Helambu Trek- 9 days

Nepal The country Nepal spread the east to west. It lies between Chain and India. The land area of Nepal is 1,47,181km2. It is the second biggest country in water sources. The current population of Nepal is 2,90,00,000. Among them 34% < 15yrs, 61% from 15-64yrs, 5% > 64yrs & 1,800 births/day. More than 125 languages and local dialects are spoken but Nepali is the most speaking language in Nepal. English is understood in tourist and trekking areas. Many trekking and tour guides can speak other western and eastern languages. Religions: Hindus are 81%, Buddhists are 9%(especially living in high Northern regions), Muslims are 4.5%, and Christians are1.4%. Land area:-1,47,181km2 Low Terai 20.1%, Middle Hills 56.2%, High Himalaya 23.7%, Arable land 16.8%, Forest 25.4% Time Zone: Nepal is 5’45” ahead from GMT and 15 minutes faster than Indian Time.

There are two main trekking seasons in Nepal. Spring (From 3rd week of February to 1st week of May) and autumn(From 3rd week of September to 1st week of December ). These seasons are common to all trekking routes. The Everest and Annapurna regions are very crowded from march-April and mid-October to the end of November. The weather is warm with flowers in rain shadow areas during the monsoon seasons. But the flooding and landslide can be damaged to the mountain road which can make major delay in time schedule. Leeches also found in lower trails during the monsoon that can make uncomfortable while walking. The trekkers can explore all year round in Mustang but are cold from December to the beginning of March. Likewise, Dolpo can be visited from August to the first week of October. Poon Hill and Helambu like short treks can do during the winter( December to February) but it is cold at night. It is also possible for Annapurna, Manaslu, and Everest Base camp treks but the weather is very cold which makes the treks too tough.   The biggest season of tourist from October to December which is the best time to capture mountain views. There is also good temperature and clear sky after the monsoon.  The Middle Hills and Terai region ( Chitwan National Park and Lumbini, the birthplace of the Buddha) is the best time to explore in winter.  

There are different races of people inhabitant in Nepal. So that they are having different culture and also celebrating different festivals throughout the country. You can found differ in culture and festivals by their religion too. The Hindu celebrates Dashain and Tihar which is held in October and November. Likewise, Buddist celebrates Loshar at different times. Gurungs and Tamangs are enjoying in January and Sherpas are celebrating in the month of February. But you can found some common festivals like holly(color’s festival) celebrating in every religion which held at end of February and March. You can get a chance to observe some cultural festivals like Indrejatra and  Janai Purnima in August and Shiva Ratri in February. So many other festivals are celebrating throughout the country.

Passport

A six-month valid passport with some blank pages for a stamping visa is required. Do not forget to check your passport where correctly stamped arrival, departure, passport number, and visa date to avoid the possibility of complications. VISA Nepal provides an arrival visa at Tribhuvan International Airport. But you should complete the visa form with a recent passport size photo and pay the visa fee in foreign currency, preferably USD. Other major currencies are also acceptable. A single entry visa fee cost is 15 days USD 25.00 30 days USD 40.00 90 days USD 100.00  A foreigner can stay a maximum of 150 days in a calendar year.  They can be extended visas from the Immigration Office in Kathmandu or Pokhara. A minimum extension is USD 30.00(to be paid in Nepalese rupees) for 15 days.  Visa applications can be pre-registered online. Read the requirements and have a photo and all requested details available before starting the process.  http://online.nepalimmigration.gov.np/tourist-visa   Spare passport size photos and Document copies  Better to bring 6-8 recent passport size photos and some copies of your passport for use on the visa application, visa extensions, and Trekking permits.          


Our guides are trained in first aid, carry a comprehensive medical kit, and can deal with most of the problems encountered on treks. However, in the case of a serious accident outside help needs to be available. That’s why comprehensive insurance is essential. Trekking is not possible without full insurance cover, which you can purchase in your home country. You need to have full, personal, travel insurance that covers personal belongings, trip cancellation plus medical, rescue, and evacuation insurance(for air ambulance and helicopter rescue services). You must carry the company’s insurance policy certificate with you, it must include your name, address, policy number, contact numbers, and procedure for the company’s rescue department.

