Why is Nepal famous for trekking/ hiking?
“The climb speaks to our character, but the view, I think to our souls”- Lori Lansens.
Nepal is world wise famous for one of the best destinations for trekking/hiking. Nepal has diverse landscapes, fabulous mountain ranges, and rich cultural heritage. Trekking in Nepal give us an opportunity in witnessing the roof of the worlds, “Mount Everest”. Out of top ten highest summits in the world, Nepal has eight top mountains in the list.
National Geographic, is famous for its coverage of nature, culture and adventure, has often highlighted Nepal’s trekking and hiking opportunities. Nepal is a country of contrasts with different culture, traditions, and different regions.
Why is Nepal famous for trekking reasons?
1. Third Pole/ Highest Mountains in the World
“Third Pole” some geographers also refer Himalayan Mountain by this name. All these mountains help regulate the planet’s climate being the major source of the rivers and streams on the Asia continent. The melting of snow initiates from the mountain rivers in the Himalayas. We will get to see the most amazing fast flowing rivers and streams while trekking trails in Nepal.
Trekking in Nepal upholds in witnessing the roof of the world, “Mount Everest”, standing at 8,849 meters tall. Nepal has eight out of ten highest mountains in the world above eight thousand meters itself. This life time experiences providing mountains include Mt Everest (8849m) highest mountain in the world, Mount Kanchenjunga (8598m), Mount Lhotse (8516m), Makalu (8,463m), Cho Oyu (8,201m), Dhaulagiri (8,167m), Manaslu (8,163m), and Annapurna (8091m).
2. Mythology, Religious Values
The mountains in the Himalayan range have names in their local language. Nepalese refer Mount Everest as “Sagarmatha” in Nepali which means “goddess of the sky” and “Chomolungma” means goddess mother of the world. For many years, the Himalayans are important to the people of South Asia not just because it lies in five countries but because it replicates the history, mythologies, literature, culture and religions.
As per the Hindu mythology, Nepali people have faith in the god Hanuman carried “Sanjivani Buti” which facilitated Laxman to recover his narrow escape from death.
Hindu people also believe, Lord Shiva (scientifically considered the cosmic energy, with no beginning, form and end) and the one with the “Third eye” lives in this range. They have faith in that many sages meditate there for more than hundreds of years and some even have gained immortality as well. Himalayan mountains have speculated the gripping exchange of science, cultural and art forms. While trekking in Nepal, you may also notice diverse monasteries, cave, and ancient buildings in the Himalayas.
3. Origin of trekking itself
Today’s trekking began with the mountaineers going for expeditions in noble mountains. Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay Sherpa conquered Mount Everest, after which there was successful attention came in.
However, Nepalese have a long history of hiking in this mountainous topography, as the nation has rough mountain terrain in the world. 75% of the total topography is mountainous in Nepal. Apart from the mountains, Nepal is known for writing the oldest religious texts, or just for the journey, trekking in Nepal has existed since time immeasurable in humankind.
The success stories of the mountaineers in the international journal may have fascinated travelers throughout the world for trekking in Nepal.
4. Favorable weather for trekking
Spring is the ideal season to go trekking in Nepal. Varied diversity in growing flowers and temperate days, Nepal has favourable weather for participating in trekking. The remote untouched lakes, the biodiversity, the religious places add beauty to the weather. The northern part of Nepal is famous for trekking, which consist of cool summers and slight to winters. But the extreme weather is not as deadly as many other weathers of the world has. In Nepal every season is favorable to some treks in Nepal.
Spring and Autumn season is the best time to trek in Nepal. Every trek 1000m gain in altitude decrease 6-degree Celsius temperature. However, good travel and tour companies provides travellers with meteorological guidance and they will work for the permit/ pass of the travellers as well.
5. Unique Flowers and Wildlife
There are numerous national parks in the mountain are such as Sagarmatha National Park, Manaslu National Park, Kanchenjunga Conservation Area. These national parks and conservation areas are home to different flowers and wildlife. Trekking through these national parks permits you come across many rare birds and animals. Some of the extremely rare animals you encounter while trekking in Nepal are Red Panda, Snow leopards, Spiny Babbler, Himalayan Musks, etc. Likewise, the lush green hills, and different variations of Rhododendrons, will surely leave you amazed.
The Himalayas is home to medical herbs to cure many incurable diseases through allopathy as well. Many people come here to just study herbs and get detailed information about it.
6. Easy and well-established trails
Trekking in Nepal brings the opportunity to bring you to the world of mountains. We often take it as one of the best tourist destinations for trekking. That’s the reason the tourism industry has succeeded beautifully in Nepal. That’s why the government and non-government agencies are taking proper care of the trekkers and the utility for the convenience of trekkers.
