25 Sep 2022 Outdoor Himalayan
What is trekking?
Blog-What is Trekking? Trekking is a fun outdoor activity of walking for several days in the surroundings of nature and far away from home. Simply, trekking is a walking activity that is carried out to travel to connect with nature and admire the natural beauty which lasts for several days. Trekking is a long journey mostly done on foot. A person needs to walk continuously for 6-8 hours a day for a week or more than that while trekking.
Trekkers may have different motives for trekking. It can be done for exploring, fun social gatherings, meeting new people, me time, and just to be around nature. Whatever the motives of are, it advances the health and betterment of people positively. Also, the trekking duration is shorter or longer depending on the nature of the trek and the availability of the trekker.
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Trekking vs. Hiking
Many people think trekking and hiking are the same. The only similarity between both is that both are outdoor activities of walking around nature. Trekking is a long active walk in wild nature that normally takes place on unexplored, rugged, or isolated paths for several days. It is a long demanding journey on uncomfortable, unseen, and off-beat trails that include higher altitudes.
The trek destinations are mostly far from home, without luxurious accommodations, transport, meals, and all sorts of high-end facilities. Trekking is more extreme due to the fluctuating climatic condition, higher elevations, and mostly in mountain areas only with limited basic amenities and no means of proper transportation. Trekkers must be ready to face all the challenges that came along their way while trekking.
On the other hand, hiking is a long day of vigorous walks in the vicinity of nature on hiking trails. The trails are comfortable as well as it is mostly at lower altitudes. A day hike or overnight camping hike is the most popular hiking.
For more info: https://outdoorhimalayan.com/most-popular-hiking-routes-around-kathmandu-valley/
History of Trekking in Nepal
Trek word was initially adapted from the African word ‘trekken’ meaning haul or pull. In simple words, it means a long challenging journey. Nepal is famous for trekking all over the world and is known as a trekker’s paradise. The year 1965 marks the introduction of trekking in Nepal by Lt. Colonel Jimmy Roberts. One of the greatest explorers of the mountains in the 20th century achieving the prestige of “The Father of Trekking” in Nepal.
In the 1940s, Jimmy Roberts was part of the Mt. Everest expedition team along with the British adventurer Bill Tilman. During his stay in Nepal, he saw the huge potential of trekking in Nepal. The natural beauty and geographical uniqueness of Nepal attracted him.
Thus, in 1965 he started the first trekking company in Nepal called ‘Mountain Travel’. His creative input in promoting the travel company by assisting the Sherpa guide with tents, maps, and guide books as a travel package. Instantly, his idea became a hit and a great foundation for the trekking company was planted.
Not, only Jimmy Roberts but Bill Tilman has also played a significant role in the trek history of Nepal. He is termed the first trekker of Nepal and was able to get trek permissions from the King in the year 1949. He then organized various trek expeditions in regions like Everest, Kaligandaki, Helambu, and many more.
His expeditions helped a lot to discover the beauty of Nepal and as a potential trekking destination around the globe. Also, with the support of King Tribhuvan, Russian ballet dancer Boris Lissanovich opened the Royal Hotel in Nepal. It instantly became the trekkers’ junction to trek to the Himalayas. These foundations have led Nepal to become one of the most popular trek destinations nations in the world.
Who can Trek?
Trekking is a such activity that can be done by all age groups. For trekking, there is no such age limit. Yes, there are various types of trekking. Such as Teahouse/Lodge, Camping, and GAP (Guide, Accommodations, and Porters). Anyone can do these different types of trekking with family, in a group, and solo as well. In the context of Nepal, besides the mountains, Nepal has several places suitable for kids and older people to trek. Age has never been an issue. It’s just about the physical, and mental fitness and endurance of the trekkers.
Why Trekking?
