Author: nepalmountaintrekkers
2021
Ecotourism in Nepal
“The earth doesn’t belong to us. We belong to the earth”
Ecotourism in Nepal is focused, on ecotourism initiatives sustainable development, and community empowerment. It was recognized that ecotourism, while being one of the country’s most popular forms of tourism, was also an avenue for sustainable community development and that there were ways in which these small, mostly poverty-stricken, communities could benefit from the ecotourism movement in Nepal.
Tourism is changing rapidly as nature, heritage, and recreational destinations become more important, and conventional tourism is forced to meet tougher environmental requirements. This presents a challenge to government and private enterprises to develop new approaches to the tourism market. Successful tourism must benefit local populations economically and culturally to give them incentives to protect the natural resources which create the attraction. Strategies must be economically feasible if private investors are to support the projects.
Ecotourism is a very burning issue and one of the fastest-growing sectors in the current world tourism industry. Especially in many developing countries like Nepal are trying to use ecotourism as a tool to achieve sustainable development. Eco-tourism development requires a partnership between the market and the state with an appropriate division of responsibilities. The efficiency and integrity of tax collection must be improved. Hospitals and schools must be established immediately. Without such infrastructure development, the development and functioning of the tourism sector will not be possible.
Nepal has an abundance of opportunities for the ecotourism industry. But its effective practice and implementation are not promising due to a lack of commitment to governmental policy and planning strategy with a combination of integrated conservation and development. Thus to run an ecotourism project properly, principles and theories of ecotourism must be considered as a major basis while making its policy and planning. The policy must be integrative, collaborative, and comprehensive to achieve the real outcome of ecotourism by realizing the importance of environmental, social, and economic imperatives.
An eco-tourism-based economy features steady, vigorous competition among those who provide the money and take the risks and benefits of ownership. They buy equipment, goods, and labor services to create tourism for sale. “Buy cheap and sell dear” is their slogan to increase profits. We have too seldom serious problems like war and economic depression to interfere with our eco-tourism development.
Ecotourism in Nepal is growing and flourishing. While there is always the danger of greenwashing, in any destination, Nepal is one of those countries where you can find legitimate ecotourism ventures that are aligned with sustainable tourism development principles and issues. Through the TPRAP and organizations such as Nature Treks, ecotourism in Nepal has reached a point where it is an industry that, in some cases, is benefitting the local communities directly. When planning an ecotourism holiday in Nepal, provided you do your research, you can feel confident in the choices you make with regard to ecotourism activities and communities to visit.
Although tourism is important to Nepal’s economy, we need more technical assistance. It is true, the government is not spending on tourism development as well as drinking water supply, and training and sanitation are also getting less attention. At the same time, there is a need to review these programs, sharpen their focus, and improve their system. We must be very careful, of course, to do that in a long-term, dynamic way as well as short-term. If the eco-tourism-based economy has to be increased, attention must shift to sustained public action. Further reforms are needed in services.
2021
Nepal’s Best Trekking Season
“Nature holds the key to our aesthetic, intellectual and even spiritual satisfaction”
Nepal from a geographical perspective is one of the best places to go trekking. Its diversified ecosystem and landscape allow tourism to flourish as trekking can be done throughout the year. Basically, Nepal has four seasons but generally, people from all around the world prefer trekking here more after falls and after winter. These two seasons can be called the best seasons for trekking as during these times the scenery and weather condition are near perfect for trekkers to enjoy Nepal’s trekking routes. After falls the weather is neither too hot nor too cold so people can have a comfortable time trekking around the hills and mountains. And also the other best time for trekking would be after winter when the temperature will be slowly increasing thus getting a little warmer. At this time Nepal will be vastly covered with flowers that bloom all over the lavish trekking routes so there will be plenty to see around while trekking.
1-Autumn (September-November)
September, October, and November are typically preferred by trekkers as the best time for trekking in Nepal. The sky is generally clear with spectacular views so there’s an abundance of tantalizing views/scenery. Occasionally there might be some heavy snowfall at higher altitudes which is still a good thing as they also bring out the true beauty of the Himalayas as there will be clear white snow covering the glorious mountains of Nepal. There are also going to be various festive moments at this period of the year as Nepal usually performs all kinds of its religious and traditional festivals which also entertains the trekkers very much. Not just the scenery but also the ethnic diversity which brings the festive colors and rituals are the reasons for which these months are the best time to trek in Nepal.
