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ENVIRONMENT AWARENESS |
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Trek in the Himalayas means to set off from a given town, village or air field and to wonder through fields and hamlets, along valleys and streams or up mountain slopes to any altitude at one's choice, but usually not above 18,000ft. (5,500m.) Trekking-hiking along the trails that form the main links between Nepal's isolated villages and settlements is one the country's main attractions. The word trekking was almost unheard of in Nepal until the sixties but many of today's visitors came to Nepal solely to trek.  A trek in Nepal is a unique and unforgettable experience for a whole lot of reasons but four in particular stand out.Scenery Eight out of fourteen highest mountains in the world are in Nepal and if you want to see these up close, you must walk. While trekking you see far more than the mountains. You can walk from the tropical lowlands to alpine meadows and glacial moraines while in the spring Nepal's brilliant rhododendrons will be in bloom and you may see rare species of birds. Diversity The landscape of Nepal is almost continually inhabited. The major of Nepal's population live, not in the cities, but in tiny villages. Even in the high mountains, small settlements on stone houses and yak pastures dot every possible flat space. Much of the fascination of a trek is derived from the opportunity to observe life in these villages, where people truly live off the land, using only a few manufactured items such as soap, kerosene, paper and matches. All of which are imported in bamboo baskets carried by bare foot porters. Trekkers pass through picturesque villages inhabited by Sherpas, Magars, Gurungs and Tamangs in the highlands and Brahmins, Chhetris and Newars in the lower altitudes. These are among the many ethnic groups which exist in Nepal. People Trekkers are always impressed by the friendliness of the people they meet the local trails. The hill people particularly their traditional hospitality and fascinating culture. Make a trek in Nepal a special kind of mountain holiday unlike any other part of world. Safety Not only is scenery interesting and ever changing but it can be seen in relative. Theft, robbery, assaults all the problems of western civilization and many Asian countries are still relatively unknown in Nepal. There was a time a few years ago when even women could trek alone in Nepal.Unrortunately things seem to be changing and treks need to be more careful than they used to be. It is advisable to trek in groups of at least two persons and if possible with a porter or a guide from the trekking company. Height Trekking is not mountaineering but it is as well to remember that the Himalayas begin where other mountains finsh.Whether you begin your trek at a roadbed or fly into a remote mountain airstrip, a large part of your trek will be in the middle hills region at an elevations between 1000 meters and 3000 meters but the trek to Everest base camp will reach 5545 meters. Most of the time you will remain with in the altitude range 1500 to 2000 meters. In this region, there are always well_ developed trails through villages and across mountain passes. Even at high altitudes there are intermittent settlements used in the summer by herders, so the trails, though often indestinct, are always there. All traills are easily traversed without the aid of ropes or any mountaineering skill. There rare occasions when snow is encountered, and on some high passes it might be necessary to place a safety line for you companions or porter if there is deep snow, but alpine technique are almost never used on a traditional trek. Anyone who has walked extensively in the mountains has all the skill necessary for on extended trek in Nepal.  Although trekking in Nepal can be organized throughout the year, October through May are considered to be the best months for trekking. A summer month of the year which coincides with monsoon begins in mid-June and drains in mid-September making travel wet and warm. The mountain views may not be at their best as rain clouds and haze over hang the mountains occasionally obscuring the enchanting views. Thee times are blessed for the keen botanist as the higher valleys and meadows blossom with flowers and lush vegetation. During monsoon it does not mean that it will rain everyday. Besides, some of the most frequented trails will not be crowded and some people like it that way. It can actually be enjoyed in the upper part of the Annapurna circuit around Marpha, Jomsom and Muktinath as the monsoon does not get in this trans- Himalayan are because they fall into rain shadow area. Note: - It is recommended to carry insect repellent when trekking during summer months.
Autumn being the best season for trekking, affronts excellent weather and tantalizing mountain views January and February are noted for cold weather whether occasional snowfall at higher elevations. Again, excellent views are common, these months are popular and ideal for trekking for those who are well equipped or who remain at lower elevations below 3,000 meters. Late February brings spring in Nepal and offers exhilarating trekking for those who is interoperated in flowers, birds and natural grandeur.Diffrent varieties of wild flowers, specially the rhododendrons make the hill side above 8000 ft.haunting paradise during this season April and May are the expedition season and the best time for climbing the high peaks. It is midly warm at lower elevations but occasional haze mars beautiful view of mountains. At higher elevations over 4000meters the mountain views are excellent and the temperature is quite moderate at night. |