Medical Matters & Advices
Trekking in Nepal need not be considered risky affair as far as your health is concerned. But very little medical care along the trail is available, so make sure you are physically fit and healthy before departing. In case of serious illness or injury, prompt evacuation to Kathmandu is the best remedy. Helicopter rescue service is extremely expensive. Neither the Nepalese government, your embassy or the trekking agency ( if you are trekking with one) is responsible for the bill. Rescue service are being provided by Himalayas Helicopters and Nepal Airways. Helicopter rescue services could cost as much as US $ 500 per hour and it normally takes about 2 - 3 hours for rescue flights in Everest or Annapurna area.

Take care of yourself along the trail by ensuring that water is boiled. Diarrhoea and headaches can be the curse for trekkers. So, bring appropriate medication and use them with caution. Sun burn can also be a problem at altitude, a barrier cream will protect your skin and good sun glasses are also necessary. Blisters are another problem for the trekker and adequate supplies of band aids are advisable.

Altitude sickness : Often known as Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) is particularly a important medical consideration while trekking in Nepal. Altitude sickness means the effect of altitude on those who ascend too rapidly to elevation above 3000 m. The initial symptoms of AMS are as following :

- Nausea, vomiting

- Loss of appetite

- Insomnia / Sleeplessness

- Persistent headache

- Dizziness, lightheadedness, confusion,

- Disorientation, drunken gait.

- Weakness, fatigue, lassitude, heavy legs.

- Slight swelling of hands and face

- Breathlessness and breathing irregularity

- Reduced urine output.

These symptoms are to be taken very seriously. In case of appearance of any of the above symptoms any further ascent should be reconsidered, otherwise more serious problem can occur which can even cause death sometimes within a few hours. The only cure for the altitude sickness is to descend to lower elevations immediately and it has no other cure or substitute. Acclimatization by ascending to no more than 300 to 500 meters per day above 3000 meters and the proper amount of rest are the best methods for prevention of AMS. Literature and pamphlet published by "Himalayan Rescue Association" consists of detailed information on AMS .The central Immigration office and all trekking agencies in Kathmandu distribute this pamphlet free of cost. Since these documents also give information on the list of suggested medical supplies for trekkers it is a compulsory item for every trekkers' medical kit.

HIMALAYAN RESCUE ASSOCIATION (HRA) : HRA is a Nepalese voluntary organization registered with His Majesty's Government to run a mountain rescue service in the mountain tourist areas. The Association's major role is the prevention and treatment of mountain sickness. The Association's medical research work is undertaken by a team of mainly American doctors at present. The trekkers aid posts are stuffed by the western doctors.The Kathmandu office and Information centre of the HRA is located within the premises of Kathmandu Guest House at Thamel. They open on weekdays from 10 to 5. They also have a Trekking book in which travellers write about trekking experiences and a small library of travel books. The HRA information centre has expert and up- to -date information on all aspects of altitude sickness. All those intending to trek above 10,000 ft. are advised to visit the information centre.The HRA operates two-Trekkers' Aid posts - at Pheriche on the main trail to Everest Base camp and at Chindi about an hour walk East of Manang.

Trekking In Nepal
Trekking Permits
All visitors require a trekking permit to visit Nepal's interior regions not connected by major roads. Trekking permits are available from the Department of Immigration in Kathmandu (Tel: 222453, 223590) or Pokhara (Tel: 21167). Two photographs are required with the application. If you are trekking in more than one region, separate trekking permits are necessary for each region.Trekking Permit Fees. The fee for a Trekking Permit is as follows:

Kanchenjunga and Lower Dolpo : US$ 10 per week for the first four weeks and US$ 20 per week thereafter;

Upper Mustang and Upper Dolpo : US$ 700 for the first 10 days and US$ 70 per day thereafter;

Manaslu : US$ 90 per week for trekking during September-November and US$ 75 per week during December-August;

Humla (Simikot-Yari) : US$ 90 for the first seven days and US$ 15 per day thereafter;

Trekking permit is not essential for the general trekking areas such as the Annapurna, the Everest and the Langtang.

National Park Fees : You need to pay a park fee of Rs. 2,000 (Rs. 200 for SAARC nationals) to enter a National Park or Wildlife Reserve. The fee is payable at the park entrance. Trekkers going to the Annapurna Region have to pay a fee of Rs. 2,000 (Rs. 200 for SAARC nationals).

Rafting & Kayaking

Rafting In Nepal
Nepal Rafting
White water rafting means cruising down a rushing river in an inflatable rubber raft or white water kayak over crashing waves and swirling rapids for the excitement of a lifetime. Nepal has earned a reputation as one of the, best destinations in the world for white water rafting. Nepal's thundering waters, coming from the glaciers of the mighty Himalaya, provide unmatched thrills for rafting and immersing oneself in the landscape. A rafting trip is bound to be the highlight of your stay in the country.

Rivers are graded on a scale of one to six, with one being a swimming pool and six a one-way ticket to your maker. Four is considered to be quite challenging without being exceedingly dangerous to the novice rafter. Five requires some previous river experience.

