Nepal: The Land of Adventure Sports

 Sure, you know that Nepal is famous for being home to 8 of the world's highest peaks. Sure, you know Nepal is home to Everest and brings in thousands of climbing enthusiasts a year. Sure, you know many people come here to trek the downtrodden paths through the world's finest high mountain scenery. SURE, you know many others flock to Nepal for cultural, architectural, and artistic reasons..

But!

Did you know that Nepal is also home to a number of thrilling adventure sports? Most people don't, as they tend to only focus on the obvious.

Canyoning in Nepal

Nepal is home to a number of raging rapids for white water rafting, a fantastic gorge for bunging jumping, and rocky terrain for rock climbing and extreme cycling. If you're looking for adventure-- Look no further than Nepal. From the outside, it seems a quaint and simple place--but dig deeper and you'll find the true Nepal-- rugged and thrilling in every aspect.

Relax after a hard day at The Last Resort

We have worked with a company called Adventure X, based out of the UK. They are a very reputable company--offering fully supported white water rafting and kayaking trips, and adventurous mountain biking excursions. Check out their website at http://www.adventurex.co.uk/Nepal.asp .

Bungy Jumping in Nepal

Another company we continually support is The Last Resort. They are a foreign run company with top of the line safety standards--specializing in bungy jumping, canyon swings, canyoning, and high ropes courses. The Canyon Swing is the highest in the world at 160m, with a free fall of 100m. They say you'll travel at 150km/hr! If the drop doesn't stun you, the view of the massive gorge and river below will! For more information on The Last Resort, check out http://www.thelastresort.com.np

Mountains & Monasteries

Tyangboche

If you dream of visiting the Everest Region, but you have limited time and/or trekking experience in Nepal--then the Mountains and Monasteries trek is for you. This 8 day trek is perfect for families and elderly people, as well. We recently had an entire family (Mom, Dad, 2 small children under the age of 10, and Grandparents) complete this trek with ease. They had a spectacular time amongst the world's highest mountains.

Phakding

This trek offers amazing views of Lhotse, Lhotse Shar, Peak 38, Amadabalm, and of course, Mt. Everest! As you travel through the world's highest National Park, you'll experience Sherpa culture at its finest, while walking amongst some of the Earth's most breathtaking scenery.

One major highlight of this trek is visting Tyangboche, one of the highest monasteries in the Khumbu region. Here, you will get a feel of the Sherpa people's religion--which is heavily influenced by Tibetan Buddhism.

Between Phakding & Namche

The itinerary for Mountains & Monasteries is as follows:

Day 1: Fly out of Kathmandu- Lukla, trek to Phakding
Day 2: Trek to Namche Bazaar
Day 3: Acclimatization Day
Day 4: Trek to Tyangboche
Day 5: Exploration Day
Day 6: Trek back to Khumjung
Day 7: Trek back to Lukla
Day 8: Fly back to Kathmandu



If you're interested in booking this trip for you and your loved ones, or even if you want to go it solo -- Let us know!

Thamel, Is it for you?

In recent years Thamel has become the tourist hub of Nepal. Travelers from all over the world converge here in local guesthouses and hotels--to explore Kathmandu, eat, drink, shop, and make plans to venture out into the great unknown of the Nepali Himalayas.

There are a plethora of restaurants to choose from, with cuisines ranging everything from western-style fast food to gormet French delicacies. The nightlife in Thamel is more or less the same regardless of where you go. The two extremes of that being live rock music performed by local artists or quiet, traditional live music performed by local artists. Either way, your ears are in for a treat. The talent in Thamel is actually quite astounding.

If shopping is your thing, you'll love Thamel. Beware of the tricky shop owners that see a foreign face and think dollar signs. Don't be afraid to bargain, but remember, they do have families to feed at home. Offer what you think is fair and you'll get a good compromise every time. In Thamel you can find gurkas (knives), pashminas, cashmere clothing, hiking gear, hippie clothes, paintings, traditional clothing, tapestries, teas, and much more.

Also, if you're looking to book a trip-- look no further than bustling Thamel. As of late, there are over 700 travel agencies in Thamel alone. For those of you who know Thamel, you know its not that big of a space. You can book everything from Terai tours, to trekking/peak climbing expeditions, to rafting and bungy jumping. Whatever you desire to do in Nepal, you'll find an agency ready to accommodate your needs!

So--the question is.. Is Thamel for you? For those who like constant auditory stimulation, human interaction, and bustling city life-- I would say Thamel is the place for you. You'll meet new people at every turn and have a number of choices on where to appease your appetite or quench your thirst.

If you'd like to hear no noise, keep away from the shopping stalls, and do your own thing-- I would suggest Thamel is not for you.


If you're in the area, stop in and see us for any information you might need--We even have free city maps! Our offices are on Mandala Street (Next to the NEW OR2K) and in the small plaza next to Kathmandu Guesthouse. Look forward to seeing you in the madness!

What to Bring

Many of our clients have never been trekking before--or if they have, its been in different areas of the world where the climate and terrain are different. One of the number one questions we receive before departing is, "What do I bring?!" The trick is--you don't want to bring too much--and definitely not too little--especially during the winter.

