Independent Trekking guide in Nepal

Trekking in Nepal

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independent trekking guide in nepal himalaya

::::::::::::::::::::::::::About Nepal::::::::::::::::::::::::::

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Geography of Nepal

Location:	Southern Asia, between China and India
Coordinates:	28 00 N, 84 00 E
Area:	total: 140,800 sq km water: 4,000 sq km land: 136,800 sq km
Area comparative:	slightly larger than Arkansas
Land boundaries:	total: 2,926 km border countries: China 1,236 km, India 1,690 km
Coastline:	0 km (landlocked)
Climate:	varies from cool summers and severe winters in north to subtropical summers and mild winters in south
Terrain:	Terai or flat river plain of the Ganges in south, central hill region, rugged Himalayas in north
Elevation extremes:	lowest point: Kanchan Kalan 70 m highest point: Mount Everest 8,850 m (1999)
Natural resources:	quartz, water, timber, hydropower, scenic beauty, small deposits of lignite, copper, cobalt, iron ore
Natural hazards:	severe thunderstorms, flooding, landslides, drought, and famine depending on the timing, intensity, and duration of the summer monsoons
Environment current issues:	deforestation (overuse of wood for fuel and lack of alternatives); contaminated water (with human and animal wastes, agricultural runoff, and industrial effluents); wildlife conservation; vehicular emissions
Geography - note:	landlocked; strategic location between China and India; contains eight of world's 10 highest peaks, including Mount Everest - the world's tallest - on the border with China

Population of Nepal

Population:	29,519,114 (July 2008 est.)
Age structure:		0-14 years: 38.7% (male 5,648,959/female 5,291,447) 15-64 years: 57.6% (male 8,365,526/female 7,925,941) 65 years and over: 3.7% (male 513,777/female 541,497)
Median age:		20.3 years
Growth rate:		2.17%
Infant mortality:		65.32 deaths/1,000 live births
Life expectancy at birth:		total population: 60.18 years male: 60.43 years female: 59.91 years
Fertility rate:		4.1 children born/woman
Nationality:		noun: Nepalese (singular and plural) adjective: Nepalese
Ethnic groups:		Chhettri 15.5%, Brahman-Hill 12.5%, Magar 7%, Tharu 6.6%, Tamang 5.5%, Newar 5.4%, Muslim 4.2%, Kami 3.9%, Yadav 3.9%, other 32.7%, unspecified 2.8%
Religions:		Hindu 80.6%, Buddhist 10.7%, Muslim 4.2%, Kirant 3.6%, other 0.9% note: only official Hindu state in the world
Languages:		Nepali 47.8%, Maithali 12.1%, Bhojpuri 7.4%, Tharu (Dagaura/Rana) 5.8%, Tamang 5.1%, Newar 3.6%, Magar 3.3%, Awadhi 2.4%, other 10%, unspecified 2.5%
Literacy:		definition: age 15 and over can read and write total population: 48.6% male: 62.7% female: 34.9%

Government

Country name:	conventional long form: Kingdom of Nepal
Government type:	parliamentary democracy and constitutional monarchy
Capital:	Kathmandu
Administrative divisions:	14 zones (anchal, singular and plural); Bagmati, Bheri, Dhawalagiri, Gandaki, Janakpur, Karnali, Kosi, Lumbini, Mahakali, Mechi, Narayani, Rapti, Sagarmatha, Seti
Independence:	1768 (unified by Prithvi Narayan Shah)
National holiday:	Birthday of King GYANENDRA, 7 July (1946)
Constitution:	9 November 1990
Legal system:	based on Hindu legal concepts and English common law; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction
Suffrage:	18 years of age; universal
Executive branch:	chief of state: President Ram Baran YADAV (as of 23 July 2008); Vice President Paramananda JHA (as of 23 July 2008) head of government: Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal DAHAL (as of 18 August 2008); Deputy Prime Minister Bamdev GAUTAM cabinet: selected by the prime minister elections: president elected by Parliament
Legislative branch:	bicameral Parliament consists of the National Council (60 seats; 35 appointed by the House of Representatives, 10 by the king, and 15 elected by an electoral college; one-third of the members elected every two years to serve six-year terms) and the House of Representatives (205 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms)
Judicial branch:	Supreme Court or Sarbochha Adalat (chief justice is appointed by the monarch on recommendation of the Constitutional Council; the other judges are appointed by the monarch on the recommendation of the Judicial Council)

Economy

Nepal is among the poorest and least developed countries in the world with almost one-third of its population living below the poverty line. Agriculture is the mainstay of the economy, providing a livelihood for three-fourths of the population and accounting for 38% of GDP. Industrial activity mainly involves the processing of agricultural produce including jute, sugarcane, tobacco, and grain. Security concerns relating to the Maoist conflict have led to a decrease in tourism, a key source of foreign exchange. Nepal has considerable scope for exploiting its potential in hydropower and tourism, areas of recent foreign investment interest. Prospects for foreign trade or investment in other sectors will remain poor, however, because of the small size of the economy, its technological backwardness, its remoteness, its landlocked geographic location, its civil strife, and its susceptibility to natural disaster.

