Nepal Trekking Grades or Level of trekking
Nepal as being a mountainous country includes all grades of trek which in fact, provides information about the hardness of trek depending upon various factors. It offers trekking possibilities to everyone from easy trek to most adventurous one. Mountaineers with little experience to well trained climbers are equally recommended. We have grades of the treks on the basis of length, altitude, remoteness, walking condition weather and so on as per the following:
Grade-A * (Easy):
Experience is not necessary; anyone fit and healthy enough to complete a weekend walk can manage this section. Maximum walking time is approximately 5 hours a day. In this section, trekking remains in a well maintained paths or tracks in a low altitude, with little daily variation.
Grade--B** (Moderate):
Again, no experience is necessary; Good health conditions and level of fitness are essential. Generally, good paths but sometimes can be rough, steep and have many ‘ups’ and ‘downs’ with some exposure and attaining the altitude between 900m to 3000m. Early in the season expect snow patches at higher altitudes.
Grade---C*** (Demanding):
Between Moderate to Strenuous trek at an altitude up to 4000m with side trips to higher elevations. This is classified as ill – defined trails, away from habitation. Considered to be harder comparison to other two above therefore preparation for fitness and good health conditions are essential.
Grade----D **** (Strenuous):
Ventures at this grade are 'Tough Treks' these treks must be fully supported. The altitude attained between 3500 to 5000m. This trek also involves several nights stay above 4000m. These are genuine expeditions where preparation is essential fitness and a willingness to 'rough it' is essential. You must have a high level of fitness for this trek. Previous trekking experience is desirable, but not vital if you are confident of your physical condition.
Grade-----E ***** (Very Strenuous):
This trek is best described as Alpine, and suitable for those in excellent health, capable of carrying a backpack, when required. The trek covers very remote areas, traveling over snow covered passes at an altitude of up to 5000meters. You may need to axes and crampons to cross the pass when there is heavy snow. No strenuous trek should be undertaken without medical clearance.
Grade------F ****** (Challenging):
Obviously we hope to fulfill our objectives but realistically we can only guarantee start and finish times with these treks. Limited to those with an excellent level of personal experience and fitness, an outstanding sense of humor, with high tolerance levels. During the trek you may have to cross snow covered passes in very remote areas or climb up to 6000meters in altitude. Participants are required to have basic mountaineering skills.
Types of trekking
Before come to Nepal choose which types of trekking you prefer all the different types of trekking are given short description which helps to the choose the types of trekking
Tea House(Lodge Trek):
Also known as lodge trekking is a relatively cheap way of trekking in where meals and accommodation are provided in a teahouse. In Nepal, it is quite popular to trekking along the many trails, stopping each night to eat and sleep at a local Tea House. Meals depend on the menu at the tea house, usually the simple basic meals of the local people. Although many tea houses and hotels in the hills and mountains are reasonably comfortable, some may be dirty and, in areas where chimneys are rare, rooms may be smoky.
It's a great way to connect with some of the local culture and definitely suits trekkers not wanting to carry back-crushing rucksacks. The standard of lodgings can vary from very similar to a hotel, to something far more rustic.
Camping (Organized Trek):
The classic style of trekking in Nepal and can be conducted almost anywhere in the country. Camping trekking is fully organized and supported with a team of guides, cooks, and porters to accompany you.
All the necessary trekking gears; food, fuel and other goods are carried by the porters. The cook will prepare all the meals during the camping trek. Trekkers need to carry only a small bag as required for the day. At night, tents for dining, sleeping and ablution are provided and set up. Mattresses, sleeping bags, tables and seating are arranged by staff. A Sirdar (chief guide) is employed to pre-arrange and then to oversee the entire program. All land transportation, local permits, taxes, porter insurance, port dues and entrance fees to National Parks or sites constituting an integral part of the trip are arranged.
Home stay based Trekking
Home stay based Trekking is a kind of opportunity to explore real Nepalese rural life and socialize with local people. In this trekking you would be taken to well manage villages which are out of touch with urban life. Your accommodation is in home of villagers. You stay there as a family member and eat together what they produce in their farm. The friendly and hearty behavior of the family members gives you a different experience that you have never enjoyed before. Villagers continue their daily normal works and guests enjoy participating in the village activities. In this tour you will be observing the real Nepalese cultural tradition from the closest quarter and intermingle with the locals. One more important thing is any expenses made by you directly contribute to the welfare of the local community which ultimately gives you the high sense of satisfaction.
Trekking Season in Nepal
Nepal is the best destination for the tourism activities throughout the year, however; there are four distinct trekking seasons in Nepal. Each season has its distinctive attractions to offer. The seasons can be classified as follows:
Autumn (Sept. - Nov.)
Autumn is the best time to experience the trekking in the Himalayas, which offers an excellent weather and exhilarating mountain views and one can experience the the festival and culture of Nepal as the biggest festival of Nepal fall in this season, such as Dashain and Tihar (Deewali) which occur in October and November.
Winter (Dec. - Feb.):
Winter season is noted for occasional snowfall only at higher elevations. Hence it is ideal for trekking at lower elevation, generally below 3000 meters and it is good time for the having adventure activities such as mountain bike, Bungee Jumping, cycling tour, paragliding, river adventure and jungle Safari.
Spring (Mar. - May):
Different varieties of wild flowers, most exceptionally the rhododendrons, make the hillside above 3000 meters a haunting paradise during this season. It is mildly warm at lower elevations, and at higher elevations over 4000 meters, the mountain views are excellent and temperature is quite moderate. This season is the best time to have the mountain expedition, peak climbing, trekking and hiking in Nepal.
Summer (June - Aug.):
Summer season which represent the monsoon season in Nepal, as it rains almost every day during this season. So this season can be the best time for river adventure as the level of river in Nepal become higher. You also can have Agro tour as Nepalese farmer farm in their land in this period. This season also would be the best for those who are keen to know about the vegetation as a botanist as the higher valleys and meadows blossom with flowers and lush vegetation.
Note: Beside these seasons one can discover this part of the world through Trekking, Rafting, Jungle Safari, wild life safari, Hiking, mountain expedition, peak climbing, mountain flight, Bungee Jumping, mountain bike and cycling tour Paragliding all over the year.
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