Yak Culture

Domesticated Herd in Tibet

If you decide to go trekking in Nepal or Tibet's mountainous regions, you will often find local farmers tending to their herds of Yaks. Yaks are large, long-haired, bison-like animals known as bovine, that graze on grass and other shrubs. They will not eat grain, contrary to some beliefs. Yaks were once found in wild herds throughout Nepal and Bhutan, but wild Yaks are now considered ''vulnerable'' and found mostly as domesticated animals.

The Yak is said to have diverged from typical cattle some 1 to 5 million years ago. The Wild Yak is amongst the largest bovine, second only to the Gaur in shoulder height. Wild Yaks stand about 5-7 ft. tall at the shoulder and weigh 670-2,200 lbs. The female wild Yak is about 1/3 the weight and 30% smaller in height. The domesticated Yak is much smaller with males weighing 770-1,300 lbs and females weighing in around 500-600 lbs). You can differentiate a male from a female by their horns. Male horns are generally darker in color and sweep out to the side, whereas female horns are a bit lighter in color, smaller, and have an upright shape. A male is called a Yak and a female a Nak. So, no--There is NO such thing as Yak Cheese-- Its NAK Cheese!

Wild Yak

Yaks are very heavily built, with bulky frames and sturdy legs--made for hard work. They are the only bovine with long, thick hair--which helps them live comfortably at colder, high-altitude climates. Their larger lungs and hearts also help them live and perform at a higher rate than those cattle of lower altitudes. Yaks consume only about 1% of their body weight each day, compared to the 3% consumed by common cattle. Yaks do not thrive at lower altitudes, however, and begin to suffer from heat exhaustion around 15C or 59F. This is due to their thick layer of fat and hair, as well as having almost non-functional sweat glands.

Yaks are generally friendly in nature and are easily domesticated and trained. They are usually not hostile creatures but mothers, as with any animals, can be very protective of her young and even charge if she feels there is a threat.

Tibetan Woman with her Yak

Mt. Kailash Yak Caravan

Yaks are domesticated primarily for their milk, hair, meat, and ability to carry large quantities of goods between villages. Their droppings are considered important fuel--used all over Tibet and in parts of Nepal. Yaks are used to not only to transport local goods, but also to transport equipment for mountain expeditions. Their milk can be turned into tasty cheese and butter used in the famous Tibetan Butter Tea, and their hair into wool for a number of quality products such as bags, hats, gloves, socks, coats, decorations, and much more.




If you're out on the trail--make sure to stock up on local NAK cheese and try the infamous Tibetan Butter Tea. You'll see why the locals worship this animal--for giving to them in such abundance.

The History of Everest

Mt. Everest

Nepal is home to 8 of the world's 14 highest mountains--including the mightiest of the all--Mt. Everest, known in Nepal as Sagarmatha, and Tibet as Chomolungma. The majestic and mighty Everest sits at 8,840m (29,002 ft).

The first record of Mt. Everest was in 1841 by Sir George Everest. Sir Everest, a British surveyor, recorded the location--and it wasn't until 1848 that another British surveyor recorded the height at an estimated 30,200 ft. from 110 miles away. The surveyor was only 1,200 ft. off -- not too shabby!

Mt. Everest was originally known as Peak XV--but in 1865, was renamed to Mt. Everest after Sir George Everest. It wasn't until 1907 that the Everest region was entered by foreigners, and mapped along the Dudh Kosi River, all the way to the Khumbu Glacier.

The Mt. Everest Committee was formed in 1920, in attempts to plan the summit of the mighty mountain. At this point in history, expeditions had reached the North and South Poles--Everest was the next likely feat for society.

In 1921, the Northern Route up Everest was established by Guy Bullock and George Mallory after 10 weeks of exploring the Northern and Eastern faces of the mountain. In 1922, 3 failed summit attempts were lead by Mallory, claiming the lives of at least 7 Sherpas in an avalanche on the 3rd attempt. When asked by reporters why he wanted to reach summit--he replied, "Because its there!"

In 1924, another British expedition lead by Lt. Colonel Edward Norton, set the height record for the next 29 years by Norton at 28,126 ft (8,570 m). In the same year, Mallory and Irvine attempted summit on June 8th, and lost their lives--The mystery of whether or not they ever reached summit still prevails to this day.

Edmund Hillary & Sherpa Guide

Edmund Hillary

The first flight over Everest took place in April of 1933--and a picture, worth its weight in gold, of the summit was taken. In 1936, the first light weight sets of radios were taken on yet another failed summit attempt. In 1947, after still having no successful summit attempts-- the Himalayan Committee of the Alpine Club and the Royal Geographical Society were formed in place of the Everest Committee. In 1950, after the Rana family was over thrown, the Nepalese borders were opened to foreigners and climbers were allowed to attempt summit from the South face.

In 1951, Edmund Hillary of New Zealand, made his first failed attempt. It wasn't until 1953, 112 years after the first siting of Everest, that British Expedition team finally reached the summit of the mighty Mt. Everest--

                                                               The rest is history!

Fall Group Departures

If you’re travelling alone to Nepal this season and don’t want to trek alone, we have a number of groups that you can join. You can come into our office at any time, located on Mandala Street (Thamel) next to OR2K Restaurant—or next to Kathmandu Guest House (Thamel), to ask about any of our groups we have leaving.