GDP:	$29.29 billion (2007 est.)
GDP growth rate:	2.7%
GDP per capita:	$1,000
GDP composition by sector:	agriculture: 38% industry: 21% services: 41%
Inflation rate:	7.8%
Labor force:	10.4 million note: severe lack of skilled labor
Labor force - by occupation:	agriculture: 76% industry: 6% services: 18%
Unemployment:	42%
Electricity production by source:	fossil fuel: 8.5% hydro: 91.5% other: 0%
Industries:	tourism, carpet, textile; small rice, jute, sugar, and oilseed mills; cigarette; cement and brick production
Agriculture:	rice, corn, wheat, sugarcane, root crops; milk, water buffalo meat
Exports:	carpets, clothing, leather goods, jute goods, grain
Export partners:	India 54.4%, US 16.8%, Germany 7%
Imports:	gold, machinery and equipment, petroleum products, fertilizer
Import partners:	India 48.4%, China 10.7%, UAE 10.2%, Saudi Arabia 4.5%
Currency:	Nepalese rupee (NPR)

SOURCES: The CIA World Factbook, U.S. Department of State, Area Handbook of the US Library of Congress

::::::::::::About Trekking ::::::::::::

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What Is a Trek?

Whether you begin your trek at a roadhead or fly into a remote mountain airstrip, a large part of it will be in the Middle Hills region at elevations between 500 and 3000 metres. In this region, there are always well-developed trails through villages and across mountain passes. Even at high altitudes there are intermittent settlements used during summer by shepherds, so the trails, though often indistinct, are always there. You can easily travel on any trail without the aid of ropes or mountaineering skills. There are rare occasions when there is snow on the trail, and on some high passes it might be necessary to place a safety line for your companions or porters if there is deep snow. Still, alpine techniques are almost never used on a traditional trek. Anyone who has walked extensively in the mountains has all the skills necessary for an extended trek in Nepal.

Though some treks venture near glaciers, and even cross the foot of them, most treks do not allow the fulfilment of any Himalayan mountaineering ambitions. Nepal's mountaineering regulations allow trekkers to climb 18 specified peaks with a minimum of formality, but you must still make a few advance arrangements for such climbs. Many agents offer so-called climbing treks which include the ascent of one of these peaks as a feature of the trek. There are a few peaks that, under ideal conditions, are within the resources of individual trekkers. A climb can be arranged in Kathmandu if conditions are right, but a climb of one of the more difficult peaks should be planned well in advance.

A Trek Requires Physical Effort
A trek is physically demanding because of its length and the almost unbelievable changes in elevation. During the 300-km trek from Jiri to Everest base camp and return, for example, the trail gains and loses more than 9000 metres of elevation during many steep ascents and descents. On most treks, the daily gain is less than 800 metres in about 15 km, though ascents of as much as 1200 metres are possible on some days. You can always take plenty of time during the day to cover this distance, so the physical exertion, though quite strenuous at times, is not sustained. You also can stop frequently and take plenty of time for rest.

Probably the only physical problem that may make a trek impossible is a history of knee problems on descents. In Nepal the descents are long, steep and unrelenting. There is hardly a level stretch of trail in the entire country. If you are an experienced walker and often hike 15 km a day with a pack, a trek should prove no difficulty. You will be pleasantly surprised at how easy the hiking can be if you only carry a light backpack and do not have to worry about meal preparation.

Previous experience in hiking and living outdoors is, however, helpful as you make plans for your trek. The first night of a month-long trip is too late to discover that you do not like to sleep in a sleeping bag. Mountaineering experience is not necessary, but you must enjoy walking.

Why Trek In Nepal?
The Himalaya, the "abode of snows", extends from Assam in eastern India west to Afghanistan. It is a chain of the highest and youngest mountains on earth and it encompasses a region of deep religious and cultural traditions and an amazing diversity of people. A trek in Nepal is a special and rewarding mountain holiday.

Makalu Just as New York is not representative of the USA, so Kathmandu is not representative of Nepal. If you have the time and energy to trek, don't miss the opportunity to leave Kathmandu and see the spectacular beauty and the unique culture of Nepal. Fortunately for the visitor, there are still only a few roads extending deeply into the hills, so the only way to truly visit the remote regions of the kingdom is in the slowest and most intimate manner - walking. It requires more time and effort, but the rewards are also greater. Instead of zipping down a freeway, racing to the next "point of interest," each step provides new and intriguing viewpoints. You will perceive your day as an entity rather than a few highlights strung together by a ribbon of concrete. For the romanticist, each step follows the footsteps of Hillary, Tenzing, Herzog and other Himalayan explorers. If you have neither the patience nor the physical stamina to visit the hills of Nepal on foot, a helicopter flight provides an expensive and unsatisfactory substitute.

Trekking in Nepal will take you through a country that has captured the imagination of mountaineers and explorers for more than 100 years. You will meet people in remote mountain villages whose lifestyle has not changed in generations. Most people trust foreigners. Nepal is one of only a handful of countries that has never been ruled by a foreign power.

