Trekking IntroductionThe best way to experience Nepal’s unbeatable combination of natural beauty and cultural riches is to walk through them. The immense contrast in attitude and climates found here support an equally spectacular mix of lifestyle, vegetation types and wildlife. For Nepal the word ‘trekking’ was new before 1960’s.Since then trekking was popular among the tourist visiting Nepal. The number of visitor is increasing every year. More than 110000 visitors go trekking every year. Nepal holds a strong possession on the world’s highest peaks-eight of the 10 highest are found here. One of the world’s most beautiful trekking trails ‘annapurna region’ lies in Nepal. Besides these the cultural and climatic diversity and the rich flora and fauna would make your trek, the most exciting part of your life.
NEPAL TREKKING SEASONSSince Nepal is a country of diversification with its geography and climate, a nature lover can always make it as his destination of trekking year round. There are normally four seasons are considered in Nepal, each of which has its own particular attraction to offer.
Autumn (Sep-Oct- Nov): The best season offering excellent weather and out standing mountain views.
Spring (March-April- May): The second finest trekking season. The temperature
is quite moderate, especially the rhododendrons are in complete blossom and the mountain views are excellent.
Summer ( June- July-August): this is the most preferable season to trek in the
rain shadow areas like Mustang, Upper Manang and Dolpo. These places are out of
reach of the rain clouds because of the huge mountains and are unaffected by
the monsoon. This season is also recommended for forest researchers and
botanist. Warning-raincoats and insect repellents are strictly necessary in
this period.
Winter (December- January- February): suitable season for trekking at lower
altitude, generally below 3000m.
ALTITUDE SICKNESSMany people are concerned about altitude sickness. This problem, often known as Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) is a particularly important medical consideration while trekking in Nepal and Tibet. Altitude illness rarely occurs lower than 2800 meters (9520ft ) and only minor symptoms occur below 3000 meters (9,800ft). AMS occurs when the body does not adapt well to less oxygen at higher altitudes. At 18,000 ft (5490m), there is one half the oxygen available as at sea level; on top of Mount Everest, only one third. The body tries to adapt to less oxygen by increasing the rate and depth of breathing, as well as the heart rate. Individual susceptibility to altitude sickness seems to be genetically determined.
What happens to the body during altitude illness? Fluids accumulate in between the cells in the brain and/or the lungs, creating mild or severe symptoms. Mild symptoms include headache, loss of appetite, nausea, fatigue, lack of sleep and dizziness. These symptoms usually resolve by spending one or two extra nights at the same altitude. If symptoms worsens descent to lower altitudes is warranted..
If you are resting at the same altitude and your symptoms are becoming worse, then it is also necessary to descend.
More serious symptoms of AMS include increased tiredness, severe headache, vomiting,, loss of coordination, shortness of breath, cough. These extremely dangerous symptoms are called High Altitude Cerebral Edema (or HACE). They can lead to unconsciousness and death within 12 hours.
Increasing shortness of breath, cough and tiredness may also be signs of High Altitude Pulmonary Edema or HAPE. HAPE can also be rapidly fatal if ignored.
Respiratory depression (the slowing down of breathing) can be caused by various medications, and may be a problem at altitude. The following substances can do this and should never be used by someone who has symptoms of altitude illness :
- Alcohol
- Sleeping pills (acetazolamide is the sleeping tablet of choice at altitude)
- Narcotic pain medications in more than modest doses
To prevent AMS and respiratory depression, drink at least three litres of liquids a day and avoid getting cold. Altitude sickness can to a certain extent be prevented by acetazolamide (Diamox SR), 750mg per day. Some experts suggest a two-day trial before the trip. Please seek the advice of your personal physician. Please note that taking Diamox SR does not mean that you can ignore advice about proper acclimatization.
To recap, serious symptoms of altitude sickness include:
• A severe, enduring headache, which is not cured by ordinary painkillers
• Marked nausea and repeated vomiting
• Irritating dizziness or actual difficulty with balance and direction
• Visual disturbances with flickering vision and problems judging distance
• Pressure in the chest, rapid breathing and pulse rate, crackles in breathing and shortness of breath
• Swelling beneath the skin (edema), typically around the eyes
• Swollen ankles and hands
• Confusion
• Convulsions
In the presence of these symptoms, medical attention must be sought immediately in conjunction with descent to the lowest possible height.
Prevention of Altitude Illness:
- What happens to the body in altitude illness? Fluid accumulates in between cells in the brain and/or the lungs. Symptoms can be mild or severe. Mild symptoms of acute mountain sickness or AMS are headache, loss of appetite, nausea, fatigue, lack of sleep and dizziness. These symptoms can resolve once someone is acclimatized e.g. by spending one or two extra nights at the same altitude or symptoms may worsen needing someone to descend to lower altitudes.
- When mild symptoms develop, it is a signal that you must stay at that altitude until symptoms have gone away. Usually within one or two days you will feel well and can continue your trek.
If you are resting at the same altitude and your symptoms are becoming worse, then it is necessary to descend. Worsening symptoms of AMS including increasing tiredness, severe headache, vomiting, and loss of coordination. These are signs of High Altitude Cerebral Edema (or HACE). HACE can lead to unconsciousness and death within 12 hours if progressive symptoms are ignored. Increasing shortness of breath, cough, and tiredness are signs of High Altitude Pulmonary Edema or HAPE. HAPE can also be rapidly fatal if ignored. Increasing shortness of breath, cough, and tiredness are signs of High Altitude Pulmonary Edema or HAPE. HAPE can also be rapidly fatal if ignored.
