glaciers and finally hits the foot of Everest which is the home to all the south side expeditions. If we go during spring, the glaciers will be flooded by a whole lot of expedition camps. 

There are quite a few villages and sightseeing points along the way which add fuel to the fire of your trip and are sometimes enjoyed more than reaching the Everest base camp. The good thing about this trek is that it can be visited at any time of the year. However, fall or spring are considered best as the temperature is comfy and the skies are relatively clear during that. The accommodation consists of local tea shops which can be used to stay, but luxury lodges are also available.

Everest base camp trek
Everest Base Camp

Gokyo Lakes Trek

This is the second most popular trek in the Everest region of Nepal and takes approximately 12 days to get past. As the name suggests, it has some stunning chilly lakes which are referred to as Gokyo, about 19 in total, which consist of the freshwater framework. By choosing this trek, you pass through the parallel valley to the small lakeside village of Gokyo. 

Once up there, you can return to Lukla through the same way you went up or return through crossing over Cho La Pass, which is at the height of almost 18 k feet above the sea water to join with the Everest Base Camp Trek. 

There are some stunning viewpoints, for example, the turquoise lakes which are at a fairly high altitude point, but they do demand some time. The best time is during spring and autumn because of warm temperature during the day and clear sky. There is a lot of variety in accommodations with tea shops being well developed.

Gokyo lake trek
Gokyo lakes trek

Three Passes Trek

This is the ultimate trekking experience. However, it does take over 20 days to complete, which is quite much. Nevertheless, it is kind of a combination of all the other treks in the Everest region and combines them, both in terms of viewpoints and the local culture, into one single challenging, adventurous trek. 

Starting from the mountain airport of Lukla, it goes all the way up. The best season for this particular trek is Spring or Autumn as, during the Monsoon, it is highly unpredictable and hence a lot less safe. The accommodation and other facilities are good on this trek with food being healthy and lodges of high quality. The difficulty of this trek is harder than the former two listed. These are some of the Most popular treks in the Everest region of Nepal.

 

 

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