NEPAL: Kingdom of Gods

The Nepal Himalayas are known as the 'Kingdom of the Gods'. Much of Nepal's history, religion, culture, tradition, legends and myths emanate from the awesome Himalayas. The Nepal Himalayas harbour many holy temples, shrines, monastries and sacred lakes in the wilderness and remote parts of the region. These sites are frequently visited by pilgrims. It is a land of piety and stillness.

For visitors on extended holidays and with less restraints, there is an even more varied spectrum of adventure - be it rafting on sparkling rivers, safaris in jungles or trekking to explore deeper into the alpine valleys.

Quick Tips:

When to visit Nepal?
A good time to visit Nepal is in the non-monsoon months (October thru April). In case you end up in Nepal during the monsoon months (June thru September) you'll find yourself trekking through rain, drenched to your under clothings with blood sucking leeches feasting on you. If you'd like to simulate the experience you can stand under your shower fully dressed and strap on a backpack weighing 5 kilos.

In the winters you will find more that a nip in the air while trekking through the Nepal Himalayas. So, for the best weather conditions plan your trip just after/before the monsoons. Therefore, the best months to go to Nepal are March, April and October (especially if you plan to go trekking).

Best Way To Get Around:

The most obvious choice for first destination in Nepal is the capital - Kathmandu. Kathmandu is well connected by air to International destinations. Most people club their trip to Nepal with India - another backpacking hotspot for those suffering from wanderlust. Therefore, the preferred air route into Kathmandu is from New Delhi, India.

It is also possible to enter Nepal at three border crossings from India. The most popular of these land crossings is at Raxaul in the Indian state of Bihar. From New Delhi it is possible to take a train upto Gorakhpur and then a bus carries you upto (and beyond) the border town of Raxaul. The route is a little beaten and bumpy but not a bother if you are a seasoned backpacker or someone looking for adventure.

From the Nepal side of the border buses go to various destinations. Most people opt for either Kathmandu or Pokhra. Taxis are also an option to reach Kathmandu/Pokhra, more expensive compared to buses - but still cheap, if you compare it to the cab fare from the Champs Elysees to the Eiffel Tower.

Nepal as a country is geared towards tourism as it keeps their economy afloat. Therefore, amenities for trekkers normally isn't a problem in Nepal - even at places 6000 meters above sea level. There is a wide variety of accommodation available for tourists. From high-end accommodation like 'Fishtail Lodge' (called so because it gives a view of a mountain shaped like a fish's tail) or 'Yak & Yeti' to more basic trail-side lodges, you'll find your place-to-stay in Nepal.

At Pokhra, which is the starting town for most treks in west Nepal (including the Annapoorna trek), I stayed at the Lakeside Lodge - it is excellent, though less fancy than the Fish Tail Lodge. They even have an open air stage where local Nepalese dances and songs are performed at night. The staff is pleasant and helpful. The setting is idyllic and right by the tranquil Phewa Lake.

This is a note on finding food along the trekking trails of Nepal. You will find the trekking trails dotted with little lodges and home-restaurants. Do not expect fine-dining or health-cuisine along these treks. You can expect to find local watery noodles (try Wai-Wai - they are great), boiled eggs, hot 'chai' and, of course, ... Coke.

Fruits are also available and are a good nourishment, especially when you trek all day. Typically, these trail-side restaurants also offer accomodation. So, usually, there is no fear of being stranded mid-way on a trek if dusk falls. However, it is a good idea to pace your trek to hit the next major village before nightfall.

Food is brought to these home-kitchen on donkey backs or (at higher altitude where donkeys can't walk on narrow trails) on the backs of the local Sherpas.

Be generous to the locals, always leave a little something extra.

Although the ENTIRE Annapoorna trek (which circles the Annapoorna range of Himalayan mountains) lasts 21 days, one does not need to do the whole thing. It is possible to do a part of the trekking route at your own pace and time and return back to base camp.

To trek, one does not have to be bizarre, a mountaineer or an athlete. Anyone with a pair of strong legs and the spirit of adventure to explore the exotic, will enjoy the thrills of trekking in the hills of Nepal. Walking in the interior of the country follows ancient foot trails which meander through the scenic banks, intricately terraced fields and the forested ridges connecting picturesque hamlets and mountain villages. In this immensely diverse and undulating topography, varied climate and mix of people Nepal combines to produce a magical attraction for outsiders. Many visitors come to trek here - sometimes, a bit too many.

What should I take with me

As far as clothes go, you get great bargains on everything from T-shirts to socks in Nepal. Also some of the stuff makes great souvenirs to carry back home, so you might want to travel light and pick up stuff form the street-side shops in Nepal. However, if you are planning on going trekking into high altitude areas (like the Everest base camp) you might want to invest in the best thermal underwear money can buy.

Also carry some basic medication on you:
· Combiflam for fever and body ache
· Tinidazole - Norfloxacin tablets for diarrhea/loose motions
· Voveran SR 100 (Diclofenac sodium tablets) for body ache/pain-killer
· Glucon-D - keep sipping it during the trek
Other useful things to carry include: candles, lighter, Swiss army knife, toilet paper and spare platic bags.

What shouldn't I take with me?

You don't need to burden yourself with sleeping bags on treks since all trekking routes are dotted with lodges providing comfortable beds with clean bed sheets and warm blankets.

Do not carry jeans on you if you are planning a trek. They are uncomfortable and restraining while trekking long hours. If you happen to get drenched in rain, jeans become heavy and also take longer to dry. Wear light cotton trousers or shorts while trekking.

How much money should I carry?

Nepal, by any standard, is a cheap place to travel in. Budget accomodation can be found in most towns (Kathmandu/Pokhra) for INR (Indian Rupees) 200 to 400, even less at the lodges found along the trekking trails. Expense on food varies from cheap to reasonable, never expensive. Major establishments (in Kathmandu, mostly) accept credit cards.

HAVE A GOOD TREK!