Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Trekking In Nepal And More Activities For Tourists

By Scott Souness


For ambitious hikers from many different countries, trekking in Nepal ranks as the dream of a lifetime. This small country encloses one-third of the Himalayas, including eight of the world's tallest peaks. Hikers can take treks that range from self-guided tours on well-serviced paths to remote guided journeys through the country's most remote areas.

The Annapurna Circuit is Nepal's most traveled path. Tehar, at 3,000 feet, is the starting point for the trek, which winds up the Marsyangdi River and through the Thorung La pass at an elevation of 17,700 feet. After hiking through the desolate pass, trekkers travel through the world's deepest gorge, which is carved by the Kali Gandaki River.

Another self-guided path takes hikers to the Annapurna Sanctuary. From its starting point in Pokhara, this hike takes tourists on a ten-day trek to the Annapurna base camp and back. The view at the base camp is worth navigating the hazards posed by rain and snowfall. From the base camp, which is in a hollow of the South Annapurna Glacier, tourists can see peaks on all sides that are at least 21,000 feet tall.

Some treks may only be handled by outfitters. Treks across the Dolpo and Mustang regions, which have only recently been opened to outsiders, are examples. The route is dotted by villages and by load-carrying yaks. Because the area is sacred for Tibetan Buddhists, visitors will encounter many functioning temples as well as homes carrying flags in the five elemental colors.

For some people, a trip to Nepal will be incomplete without a trip to Everest. Sagarmatha, which is the Nepalese name for Everest, is in the Khumbu region and is near to Lhotse, the world's fourth tallest mountain, and Cho Oyu, the world's eighth tallest mountain. Many visitors crowd the Everest Base Camp, but trekkers may consider going north to Gokyo as an alternative. The Gokyo route takes visitors near the Ngozumba Glacier, and the Dudh Kosi valley offers multiple services for hikers who are on their own.

For a quick and simple day trek, tourists should travel to Phewa Tal. The glory of the Annapurna Mountains is reflected in the lake's glassy surface, and many visitors choose to tour the lake via rowboat. Visitors may also bike or walk around the lake's perimeter or hike up to the World Peace Pagoda for more breathtaking views of the Annapurnas and the lake.

For visitors who want something a little different, Sunrise Paragliding offers tourists thrilling and unique views of the Himalayas. Their one-hour flights take tourists north through the Annapurna Mountains, while their 30-minute flights provide views of Sarangkot and the thermals. Tourists can choose 4-day or 5-day courses to earn their Federation Aeronautique Internationale proficiency card.

Experts recommend getting plenty of aerobic exercise in preparation for a trek, because tourists will be breathing in air that is 40 percent thinner than the air at sea level. Experts also recommend hiking in hilly areas with a pack rather than just trying to build leg muscles in the gym. With some good conditioning and mental preparation, visitors will find that trekking in Nepal to be one of life's most rewarding experiences.




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