Trekking is a good source of exercise for the betterment of both mind and body. Walking is termed one of the best exercises in the world. Many people questioned Why Trekking? It is not limited to exercises, it is a good way to spend quality time with loved ones in the vicinity of nature. It is also a great mode of skipping from the hustle and bustle of crowds and busy life. And spending alone quality time exploring unexplored places and knowing yourself better. Some points on Why Trekking is listed below:
- Build Confidence
- Helps to stay physically and mentally fit
- For photography of natural flora, fauna, Himalayas, and picturesque beauty
- Explore new and unexplored destinations
- New learnings on history, culture, a lifestyle of places and people
- For short break and refreshments
- Value the gifts of nature
- Challenge yourself
- The best practice for stress relief
- Social Networking and making new connections
Benefits of Trekking
Trekking has unlimited benefits. People can experience several benefits. It helps to free our body and mind from unwanted and harmful complexities in our daily life. Trekking is such medicine that cures most physical and mental stress of our daily life. It helps minimize daily life stress, and various complex issues slowly and make us better people in a positive way. Trekking benefits staying physically, mentally, and psychologically fit and plays a significant role in our longevity and happy life. Its benefits are listed below:
- Physical Health Benefits: Improves- physical strength and respiratory system, sleep, mood, weight loss, Good for Metabolism, lowers the risk of heart disease, builds bone density
- Mental Benefits: Increase focus and discipline, Stress buster, improves mood
- Psychological Benefits: Minimize stress and feeling of depression, develops problem-solving skills, strengthen social ties
- Build soft skills: listening, time management, communication, and interpersonal skills
- Inhale & Exhale clean and fresh air in the vicinity of nature
- Social interaction and healthy bonding with new people and family
- Wonderful, organic, and natural views of nature
- Spend some alone time and know yourself better
- Experience new local culture, lifestyle, and food
- Cutting off from the world of technology and experiencing real practical life in remote places, unexplored places, high mountains
- Get close to nature and connect with its natural beauty
- Learn survival tactics by self-performing activities like tent setting, burning a fire, etc.
Where to trek in Nepal?
Nepal is a rich and diverse country when it comes to trekking. The country is culturally and naturally abundant with travel destinations. The natural beauty and artistic structures of Nepal lure many tourists across the globe. Nepal has diverse trekking destinations that are suitable for all age groups. Tourists can do sightseeing around cultural places and go trekking to the mountains, restricted areas, off-beat paths, and around Kathmandu valley in the vicinity of beautiful green nature and snow-capped mountains.
Trekking is possible all over Nepal. All regions of Nepal have something to offer. Nepal is geographically blessed and offers exciting trek destinations with different grades of trek difficulties from easy, to moderate, and challenging. The trekkers have a choice to select the trek destinations as per their necessity, health condition, and fitness. Some of the trek regions destinations of Nepal are Annapurna Region, Everest Region, Langtang and Helambu Region, Manaslu and Ganesh Himal Region, Off-beat path treks region (Upper Dolpo, Dhaulagiri Trek, Kanchenjunga Trek), and around Kathmandu Valley (Trishuli Gorkha mid hill trek, Lapchi Kang Pilgrimage Tour), etc. https://outdoorhimalayan.com/12-best-treks-in-nepal/
Tips for Trekking in Nepal
- Select the short and easy treks (for beginners)
- Select the best seasons
- Stay Physically and Mentally Fit
- Participate in Physical Training before trekking
- Consult with a doctor (Necessary health check-ups)
- Purchase Travel Insurance
- Inform your families and friends
- Book with a reliable trekking agency
- Use guides and Porter service
- Obtain necessary permits
- Carry necessary documents and payment cards
- Take Altitude Acclimatization Rest (scheduled in the itinerary)
- Research Local Culture and Manners
- Check Weather Conditions
- Start Trek Early
- Keep a check on Eating and Drinking Habits
- Safety and Emergency Preparation
- Pack wisely (Prepare Packing Essentials List)
- Responsible Trekking
Cost of Trekking
The cost of trekking depends on the factors like duration, trek destinations, remoteness, and trek packages (budget or luxury). The longer the itinerary and luxury package of trekking, automatically the cost rises. Also, the cost differs when booking with an international travel agency and a local travel agency.
In the context of Nepal, when booking with a local Nepali travel agency the cost of a trekking package ranges from US$ 800 to $1700 per person for 8-12 days of the trek. It includes local transportation, accommodation, meals, trek permits, and all arrangements from arrival to departure. It excludes personal expenses, guide/porter tips, international flight fares, tourist visa fees, travel insurance, and travel equipment. In Nepal, it can also be done at a reasonable cost under Budget Trekking Package.
Hope this Blog-What is Trekking? clarifies your doubts, helps you understand further its benefits and other important details.
Updated on: Dec 7, 2023
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