In case of a serious trekking accident, the insurance company will be contacted and they will take over the rescue process. Sending in the necessary ground or air support. Without it, your trekking teams would have tried to carry you out, possibly exacerbating your’s injuries. We will not risk that. Snow Bank Adventure’s staff are covered by our own full accidental and medical insurance.

Trekking entry permits are required to each of Nepal’s National Parks and Conservation Areas. The entry permits cost range from Rs. 1,000 to Rs. 3000 per entry and additional permits are required for Restricted Region Treks. We can manage all types of permits. There are five Restricted Regions which are close to the Tibetan border were opened for outside in 1990. The treks only can do with a professional guide and a minimum of two trekkers. Your original passport and extra photos are required to make permits for Upper Dolpo, Mustang, Nar-Phu, Tsum Valley, Manaslu, and Kanchenjunga trekking. The fees are according to height and range from USD 90.00 - USD 500.00 for a week or 10 days then stiff daily amounts.

Credit cards are only accepted in cities like Kathmandu and Pokhara. You have to make ready Nepalese Rupees to spend during the trek. That’s why you have to take a sufficient amount of Nepali Rupees on your trek. Your personal expenses should be only for hot showers, charging batteries, additional drinks, and snacks, the cost rising with altitude. You can make a ceremony with your trekking team at the end of the trek.

Regular walking or jogging activities for a few months before your trip will ensure high altitude trekking. People who trek so quickly and climb too high in a day may suffer Acute Mountain Sickness( AMS) so we call trekkers slow and steady walking. Stops for rests and do not carry more than 5 kg with you. Pre-fitness and stamina are required for trekking in Nepal. Spend at least two nights in the city before going to the trekking destination which gives time for acclimatization as well as easy to arrange necessary trekking permits.

We prefer the group size from 1-10 pax but more can be accommodated on request. There must be 2 persons accompanied by a registered guide in the Restrict Regions( Upper Dolpo, Mustang, Nar-Phu, Manaslu, and Kanchenjunga). Anyone who is reasonably fit and can walk for 5-6 hours a day in a hilly country can trek in Nepal. We suggest children up to 15 years stay below 3,500m and above 15 years can tackle the higher routes.

A delegate from Snow Bank Adventure will meet you outside the terminal building and pick you up and take you to your hotel. We use cars or minibusses as the means of transportation in cities. For trekking, we use flights, local buses, minibusses or jeeps depends on the distance, terrain, and size of the group. There is a limitation on luggage up to 15 kg per person on small planes.

We provide selected 2-3 star hotels in Kathmandu and Pokhara on a bed and breakfast basis. During the trek, local people built simple and clean Teahouses on their properties and offer choice able good, safe and hot food with printed menus. We provide full board meals and lodging, tea or coffee, and safe drinking water during the treks. The cost of Wifi, charging your device and batteries, bottled drinks, snacks, and curios is not included in your package.

There are countless shops that sell all types of trekking gear in both Kathmandu and Pokhara. Top brands and high-quality gears are available in selected shops.

The kit is best packed in plastic bags inside the duffle bag to ensure dryness.

Bring a spare bag

Bed: Teahouse provide a bed sheet and pillow and can usually offer duvets.

Sleeping bag: lightweight with stuff bag ( ideally rated at - 10oc/ 14of for high altitude nights)

Boots with good treads and ankle support for long treks, Spare walking shoes, spare laces

Hiking poles and Headtorch

Windproof Jacket

Down jacket ( for high altitude treks)

Thermal underwear on high altitude treks

Socks (thick and thin)

Shirt: 2-3 piece

Long trousers

Tracksuit Layers of warm tops( 2-3 piece)

Rain gear ( top with hood, pants can be useful)

Hat Scarf and gloves ( especially for high altitude treks)

Handkerchiefs and Tissues

Sunglasses ( particularly important for possible snow work)