2-Winter (December-February)
December, January, and February these months are what we call the cold months of Nepal. During these months the weather gets extremely cold and the trekking routes may not be clear at the upper elevations. People therefore generally prefer trekking in lower elevations. The night get’s cold so extreme bone-chilling cold winds are normally felt all around. But the day might still be clear and little rays of sunshine might be enough to bring back the enthusiasm of trekkers to carry on with their trekking. But because of the harsh winter conditions at upper altitudes Trek like Everest base camp is rarely isn’t preferred.
3-Spring (March-May)
March, April, and May the start of the spring season which is the second-best season for trekking in Nepal. After winter it slowly begins to get warmer causing the vast majority of Nepal’s flowers to bloom and cover the large area of Nepal. During this time the most prestigious flower Rhododendron also starts to appear in places from elevations of 3000m. This is the time for the wild flora and fauna to come out and fill the lands with amazing greenery and an excellent ecosystem. Nature will be at its best during this period of the year for which many mountaineers and trekkers plan to visit and trek in Nepal.
4-Summer (June-August)
June, July, and August are the hot and wet months of Nepal. As it rains often the ground is wet and muddy but that doesn’t mean that the summer heat goes away for long. As soon as the rainfall stops and clouds begin to fade away, the weather instantly changes as it gets burning hot at the lower parts of Nepal and the other parts too. In the goodness of the vegetation available here, the rain supports the growth and production of the entire ecosystem from trees to flowers. This helps to enrich the lands and turns the landscape into something truly spectacular. But despite the muddy and wet trials some people still do trek over these landscapes just to capture and behold their eyes with the beauty of Nepal.
2021
34 watersheds identified in Kanchanpur
KANCHANPUR: Thirty-four watersheds in the Chure region of the Kanchanpur district have been identified and works are going on to protect them.
Watersheds in Bhimduttanagar, Bedkot, Pipladi, and Krishnapur Municipalities have been identified. Works to conserve them are underway, Soil Conservation Office, Kanchanpur’s Chief Gangaduta Joshi said.
The Office spent Rs 6.5 million last fiscal year for the same purpose.
Tree plantation on sources of watersheds, works to prevent them from getting affected by flash floods and building of walls around water ponds are underway in a bid to protect watersheds, he said.
(Source: http://www.nepalmountainnews.com/, July 18, 2016)
2021
ACAP to unveil new trekking route
LAMJUNG: Annapurna Conservation Area Project is all set to unveil an alternative new trekking route soon. The idea of the alternative route was conceived after the existing Annapurna Trekking Circuit from Jamjung district headquarters, Besisahar to Manang was linked by a road network recently.
According to Annapurna Conservation Area Project Manang Office Chief Babulal Tiruwa, the alternative trekking route links several tourist villages.
“As the route passes through several inner villages, we hope that this will increase the influx of tourists in the area,” said Tiruwa, adding, “The route is also connected to roads at places, which will make it easier to carry out rescue missions.”
Further, Tiruwa said that the new route will be ideal for trekkers who want to savor the magnificent beauty of nature and visit the popular Thorang-La pass which is at an altitude of 5,464 meters. The proposed route under The Great Himalayan Trail starts from Lamjung’s Besisahar and runs through Siurung, Chapa, and Mipra before converging with a road network at Syange.
From Syange, the trekking route runs through Jagat, Chyame, and Danakyu up to the Manang district headquarters, from where the track links Dhikarpokhari through Bhratang. From that point, there will be two trekking routes linking Bhraka. The trekking route ends in Pokhara through Mustang’s Muktinath and Myagdi.
(Source: http://www.nepalmountainnews.com/, 26 June 2016)
2021
Join Rara Lake Trek: Experience a slice of heaven in real!
Have you made some images of heaven something like; a place where nature seems to be at its best, the most beautiful and serene place where happiness dwells, and the place where you forget everything else. This matches the description when someone describes Rara Lake, the blue gem of Nepal and a paradise for bird watchers. Rara Lake is a blue watered lake with a tranquil environment, absolutely breathtaking scenery with the Himalayas and lush mountains watching their reflection in the clear waters of the lake and sweet chirps of birds buzzing the environment. Located at the center of Rara National Park, the smallest national park of Nepal, and surrounded by a green forest of fir, cedar, pine, and spruce, Rara Lake can be reached from Kathmandu. Be a part of Rara Lake Trek to visit this wonderland in Nepal, a less visited trekking destination.