Certain areas of Nepal require different gear, such as treks where you'll be going above the snowline, as opposed to the warmer southern regions of Nepal. Established routes, such as Annapurna and Everest, usually have shops along the way if you're missing something vital--but it can be quite costly.

Here is what we, at Trek Nepal, recommend you bring with you on your next Himalayan adventure:

• 1 Pair of Hiking Boots (Or comfortable shoes for established routes)
• 1 Med. Sized Backpack
• 1 Day Pack (For personal items i.e. camera, money, etc...)
• 1 Sleeping Bag (Recommended up to -20C)
• 1 Down Jacket/Goretex Jacket (In colder northern regions/during winter)
• 1 Light Wind & Waterproof Jacket
• 1 Inner Sleeping Sheet
• 2 Long-Sleeve Shirts
• 1 Water Bottle (We provide treated drinking water and DO NOT recommend you buying bottled water)
• 1 Pair of Gaiters/Over Trousers (Colder weather/when snow)
• 1 Pair Sport Shoes/Sandals (Especially in Southern/Lower Mountainous Regions)
• 2 Pairs of Light Weight Trousers
• 1 Pair of Shorts
• 1 Fleece/Warm Sweater
• 2 T-Shirts
• 2 Pairs of Light Socks
• 3 Pairs of Heavy Wool Socks
• 1 Sweatshirt/Light Sweater
• 1 Torch(Flashlight)/Spare Batteries
• 1 Swimming Costume/Bathing Suit (For Annapurna Region (Hot Springs) and Chitwan)
• 1 Med. Size Towel
• Personal Tolietries
• Biodegradable soap/shampoo
• Insect Repellent
• Moleskin/BandAids for Blisters
• Swiss Army Knife
• Toilet Paper
• Personal Medications
• Underwear (Incl. Thermals)
• Warm Hat & Gloves
• Sunglasses & Sun Hat
• Spare plastic bag for wrapping clothes

There are laundry facilities along most established routes--so remember, pack lightly. You'll be amazed how little you really need when its just you and the mountains!

NEW! Volunteer Trekking

Throughout history--extremes have proven time and time again to fail miserably. The key to happiness and success is balance.

In today's day and age, the time has come to balance our society. We must work together to help those in need, but not in the traditional ways we've been doing it thus far. Since WWII, the global community has made a huge push in foreign aide, in countries just like Nepal. These developing countries have since become reliant on the aide and the state of living has not improved--why should it, if everything is being provided from the outside?

There is a saying in the Christian faith--"Give a man a fish, feed him for a day--Teach a man to fish, feed him for a lifetime." This statements rings ever true in regards to foreign aide. Foreign entities, who do not know the people, terrain, culture, or needs of the people, can not simply drop a load of money and disappear and expect change to happen spontaneously.

That is why we, at Trek Nepal Int'l, have decided to partner with local NGO's that are not only improving the quality of life for the villagers of rural Nepal--but are also educating the masses on eco-friendly and culturally responsible practices to promote lasting economic, environmental, and social success.

We believe, that if you come to enjoy a place, you should also give back--so that the next person after you can enjoy. By volunteering you will not only leave area you visit a better place for the next traveler, but you will also provide economic support and knowledge to local villagers that will ensure their livelihood for generations to come. You yourself will be blessed with the experience of a lifetime, while getting to explore the beautiful, remote parts of Nepal. Its a win-win situation for all that are involved.

Our first volunteering trekking experience is in collaboration with SADA (Social Awareness and Development Association) from the Baitadi (Far West) District of Nepal. You can work with everything from education, to women's health, to agro projects and sustainable development.

Whatever knowledge you have will be warmly welcome by the people of Far West Nepal and you will be warmly welcomed in the homes of the kindest people you can imagine.

For more information about volunteering in Far West Nepal--email Mira at:

treknepal.int@gmail.com

Hope to see you in Far West Nepal--where we can make a difference that will last!

In Collaboration with: Pranamaya Yoga

            Trek Nepal has now partnered with renowned yoga studio, Pranamaya Yoga. Both companies realize that Nepal is the perfect yoga destination, yet it is often overlooked for neighboring Yoga powerhouses such as India and Thailand. Nepal does, in fact, have a strong yogic background and the immense beauty and energy of the Himalayas will appeal to any Yoga lover.

Now, at both Trek Nepal offices, located on Mandala Street next to OR2K Restaurant and next to Kathmandu Guesthouse, you can book your Yoga classes, as well as sign up for the weekly 3-day Fall retreats hosted by Pranamaya.

If you’re looking for a serene place to escape the hustle and bustle of Thamel—Pranamaya has a beautiful studio just above 1905 Restaurant, close to Garden of Dreams. For those who stay outside the tourist hub of Thamel, there is also an option of practicing Yoga at the Pranamaya studio in Patan.  *Remember: You can book for either location at either of our offices.

Pranamaya is once again starting their Fall retreats. These retreats take place in either Namo Buddha @ Namo Buddha Resort OR in Pharping @ Neydo Monastery Resort. If you have a few days and just want to relax—practice Yoga—and learn an intro into Yoga Philosophy—This Yoga retreat is the perfect choice for you.

Stay tuned to this blog for more information on the Pranamaya Yoga Retreats.