HOW TO TREK ?

Transport to the trek`s starting point is by bus, car or flight. Walking is on narrow, sometimes quite steep paths, which have been used by the hill people for centuries.

The trek may be either a tea house/lodge- or a camping-trek and the time spent hiking is usually around 4 to 7 hours a day. Tea houses or lodges are situated in villages or along the route, they provide a fairly simple accommodation and food. You have also the chance to meet local people and get to know something of their customs and lifestyles.

On the camping-trek you will have restdays and overnight stays in more remote surroundings. The cooking is done by the staff in specially-designed `kitchen-tents` and local culinary specialities can be sampled under the stars.

As everything you will need has to be carried with you on a trek, helpful porters are necessary. In addition an experienced guide will show the way and explain about the local cultures and customs.

WHEN TO TREK ?

Surprisingly Nepal`s climate is warmer than people might assume. Kathmandu (1,300m) is situated on the same degree of latitude as Cairo. On a trek you can see subtropical flora and fauna up to an altitude of 3,000m and even banana plants grow at 2,000m.

Although hiking in the Nepal Himalaya is possible throughout the year, there are special characteristics in each season :

AUTUMN (Mid Sept. - Mid Dec.) : This is the classic trekking season with dry, warm weather at all altitudes and clear mountain views.

WINTER (Mid Dec. - End of Feb.) : An excellent season for trekking at altitudes up to 3,000m with clear views and cool nights. Over 3,000m snowfalls may occasionally occur.

SPRING (March - End of May) : A good time for trekking at all altitudes with springtime flora and the rhododendrons in blossom; clear views in the higher regions.

SUMMER (June - Mid Sept.) : The monsoon time is not a gray, rainy season but a unique alternate play of sun and clouds, light and shadow, interrupted by mostly brief showers. This season is suitable for sightseeing tours throughout the Kathmandu Valley and shorter hikes in a fantastic lush vegetation.