You just can’t describe the beauty of this majestic lake, magnificence beyond description and tranquility capable to take you to another world. Besides the beauty of Rara Lake, you have several other reasons to go for the Rara Lake Trek. Some of the strong reasons to visit this trekking destination are given below:
Rara Lake is itself a reason!
As the name of the trek goes, Rara Lake is in itself a reason to go for a trek. The largest Lake in Nepal, the beauty of this lake, and tranquility of the environment, and the diversity of flora, fauna, and wild lives make a strong cause for a trek. You will be mesmerized by the blue waters of Rara Lake ringed by alpine meadows of pine and juniper trees. You have to be right in front of the lake to get a sense of the marvel and preciousness of this lake; words don’t suffice enough for its description. Go for Rara; heaven is a myth, Rara is real!
Solitude and tranquility
Though this is one of the most beautiful trekking destinations in Nepal, this trekking destination is one of the less-visited destinations. Partly the reason is its remote location and the other reasons may be due to lack of proper promotion by the concerned authorities. However, this is an opportunity for you where you have the trail all by yourself most of the time, far from the hustle and bustle of cities. In contrast to the constant stream of trekkers that number in thousands in the Everest and Annapurna regions, this destination provides solitude to the trekkers. You shall have amazing landscape and scattered settlements as your companion.
Rich and Diverse wildlife
This trek takes you through the landscape rich in diverse wildlife, flora, and fauna. Home to more than 1074 floral and faunal species, Rara Lake Trek takes you through coniferous woods, rhododendron, dark junipers, oak, Himalayan cypress, and west Himalayan spruce beside the rare animals including the Himalayan Thar, Red Panda, Himalayan Dark Bear, panther jackal, and numerous others. And with so diverse nature you just can’t miss this natural treasure.
Spectacular Landscape
Besides the majestic lake and the numerous varieties of wildlife, flora, and fauna, the landscape during the journey is equally spectacular. The magnificent Himalayas overlooking the trail, rolling hills, and lush valleys, and the contrasts of color due to flowers, hills, Himalayas, and terrains make you amused. The natural beauty and allure of the trekking trail are fairly intact as the outer world hasn’t much affected the landscape and lifestyle of the inhabitants. This walk in the time-forgotten trail gives you a taste of raw natural beauty.
Authentic culture and friendly locals
The trekking trail of Rara Lake Trek hasn’t seen much the ills of modern life and still maintained the authentic lifestyle, culture and tradition are there for ages. You can have a closer look at this lifestyle and explore the culture and tradition in this difficult terrain. Moreover, the locals in this trek display unparalleled hospitality and warmth while greeting their guests. You can also get to experience the hospitality in a village dominated by the settlement of the Brahmin and Chhetri community and get to know more about their culture.
Don’t wait much and go for experiencing the grandeur of nature, a slice of heaven, and a paradise of bird watching. Put on your boots and experience the wilderness!
2021
Over 200 climbers scale Mt. Everest
More than 200 mountaineers scaled the world’s highest peak today after fair weather allowed them to move up from the higher camps.
“At least 120 Nepalis and 82 foreigners made it to the top of Mt Everest successfully on a single day as climbers were allowed to climb the mountain after a closure of around two years following back-to-back disasters,” Gyanendra Shrestha, an official at the Department of Tourism, told this daily over the phone from the base camp.
“It was really a busy and crowded day on Mt Everest summit,” he said. High winds had obstructed climbing activities for the last two days.
“However, the weather cleared early this morning, letting the climbers accomplish their mission of standing atop Mt Everest,” he added.
Among the successful summiteers, Ang Dorjee Sherpa of Khumjung reached the summit for the 18th time. Lydia Bradey from New Zealand, the first woman to summit Everest without oxygen, scaled Mt Everest for the fourth time, while Masha Gordon, who hopes to be the fastest woman to complete the Explorers Grand Slam (seven summits and both poles) also climbed the mountain.
Silvia Vasquez Lavado became the first Peruvian woman to scale the peak.
Win Ko Ko and Pyae Phyo Aung became the first climbers to scale Mt Everest from Myanmar.
At least 13 climbers, including six army personnel of an expedition team from the United Arab Emirates, also reached the roof of the world.
Seven members of the Indian Army Everest Massif Expedition led by Lt Col Ranveer Jamwal and eight other foreigners also scaled the peak.
Base camp officials said climbers were returning safely to the lower camps after scaling the mountain.
