Trekking Annapurna
The Annapurna region of Nepal is a surreal gem of Nepal. This region is home to ample natural beauty, flora and fauna. This region today features the most traversed trails in our nation.
Annapurna- the giver of food and nourishment! The region named after the snowy peaks of Annapurna stands true to its name. Since time immemorial, these mountains have been the source of the elixir of life- water! The stream and rivers that flow from these mountains helped shape its unique lifestyle and beauty. Even today, these mountains and their ecosystem provide bread and nourishment to numerous families all over Nepal. The world comes to witness this natural yonder and traverse its beaten trails.
The gateway to this immaculate wonder is the peaceful lake town of Pokhara. This picturesque valley is a bustling tourist hub featuring ample amenities set up to cater for the flock of adventurers and trekkers who descend upon this valley all-around the year, especially during spring and autumn, to escape in the tranquil lap of nature.
Every day and every mile in this region is a new adventure here. The diversity of ecosystems and terrain is out of this world. The Annapurna Conservation Area begins at 790 m above sea level and reaches 8,091 m at the summit of Mount Annapurna I, the 10th tallest peak in the world.
Enchanted forests, magical high passes and breathtaking scenes await a traveller in this region. Some of the most popular treks in the region are as follows:
Poonhill Trek
Basic Itinerary Days: 4-5
Route: KTM-PKR (Flight)-Naya Pul (Drive)- Tikhe Dhunga- Ghorepani- Tadapani- Poonhill (morning hike)- Ghandruk- Naya Pul- Pokhara (Drive)- Kathmandu (Flight)
Trek Style: Tea House
Max Elevation: 3210m
Attractions: Poonhill view point, sunrise view, culture and lifestyle of gurung people, panoramic mountain views
Ghodepani is synonymous with Poonhill, the magnicent mountain viewing station literally takes ones breath away with surreal views of the Annapurna Range and Dhaulagiri Range. A strenuous trek of 5 days bears the fruits of beautiful opportunity to experience the himalayan lifestyle and indulge in the beauty of the Himalayas.
The Ghodepani Circuit is part of the larger Annapurna Circuit which starts from Besiahar Lamjung and ends in the pareses known as Pokhara. The 21-26 day tour is a stretch that most cannot endure thus the Ghodepani Circuit though challenging is short enough for most to conquer and experience the Himalayas.
Lower Mustang Trek
Basic Itinerary Days: 9 Days
Route: KTM- PKR- Jomsom ( Flight) - Kagbeni (Trek) - Jharkot (Trek) - Muktinath (Trek) - Lupra (Trek) - Jomsom - PKR (Flight)
Trek Style: Tea House
Max Elevation: 3795 M
Attractions: Red Gompa, Apple Orchids, Muktinath Temple, Panoramic Peaks View, Thak Kola, Bonpo Monastery, Sayka Gompa
Best Season: May- Nov
The barren landscape of Lower Mustang at times can feel like an otherworldly experience. With its rustic atmosphere, barren hills and tantalizing view of the Himalayas, it also offers the travellers an opportunity to experience the traditional lifestyle of the Thakali people who have called this region home for thousands of years. A far and easy trail which departs from Jomsom, with moderate altitude climbs and features a fair trial for all to enjoy.
Royal Trek
Basic Itinerary Days: 5 Days
Route: KTM- PKR (Flight/Bus)- Bijayapur (Drive)- Kalikasthan (Trek)- Syaklung(Trek) - Chisapani(Trek)- Sundare Danda ( Trek) - Pokhara (Drive)
Permit: Basic Permit (T.I.M.S)
Cost: USD $25
Trek Style: Tea House
Max Elevation: 1730M
Attractions: Lakes such as Rupa, Begnas and Fewa, Rhododendron Forests, Panoramic Peaks View with mountains such as Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, Machhapuchhre, Annapurna and it’s sisters.
Best Season: September - December and March to May
The trail gets its name after Prince Charles and his entourage explored Annapurna region through this path in the early eighties. One of the most popular short trails in Annapurna Conservation Area, the basic itinerary of 5 days is great for adventurers who don’t have much time but still wish to explore the region. Located in the North-Western side of Pokhara, the trails of Royal Trek allows you to experience the majestic mountains of Machapuchre, Manaslu, Annapurna, Lamjung Himal and Dhaulagiri and others. It also provides you with an opportunity to witness the life of the ethnic communities of Gurungs and Magars.
