Average number of days: 9; Highest point: 5,122m
North of the Kathmandu valley lie the valleys of Helambu and Langtang. The region is a great place to explore glaciers, lakes, alpine pastures and temperate forests along with experiencing Tarnang and Sherpa life. You can stay in highland monastery villages or trek through pristine forests to the village of Choda Tabela where the valley opens out into a high, Himalayan river plain dotted with stunning camping sites. The secluded valley also cradles the Langtang National Park which is home to the rare red panda that lives in the lichen-draped rhododendron thickets here. You can visit the Cosaikunda Lake that doubles as a pilgrimage for the staunch followers of Shiva, or any of the other lakes here such as the Nagkunda, Bhairavkunda, Saraswatikunda and Suryakunda. While you can choose to climb a ridge on Yala Peak from Kyanjin Compa, you definitely shouldn't drop the hike to the foot of the Langshisa glacier for an incredible view of glaciers, ice falls and snowfields surrounded on all sides by high mountains. Though this gorgeous trek is so close to Kathmandu, it is not as populated by trekkers as much as the Everest Base Camp trail or the ABC circuit, and that pretty much works for it.
The least-known ancient kingdoms of Nepal and is the legendary El Dorado of trekkers. Fascinating and alluring, the mystique of Mustang is glamorous more due to its history and culture than because of its landscape. Despite politically being a part of Nepal, Mustang is known as 'The Tibet outside Tibet', for it survived the Chinese invasion in 1951 and fosters original Tibetan culture till date. Because of its strategic location that makes it the easiest corridor between the Tibetan plateau and Central Asia, it braved several wars and yet emerged a survivor. Though not very strenuous, trekking in Mustang requires special permits and a daily fine for any days that you exceed in the 'hidden kingdom'. Mustang's barren moonscape of eroded sandstone pillars and discontinuous moraine terraces together present a colourful mosaic and the region also provides spectacular views of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri. The trek starts from Jomsom to where you can either fly or trek from Pokhara, though it's advisable to fly and save your energy for the subsequent Mustang trek.
Thursday, December 23, 2010
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
ANNAPURNA BASE CAMP
Average number of days: 20; Sanctuary: 15; Highest point: 5,416m
Perhaps the most popular of all Himalayan base camps, the Annapurna Base Camp trek that's commonly referred to as the ABC is one of the most diverse treks in terms of landscape. This is also the reason why most trekkers are drawn to it. The trek takes you through some of the world's highest passes, terraced fields, forests, snowfields and alpine pastures. The trek begins at Pokhara and goes north-west around the Annapurna. Over a course of six to seven days through dramatic changes of climate, landscape and culture, you reach Jomsom where you have the option of flying back to Pokhara. A lot of Indian pilgrims intoxicated by devout fervour carry on to the shrine of Muktinath while other trekkers powered by the spirit of adventure move past Jomsom to the valley of Manang, hit the Kathmandu-Pokhara highway and complete the circuit where they started. Some people also opt to trek to the Annapurna Sanctuary in the same region that leads you to the base camp through some of Nepal's most beautiful rhododendron forests. Apart from the diversity of the ABC, the trademark hospitality of the tea houses is what a lot of trekkers love. Many spend additional days in small villages en route, soaking in the cultural warmth and enjoying conversations over a simple meal of dal bhat.
Perhaps the most popular of all Himalayan base camps, the Annapurna Base Camp trek that's commonly referred to as the ABC is one of the most diverse treks in terms of landscape. This is also the reason why most trekkers are drawn to it. The trek takes you through some of the world's highest passes, terraced fields, forests, snowfields and alpine pastures. The trek begins at Pokhara and goes north-west around the Annapurna. Over a course of six to seven days through dramatic changes of climate, landscape and culture, you reach Jomsom where you have the option of flying back to Pokhara. A lot of Indian pilgrims intoxicated by devout fervour carry on to the shrine of Muktinath while other trekkers powered by the spirit of adventure move past Jomsom to the valley of Manang, hit the Kathmandu-Pokhara highway and complete the circuit where they started. Some people also opt to trek to the Annapurna Sanctuary in the same region that leads you to the base camp through some of Nepal's most beautiful rhododendron forests. Apart from the diversity of the ABC, the trademark hospitality of the tea houses is what a lot of trekkers love. Many spend additional days in small villages en route, soaking in the cultural warmth and enjoying conversations over a simple meal of dal bhat.
Monday, December 20, 2010
KANCHENJUNGA BASE CAMP
Come to Kanchenjunga Base Camp only if you are an avid trekker - you will meet the challenges you crave for.
