Himalayas
Nepal Treks
FREEDOM Nothing beats the thrill of trekking through the World’s highest mountains with new thrills and discoveries at every turn
On the Everest trail
Nepal What is it about this Himalayan kingdom that draws people back 8me and 8me again? It's not just the breathtaking mountains but also the rich kaleidoscope of cultures and ethnic groups that make up Nepal. The steep terrain and absence of roads means tradi8onal life is s8ll strong in the mountain areas favoured by our trips. As a trekker you are accepted as part of the local life and blend right in, there's no one hassling you to buy here! Nepal should be on everyone’s ‘bucket list’ as it’s a country that is totally unique and offers so much variety for the traveller. The magical combina8on of Himalayan peaks, medieval towns, mesmerising temples and wildlife rich parks means Nepal is a 'once in life8me' experience every 8me you visit!
Nepal Treks
MYSTERY Adventure calls from every vista in Nepal, for centuries Pilgrims have been drawn to explore the incredible Himalayas and find out what lies beyond AMA DABLAM PEAK
AWE INSPIRING Breathtaking views provoke a sense of contemplation in the high mountains NEAR NAMCHE BAZAAR
Everest Treks Minim veniam quis nostrud
LOCAL STAFF The Nepalese are legendary for their hospitable and excellent service.This stems in large part from a Buddhist ethos where giving good service is seen as enriching the giver as much as the receiver. On all our Treks in Nepal you’ll be accompanied by experienced local guides and porters. Typically they spend several years working their way up from Porters, Cooks , assistant guides before being given the responsibility of a trekking guide. Their unfailing sense of humour and willingness to go the extra mile to give great service never fails to leave a las8ng impression on our clients. We ensure that our porters are adequately clothed for our treks and have Porters insurance. RAW subscribes to the IMEC code of conduct for trea8ng local staff fairly and giving adequate protec8on.
“Ashok was a wonderful asset. He communicated well with trekkers and porters alike. Great sense of humour and plenty of energy, he did an exceptional job in looking after everyone.”
Trekking at Altitude Probably the biggest concern of anyone visi8ng Nepal for the first 8me is how well they will cope with high al8tude, par8cularly when they have not walked at these heights before. Our group trips s8ck to safe rates of ascent once we are above 3,000m which is typically the height at which the effects of al8tude can first be experienced and have significant effects. Traveling in a group with an experienced leader helps control any dangerous side effects from al8tude -‐ not only is your i8nerary planned at a safe rate of ascent but you have other people watching to see if you do start to suffer any serious symptoms of Acute Mountain sickness (AMS). A swiX descent usually brings about rapid allevia8on of symptoms. Our groups are thoroughly briefed before trekking so that they are aware of symptoms and effects of al8tude. OXen (though not exclusively) the people most likely to run into trouble with AMS are fit young independent trekkers who ascend faster than they should do and are not fully versed in AMS. When they do fall sick there is no one there to help them. So traveling in a group with local staff on a managed i8nerary significantly reduces the risks associated with AMS.
Everest Treks
LOCALS Meet the extraordianry people off the Himalayas as you walk along the trail. Be amazed by their strength ON THE EVEREST TRAIL
VARIETY Nepal offers many contrasting environments to trek through from the dramatic and arid landscapes of Dolpo and Mustang to high altitude Pilgrimage lakes and Jungle covered foothills TERRACES NEAR POKHARA
Himalayan highs “It was the best and only way to get a true and real experience of Nepalese life. The school project was very rewarding and I would recommend it to everyone. Well done to Raw Travel to organise a tour that has a bit of everything -- helping ,hiking, sight seeing and shopping”. Langtang Valley
Choosing the right trek The following is a rough guide to some of the more common treks we run. If you are new to trekking at al8tude then ideally you should start with an introductory trek or moderate if you’re in good shape and trek fit. The more demanding treks go to higher al8tudes and there is more demanding days and longer dura8on of trekking -‐ beYer saved for when you’ve accumulated more experience of mul8 day treks at al8tude and you know how your body will cope. Introductory -‐ Moderate: Poon Hill Annapurna’s, Helambu trek Moderate: Langtang valley, Gosainkund lakes, Jomsom trek Moderate -‐ Demanding: Annapurna Sanctuary, Ama Dablam base camp Demanding: Everest Base Camp, the Dolpo circuit, Great Himalaya trail Trekking at al8tude can be unpredictable -‐ so you control what you can, your rate of ascent and fitness. Ge^ng yourself as fit as possible before your trek doesn’t alleviate al8tude effects but it does mean at least your body is not coping with al8tude and a lack of fitness!
Nepal Treks
“This was a fantastic experience - not just a holiday. To cram so much into two weeks, to experience such different aspects of Nepal. This astonishing fabulous experience will stay with me for a long time. Thank you!”
CAMPING, LODGE OR A TEAHOUSE TREK? There are a variety of accommoda8on op8ons on treks in Nepal. On the most common routes through Everest, Langtang and Annapurna na8onal parks there is plenty of teahouse accommoda8on and we tend to use this for our treks in these regions. Teahouses can be best described as rus8c accommoda8on with very basic rooms and cosy communal areas. The availability of Hot showers tend to be limited at higher al8tudes and dependent on loca8on. Prices for food also increases as you climb higher due to everything being portered in. In Everest and Annapurna the teahouses are also supplemented by lodges where the standards are a liYle higher. Stepping up the scale there are also luxury lodges where you can have a comfortable room with your own hea8ng and shower in your room and a high standard of service and meals -‐ though of course the price reflects this level of luxury! In the more remote areas such as Dolpo or lesser visited trekking routes where teahouses don’t exist we camp and bring our own crew. You’ll have two person tents, a mess tent and toilet / shower tent and the service from our crew is excellent.
Nepal Treks
COMFORT After a long day’s walk come back to comfortable beds, matched by great meals sourced from fresh local produce. Our Luxury Lodge treks in Everest and Annapurna are for those who appreciate creature comforts. LODGE AT MONJO
ACHIEIVEMENT There is a great sense of satisfaction comes with completing a trek and reaching your goal, be it Everest Base camp or a short trek on Poon Hill
AMA DABLAM BASE CAMP
WHEN TO GO? Nepal’s trekking season is long and varied depending on which region you wish to visit. Everest can be trekked from September through to May, most treks from October to May. Though the Winter months of December -‐ February can be too cold and snow bound for many to trek to Everest Base camp and other high alFtude desFnaFons. The busiest months tend to be October and March. October-‐ November tradiFonally offer the clearest skies. Trans-‐ Himalayan desFnaFons, like Upper Mustang, that lie beyond the rain shadow can be trekked from May -‐ September months as well.
Nepal Treks
SPIRITUALITY is everywhere in Nepal, it’s hard not to feel the spirituality that is so pervasive whether visiting a Hindu temple or passing a Buddhist Chorten in the mountains LOCAL SADHU IN DURBAR SQUARE
Notare Nepal Treks
quam littera gothica 2009
www.rawtravel.com