Live Your Best Lives
Here, there are more gods than people, and more temples than houses! This is the real Kamar-Taj at the foot of the Himalayas.
Nepal, nestled at the southern foot of the Himalayas, boasts eight of the world's ten highest peaks over 8,000 meters. Known as a hiker's paradise, Nepal boasts some of the world's best hiking trails. In fact, there are over a dozen routes to choose from, depending on the region, and you can even discuss exploring new routes with your guide.
1. The shortest is a four-day hike (Poon Hill, commonly known as Boon Hill hike)
2. The moderate-intensity Annapurna ABC circuit (Annapurna Base Camp) takes about a week
3. The more intense ABC loop takes about 15 days.
4. The most intense route is Everest Base Camp (EBC), which takes about a month.
The four trekking routes mentioned above are the most common. Some also refer to Pooh Hill as the "A-B-C" circuit, while the seven-day route is called "Base Camp." Another route is the 30-day Annapurna circuit, a combination of several routes, also known as the "Grand Circuit." Specifically, Pooh Hill is the least strenuous hike and is suitable for those with altitude sickness. At just over 3,000 meters above sea level, you can see snow-capped mountains and the sunrise.
The 7-day Annapurna Small Circuit is arguably the most budget-friendly route. This route boasts well-equipped facilities (though this is relative, as the route is largely mountainous and pristine). Small guesthouses are located approximately every two hours along the route, making it suitable for climbers with limited experience, stamina, and time. The base camp at the end offers the most stunning scenery, surrounded by snow-capped peaks over 8,000 meters high. Those with more stamina can try the 15-day Annapurna Large Circuit, offering even more spectacular and diverse scenery. The Everest Crossing (EBC) should be considered with caution. Nearly a month of heavy climbing with heavy loads is physically demanding and may not be for the average climber. However, this is also the most spectacular route, with minimal facilities along the way, allowing climbers to push themselves as much as possible. The most recommended time to travel to Nepal is winter, which is also a good time. If you follow National Geographic's Instagram, you'll see many National Geographic photographers currently filming in Nepal, enjoying the stunning scenery.
Nepal's green season runs from June to September, and rainfall increases, especially in July and August. While Chitwan and Kathmandu remain unaffected by rain, the hiking experience may be compromised. While hiking is safe, tourists should exercise caution and consider moving up or down year-round. Moisture from the Indian Ocean blows into the Himalayas, creating hot and humid weather and frequent rain, even obscuring the snow-capped mountains.
Tips: Altitude conditions in different places:
Kathmandu: 1,300 meters, Pokhara: 800 meters, Chitwan: 150 meters, Nagarkot: 2,000 meters. There will be no altitude sickness here like in Tibet.
Next, I will tell you the difference between each line separately.
Poon Hill Small Circuit, also known as Poon Hill ABC Small Circuit
Duration: 4-5 days
Difficulty: ★☆☆☆☆
Highlights: This route is basically the entry-level trekking route in Nepal. As long as you are in good health, normal people can easily complete this route. The feature of this route is that you can complete the mountain circuit in the shortest time, and you can easily view the Annapurna Mountains from a distance.
Recommended daily itinerary
D1: Pokhara - Nayapul - Birethanti - Ulleri
D2: Ulleri - Ghorepani
D3: Ghorepani - summit of Poon Hill - Tadapani - Ghandruk
D4: Ghandruk - Nayapul - Pokhara
Time: 7-10 days
Difficulty: ★★★☆☆
The Annapurna Base Camp route (ABC) is the most familiar and popular hiking route in China. It starts near Pokhara and reaches Annapurna Base Camp.
Highlights: This route is so famous because it allows you to see Mount Annapurna very closely, as well as the Fishtail Peak, the sacred mountain of Nepal opposite it. It is also the most familiar and popular hiking route among Chinese people.
Recommended daily itinerary
D1: D2: Besisahar--Nagdi--Chamje
D3: Chamje--Tal--Dharapani
D4: Dharapai--Timang--Chame
D5: Chame--Bhratang--Pisang
D6: PIsang--Manang
D7: Manang--Yak Kharka
D8: Yak--Letdar--Thorang Phedi--High Camp
D9: High Camp--Thorong--La Pass--Muktinath
D10: Muktinath--Jomsom--Marpha
D11-D14: Marpha--Tatopani
Duration: 12-17 days
Difficulty: ★★★★★
Highlights: In addition to being able to get close to the world's top, Mount Everest, this route can also be combined with climbing many 6,000-meter-level beginner snow-capped mountains next to Mount Everest. It is popular with many mountaineering enthusiasts. The Everest Base Camp line is a long-distance hiking line from Lukla, a small town at the foot of Mount Everest, to the Everest Base Camp. Every year, many people come here to admire the fame of Mount Everest. After about a week of trekking, they can reach the foot of the Everest Base Camp.