Average number of days: 20; Highest point: 5,100m
One of the most challenging, the Kanchenjunga is best trekked by those with a strong will and stronger trekking experience. Most people who trek to this base camp are ardent admirers of the mountain itself that is deemed to be one of the most difficult peaks to scale across the world and has claimed the lives of many ambitious alpinists. This rather uninhabited region lies on the far eastern border of Nepal and lacks the comfort of tea houses and most facilities that you can avail of on other treks. For this reason, this trek is attempted by few since the burden of food supplies and camping equipment can be draining, not to mention expensive. The valleys approaching the mountain base camp have been opened to trekking, specifically for organized treks. The long trek to the lap of Kanchenjunga takes trekkers through some of the richest forests and most isolated patches, and holds the promise of an unparalleled adventure.
Average number of days: 20; Highest point: 5,100m
One of the most challenging, the Kanchenjunga is best trekked by those with a strong will and stronger trekking experience. Most people who trek to this base camp are ardent admirers of the mountain itself that is deemed to be one of the most difficult peaks to scale across the world and has claimed the lives of many ambitious alpinists. This rather uninhabited region lies on the far eastern border of Nepal and lacks the comfort of tea houses and most facilities that you can avail of on other treks. For this reason, this trek is attempted by few since the burden of food supplies and camping equipment can be draining, not to mention expensive. The valleys approaching the mountain base camp have been opened to trekking, specifically for organized treks. The long trek to the lap of Kanchenjunga takes trekkers through some of the richest forests and most isolated patches, and holds the promise of an unparalleled adventure.
Sunday, December 19, 2010
THE EVEREST BASE CAMP
Average number of days: 12; via Gokyo: 20; Highest point: 5,545m
The most widely-recognized of all, the biggest draw this trail has is perhaps the names associated with it. Needless to say, the highest mountain in the world commands a mammoth following by the sheer force of its fame. The path that was once treaded by Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay, and subsequently by the most celebrated mountaineers is now retraced by thousands of trekkers whose trek ends where the real quest for alpinists begins. The popular way to do it involves flying to Lukla, the world's highest airstrip, then walking to the first village, Phakding, right up to the last stop Gorak Shep over a course of approximately nine days. This journey uphill has many interesting stops en route and the small detours are worth the extra time devoted. The route is dotted with small tea houses, home to the sherpas, who welcome you into their hearth and hearts with equal ease. Stop at Namche, the capital of the Solukhumbu region where everyone halts to acclimatise themselves on their way up, and chill out on their way down. Do a day's trek to Khumjung and back as it's simply spectacular, just as much as the walk up to the Ama Dablam glacier lake from Dingboche. From Gorak Shep, you can also walk up to Kala Patthar, which is as much an attraction as the Everest Base Camp itself.
While some follow this trail from Lukla, the more determined (or stringent budget-holders) skip the flight and walk to Lukla from Jiri. It's not as picturesque and adds another week, so most people skip that leg. For the ones who do it, it's only a matter of more sunburns, resilience and greater pride. Another fantastic trail to take to the Everest Base Camp is the Gokyo trail. It's longer and more tedious, but that is compensated for by the stunning lakes and scenery that's sure to enthral you. Whatever the route, you're in for a visual treat. Be it a riot of colourful wild flowers or colossal white peaks, there's nothing here you won't get floored by.
The most widely-recognized of all, the biggest draw this trail has is perhaps the names associated with it. Needless to say, the highest mountain in the world commands a mammoth following by the sheer force of its fame. The path that was once treaded by Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay, and subsequently by the most celebrated mountaineers is now retraced by thousands of trekkers whose trek ends where the real quest for alpinists begins. The popular way to do it involves flying to Lukla, the world's highest airstrip, then walking to the first village, Phakding, right up to the last stop Gorak Shep over a course of approximately nine days. This journey uphill has many interesting stops en route and the small detours are worth the extra time devoted. The route is dotted with small tea houses, home to the sherpas, who welcome you into their hearth and hearts with equal ease. Stop at Namche, the capital of the Solukhumbu region where everyone halts to acclimatise themselves on their way up, and chill out on their way down. Do a day's trek to Khumjung and back as it's simply spectacular, just as much as the walk up to the Ama Dablam glacier lake from Dingboche. From Gorak Shep, you can also walk up to Kala Patthar, which is as much an attraction as the Everest Base Camp itself.
While some follow this trail from Lukla, the more determined (or stringent budget-holders) skip the flight and walk to Lukla from Jiri. It's not as picturesque and adds another week, so most people skip that leg. For the ones who do it, it's only a matter of more sunburns, resilience and greater pride. Another fantastic trail to take to the Everest Base Camp is the Gokyo trail. It's longer and more tedious, but that is compensated for by the stunning lakes and scenery that's sure to enthral you. Whatever the route, you're in for a visual treat. Be it a riot of colourful wild flowers or colossal white peaks, there's nothing here you won't get floored by.
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