Best time to do the Great Himalaya Trail Trek
Nepal has four seasons: spring, which lasts from March to May and is warm and rather dusty with fewer showers. Summer, which occurs between June and August, is the monsoon season, usually very rainy. Autumn comes in September to November when it cools down and skies are clear. In winter (December through February), nights can be chilly with morning fogs looming around them. Days are also fog free but cold in the heights of mountains although afternoons turn out to be sunny and enjoyable for those at lower altitudes.
October and November are peak trekking months in Nepal. The skies are mostly clear offering great mountain views, during these months. In the mountains, temperatures fall to 5° C at night and above 20° C for day time between 1,000 m and 3,500m while at higher altitudes it ranges from about 15° C to 20° C during the day time to -10° C at night. The mornings are usually clear but clouds develop by afternoon disappearing again at night to show a beautiful sky full of stars.
Lower route trek can be done in December, January and February. It becomes extremely cold above 3,500 m with snow covering most parts of the trails. It is also typically ten degrees cooler than in autumn. High passes (above 4,000m) are generally closed from mid-November to mid- March.
In the monsoon season, which lasts from June to August, trekking is not preferred as there are heavy and frequent downpours. Conversely, with abundant vegetation turning green in the rainy season, scenic beauty abounds.
Great Himalaya Trail Lower route Difficulty Level
Never underestimate how much of a challenge it is to traverse at lower route. On average, you gain or lose 900 - 1500m (3,000 - 5,000 feet) of elevation a day, every day, on the low route. Low route passes can be as high as 4,500 meters, so it's not so low after all and this is why altitude sickness might be a concern. The length of the route means that the level of fitness required for it to be covered does not need any technical climbing but rather should entail experience with long distance walking. It is essential for individuals planning to complete the entire journey to make prior arrangements that will help them have smooth trips. Therefore you need to book a trip through tour operator companies like us.
Acute Altitude Sickness
Acute Altitude Sickness is the mild and common syndrome of altitude sickness. The infected individuals may have a mild headache and, nausea or/and less appetite. It is normal to have these symptoms after 3000 m (they call it AKT), but if you feel any of those stuffy or dizzy feelings, there's no need for a great concern now - just tell us about your discomforts and we will follow the development closely.
Symptoms:
Headache
Insomnia
Fatigue
Dizziness
Shortness of breath during exertion
Nausea
Lack of sleep
Decreased appetite
Swelling of extremities
Preventing altitude sickness
Ascend slowly over several days to allow your body to acclimatize.
At altitudes over 3,000 meters (10,000 feet), go up no more than 300 to 500 meters per day.
Add rest days every few days to let your body acclimate to the lighter air.
Move up the hill during the day and move down to sleep.
Drink at least 3-4 liters of water a day, as various trekking and high altitudes can lead to dehydration.
Reduce Alcohol and Caffeine to prevent dehydration.
Eat high Carbohydrate foods to get loads of energy.
Bring essential medications like Diamox, and Paracetamol with you.
Food
Breakfast
Boiled Eggs
Scrambled Eggs
Porridge
Pancakes
Tibetan Bread
Omelets
Lunch and Dinner
Dal Bhat
Chow Mein
Fried Rice
Momos
Thukpa
Spaghetti
Beverages
Chia (Milk Tea)
Hot Lemon
Herbal Teas (Ginger, Lemon)
Instant Coffee
Coca-Cola
Fanta
Accommodation
Accommodations will be in Nepali teahouses and guesthouses along the GHT trail - while basic by western standards- provide many of everyday necessities for rest and recuperation. Rooms will always have two single beds and basic mattresses, pillows and blankets but trekkers are usually well-advised to bring their own sleeping bags(which we provide) because the temperature can drop a lot especially higher up. Bathrooms are generally shared and may come with either squat or Western (sit-down) toilets. Some teahouses have hot showers while some do not so be prepared.
Transportation
As per the itinerary, you will be taking domestic flight between Kathmandu-Bhadrapur and Dhangadi-Kathmandu. A private vehicle transportationin will take you to starting place of the trek and vice versa.
Communication
It’s possible to get mobile networks at some point along the trail. So, if you are going to the mountains, buy a sim card in Kathmandu in advance. You can purchase several sim cards from different companies for better service. Keep in mind not to count on internet access when up in the mountains.
Packing Items
Clothing
Moisture-wicking shirts
Thermal leggings
Fleece jacket or down jacket
Insulated vest
Waterproof and windproof jacket
Waterproof pants
Trekking Pants and Shorts
Underwear and Socks
Accessories
Warm hat/beanie
Sun hat or cap
Buff or neck gaiter
Lightweight gloves
Insulated gloves or mittens for colder temperatures
Gears
60-70 liter backpack
Waterproof trekking boots
Sleeping Bag
Trekking Poles
Others
Dehydrated meals and snacks
Energy bars and trail mix
Water Purification
First Aid Kit
Sunscreen (SPF 30+)
Lip balm with SPF
Sunglasses with UV protection
Toiletries
Biodegradable soap and shampoo
Toothbrush and toothpaste
Quick-dry towel
Documents
Passport and visas
Permits
Cash in local currency
Electronics
Headlamp with extra batteries
Camera
Power bank
How to get Nepal Visa?
You are able to obtain a 90 day visa upon arrival, at the airport. The cost might differ depending on your country of origin. Additionally you have the option to acquire a visa, for a duration exceeding 90 days at the immigration office. Fill out the application for a visa that is accessible at the immigration desks. After that just hand the completed paper to the immigration officer when you get to the desk.
Check the most up-to-date information on https://www.immigration.gov.np/en/page/regulation
Great Himalaya Trail Trek Permits
You will have to take one or more trekking permits in order for the entry, based on which area you are going for Tibet trek. Some permits you might need to pre book and others can be bought on arrival. We will handle all the procedures to get you your permits of any kind with Boldhimalaya.
Generally you will need following permits:
Trekkers' Information Management System/TIMS card
Annapurna Conservation Area (ACA)
Manaslu Conservation Area (MCA)
Gaurishankar Conservation Area (GCA)
Sagarmatha National Park
Langtang National Park
Makalu Barun National Park
Rara National Park
Responsible Tourism Practices
Pick a good trekking agency that behaves sustainability and responsible to the environment.
We should respect the porters and also think about Porter's rights. It is important to respect porters and their boundaries, following the law in order to maintain responsible travel ideals.
In Nepal, culture has a very high value including many traditions and the country shows immense love towards old things. We offer these sentiments for trekkers to reflect on with the fullest respect and understanding possible.
Though very short, to facilitate responsible trekking there is a need for habits of hygiene and cleanliness piss space with little or no proof.
Keep a trash bag with you always dispose of the waste in it so as to fight against pollution and conserve ambient equilibrium.
A small to almost big purchase from local industries by supporting and promoting Nepali products will help you in the travel experience whether you buy it for your trip or bring an unforgettable souvenir back home.
Remember to pack to reduce waste and lessen your footprint.
Adhering to the rules and regulations while participating in trekking activities is crucial, for ensuring the safety of trekkers and avoiding accidents.