If you want to book your trip before arriving and are wondering what groups are leaving when—Here is a list of the groups we have leaving the rest of this month (September) and October.

·         Sept 20^th, 2012 – Langtang & Ganja-La Pass (2 pax.)

·         Sept 23^rd, 2012- Nagarkot Trek (2 Pax)

·         Sept 23^rd, 2012- Annapurna & Dhaulagiri (1 pax)

·         Sept 28^th, 2012- Mountains & Monasteries Everest Region (6 Pax)

·         Oct 5^th, 2012- Annapurna Base Camp & Chitwan (2 pax)

·         Oct 5^th, 2012- Annapurna Poonhill (1 pax)

·         Oct 6^th, 2012- Annapurna Circuit (1 pax)

·         Oct 6^th, 2012- Annapurna & Dhaulagiri (2 pax)

·         Oct 7^th, 2012- Everest Base Camp (2 pax)

·         Oct 7^th, 2012- Everest 3 High Pass (2 pax)

·         Oct 7^th, 2012- Annapurna Circuit (1 pax)

·         Oct 9^th, 2012- Annapurna & Dhaulagiri (1 pax)

·         Oct 13^th, 2012- Annapurna Base Camp (1 pax)

·         Oct 14^th, 2012- Annapurna Circuit & Chitwan (4 pax)

·         Oct 14^th, 2012- Annapurna Base Camp (1 pax)

·         Oct 21^st, 2012- Everest 3 High Pass (1 pax)

·         Oct 22^nd, 2012- Annapurna Circuit (2 pax)

·         Oct 28^th, 2012- Mountains & Monasteries Everest Region (2 pax)

·         Oct 29^th, 2012- Langtang & Ganja-La Pass (2 pax)

·         Oct 30^th, 2012- Mountains & Monasteries Everest Region (4 pax)

·         Oct 31^st, 2012- Langtang Valley (2 pax)

As you can see, we have many groups of 1 and 2—We promise, your trek will be memorable regardless—but the more the merrier, right? If you have any interest in joining one of these groups—please let us know via email at   sales@treknepal.com or visit our website!

Group Joining

Many people set out to travel for different reasons. Some seek the unknown, some seek escape. Some seek adventure, while others seek relaxation. Some people travel in groups--and some brave people travel alone. Facing the world alone is an adventure indescribable to those who haven't done it. At times it can be lonely, and at other times you find yourself thanking the cosmos for your solitude.

Traveling alone gives you the benefit of choosing your own path, your own schedule, and your own "plan"--that is to say, if any real traveler actually has a plan. Regardless, traveling alone gives you FREEDOM. It is something so many of us crave, yet so few of us have.

While traveling alone has its benefits--it has its draw backs as well. Take Nepal for example--there are many things you can do alone, visit temples, shop in Thamel, volunteer, or hang out around the lakeside in Pokhara. Time and time again, however, many solo travelers want to indulge in the most popular activity in Nepal--trekking.

Trekking can be done alone--although, now there is a law that all foreigners must have a trekking guide--so the question is, while you're hiking for hours do you want to go it alone or join a group? There are usually long afternoons and nights in the village where many people speak little to no English, depending on the trek you take--so a little company might be nice for a week or two.

At Trek Nepal Int'l we offer group joining for all our outgoing treks. This gives you a chance to meet new people and enjoy rural Nepal in the company of other explorers like yourself.

But don't worry--you'll still have your freedom! You can choose your itinerary--and even break off from the group at a certain point with one of our guides, if you choose to explore another destination along the way!

So--what are you waiting for solo travelers? Join a group today and start your next Himalayan adventure!

Oops..I didn't know that!!

      No one wants to be that foreigner who does something so offensive in new land, that everyone stares, but no one has the heart to tell you. All travellers have done it at one point or another, but if you’re coming to Nepal—we want to help you out a bit to avoid some embarrassing situations.

·         Use the official “Namaste” (Nah-mah-stay) greeting. Place your hands in front of your chest in a prayer position and bow your head slightly. You can’t go wrong with showing a little R.E.S.P.E.C.T.

·         When eating, passing money, accepting something, waving, or touching someone, always use your RIGHT hand. As in most Asian countries, your left hand is used for washing in the loo—it’s very disrespectful to use your left hand in any of these situations.

·         The head is the spiritual part of the body, thus touching it is offensive. This is especially true for the elderly and very young.

·         The feet are seen as unclean and is, thus, offensive to touch or point at someone with your feet.  It is also offensive to point your feet towards any holy place. Always sit with your feet behind you.

·         If you accidentally touch someone with your foot, it is customary to touch the person’s arm and then your forehead and apologize.

·         Never take a Nepali woman’s hand, as it is seen as extremely personal contact. Instead, use the traditional Namaste greeting.

·         Walk around stupas and temples clockwise.

·         If you are a woman and menstruating, you should not visit a Hindu temple.

·         Conservative dress in temples and holy areas is a must. Shoulders should be covered, and long pants, trousers, or skirts should be worn.

      The social rules in Kathmandu are a little more lax, especially in areas such as Thamel, but when you venture out into the villages or the outer parts of the valley, you would do well to follow these simple rules. You will not only gain respect, but you will keep yourself from garnering unwanted attention and away from problematic situations.