Nepal: The Rooftop of the Earth
A playground for hikers and adventurers at heart
I was in Nepal for a month, around 7 years ago, and spent some days trekking the Annapurna Circuit track. That was definitely one of my favorite months in my whole traveling experience — so pure, elegant, and overwhelming. True story: I was actually not supposed to go there at all. But after meeting a solo girl traveler who insisted I come with her to share fees and accommodation costs, I eventually did.
I was sold!
At the time, I was only 19 years old. Everything seemed like an adventure, as I believe life will always be. So of course I was “in” with no hesitation.
Important travel tip: if you’d like to save a great amount of money, do not book your all-included trip/hike (ex. 14 day-hike) in advance. Just plan and do it yourself. It’s simple, I promise. You can thank me later for the few hours, and hundreds or even thousands of dollars you saved!
Activities and places to visit
Nepal is a unique country that is home to the highest mountain on planet Earth — Mount Everest. It is definitely best known for its great hiking trails and high-altitude base camps. One of its well-known tracks is the Annapurna Area Trails, but it also has a lot of less-known paths. Landlocked and bordered by China and India, it’s a true adventure seekers’ paradise.
- Annapurna Circuit trek is a unique way to experience real hiking for 2 weeks. Enveloping you on the trail on different heights and different days are beautiful landscapes. My favorite part was around 4000m, where I could feel the peaks near me and experienced a clear vision in my mind.
- Everest Base Camp is included on the list of dreams for many people. You can see the highest mountain on our planet with your very own eyes and feel the power of its peak with your whole body. Truly a moment to remember for the rest of your life.
- Kathmandu is the capital of Nepal and has some great temples to visit. It also has some great day hikes and running tracks nearby. If you have some gut for extreme sport, then head to Thamel. There, you can find the third highest bungee jumping in the world, The Last Resort.
- Pokhara is known as a gateway to the Annapurna Circuit. It has some great spots to watch the sunrise and sunset. It also offers good day hikes nearby and places that are nice to relax a day or two after a great hike. Over at Pokhara, you can also take a paragliding trip. Check the best prices from different company providers, as there were many and it can vary a lot.
Accommodation
Accommodation is well organized in Nepal. When I went there many years ago, we mostly used LonelyPlanet guides. Now it’s a lot easier as you can use the internet to find great places. I would try to look for the phone number and call them ahead if they have any vacant room. By doing this, you can score rooms cheaper than booking over the internet. Rooms can be as low as 10€ for 2 or 3 people, although this is the simple kind and nothing special.
Transport
The most common way of transportation in Nepal are buses! There are a lot of local buses that cost less than most, but lack luxuries like the AC. Tourist buses are slightly more expensive but can be quicker. The prices of the bus tickets from Pokhara to Kathmandu are around 10–15€. Make sure to keep your valuables with you inside the bus in your personal bag. It’s a bumpy road with great views, so enjoy the ride. And don’t forget to have a massage after!
Important! Please be aware that even if you are allowed to be on the top of the bus with the luggage, try not to sleep during the ride. I did exactly that, then somebody told me some crazy stories about a bus driving on a high mountain road and some tourists falling out into the canyon. Be safe, Always!
My little tips for traveling to Nepal
- If you decide to hire a personal guide for the hiking tracks, try to share it with a bigger group. Guides are handy. You can get better prices as you trek higher up in the mountain as they start bargaining with you. They have sidetracks for acclimatization (you’ll need it when you’re going up 3500m above sea level).
- Bargain all the time. But if you know that the Thali meal will cost higher in other places, then don’t bargain anymore.
- Eat where the locals eat — if your stomach will allow it, eat where there is good local food. The most authentic food experience is something you’ll remember later as well.
- If you go hiking, be prepared with the best fitting shoes and clothes. And do not take huge luggage with you, leave it in the cities like Pokhara or Kathmandu. If needed, wash your stuff after a few days.
- Take time for yourself and allow life and nature to inspire you. Breath in the mountain air and the smell of the Himalayas, it’s truly amazing up there.
- Talk to the locals and see how happy they are with the little they have.
Written by traveler Toomas Laigu
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