Best Time To Trek in Nepal as a Beginner
The climatic condition of Nepal is usually favorable. The best time to trek for the beginner is in October and November as there is less rainfall in these months. You get to enjoy the perfect temperature of the trek as the monsoon season is finally over.
The next best option to trek as a beginner in Nepal is in March-April. During these months, the winter takes the place of summer with less amount of heat and more fresh and cool air surrounding the environment. So the spring season would be the best for trekking as a beginner in Nepal.
Preparing For Trekking In Nepal as a Beginner
Trekking in Nepal for beginners needs preparations. The high altitude Himalayan treks involve two important things that you will have to keep in mind: altitude sickness and packing.
Preventing Altitude Sickness
Altitude sickness can take several or more than one form. Preparing yourself before going for trekking is the best way to prevent the symptoms. You should be aware of the symptoms and the ways to prevent any problems if they arise.
As a beginner, it is best to have a medical check-up before leaving for trekking. Check if you have any disease such as Asthma that causes difficulty in breathing as you climb higher. Buy any medicine from a pharmacy that your doctor recommends to avoid some necessary problems.
To avoid altitude sickness, make sure you’re walking, without rushing to higher altitudes. This will give time to your body to adjust to the air.
What To Pack For Trekking as a Beginner
Before you pack it is necessary to know about the place you’re going. It would be best if you gather information about the weather, altitude, and environment about the place you’re going. It is best to avoid carrying heavy baggage if you’re planning to trek in the Himalayas.
The list addresses the necessity of an average lodge trekking for a beginner.
Sleeping Bag
Nights in the mountains can get cold so you to carry a down sleeping bag. You never know where you have to sleep. So the sleeping bag is the most important thing to pack before leaving for trekking.
Hand Wear
Light Wear Fleece Gloves
Lightweight fleece gloves work as inner gloves when the temperature is moderate.
Heavyweight Fleece Gloves
When the temperature gets colder, heavyweight fleece gloves gives you extra warmth. It would be best if the glove is waterproof and durable.
Other Personal Equipment
Sunscreen
You need sunscreen when trekking in the high mountainous region. In the high altitude, the sun rays are powerful. So you should bring the highest SPF sunscreen for your protection.
Water Bottles
Water can prevent you from altitude sickness in the high altitude. So to avoid such a problem, bring a durable water bottle with you. Most of the lodges provide safe drinking water but sometimes you need to refill your bottle from outside taps. So it is best to carry a water purifier with you.
Head Torch
Some of the trekking routes in rural Nepal have no access to electricity. So, your head torch is the only source of light in such area. And also, the head torch will be useful as you will also have to trek during dawn to view early morning sunrise. Thus do forget to bring one.
First aid Kit
As prevention is better than cure, first aid kit plays an important role in avoiding some minor injuries while trekking. So pack things such as antiseptic wipes, bandages, hand sanitizers, antibiotic ointment, pain relief tablets and you might need.
Trekking Difficulty In Nepal for Beginners
It is best for beginners to trek in areas that are simple and less challenging. one of the difficulties faced by a beginner is Altitude Sickness.
High Altitude
The difficulty level increases as the trekking altitude increases. Beginners should avoid trekking in areas that are high in altitudes such as Everest Base Camp, Annapurna circuit trek and Manaslu Base camp. Higher altitude treks have more difficult passages and pathways that a beginner should avoid. As a beginner, you may also face high altitude sickness. High altitude sickness tires you and makes your trekking difficult. So as a beginner, it would be best to trek in areas that are at lower altitude and are comparatively easy.
5 Best Treks In Nepal for Beginners
Nepal is the home of the Himalayas, which means there are hundreds of trial and peaks you can explore. Let’s take a closer look at these Nepal Treks for beginners!
Annapurna Base Camp Trek
The Annapurna Base Camp Trek ranges from 6 to 15 km per day. It is one one the most popular treks in Nepal, especially for Beginners. The trek is easy and not so challenging and difficult as Everest Base Camp Trek and Manaslu Trek. you will have to trek around for 12 days in Annapurna Base Camp trek. The best time to trek in the Annapurna Base Camp is in spring and autumn seasons.