Recommended daily itinerary
D1: Kathmandu--Lukla--Phakding
D2: Phakding--Monjo--Namche Bazar
D3: Namche Bazar--Tengpoche
D4: Tengboche--Pangboche--Dingboche
D5: Dingboche--Lobuche
D6: Lobuche--Gorap Shep--Kala Patthar---Gorap Shep
D7: Gorak Shep--EBC--Lobuche
D8: Lobuche--Pangboche
D9: Pangboche--Namche Bazar
D10: Namche Bazar--Phakding--Lukla
Tips: Since this route quickly climbs to an altitude of over 4,000 meters after the start, the altitude throughout the entire route is relatively high, so it is relatively difficult and it is not recommended to carry weight alone.
Duration: 10-16 days
Difficulty: ★★★★☆
If you're not so keen on the traditional popular routes or are looking for something a little different, I recommend the Upper Mustang Trek, a relatively recent trend. Mustang (from the Tibetan language, meaning "fertile plain") was the seat of the ancient Luo Kingdom, located in north-central Nepal, bordering Tibet. This ancient Tibetan Buddhist cultural site was little known to outsiders until its discovery by modern explorers, which explains the rich cultural heritage of this route. This trek also involves trekking at altitudes above 4,000 meters, offering breathtaking views of the plateau, similar to those of Ngari in Tibet.
Duration: 7-20 days
Difficulty: ★★★★☆
For the closest hiking route to Nepal's capital, Kathmandu, the Langtang Valley Trek is the perfect choice. Starting from the Kathmandu Valley floor, you'll see breathtaking valley scenery and discover the culture of ancient villages, making it a popular choice among Western hikers. This route offers a variety of options, allowing for both long and short walks.
Upon arrival at Kathmandu Airport, please prepare your original passport, completed arrival card, visa on arrival form, and a 2-inch photo with a white background. Then, queue for Nepalese immigration inspection at any of the Chinese immigration channels. Then, take the elevator to the first floor to collect your checked luggage.
To apply for a mountaineering permit and environmental protection certificate, you will need to bring a copy of your passport and two photos with a white background. If you need to purchase a local phone card, you will also need to provide a copy of your passport and two photos with a white background.
Large trolley cases can be stored in the hotel or car, and you can prepare two outdoor backpacks or portable waist bags or small backpacks (when climbing, you need to pack enough luggage for 4 days, one of which you carry yourself and one for a porter. One porter is responsible for carrying the luggage of two people, and each piece of luggage does not exceed 15 kilograms).
The local currency is the Nepalese Rupee (RS). You need to bring US dollars or RMB with you when traveling. Various foreign currencies such as US dollars, RMB, Hong Kong dollars, and Euros can be directly exchanged for Nepalese Rupee for consumption at local banks in Nepal.
The exchange rate is approximately (US dollar): 1 US dollar to approximately 70 Nepalese rupees, and
the exchange rate is approximately (RMB): 1 RMB to approximately 10.8 Nepalese rupees;
Tip: Upon arrival at the airport, exchange a small amount of Nepalese Rupees for taxi fares, luggage, and other expenses (US dollars are the best exchange rate). You can then exchange them for Nepalese Rupees at a bank or currency exchange in Kathmandu.
Period: mid-March to mid-May
Spring is the best time to hike, aside from autumn. The snow melts, grass grows, and birds sing and flowers bloom. First, the canola blossoms that cover the hillsides as you enter the mountains complement the endless golden landscape and the snow-capped mountains. It's an experience you won't have before, and it's truly magnificent!
Then the cherry blossoms begin to fly. If you're afraid of the crowds in Japan, then Pokhara in Nepal is the perfect choice. The Japanese loved Pokhara so much that they planted many cherry blossoms here. During the cherry blossom season, especially when you walk into the Annapurna Mountains, wild cherry blossom petals fall all over the mountain paths, creating a poetic and picturesque scene, like entering a fairy tale world!
