All foreign nationals except citizens of India need visas. Single entry visas are issued for up to 30 days. However, they can be extended for up to 3 months. Trekking permits on the other hand are needed if you plan on hiking in the Himalayas. These permits can be obtained from immigration offices in Katmandu. The time zone is GMT/UTC plus five hours and 45 minutes. Electricity is 220 volts. Weights and measures are in the metric system. The … [Read more...]
Nepal – Helicopter Flight
From Katmandu we took an old Russian military helicopter to our base hiking elevation of 9000 feet, in a small town called Lucla. I am glad that we took a helicopter because the runway in this town begins on the edge of a steep cliff, with nothing but hundreds of feet of air between you and the bottom of the ravine. At the time of our trip this runway as gravel at best (since paved) and is situated on a fairly steep slope. The runway is steep … [Read more...]
Nepal – Porters
Once you reach Lucla and step out of your plane or helicopter you will be greeted by many people, mostly porters. The porters will surround you and ask if you need some help in carrying your packs. Porters can be hired for a few American dollars per day. Sometimes they will request that you pay for their dinner at one of the many lodges scattered along the trail. I was surprised to see that the porters were quite short and wiry. I was also … [Read more...]
Nepal – Altitude
The heights in Nepal are not to be taken lightly. The high altitude can definitely be a problem for many people. Everyone adjusts differently to the altitude as I found out on our hike. Studies have estimated that 30 to 40 percent of all hikers on the Everest trail will develop some sort of altitude sickness. Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) is the most common form of altitude sickness. Out of the 16 people on our trek, I would say that only 3 or 4 … [Read more...]
Nepal – What to Bring
Besides the medication and medical kit there is quite a bit that the trekker can bring. If you are going to hire a porter, put what you can into your bag and worry less about the weight. If you are going to carry your own pack you must prioritize what is really important to you on backpacking trips, and consider weight as a factor. If you are not planning on backpacking this list will still help you in your packing. Some of these items may be … [Read more...]
Nepal – Sanitation
The sanitation both in Nepal and on the trail in the Himalayas leaves something to be desired. I would say that most members of our 16 party group had some sort of food poisoning or upset stomach due to the food. There is a lack of sewer systems which results in a much higher degree of diarrhea. No water in Nepal should be trusted by the Western traveler. Even the tap water in Katmandu is suspect. There are certain ways around drinking the local … [Read more...]
Nepal – Trek Lodges
There are lodges scattered about every 1/2 hour to 1.5 hours along the trail. Most of these lodges are merely stone huts that become less and less clean and inviting the further up the trail. All of the lodges are stocked with drinks and supplies. Often because of the less extreme night time temperatures at the lower elevations you could sleep in your sleeping bag outside of the lodge. Inside, the rooms are often upstairs. The beds are … [Read more...]
Nepal – Food
This was the important part of the trip for me. I like to eat! However by the end of the trek I could barely stand the sight much less the taste of the Nepali Himalayan food. First of all let me describe how the food is cooked and the process of a hungry tourist trying to get food. After a long day hiking on the trail you arrive at the lodge, more often then not, in the dark. There will be a few tourists or maybe none at all depending on the … [Read more...]
Nepal – Itinerary
The following is an itinerary for our hike from Lucla to the top of Kala Patar. The time allowed for this hike was a bit short. An extra day or two would help some people better acclimatize to the high altitude. General Day 1 Fly into Lucla (9,100 ft). Get porters and start hiking up the trail. From Lucla it is a 2.5 hour hike to Pakding at 8,600 ft. From Pakding it is a 2 hour hike to Mondzo at 9,300 ft. Then from Mondzo it is an hour … [Read more...]
Nepal – Lucla
The town of Lucla is where most people fly to in order to start their hike or trek. The elevation here is about 9,100 feet and it is better to fly here, then to Namche Bazaar which is situated at 11,700 feet. I say this because it is easier to acclimate yourself to lower elevation. This town is fairly large compared to the rest of the towns scattered along the trail on the way to Everest Base Camp. Don't expect any luxury in any of these … [Read more...]