Nepal: Trekking in Kathmandu, Pokhara and Namche Bazaar

Equipments and Clothings:

Equipment needed depends largely upon where, when and how one is trekking. The main emphasis while trekking is on keeping warm and dry while still being lightweight. For lower altitude, fleece jackets are adequate, while at higher altitudes down jackets are advisable. Waterproof, wind-proof jackets and plants pants, well broken-in footwear, head covering are also recommended. Good sleeping bags sunglasses, drinking water bottle, torch light, sun block cream, toiletries, first aid kit and very good route map are other items necessary. Cameras, on the other hand, are handy for taking home memories.

Trekking equipments are available in Kathmandu, Pokhara and Namche Bazaar.

Medication shops are few are i\on trekking route. Therefore, it is best to carry first aid kit and read about the possible problems before hand. On the Everest Base Camp route at Pheriche and on the Annapurna circuit route at Manang, there are clinics operated by the Himalayan rescue Association that specializes in treating trekker's health problems. These clinics are open only during the main trekking seasons. While on teaks, the following problems could occur:

1. Upset stomach, often caused by change in diet or contaminated food and water is a common ailment. To avoid it one should pay particular attention to hygiene and quality of food and drinks.
2. Cough, cold, sore throats, common in the dry mountain air can lead to chest infection. Sore throats can best be avoided by attempting not to breathe cold air directly through mouth. Smoking should also be avoided.
3. Joint muscle strains, foot problems, and blisters are other hindrances for trekkers. Wearing good footwear will go long way in avoiding these problems. For sprains and strains, apply cold water to reduce swelling and support the joint with crepe bandage.
4. Acute Mountain sickness (AMS) is a fatal sickness caused by random altitude ascension. Therefore climbers ascending 3,000 meters or above should acquire sound knowledge of proper acclimatization processes. Symptoms of AMS include headache, loss of appetite, swelling of limbs, dizziness, difficulty, etc. in sleeping, irregular breathing, nausea, and unusual weariness. Maintaining good fluid intake helps combat altitude sickness and hurried descent or evacuation to lower altitude is the only best cure.

Safety and Security:

Nepal is a safe country to trek provided the basic rules are observed. When with trekking agency most contingencies are handled by agency staff. However, one could get lost or hurt and have no one to ask for help when trekking alone. Therefore, trekkers should either trek with agencies or hire reliable guides if trekking in smaller groups. Women guides are available for women trekkers. The best way to avoid risk while trekking is thorough planning, playing by the rules and realizing human limitations. In case of misfortune, detailed message should be dispatched to a reliable organization or individual immediately for rescue operation. If communication facilities are unavailable, normal first aid principle should be followed till help arrives. Some of the safety rules to abide by are:

1. Do not trek alone.
2. Do not make the display of wealth.
3. Keep belongings secure and within sight.
4. Make arrangements for handling emergency situation before hand.
5. Register personal information and trekking path details with respective embassies.
6. Bye travel insurance policy that covers helicopter rescue cost. Leave a copy of details with an agency in Kathmandu.
7. Choose only authorized government registered trekking agencies, guides, and porters.

Environmental Issues:

A general advice to trekkers is to leave only footprints and take only photographs. However, the recent developments along trekking trails have been of concern to environmentalist and locals alike. The sprouting of teahouse along trekking trails demand wood for construction and fuel, which has led to deforestation. In addition, the amount of waste has increased without proper mechanism for disposal, making some of the popular trails both unsightly and unhealthy. With increased awareness on the part of trekkers and local people, this trend is changing. However, message still needs to be passed across for a more environmentally sound trekking. For vigilant trekking the following rules to be followed:

1. Ensure that your trekking company supplies sufficient kerosene or gas for cooking.
2. Dispose biodegradable waste properly and carry non-biodegradable waste out or dump them in properly constructed waste pit.
3. Ensure that campsites are left clean and that toilet pits are properly filled in after use.