Written by: Zainab Al-Farabi
Why this place?
The incredible nature and landscapes, the quaint villages and teahouses on the hikes up in the mountains, the warm and proud people who are generous and so funny!l
With the recent devastating and fatal floods striking Nepal, it may not be your top choice. However, our Nepali trekking company put out a message that they need treks to continue as it sustains their livelihoods: “The major trekking routes remain safe and open, and your visit right now means more than ever for the communities that depend on it.
Nepal is hurting after the floods in Rasuwa, but the the Himalayas are still standing and so is Nepal. ” – Discovery World Trekking
Nepal is also very spiritual and care deeply about the earth and the mountains – they have colourful flags everywhere including up in the mountains which are prayer flags, locally called lung ta (“wind horse”) or lhung dar. They spread blessings, peace, and good fortune as the wind blows through them. Each colour represents a natural element and a life virtue: https://www.mountainkingdoms.com/blog/article/the-meaning-of-prayer-flags
Must-do experience
What’s one thing you absolutely shouldn’t miss?
A Himalayan trek of course! I did the Annapurna Circuit over 11 day. You can do shorter ones (or longer!) but bear in mind it’s important to acclimatise properly to the heights otherwise you will get altitude sickness. The Annapurna circuit’s peak is 5416m above sea level.
I recommend going with a local Nepalese trekking company and guides. This ensures money goes back into the local economy rather than western travel companies.
We went with Discovery World Trekking who also do smaller tour groups which felt more intimate with more Nepalese guides supporting you and an opportunity to get to know them and the other trekkers better which was a highlight. We had so much fun with our guides and the other trekkers, playing games and doing lots of Nepalese dancing before starting our hike each day!!
https://www.discoveryworldtrekking.com
Favourite place to eat or drink
Yangling Tibetan Restaurant in Kathmandu for the best momo’s
Forest & Plate in Kathmandu for delicious fresh salads
If you’re after a treat after your hike an amazing Nepalese dinner experience at Bhojhan Grihan hotel
Best coffee spot
Kathmandu: 4 Stories
Himalayan Java Coffee Company
Hidden gem
Definitely a treat place after a hike as it’s a bit spenny but The Pavilions Himalayas The Farm in Pokhara, the area people usually go to unwind after a trek. It was beautiful and just what I needed after an 11 way trek!
Best time to visit
I went in November – October to November is best for clear mountain views and peak trekking, or March to May for warm weather and blooming flowers apparently
Top tips
- Be sure to acclimatise properly before a trek
- Water bladder and crampons for the snow – you can buy crampons there and other trekking gear
- Buy lots of Patagonia, North Face copies and other sports gear if that’s your bag!
- Dehydration tablets
Fun fact or memory
- Camping at Annapurna high camp in the snow was unreal
- Singing and dancing with the local guides and playing card games together each night
Ideal for…
Anyone who is after a big and unforgettable adventure!
Given the horrific loss of life and damage, with people still missing following the recent flood, if you are able to donate what you can, please do via this centralised government link to support a coordinated response: https://pmdrf.nchl.com.np/ ?