The trek passes through beautiful Gurung hamlets, where one can indulge in the traditional lifestyle, culture, and traditions of the Gurung people which they have preserved and maintained even till this day.
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Mountaineering Adventure In Nepal
Many souls crave an adventure in the Himalayas. There are numerous snow-covered peaks in Nepal. They are open to national and international mountaineers to the summit. In this blog, we shall look into some of these majestic mountains.
The art of climbing a mountain is a hard-earned skill. It is a challenge and an adventure that takes you to one of the most remote regions of this nation and allows you great views that are unfathomable.After the first successful summit of Mt Everest by Tenzing Norgay and Edmund Hillary, mountaineering took great leaps. After this summit, the Nepalese authorities also took steps to develop mountaineering infrastructure and regulations.
When is Nepal’s climbing season?
Nepal has two main climbing seasons:
1. March to Early May: This period is considered the golden period for mountaineering adventures. The days and nights are typically warmer this time of the year. The visibility during this period is also nominal.
2. September to November: The nights during this period are more chilly than between March to Early May. The visibility is nominal with minimal weather disturbances.
How do I acquire a climbing permit?
Every climber must adhere to laws set by the Government of Nepal during their expedition. Please click on the following link to know more about the rules and regulations related to mountaineering expeditions: [Click Here]
Nepal Mountaineering Association issues the climbing permits. You are required to submit the following documents:
1. Bank Voucher from Nabil Bank of Permit Fee [Click here to find out the service charges for foreign climbers] and Garbage Deposit
2. Accidental insurance of 15 lakh
3. Medical insurance of 4 lakh and
4. Rescue insurance of Climbing Guide
(Documents 2,3&4 are required for Nepalese climbers as well)
Which peaks are open for climbers?
As per the tourism department of Nepal, 468 peaks are open and proposed to be open for climbing. You can [Click here] to view their profile.
How long is the permitted period?
The mountaineering permit is for a period of one month. The permission is open to an extension if required for two weeks. The period of permission relates to time spent climbing above base camp.
Will I also require a trekking permit on top of my climbing permit?
Yes, you need to acquire a TIMS card and trekking permit.
Where do I get mountaineering training?
The Nepal Mountaineering Association provides both basic and advanced mountaineering training in Nepal.
Top 2 beginner peaks in Nepal
1. Mera Peak
Elevation: 6470 M/ 21227 FT
Location: Province 1
District: Solukhumbu
Nearest Health Centre: Lukla 29.8 KM
Royalty Fees:
A. For Nepalese: Rs 4000(Spring) , 2000(Autumn), 1000 (Winter/Summer)
B. For Foreigners (USD): 250 (Spring), 125(Autumn), 70 (Winter/Summer)
Accessibility
From Kathmandu: Flight to Lukla
Caravan Route: Lukla-Chhatrala- Thanknak-Khare- Base Camp (BC)
Climbing Route Length: 4.2 KM
Duration: 17 Days
The Nepal Mountaineering Association provides both basic and advanced mountaineering training. Mera peak is the highest trekking peak in Nepal.
Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA) manages the peak. Meera Peak is an expert recommendation for novice mountaineers due to its non-technical nature.
It is an eye-opener for enthusiasts of mountaineering. The summit of Mera offers a breathtaking of the world’s five highest mountains: Mount Everest, Lhotse, Kanchenjunga, Makalu and Cho Oyu.
2. Island Peak (Imja Tse)
Elevation: 6165 M/ 20226 FT
Location: Province 1
District: Solukhumbu
Nearest Health Centre: Namche 28.5 KM
Royalty Fees:
A.For Nepalese: Rs 4000(Spring) , 2000(Autumn), 1000 (Winter/Summer)
B.For Foreigners (USD): 250 (Spring), 125(Autumn), 70 (Winter/Summer)
Accessibility
From Kathmandu: Flight to Lukla
Caravan Route: Lukla- Namche- Khumjung- Dinboche- Chukung- Base Camp (BC)
Climbing Route Length: 2.4 KM
Duration: 18 Days
Imja Tse is also known as Island Peak. The peak got its nickname from a British Expedition en route to Mt Everest. As they looked towards Imja Tse, it seemed like an island in a sea of ice from Dingboche. The summit of Imja offers majestic views of Everest, Ama Dablam, Makalu, Nuptse, Baruntse, Lhotse and other famous summits. The climb to the summit is moreover straightforward. There are only a few sections that require technical manoeuvring.