According to Shrestha, 126 climbers, including 70 Nepali guides, plan to make the summit attempt tomorrow, while 42 mountaineers, including 21 foreigners, have their plans for Saturday.
DoT issued permits to 289 mountaineers of 34 teams to climb Mt Everest along with their over 400 high-altitude workers this season.
Till 2014, at least 6,872 summits had been recorded by 4,043 different climbers after Tenzing Norgay and Edmund Hillary became the first to climb the mountain in 1953.
(Source: www.thehimalayantimes.com/ , May 20, 2016)
2021
Climber breaks British record for reaching Everest peak
A professional climber has broken the British record for summiting Mount Everest, reaching the top of the world’s highest mountain for the 12th time on the first trip involving foreign climbers in two years.
Kenton Cool, 42, was joined by two Sherpas and another Briton, Robert Lucas. The Brits are also the first foreign climbers to reach the 8,850 meters (29,035ft) peak this season after a group of Sherpa guides fixing ropes got to the top on Wednesday.
David Liaño Gonzalez, a Mexican, and his guide made the top 10 minutes later. It was the sixth successful summit for Gonzalez, who has climbed the mountain from both sides.
Confirming the successful ascents, Gyanendra Shrestha, a Nepalese Tourism Ministry official, said: “They have become the first foreigners to reach the top of Everest after two years. Three foreigners and three Nepalese have climbed Everest this morning.”
About a dozen climbers were expected to try for the summit on Thursday, out of about 289 hoping to attempt Everest this year.
According to Himalayan Guides, a commercial guiding company, Cool and his party left for their summit attempt as soon as the Sherpa team fixing ropes to the summit had returned from their efforts on Wednesday.
The ascents mark the return of foreign climbing expeditions to Everest’s summit following two seasons marked by tragedies on the mountain.
In 2014 a massive avalanche near Everest base camp killed 16 Nepali guides, after which expeditions were called off. In April 2015 avalanches triggered by a devastating earthquake claimed the lives of 19 climbers, including high-altitude guides and helpers at the base camp. Everest’s closure for a successive year was an economic blow for a country in which mountaineering is big business; the Nepalese government charges climbers $11,000 (£7,600) for permits to climb Everest.
Speaking after Thursday morning’s ascents, Iswari Paudel, owner of Himalayan Guides, said in an interview with Nepalese media: “In the last two years, I have lost 14 sherpas in two disasters on Everest. All of us in the climbing community – locals and westerners – were so sad. We really wanted to send out a positive message to the world this year … and today’s summit is very good news.”
(Source: http://www.theguardian.com/world/ , May 12, 2016)
2021
Why Join Gokyo Lakes Trekking at Everest Region?
Gokyo Lakes Trek at Everest Region is one of the most beautiful yet demanding adventures with rewarding experiences that simply make us spellbound. Among many reasons, we have listed few major points why to join Gokyo Lakes Trekking at Everest Region; which is mentioned as follows:
1. There is a total of nineteen lakes at Gokyo and some of the most popular are DudhPokhari, Ngozumpa Cho, Tabochecho, Longpangacho, and Thonakcho. Among these largest ones is Thonakcho. Visiting these high-altitude lakes is once in a lifetime experience in itself.
2. Explore Ngogumba Glacier. IT is the longest glacier, the source for Gokyo lakes and milky white Dudh Kosi River.
3. Opportunity to be at the best viewpoint of the Everest region. At Gokyo Ri at the highest point of the Gokyo lake trek that offers mesmerizing views of the world’s highest Himalayas including Everest, Lhotse, Cho Oye, and others with turquoise lakes and the largest glaciers below.
4. Option to explore furthermore around Thonak, Ngozumba, and Gyazumba lakes.
5. Chance to be at another stunning viewpoint named Scoundrel’s viewpoint where excellent views of Everest, Cho Oyu and visible.
6. You also have an option to step at the base camp of the highest mountain in the world at Everest Base Camp crossing popular Cho la pass and Lobuche via Gorakshep.
7. Most beautiful, most rewarding, challenging one but not like that much with excellent opportunities for Everest excursions.
Therefore, plan Gokyo Lake and Gokyo Ri Trek for your next adventurous holidays in Nepal. Come visit Nepal and experience the magic of Gokyo Lake Treks for yourself.