The most popular flattened path trekking routes are moderately safe. If you want to go for an off-the-beat/ path agencies provide to you to an experienced trekking guide. The adventure stories can be unconditionally capturing the beauty of breathtaking sites along with the safety of the trekker. Some of the trekking routes are even possible to be occupied on their own. Thus, there are many solo trekkers in the world who wants to enjoy this trek. There is also a varied range of trekking trails, from easy to very determined ones.
7. The flavour of Cultural Variety in the Trails
Not only limited to physical features, but it also a cultural celebration. The cultural tribes, original groups, religion following tribes are instances of unity in diversity. The socio-economic conditions, lifestyles, festivals, dresses, etc. invite many tourists to Nepal promoting cultural and religious tourism.
Sherpa, Tamang, Gurungs etc. are some communities living in and around the trekking ways of Nepal. Tamang heritage Trail Trek takes you to the Tamang Community to know about their lifestyle and culture. Majorly, people following Buddhism are living near high mountains while travellers can be also observer Hindu Culture on the way. The natural riches along with vibrant culture are extravagance for the heart.
Hiker’s love interacting with residents on the way to know more secretive things about the enormous mountains. These mountainous people have their exclusive lifestyles and traditions.
8. The hospitality of people in Nepal
Along with the relaxed accommodation, the widespread smiling and welcoming people are the bonuses of traveling to see these trekking routes of Nepal. These people have been keepers of the mountains and beautiful culture inherited by the generations. Trekking in Nepal is also popular because of its friendliest people in the world.
Trekking in Nepal can be an incredible opportunity to experience the isolated Tibetan Kingdom. The government of Nepal only opened Upper Mustang for outsiders in 1992, keeping the Tibetan atmosphere alive.
Here are some of the best treks in Nepal
Nepal offers a unique collection from the high Himalayas to the lush green foothills, from dry hills to shining glaciers. Trekking in Nepal is the stuff of legend, offering views of the world’s highest peaks (Daniel Prudek) Shutter stock.
1. Everest Base camp
Everest Base Camp trek is categorized as Moderate in terms of difficulty level. The trek can be completed easily if the person is mentally fit even for the beginners as well. EBC trek requires no prior trekking expertise, you will walk through the rocky trail with several uphill and downhill.
Everest Base Camp is an experience of a whole lifetime. From the eye-catching views to a beautiful thrill of standing at the highest point on earth. This journey has something to offer all types of adventures. Whether you are regular traveller or beginner taking on the challenge of reaching EBC will leave you some breath-taking views and life long memories and a sense of accomplishment.
2. Annapurna Base Camp
Annapurna Base Camp is also known as Annapurna Sanctuary or ABC. ABC literally brings you face to face with an eight thousand – for a moderate difficult trek, this is incredible. It is amazing walk through a diverse landscape and culture. Complete with stunning mountain scenes, terraced fields, quaint Gurung village, and wide variety of nature and wildlife.
There are two main seasons for trekking in ABC. The first is in late October- November when the weather Is dry and warm. The second is the start of spring from April – May when it can be wet but flowers are in bloom.
During the daytime temperatures are mostly pleasant and warm. At night the temperature drops quite dramatically and you will need a couple of warmer layers. Expect it to get below zero at the base camp at night below 10 degrees Celsius further down,
3. Kanchenjunga Base Camp
Kanchenjunga Base Camp is a trekking destination located in the eastern part of Nepal. It is named after Mount Kanchenjunga, the third-highest mountain in the world. This Base Camp offers a remote and adventurous journey through the beautiful landscapes of the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area.
The Kanchenjunga region is less frequented by trekkers compared to other popular trekking routes in Nepal, making it a perfect choice for those seeking solitude and unspoiled natural beauty. The trail passes through diverse landscapes, including dense forests, terraced fields, alpine fields, and high mountain passes, offering a unique experience in a relatively untouched environment.
4. Annapurna Circuit
Another popular trek in Nepal is the Annapurna Circuit is fabulously diverse. This is famous for dramatic deep gorges, desolate high mountain passes, fantastic viewpoints, hot springs, Buddhist and Hindu temples, delightful farming villages and stunning views of Annapurna summits. As you keep on walking you will pass through plunging valleys, deep gorgeous, rivers, lakes, glaciers and snow- topped peaks, as well as Gurung, Manangi and Thakali villages.
The best time to trek the Annapurna Circuit is during (March to May) and Autumn (September to November) seasons. These months offer stable weather, clear skies, and pleasant temperatures. The circuit can be trekked throughout the year including the winter and monsoon seasons, although weather conditions can be more challenging.
