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Himalayan Region
The
Annapurna Region
North of Pokhara, Nepal's spectacular diversity appears at its finest.
The deep valleys and high mountains encircling the giant Annapurna
Himal (mountain) embrace a wide range of peoples and terrain, from
subtropical jungle to a high, dry landscape resembling the Tibetan
plateau. This is the most popular trekking region. It's also among
the tamest areas with excellent lodges lining the main routes. There
are three major trekking routes in this region: to Muktinath, to
Annapurna Conservation Area Project, and a circuit of the Annapurna
Himal itself.
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Solu-Khumbu:
The Everest Region
The classic walk through the Sherpa homeland of Solu-Khumbu
is a tough trek with a clearcut goal - to see Mt. Everest, the highest
peak of the world. There are many ways to trek in this area. One
can either walk all the way up and back, or walk one way and fly
out on the way back, or fly in and out depending on the time at
hand and inclination. The first requires a month, the second just
about three weeks and the third at least two weeks.
Most Everest trekkers avoid the hardest walking by flying in and
out of Lukla airstrip. If you have got time and energy, the walk
in from Jiri through the Sherpa's traditional homeland is worth
the extra effort. It passes through the lovely region called Solu
and the narrow gorge of the Dudh Kosi (Pharak) to reach the high
mountain region of Khumbu in a little over a week. Khumbu is exceptionally
at high altitude with trekking routes going up to 5,400 meters.
Solu can be trekked year around while Khumbu's trekking season is
limited. October-November and March-May are the busiest trekking
season of Khumbu. Besides good weather, this period offers the five-day
Dumje festival (usually April) and the masked Mani Rimdu dances
held at major monasteries in spring and fall. Khumbu is a good region
for a monsoon trek. High pastures are full of wildflowers and grazing
yaks, and the people are relaxed, taking a well-deserved break from
trekking and expedition work.
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Namche Bazaar
(3,446 m)
Namche Bazaar, the modern Sherpa capital, is the nerve center of
upper Khumbu: from here the trails branch out to explore at least
four separate high valleys. It's a cosmopolitan little village,
a good place to pick up tips on trails and conditions from descending
trekkers. Food prices skyrocket above here, since all supplies must
be carried in from a distance; budget extra for this trip.It is
the entrance to the Everest region Situated in the lap of the Khumbu
Himal range,Namche Bazaar is about 24 km from Kathmandu and the
distance is generally covered within 15 days by trekking. This place
is the home of the legendary Sherpas, who have won international
reknown as the world's most sturdy climbers with an indomitable
will to scale peaks. One can fly from Kathmandu to Lukla and Syangboche
in the Everest region. At Lukla accommodations are available in
Sherpa huts and lodges Lukla is the most popular base for trekking
in the Khumbu region. Days could be spent hiking and visiting the
Sherpa villages, Thyangboche Monastery, Khunde Hospital, Khumjung
Hilary School and trekking towards the Everest Base Camp. Accommodations
are available at Thyangboche, Debuche, Pheriche, Pangboche, Lobuche
and Gorakhshep.
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Phaplu
Another scenic place that is also easily accessed via air
is Phaplu which has direct flights from Kathmandu. Phaphlu is in
the eastern district of Solu-Khumbu, famous for its Sherpas. From
here, you can hike into little known corners of Sherpa territory,
and bask in the mountains' glow, yet return at night to the warmth
of the Sherpa Lodge in
Phaplu bazaar.
The
Langtang Region
The trek up the Langtang valley is another of those finest
mountain treks. Situated directly north of Kathmandu, this region
has three relatively short yet interesting treks: Langtang, Helambu
and Gosainkund. The regions are usually visited separately but can
be combined in as 16-day trip. Lower regions like Helambu are perfect
for winter treks and in springtime this region's rhododendrons are
especially beautiful.The people are a mixture of Tamang, Sherpa
and Bhotia. Food and lodging are easily available along the main
routes.
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Langtang
Langtang, at 3,307m above sea level, extends from north of
Helambu to all the way up to the Tibetan Border. It is the largest
village of the region despite its small size. Its upper valley is
a grazing paradise, rich in flowers and grass and dotted with stone
huts used in the summer time for butter making. Sewn in skins and
exported to Tibet to flavor tea and fuel monastery lamps, butter
was once the region's major industry.
It is generally a thirteen day trip, counting transportantion time
and a day above Kyangjin and Gosaikund, the sacred lake devoted
to Lord Shiva.
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Helambu
The trek to Helambu is one that remains open for twelve months
of the year. It is the most easily accessible of all trekking regions.
Helambu is below 3000 meters and creates few altitude problems.
The trek provides a sudden, dramatic contrast between higher and
lower areas of Helambu. The higher region consists of pleasant forests,
interesting Sherpa villages and offers stunning mountain views.
The lower valley is comparatively dull and depressing hot much of
the year.
Rara Lake
Rara lake, the largest lake of the country, is a major destination
among the treks in western Nepal. The lake, located within the Rara
National Park, is perched on a high shelf, encircled by gray ridges
and pine forested hills inhabitated by beers, jungle cats and deer.
The trail leading to the lake was built as a horse trail for His
Majesty King Mahendra's 1964 visit to Rara.
Access to Rara Lake is from Jumla, which can be reached by flight
or by walking for around ten days from Surkhet in western Nepal.
A trip to the lake and back to Jumla takes just about ten days.
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Kanchanjunga
Kanchanjunga, referred as "Five Great Treasures of the
Snows", is the third highest mountain of the world that lies
at the eastern border of Nepal at an altitude of 8,586m. It takes
at least two weeks' walk to reach the destination, Khangchenjunga
base camp. There are two Kanchanjunga base camps - north and south,
and the usual trek involves reaching either of them. It is possible
to visit these both camps, but it takes a much longer time and moreover
both are very difficult to cross.
This region requires a trekking permit from Department
of Immigration from either Kathmandu or Pokhara. The trekking fee
for one person per week for the first four weeks is US$10 and US$
20 per week thereafter.
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