2021
Looking for Short Treks? Have a Look into Ghandruk
Short Ghandruk Trek? Are you looking for short treks in Nepal? If yes, then join Ghandruk Trek in the popular Annapurna region of Nepal. The trek starts from the naturally blessed scenic lake city of Pokhara.
This trek can be completed in just a couple of days. That makes it the perfect choice for all travel lovers with a tight schedule. Being a comparatively easy trek, Ghandruk is a popular destination for both domestic and international tourists.
Overiew of Ghandruk Short Trek
Nayapul is the starting point of Ghandruk Trek where we arrive after 2 hours of drive from Pokhara. Then slowly after just an hour of walking through the beautiful trails, beautiful views of snow-capped Annapurna Himalayas starts to appear.
Along with awesome up-close views of the Annapurna Himalayan Range and Machhapuchre Himal, we get the golden opportunity to explore the beautiful culturally rich village of Gurungs and Magars. Most of the males from local settlements have a history of serving as brave Gurkha soldiers. With a history of contribution to the Indian Army/ British Gurkha Army.
During a few nights of stay at these villages, you will have an idea that if there are stone-paved stairs, then there must be a Gurung settlement nearby. Climbing these stairs can be a bit challenging. But as you breathe fresh Himalayan air with awesome views of the Himalayas and landscapes, it becomes a worthwhile experience.
Ghandruk has well-developed trails, and tea houses with all basic services on offer and you will surely be left with many more memories to cherish after completing this short and easy trek.
Contact Us
Hope you will enjoy this short and east Trekking in Nepal in 2023!
If you are planning this trek and is on your bucket list, please feel free to inquire. We will provide information about the Ghandruk trek and the planning and preparation. The Nepal Mountain Trekkers team will offer information about the trek and organize tailor-made trekking in Nepal.
2021
Top Five Adventure Trekking in Nepal for 2021
After the end of the COVID-19 pandemic, this 2021 is your year to join trekking trips in Nepal that have been on your bucket list of travel destinations for a long time. There are many trekking adventures in Nepal to embark on, but we have hand-picked the top five trekking destinations in Nepal that you can start planning on these trips and make 2021 a year with happy holidays after facing the troublesome pandemic.
Everest Base Camp Trek
The most popular trek in Nepal, the Everest Base Camp Trekking is a trip that every adventure traveler has on their travel bucket list to embark on at least once in their lifetime. This adventure trekking is all about scintillating views of the highest Himalayas on planet earth with insights into Sherpa culture traditions while we make all the way to base camp.
Annapurna Round Trek
For 2021, Annapurna Round Trek would be a perfect adventure around the foothills of the tenth highest Himalaya. It is a round trek, or commonly known as Annapurna Circuit Trek initiating from Beshishar, Chame, taking all the way up to high passes of Thorong la pass including cultural and religious insights of both Hinduism and Buddhism at Muktinath before making our way towards beautiful lake city of Pokhara via Jomsom, Kagbeni and Marpha. It is all about the best of nature, landscapes, flora, fauna, cultural and religious highlights with spectacular views of the Annapurna Himalayan range.
Annapurna Base Camp Trek
Annapurna Base Camp Trek should be on your checklist while visiting Nepal. Starting and ending from the paradise city of Pokhara, you walk through beautiful Gurung inhabited villages, settlements with an excursion to Ghorepani and Poonhill followed by a gradual ascent to the base camp of fishtail and finally Mt. Annapurna. Upon arrival, you will simply love the experience to be surrounded by the Himalayas from all directions. You will start missing this trip right while returning from ABC.
Rara Lake Trek
On the other hand, Rara Lake Trek is a completely different remote off-the-beaten-path trekking adventure in rural areas of Nepal. It is fully organized trekking where we set up camps, stop at local homestays, enjoy pristine nature and capture the best moments along with us. This Rara Lake Trek is also an exclusive opportunity to acknowledge the simple lifestyle of local inhabitants far away from modernization, learn few things and appreciate the differences. Your visit to these remote areas of Nepal will also play a positive role in uplifting the local economy.
Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek
While Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek replica tag heuer is more of a short and easy trekking adventure in the Annapurna region that can be joined by anyone regardless their age, fitness level, and amount of holiday time they have. In just a week of adventure, the best of nature and culture at Pokhara and nearby villages are seen and the major highlight of this trip is the best panoramic views of the Annapurna Himalayan range from Poon Hill viewpoint. Therefore this trip should be on the bucket list of many travelers. Happy trekking 2021!
Original Author: Sakesh Karanjit(2016)