- Respiratory depression (the slowing down of breathing) can be caused by various medications, and may be a problem at altitude. The following medications can do this, and should never be used by someone who has symptoms of altitude illness (these may be safe in non-ill persons, although this remains controversial):
-Alcohol
-Sleeping pills (acetazolamide is the sleeping tablet of choice at altitude)
-Narcotic pain medications in more than modest doses
- Drink plenty of liquids (at least three litres a day)
- Avoid getting cold.
- Altitude sickness can, to a certain extent, be prevented by acetazolamide (Diamox SR), 750mg per day from one day before ascent until two days after reaching the maximum height. Some experts suggest that to get to know the possible drug side effects it is wise to give it a two-day trial before the trip. This is an unlicensed use of this medicine, which is also only available on prescription, so it should only be undertaken on the advice of a doctor. Possible side effects include nausea: taste disturbance, tingling hands and feet, frequent and copious urination, visual disturbances and skin rash. However, taking Diamox SR does not mean people can ignore advice about slow ascent.
BOOKING TERM AND CONDITIONSThe following booking conditions apply to all trips operated by Community Nepal Travels & Tours (P) Ltd.
I ) Health:
Good health and physical fitness is required on all trips. We recommend a physical examination for all trekkers on extended treks.
ii ) Insurance:
It is a condition while booking a trek with Community Nepal Travels & Tours (P) Ltd. that travelers/trekkers must be protected by insurance that covers cancellation, accidents, health, emergency evacuation, and lost of items, theft of or damage to baggage and personal effects. All costs for emergency evacuation must be paid in cash in Nepal unless an insurance company has agreed to pay the costs on your behalf. It is important that any insurance policy issued to cover emergency evacuation for a trek does not exclude alpinism or mountaineering. Rescue insurance is not available in Nepal.
iii ) Payment :
We require normally US$ 30% deposit per person for the reservation the trip but some type of packages require more than normal deposit. Though we do not require it, we would appreciate payment in full before you arrive in Nepal.
iv ) Cancellation :
In the event you cancel the trip the following charges will be made:
More than 30 days in advance*: US$ 50% per person.
Less than 30 days in advance*: US$ 80% per person
On or after the starting date*: no refund will be made.
Refunds
There will be no refunds if a passenger leaves a trip for any reason whatsoever, either voluntarily or involuntarily, after it has begun. We will make no refunds for any meals, accommodation or services not used.
Delays and Itinerary Changes.
The passenger specifically agrees that Community Nepal Travels & Tours (P) Ltd.shall not be held responsible for any delays or changes in itineraries caused by an act, omission or other circumstances on the part of domestic airlines or helicopter companies in Nepal; the trekkers/travelers understand that such situations may occur, and that we will not be able to inform them of each possible problem.
v) Responsibility:
We reserve the right to refuse to continue to carry any passenger(s) causing inconvenience or annoyance to other travelers/trekkers, or creating difficulties that would hamper the smooth running of a trip. We shall not be liable for any loss or damage to baggage or personal possessions, or any consequential losses resulting there from. If a traveler/trekker is injured or becomes ill, all evacuation and hospital expenses, doctors' fees and repatriation costs are the traveler/trekker's responsibility, and Community Nepal Travels & tours (P) Ltd. shall not be liable for any refund of the tour fare.
It is the traveler/trekker's responsibility to have valid passports and all visas and equipment that may be required on the selected tour. We do not accept responsibility for failure to obtain these visas for any reason, and do not accept responsibility for any passports or documents left with us for this purpose.
vi) Price Changes:
The prices quoted by Community Nepal Travels & Tours (P) Ltd. are based on airfares, exchange rates and costs in effect on the date shown. We reserve the right to alter our prices if these rates change substantially. We may also apply surcharges in the event of significant changes in airfare, government regulations and taxes. We cannot make refunds to traveler/trekker who is adversely affected by changes in exchange rates.
vii ) Assumption of Risk :
The traveler/trekker understands that during the course of the trip, certain risks and dangers may occur, including, but not limited to, the hazards of traveling in mountainous terrain, accident or illness in remote places without medical facilities, and the forces of nature. The traveler/trekker agrees to assume all risks associated with the journey, and agrees that no liability will be attached to the company or its outfitters, employees or agents, or to any member of the tour group in respect to death, personal injury, illness or delay of traveler/trekker, or for any loss or damage to the property of the traveler/trekker during the course of the trip, howsoever caused.
Trekking IntroductionThe best way to experience Nepal’s unbeatable combination of natural beauty and cultural riches is to walk through them. The immense contrast in attitude and climates found here support an equally spectacular mix of lifestyle, vegetation types and wildlife. For Nepal the word ‘trekking’ was new before 1960’s.Since then trekking was popular among the tourist visiting Nepal. The number of visitor is increasing every year. More than 110000 visitors go trekking every year. Nepal holds a strong possession on the world’s highest peaks-eight of the 10 highest are found here. One of the world’s most beautiful trekking trails ‘annapurna region’ lies in Nepal. Besides these the cultural and climatic diversity and the rich flora and fauna would make your trek, the most exciting part of your life.