An additional items Duffle bag and a day pack( plus inner plastic bags for waterproofing)

Sunscreen Toothbrush and paste, razor, Soap, and a face cloth can be useful Small towel (quick drying)

Personal medication and bandages Biodegradable soap and pegs for clothes

Ankle and knee guards

Leech oil to control leeches from May to October

Toilet paper

Book Diary, notebook, pen and pencil

Camera, Batteries, charger, and cards

spare batteries

The short treks need fewer clothes than longer treks

Camera cards and batteries are only available in Kathmandu and Pokhara. We advise carrying a set of camera batteries even if you have the charger. Nepal uses 220 volts through standard European round 2 or Indian round 3 pin plug sockets. Bring an adapter if you need one. Power outages are common everywhere.

Most of the day there is possible to recharge cell phones and camera batteries without cost but some parts of trekking should be paid for recharging your devices.

Most routes have cell phone availability at least near villages. The popular routes are better supplied.

Cards are only available in Kathmandu, Pokhara, and at the airstrip village of Juphal in the Dolpo region. We advise you to purchase a SIM card on arrival. NTC and NCL networks are available in Kathmandu, Everest, and Annapurna trails. Dolpo uses the Hullo network. Manaslu currently has poor reception, but landlines are available.

Malaria is prevalent in the lowland  Terai regions from March to September. If you are touring in the Terai during this time it is recommended that you bring prescribed medication. Bring any necessary personal medication with you. Include sunscreen, lip guard and plasters, etc which can buy in Kathmandu and Pokhara.

Acute Mountain Sickness is caused by your body’s reaction to a shortage of oxygen. Some people start to feel the effects of altitude sickness from 2800 meters. The symptoms are first noticeable in the brain or lungs and include headache, loss of appetite, nausea, coughing, and fatigue. Admit to the rest of your symptoms, don’t continue climbing higher to sleep. If the condition gets worse while resting, descent to a lower altitude. Rest until you feel better and then continue upwards slowly. Stop your trek not your life if necessary. Tell your guide if you are not feeling well and act on his advice. The prescription drug, Diamox can assist with the prevention of AMS symptoms. It is a diuretic that increases respiratory rate and breathing depth(also urine flow), assisting acclimatization by reducing headaches, nausea and improving sleep. Take 1/2 a tablet 125mg or 250mg in 12 hours(fingers and feet may tingle, don’t worry)

With the range in altitudes in the Himalayas, weather prediction is notoriously difficult to expect the unexpected. Beautiful days, warm in the sun is followed by colder nights. From 1000-3500m temperatures may be 5o to 20oc, higher up they may be -10o to 20oc and above 5000m -15o to 20oc. Wind chill causes temperatures to plummet. Winter temperatures are commonly 10oc lower. Rain or snow can arrive without warning, throughout the year.

The cities, villages, and trails are everywhere safe. Courtesy and kindness are universal.

Nepal is unique where you could found lowland 75m - 8,848m Mt. Everest in a distance of only 200 km. Nepal is a multi-racial, multi-cultural, and multi-language country. It has also beautiful nature, ice-capped giants of high Himalaya, a lot of waterfalls, unique wildlife and so many species of flora and fauna. Its gentle and friendly people offer visitors a warm and sincere welcome. Nepal is the homeland of the Buddha. It offers so many adventures like a tour, trekking, rafting, jungle safari, paragliding, and boating, etc. So Nepal is a dreamland of people spread all over the world. Snow Bank Adventure wants a chance to design your first trip which will be memorable in your lifetime. We (Snow Bank Adventure) believe in an Eco-friendly nature and request that you join us in our efforts to improve our trekking routes and the environment in every possible way. That’s why we request you not to:- * Do not discard cigarette buds or matches and be very conscious of the dangers of fire. * Drop tissues, sweet papers, packets, or plastic items for correct disposal. Do not throw items into Teahouse fires or ovens, it may be offensive on religious grounds. Do not squat behind bushes or rocks anywhere near a stream. Dig a hole and cover it properly before leaving