There is less chance of getting lost along the route of Annapurna Base Camp but as a beginner, it is best to hire a guide or a porter. Annapurna Base Camp gives you the view of beautiful mountains and an opportunity to experience the local lifestyles. So if you are thinking of trekking to Annapurna Base Camp, you’ve made the right decision.
Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek
The Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek only requires 4 to 5 days of trekking. This trek is mostly suitable for beginners as it is a short and easy trek into the Annapurna region. As you trek through the Ghorepani Poon Hill, you will encounter several beautiful mountains such as Mt. Annapurna, Mt. Dhaulagiri, Lamjung Himal and many more.
If you are thinking about your stay in the Ghorepani Poon Hill, then, you can stay in one of the biggest Gandhruk Gurung Village and Ulleri Magar Village. There are better guest houses with more facilities in Ghore Pani Poon Hill compared to Everest Base Camp and Annapurna circuit. Therefore the Ghore Pani Poon Hill is suitable for beginners as it is lower in altitude.
Mardi Himal Trekking
Mardi Himal Trek is a short and easy trek in the Annapurna region. If you wish to explore the Mardi Himal, fishtail, Annapurna, then, you should definitely trek to Mardi Himal.
The Mardi Himal Camp is at the altitude of 3000m. Individual trek is also doable but as a beginner, it is best to travel in a group. The best time to trek the Mardi Himal is in the month of September- November.
Everest Panorama/View Trekking
Everest View Trekking is the most scenic view trekking in the Khumbu region of Nepal. It is a short and easy trek for the beginners and the ones who don’t have time to trek till Everest Base Camp. the best time for trekking in the Everest Panorama is from March to May or September to December.
You can also trek here with your kids as this trek is comparatively short and easy. If you wish to view Mount Everest, but do not have more time for trekking then, Everest View Trekking is best for you.
Langtang Valley Trekking
Langtang Valley Trekking is mostly suitable for less experienced hikers or trekkers who wish to come with family. It is one of the easiest and most popular treks in Nepal. This trek sits in Annapurna region. You can complete this trek within a week. You will enjoy trekking even more if you trek in the spring season. The forests will be green and you will feel peace as you walk through the trails.
Within these seven days, you can explore many things in Langtang Valley Trekking. So if you are a beginner and planning for trekking, you should not miss Langtang Valley Trekking.
Tips for Staying Safe While Trekking in Nepal for Beginners
Carry a GPS Tracker
If you’re a solo beginner trekker, it would be best to carry a GPS tracker. In case if you get missing somewhere, the search team can find you through the GPS tracker such as Spot Satellite Messenger or Delores inreach.
Go slow
Altitude sickness is a real concern for anyone visiting the High Himalaya. If it isn’t taken seriously, it can cause other kinds of health issues, including headaches, dizziness, and nausea. Be sure to build some rest days into your schedule, and don’t push yourself too hard out on the trail. A slow, steady pace is the best approach and will give you the best chance of staying healthy, and successfully completing the trek. As a beginner, don’t pressure yourself and move slowly.
Prepare For All Types Of Weather
There are different types of weather and climatic conditions in Nepal. The weather in Nepal is best and most stable in peak seasons (Autumn and Spring). Be sure to bring the proper gear. They will help you to endure a variety of weather conditions that you may and will, encounter.
Keep your valuables safe
Keep your bulk of cash and other necessary equipment safe. Make sure they are not misplaced. Sometimes, they can even get stolen by some ill-minded people.
Conclusion
Therefore trekking in Nepal, especially for beginners, can be a lot more exciting and can become addictive. At the same time, trekking can be exhausting if you don’t have a proper guide. Generally trekking and traveling around Nepal is pretty easy to arrange. Some regions have restrictions (such as Manaslu or Manang), but the main trekking areas are very accessible to transport.
Trekking in Nepal is such a memorable experience as,
- It has a diverse range of trekking destinations
- Unadulterated scenic beauty
- Hospitable citizens
- Unique culture
So, if you are reading this article then you are looking forward to an adventurous escape into nature’s paradise. Visiting Nepal would be one of the best decisions you would have made for this experience.
If you’re a beginner and plan to trek in Nepal, we will recommend you places that are easy for beginners. Contact us if you need any type of help.