5. Manaslu Circuit
Manaslu Circuit has a similar range amazing scenery as Annapurna Circuit. This Circuit trek covers everything from steamy jungles to breathless mountain passes, natural hot springs and serene villages. You will cross beautiful suspension bridges and hike through green views foothills lined with rice paddies. This trek is mainly renowned for the spectacular glimpse of numerous snow-capped peaks including the 8th highest mountain in the world, Mt. Manaslu.
Experts consider this trek among the best treks in Nepal. This trek has many more things to offer to the keen trekkers.
The best time to trek Manaslu is in the spring (March, April or May) before the monsoon arrives. It has dry trails, stable weather, good visibility and long trekking days. In autumn (September, October, and November) is another best time for the Manaslu trek after the monsoon. Hiring a licensed guide and trekking with a reputable agency is highly recommended to make most of your experience and journey.
6. Tamang Heritage Trail
The Tamang Heritage Trail doesn’t hit the highest peaks in the region. Tamang Heritage Trail is focused on rich cultural insights though the views are pretty spectacular. Many of these villages have homestay facility, offering a chance to learn about Tamang Buddhist culture. Nepal’s trekking routes are world famous for life long experience travelers in jaw dropping Himalayan scenery.
Guides aren’t really necessary for Tamang Heritage Trails as the paths are generally easy to follow. One can often leads to deeper cultural interactions with homestay hosts and with strangers along the way. The best seasons to do Tamang Heritage Trail are spring (March- May) and autumn (September- November). The altitudes on this trek aren’t especially high. It is also a comfortable trek for the winter, and views are likely to be good at this time.
7. Great Himalayan Trail
This is once in a lifetime route which was designed to encourage trekkers to get off the compressed path. It is considered to be one of the world’s adventurous treks. Great Himalayan Trail passes through five countries: Nepal, Bhutan, Tibet (China), India and Pakistan. It crosses a wide range of landscapes, including remote mountain villages, high alpine passes, lush valley, and rugged terrain. Along the way travellers can experience the rich cultural diversity of the region.
Hiring an experienced guides/ porter is highly recommended to ensure safety and navigate the trail successfully.
8. Ghandruk Loop
One of the standout routes is Ghandruk Loop on the way to Annapurna. Ghandruk Loop will take you through rice paddies, forests of rhododendron tress which bloom spectacularly in the spring. There is a Gurung village, where accommodation ranges from simple teahouses to well-equipped lodges.
Ghandruk is a common place for treks in the Annapurna range of Nepal (Annapurna Base camp and Annapurna Circuit treks). The peaks of Mount Annapurna, Mount Machapuchare, Gangapurna and Mount Hiunchuli can be seen from the village and it is also the gateway to the Poon hill.
9. Langtang Valley Trek
The popular trekking route through the gorgeous Langtang Valley, which be similar to a super charged version of Alps and lies close to the Tibetan Border, packs in a lot of trekking wonders over the course of a week.
It is a short trek that takes you through a beautiful valley, across a river, and into the lap of giant mountains. This trek is a moderate in difficulty. The fall season (September – mid December) and the spring season (March- May) are the best seasons for the Langtang Valley trek. Then the climate is very pleasant at day and cool at night.
10. Nagarkot to Dhulikhel hike
One of the best trails links the point top village of Nagarkot with the pretty Newari town of Dhulikhel, both famous for their glorious views of the Himalayas, especially at sunrise and sunset.
It will also be an amazing choice for all the people out there who want to be refreshed and be in touch to the silent. This hiking is suitable for those all who loves hiking. It is moderate hiking; one would have to go through deep green forests and fields.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Nepal is well-known as a premier destination for trekking/ hiking for several compelling reasons. Firstly, Nepal is home to the majestic Himalayas, including eight of the world’s highest peaks, including Mount Everest.
Secondly, Nepal is the origin on trekking. It has iconic trekking trails like Everest base Camp, Annapurna Base Camp, Langtang Valley trek and many more. These trails offer diverse terrains, from dense forests to high-altitude passes, allowing trekkers to experience a wide range of ecosystems and scenery.
Furthermore, Nepal’s unique cultural heritage adds an enriching element to trekking adventures. Nepal’s trekking infrastructure is well developed, with numerous teahouses, lodges available along popular trekking routes. This makes easier for trekkers to find accommodation and meals during their journeys. Nepal’s trekking industry is supported by experienced guides and porters who possess valuable local knowledge and ensure the safety and well being of trekkers.
Considering these factors, it is no surprise that Nepal has earned a global reputation as a premier destination for trekking/ hiking.
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