Finally, the most important thing is the azalea season, which begins in mid-to-late April! The alpine azalea is Nepal's national flower! Imagine how noble it is in Nepal. Standing tall like pine and cypress trees beneath the snow-capped mountains, the azalea trees are breathtakingly beautiful!
Time: mid-July to mid-August
The weather is generally sunny and pleasant in the morning, but clouds and rain gather in the afternoon. However, the weather after the rain is absolutely fantastic! The snow-capped mountains are shrouded in mist, and the scenery is even more beautiful than during the golden season. However, hiking during rainy weather can be a bit less enjoyable. Other destinations in Nepal are unaffected, and Chitwan National Park enters its busiest season. Summer is a great time for a family trip to Nepal!!!
The temperature is neither high nor low, which is very suitable. In summer, Kathmandu's average maximum daytime temperature is 28.1℃, and the average minimum nighttime temperature is 19.5℃; Pokhara's average maximum daytime temperature is 29.7℃, and the average minimum nighttime temperature is 21.3℃; Chitwan's average maximum daytime temperature is 33℃, and the average minimum nighttime temperature is 25.3℃.
Period: mid-September to mid-November
Autumn is the best time to hike, with the sun shining brightly on the mountains every day! In the past, there were so many hikers that hotels were packed, so be sure to sign up in advance!
Period: mid-November to mid-January
During the leaf-fall season, temperatures begin to cool, but not too cold. Hikers tend to be much less crowded than in autumn, making it a recommended time for hiking while avoiding crowds. However, heavy snow and extreme low temperatures are also likely during this season, so you'll need to be well-prepared for winter travel. In addition, some hotels in smaller areas may close, and even larger hotels may experience significant closures.
Period: mid-January to mid-March
The temperature is relatively low in winter, especially for those who are going to take the EBC line. When you go deep into the snow-capped mountains, the temperature will be below zero even in the hotel room at night. The temperature on the observation deck may be even lower and the wind will be strong at night. Snowfall will also become commonplace. Snow accumulation is difficult to avoid, and hiking will become more difficult due to the icy and snowy sections. If you want to challenge yourself, be sure to bring an extra-thick down jacket.
Depart from Kathmandu Airport
Please queue up at the airport and prepare your original passport and your flight's e-ticket for inspection by the Nepali airport police. Then, proceed through baggage security and proceed to your airline's counter to obtain your boarding pass. Take the elevator to the second floor, complete the Nepali departure card, and queue for immigration inspection at any channel. Once again, undergo baggage inspection at the men's and women's channels before entering the departure hall. Do not carry large amounts of Nepali rupees out of the country, as this may result in the Nepali police questioning you and suspecting you are engaging in trade under the guise of a tourist, leading to the confiscation of cash. When carrying cash into or out of Nepal, it is best to limit your cash limit to US$5,000 or its equivalent in foreign currency. Any excess must be declared to customs.
tip
At Nepali airports, you'll often see Nepali workers offering to help you with your luggage, including when you're leaving or arriving, and even when checking in your luggage. If you're not prepared to tip, don't let them handle your luggage. If you do let them help, be sure to tip.
jet lag
Nepal time is 2 hours and 15 minutes later than Beijing time. For example, 12:00 noon Beijing time is 9:45 am Nepal time.
language
Nepali is the official language. English is commonly used in hotels, shops, restaurants, and other tourism-related areas. Nepalese people greet each other by putting their hands together and saying "NAMASTE."
drive
Nepal is a right-hand drive country, so vehicles drive on the left. Kathmandu's roads are crowded with vehicles, so you should look to the right before crossing the road. Be sure to pay attention to traffic safety. There may be traffic jams between Chitwan and Pokhara. Because the driving time is long, it is recommended to have some snacks in the car. Nepal's roads are not in good condition, with frequent road construction and high dust levels, so it is recommended to bring a few masks.
Drinking water
Nepal's tap water comes from groundwater, which is of poor quality and may cause gastrointestinal discomfort after eating. When purchasing bottled water at the supermarket, be sure to check that the cap is securely fastened and unopened. The water provided in hotel rooms is safe to drink, so there's no need to worry. Guests with sensitive stomachs are advised to bring digestive medication, such as berberine, as a precaution.
stay
Every time you stay in a hotel, it is recommended that you carry a business card of the hotel with you so that you can tell the taxi driver when you return to the hotel after free time.
Wear
In Nepal, women are not allowed to wear revealing or tight clothing. Slippers are not allowed when visiting temples, and skirts and pants should preferably be above the knee.
