NEPAL: Kingdom of Gods

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:

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:

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!