Among the many tourist adventure activates in Nepal, trekking is by far the most popular. The diversity in Nepal’s nature and a range of exotic makes the country ideal for trekking in Nepal provides an opportunity to observe the local culture of people and enjoy the beauty of nature undisturbed by influence of modernity. One can choose between fully organized trekking and independent trekking depending on the situation. Fully organized trekking cost comparatively higher and has a fixed itinerary. However, trekkers have their own staff and can even visit remote regions that have no teahouse facility, when trekking is done in organized group. Independent or teahouse trekking on the other hand is suitable for small groups wanting to visit the more popular areas that have good networks of teahouse.


Equipment and clothing

Equipment needed depends largely upon where, when and how one is trekking. The main emphasis while trekking is on keeping warm and dry while still being lightweight. For lower altitude, fleece jackets are adequate, while at higher altitudes down jackets are advisable. Waterproof, wind proof jackets and pants, well broken in footwear, head covering are also recommended. Good sleeping bags, sunglasses, drinking water bottle, torchlight, sun block cream, toiletries, first aid kit and very good route map are other items necessary. Cameras, on the other hand, are handy for taking home memories. Trekking equipments are available in kathmandu, Pokhara and Namche Bazaar.

Health and medicine

Medication shops are few on trekking routes. Therefore, it is best to carry first aid kit and read about the possible problems before hand. On the Everest Base Camp route at Pheriche and on the Annapurna Circuit route at Manang, there are clinics operated by the Himalayan Rescue Association that specializes in treating trekker’ s health problems. These clinics are open only during the main trekking seasons. While on treks, the following problems could occur:

Upset stomach, often caused by change in diet or contaminated food and water is a common ailment. To avoid it one should pay particular attention to hygiene and quality and drinks.

Cough, cold, sore throats, common in the dry mountain air can lead to chest infection. Sore throats can best be avoided by attempting not to breathe cold air directly through mouth. Smoking should also be avoided.

Joint muscle strains, foot problems and blisters and other hindrances for trekkers. Wearing good footwear will go long way in avoiding these problems. For sprains and strains, apply cold water to reduce swelling and support the joint with crepe bandage.

Acute Mountain sickness (AMS) is a fatal sickness caused by random altitude ascension. Therefore, climbers ascending 3,000 meters or above should acquire sound know ledge of proper acclimatization processes. Symptoms of AMS include headache, loss of appetite. Swelling of limbs, dizziness, difficulty in sleeping, irregular breathing, nausea and unusual weariness. Maintaining good fluid intake helps combat altitude sickness and hurried descent or evacuation to lower altitude is the only best cure

Safety and security
Nepal is a safe country to trek provided the basic rules are observed. When with trekking agency most contingencies are handled agency staff. However, one could get lost or hurt and have no one to ask for help when trekking alone. Therefore, trekkers should either trek with agencies, or hire reliable guides if trekking in smaller groups. Women guides are available for women trekkers. The best way to avoid risk while trekking is thorough planning, playing by the rules and realizing human limitations. In case of misfortune, detailed massage should be dispatched to a reliable organization or individual immediately for rescue operation. If communication facilities are unavailable, normal first aid principle should be followed till help arrive.
Some of the safety rules to abide by are :
Do not trek alone.
Do not make a display of wealth.
Keep belongings secure and within sight.
Make arrangement for handling emergency situation before hand.
Register personal information and trekking plan details with respective embassies.
Buy travel insurance policy the covers helicopter rescue cost. Leave a copy of details with an agency in Kathamandu.
Choose only authorized government registered trekking agencies, guide and porters.

Environmental Issue
A general advise to trekkers is to leave only footprint and take only photograph. However, the recent developments along trekking trails have been concern to environment and locals alike. The sprouting of teahouse along trekking trails demand wood for construction and fuel, which has led to deforestation. In addition, the amount of waste has increased without proper mechanism for disposal, making some of the popular trails both unsightly and unhealthy. With increased awareness on the part of trekkers and local people, this trend is changing. However, message still need to be passed across for a more environmentally sound trekking. For vigilant trekking the follow rules must be followed :
Ensure that your trekking company supplies sufficient kerosene or gas for cooking
Dispose biodegradable waste properly and carry non-biodegradable waste out of dump them in properly constructed waste pit
Ensure that campsites are left clean and the toilet pits are properly filled in after us