Gandaki, 11 October (25 Ashoj): Big festivals like Dashain and Tihar are coming up. Since there is a long holiday on Dashai, people are making travel plans. There is an increase in the activity of domestic and foreign tourists in Annapurna, Manashlu and other areas for trekking. Nepali especially after celebrating Dashai, they go on trekking. According to Krishna Prasad Acharya, president of Trekking Association of Nepal (TAN) Gandaki, this time is considered best for trekking from October to November.
Trekking tourism in Nepal, which was once introduced by foreign tourists, has recently become equally popular among domestic tourists. Tourists go on a walk to enjoy the natural beauty, unique geography, climate, biological diversity, mountain life, civilization and culture. Walking is also considered suitable for physical, mental health and fitness. World famous destinations for trekking tourism are in Nepal. Millions of domestic and foreign tourists go on a trek to that destination every year. If you are also choosing a destination for trekking on this year’s Dashai holidays, we present this material based on the conversation with Dr. Ravin Kadaria, head of Acharya Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP), chairman of ‘Tan’ Gandaki, and Diwas Gurung, hiker and tourist guide, about the arrangements and preparations for that, we have done.
Expenses
The destination you are going to will determine the cost. Generally, manage three to four thousand rupees a day. If you are going to Everest region, it will cost you more money. Depending on whether you choose short, medium or long distance, the cost may be lower or higher. The services in the tourist area are also expensive. Nowadays, internet and online facilities have reached most of the hiking destinations. Online payment service is also available. That service may not be available for remote villages and geography. Carrying cash is also easy.
Pre-study of the destination
Get information about the destination you are going to travel and the geographical conditions there. Collect information. Find out about hotels, restaurants and tea houses in the area. Even with the help of Google or other maps, one can know a lot about the destination. You should prepare yourself physically and mentally by knowing in advance how long and how high the hike is. You should set out on a walk with curiosity and enthusiasm to learn about new places.
Management
You should gather the necessary materials for the trek, including clothes, considering the season, weather, climate, etc. Don’t be in a hurry when packing. Important items to be kept in the bag may be missing. Trekking bags, shoes, sticks and other materials should not be used for trekking. Buy a bag that is lightweight and holds a lot of stuff. A trekking bag of up to 65 liters can carry up to 25 kg. You can buy a bag with capacity according to the accounting of the things you carry. Materials required for trekking are easily available in the market. It costs about 15,000 to buy those materials. Due to the quality and brand, some goods are more expensive.
Taking shoes from Nepali brands such as Goldstar are also being used more now. Shoes should be comfortable, have a thick sole and grip, do not seep water quickly, do not slip in mud and snow. Trekking jacket, t-shirt, tracks, trousers, hat, socks and gloves are required. If it’s summer, you need clothes accordingly. If it’s winter and you’re going to the Himalayas, pack warm clothes including a feather down jacket. Goggles are mandatory for eye protection while hiking. Sun protection glasses should be used in summer. Caps and hats are also needed accordingly. Creams and lotions can also be used to protect the skin from the sun.
Do not trek alone
If you have a new and distant destination, you should not go on a walk alone. If there is a place close and densely populated, a short distance walk can be done alone. It is very convenient to take a guide with you while going on a trek. It is even easier when hiking in a group. From security to other administrative preparations, it is suitable to go in a group. Recently, the government has also introduced a policy of not being able to go on a walk without a guide. Walking alone is a safety risk. If there is an accident, the rescue becomes complicated. Special care should be taken if there is a Himalayan region. In our Himalayan region, there are destinations where you have to trek at a height of almost 6,000 meters.
Medicines and snacks
When going on a hike, first aid medicines and materials should be carried with you. If you have any medicine that you take regularly, don’t forget to keep it in your bag. If you go to a higher altitude, there may be a problem of leakage. When someone goes above 3000 meters, the symptoms of ‘altitude sickness’ start appearing. Therefore, you should not walk too much in one day. You should walk while taking rest. If you are traveling above 3000 meters, it is considered suitable to climb only 500 meters per day. Sometimes emergencies may occur during travel. Therefore, contact numbers of tourist information centers, police, hotels and other local residents should be obtained. While going on a walk, you should arrange water and light food. It is good to keep biscuits, chocolate, cashews, almonds etc.