Many of the values associated with a hiking trip at home do not have the same importance during a trek in Nepal. Isolation is traditionally a crucial element of any wilderness experience but in Nepal it is impossible to get completely away from people, except for short times or at extremely high elevations. Environmental concerns must include the effects of conservation measures on rural people and the economic effects of tourism on indigenous populations. Even traditional national park management must be adapted because there are significant population centres within Sagarmatha (Mt Everest) and Langtang national parks.

Trekking does not mean mountain climbing. While the ascent of a Himalayan peak may be an attraction for some, you need not have such a goal to enjoy a trek. As far as most people are concerned, trekking always refers to walking on trails.

While trekking you will see the great diversity of Nepal. Villages embrace many ethnic groups and cultures. The terrain changes from tropical jungle to high glaciated peaks in only 150 km. From the start, the towering peaks of the Himalaya provide one of the highlights of a trek. As your plane approaches Kathmandu these peaks appear to be small clouds on the horizon. The mountains become more definable and seem to reach impossible heights as you get closer and finally land at Kathmandu's Tribhuvan Airport.

During a trek, the Himalaya disappears behind Nepal's continual hills, but dominates the northern skyline at each pass. Annapurna, Manaslu, Langtang, Gauri Shankar and Everest will become familiar names. Finally, after weeks of walking, you will arrive at the foot of the mountains themselves - astonishing heights from which gigantic avalanches tumble earthwards in apparent slow motion, dwarfed by their surroundings. Your conception of the Himalaya alters as you turn from peaks famed only for their height to gaze on far more picturesque summits that you may never have heard of - Kantega, Ama Dablam, Machhapuchhare and Kumbhakarna.

Trekking equipment check list

::::::::::::::::::::About independent trekking guide in nepal::::::::::::::

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We are a group of highly trained licensed guides with 10-15 years of experience as guides and porters. We work without an agency to ensure direct communication with our guests so that we can customize your experience to your satisfaction. Because there are no agency fees, we are able to provide our services at economical prices while ensuring that all our staff members are compensated fairly. We take great pride in our work, and within our cooperative we use our joined resources to ensure that all of us are always up-to-date with our licenses and safety training.

How does it work?

Independent Trekking works without an agency. This means that guide and client interact directly, resulting in custom-made itineraries that suit every budget and interest.

Nepal offers an infinite variety of choices for your trekking adventure far beyond the fixed itineraries that most agencies offer. Your guide will consider your personal interests, whether they are focused on mountain scenery, rafting, nature exploration, cultural experiences, or all of the above.

Is independent trekking more expensive?

Definitely not. Your guide will work with you throughout the planning process and will consider your budget carefully. He will offer choices ranging from small to large groups, from low-budget accommodations to all-inclusive camping trips that offer any imaginable creature comfort.

Because there is no agency overhead, your budget will be only used for your travel expenses, and it guarantees that guide and porters will be paid fairly. The stiff competition between agencies often makes this difficult.

Are the services of independent guides more limited?

On the contrary. If you are coming to Nepal for the first time, your guide will have arranged for accommodations in Kathmandu according to your preferences, pick you up at the airport, escort you to your hotel, and even show you the sights in this remarkable ancient city and its surroundings. He can show you good places to eat, to shop, or where to enjoy the local culture outside the tourist bustle. And since he is not bound by agency preferences, he can help you avoid the "tourist markup" at every step of the way.

Agencies often prefer to stick to prescribed itineraries, assembling their staff at the last minute, and consequently the guide has only rudimentary knowledge of the visitor's preferences. This approach eliminates a great number of creative approaches, and frustrates travelers and guides equally.

Throughout the journey an independent guide can make his own decisions regarding ad-hoc itinerary changes or emergencies. Some agencies send out their guides with a bare-bones cash allowance, which can result in an unfortunate budget crisis. An independent guide has more freedom to allocate his resources to ensure that such problems never arise.

His extensive experience enables him to choose top-quality staff for your journey, should your group itinerary require it. He will provide porters, kitchen and security staff for camping expeditions, and climbing sherpas for higher peak adventures.

And of course he will ensure that all staff is paid fairly and provided with proper equipment, clothing, and insurance. About Porters

Is it safe? What kind of assistance can I expect from an independent guide regarding health and emergency issues?

Your guide is well informed, through training and experience, about all kinds of health problems that may befall a traveler, and you should feel free to discuss any kind of trouble with him, whether it is simply gastro-intestinal or altitude related. He will be able to steer you towards safe food and water and will insist on a responsible and slow approach towards the higher areas. Should an emergency situation arise, he is well connected and can arrange for immediate evacuation, by horse or helicopter, depending on the severity of the case. Because he is free to assess the gravity of the situation, he will not have to rely on orders from his superiors in the distant capital.

What about the Maoist threat in Nepal?
Is it dangerous to visit the country?

Many changes took place in 2006. Now the Maoists have declared an official truce and have an active role in the government. However, as the people of Nepal are facing difficult decisions regarding the political future of their country, occasional skirmishes break out in the capital. Tourists are rarely affected by this, and trekking areas are generally safe.

::::::::::::::::::Recomandation of some guide:::::::::::::::::::::

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guides

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all are goods

porters

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all are reliable

trekking area

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annapurna