Trekking in Nepal

Trekking in Nepal, along the ramparts of the Himalaya, is a banquet of scenery, some of the most magnificent on earth. The terrain includes lush emerald valleys up to barren alpine plateaus fringed by soaring peaks. Soak it all in for an unforgettable highlight of a lifetime.

Nepal’s popular trails can, at times, seem overcrowded by hotels and tourist facilities. Although majestically draped with extraordinary natural appeal, cross-cultural interaction is diminished. Traveling away from the main tourist tracks and visiting nearly anywhere in the mid-hills and higher can be an immensely rewarding endeavor. Rural Nepal is rich in heritage with traditional ways of life. The hospitality of the hill people is unmatched, as is their resilient spirit, and many rural areas remain relatively untarnished by modernization. Away from the tourist highways, foreigners in rural areas are few and far between. People will be enthusiastic to meet you, and you will likely be treated as an honored guest. Without electronic devices impinging, there is more heart to heart interfacing between people. If you have a chance, diversions from the main routes and home stay are highly recommended!

While trekking, try to use local products. Do your best to eat the same home-style fare as your hosts and support the region’s farmers as much as possible. Try to avoid packaged foods which contribute to rubbish that locals do not know how to deal with adequately, especially away from the tourist venues. (Rubbish is usually disposed of openly in villages, or otherwise stockpiled in a few locations to rot or be burned.)

Travel well and good-speed on your journeys!

Himalayan folk song (from rugged Rukum District) - translated by Alonzo Lyons and Surendra Rana

Jumla bata bagdai aayou kastoori ko binaa
Paat udauchha bayalaile
Man udauchha kina?
Scents from musk deer drift down from Jumla
While fallen leaves are blown about by the wind
Why is my heart so restless?

Lekai chalyo huru ru batash
Jiuli chaylo sanko
Hareko abhagi karma kaile chhaina man ko?
There are strong gusts on the summits
And a gentle breeze in the valley
Am I so unlucky as to never find my destiny?

Sani Bheri sarobara
Pulbata taraula
Mare ta kaalai le laigo
Bache bhet garaula
When the Sani Bheri is raging
We can cross over it on a bridge
And when I die, all will be finished
But while I am living, we will surely meet again!