Mountaneering in Nepal

Nepal Mountaineering
Nepal is a country well known for its Himalaya mountains. Among the 10 highest peaks in the world, eight, including the highest peak Mt. Everest, crown this country. Nothing on earth can beat the exhilaration of scaling them. No wonder Nepal is the favorite destination for mountaineers and every year more than 600 expeditions trudge up the Himalaya, including the trekking peaks.
Seasons

There are four mountaineering seasons: spring (March/May), summer (June/August), autumn (September/November) and winter (December/February). A total of 153 Himalayan peaks are open to mountaineers. Climbing permits are issued by the Ministry of Tourism & Civil Aviation (MOTCA) for 135 peaks known as mountaineering peaks, and by the Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA) for 18 smaller peaks, known as trekking peaks, which range from 5,587 to 6,654 m in altitude.
Permission

The following documents have to be sent to MOTCA, Mountaineering Division when applying for a climbing permit: completed application, endorsement of the National Alpine Club, short biographies of all the members of the expedition (with photograph and signature), map and/or photograph of the mountain indicating climbing route and approach route map. Enlistment of the expedition's name does not require any fee and it should not be paid before receiving the permit from the Ministry of Tourism.Permits to climb the 18 trekking peaks are issued by NMA on "first come first served" basis. It is necessary to appoint a government recognised trekking agency of Nepal as a local liaison for the expedition in Kathmandu. The trekking agency will look after all the requirements during the expedition.
Fees

A royalty (climbing fee) ranging from US$ 1,500 to US$ 10,000 (according to the altitude of the peak) and US$ 50,000 for Everest is charged by MOTCA for a group of seven persons. An additional US$ 20,000 is charged for the normal south east ridge route on Everest. An additional US$ 200 to US$ 1,500 per person (US$ 10,000 per person for Everest) will be charged if the group exceeds seven persons. The full amount of the royalty has to be paid within two months of the date of issue of the permit, otherwise it may be cancelled. The royalty must be paid directly to MOTCA by bank draft or bank transfer in convertible foreign currency only.For trekking peaks, a royalty of US$ 300 or US$ 150 is charged by NMA? The permit is valid for a period of one month for a group of up to 10 persons. An additional amount of US$ 7.50 per person is charged if the group exceeds 10 persons.A rebate of up to 40% on the royalty may be given during the summer and winter seasons. Full or partial rebate for a fixed period may be given for new peaks or for unclimbed open peaks, on "first come first served" basis.
Restriction

Food and equipment imported for expeditions require an import license and should be custom cleared. Walkie-talkies, transceiver sets and other communication equipment are controlled items in Nepal and have to be declared at the customs office at the entry point.
Contact

For further information, contact Ministry of Tourism & Civil Aviation, Tourism Industry Administration, Mountaineering Division, Bhrikuti Mandap, Kathmandu; Tel: 256234.Nepal Mountaineering Association, Naxal, Kathmandu; Tel: 434525, 435442; Fax: 977?1?434578; Email: peaks@nma.wlink.com.np

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Getting Around
Airport Bus : An Airport Tourist Bus now shuttles passengers between Tribhuvan Intrernational Airport and downtown Kathmandu. Metered taxis are also easily available. One may also avcail of the prepaid taxis upon arrival. City Buses : There are many buses and minibuses aviailable at Ratnapark (Old bus Park) which depart to different destinations in the valley. There is also a Trolley Bus Service which starts at Tripureswor (near the Dashrath Stadium) and runs along the Arniko Highway and ends at Surya Vinayak ( Bhaktapur). Bus Services operate from early morning (5 or 6 am) till 8 or 9 P.M.Metered Taxi : Consult Kathmandu Valley map to find out the firection of your destination. Hail a taxi, which is easily recognisable by its taxi sign on top and black license plate. As a rough guide, a trip incide the city will cost anywhere between Rs. 20/- to 200/-(depending on the distance). Not tip is expected. A metered taxi from the airport to downtown will cost about Rs. 150 to Rs. 200/-. Private taxis may charge slightly higher than ordinary taxis. There are also arrange -ment of Night Taxis. Auto Rikshaw (Metered Tempo) : Black three wheeler meter tempos and battery operated electric vehicles with fixed routes and rates are also available in the valley. The fare is slightly cheaper than Taxis. Hired Mountain Bike / Ordinary Bicycle : Mountain bikes and ordinary bicycles are cheap and the best form of transportation for economy tourists. One can hire them at Thamel, Rani Pokhari and Jhochhen.Domestic Air Service : Royal Nepal Airlines (RA) has an extensive network of air services in the interior of Nepal. It has scheduled connection flights from kathmandu to Taplejung, Bhadrapur, Rajbiraj, Bhojpur, Phaplu, Lukla, Biratnagar, Simara, , Bharatpur, Meghauli, Pokhara, Jomosom, Manang, , Bhairahawa, Nepalgunj Chaurjhari, Dolpa, Jumla and many more. Besides RA, other Domestic airlines such as Buddha , Cosmic, Necon Air, Mountain Air, Gorkha Airlines, Skyline Aiways, Manang Air, Shangri-La Air, Flight Care, Yeti Airlines, Karnali Air, Fishtail Air, Dynasty Aviation, Asian Airlines and Air Ananya Services provide regular and charter services to popular domestic destinations.

Trekking Permit
A Foreigner intending to trek in any part of the Kingdom of Nepal shall have to obtain a trekking permit from the Department of Immigration, Bhrikuti Mandap, and permits are issued for trekking in any part of the country except in areas restricted for the foreigners by the government regulation. Trekking permit is not essential for the general trekking areas such as the Everest, the Annapurna and the Langtang.Trekking Permit should be obtained for the following places : 1. Lower Dolpa and Kanchenjunga - Equivalent to US$ 10 per person per week for the first four weeks and US$ 20 per week thereafter. 2. Manaslu - US$ 90 per person per week for trekking during Sept - Nov and US$ 75 per week during December - August. 3. Upper Mustang and Upper Dolpa - US$ 700 per person for the first ten days and US$ 70 per person per day thereafter.Note : Trekking to Dolpa, Kanchenjunga, Makalu and Upper Mustang can be undertaken through registered trekking agencies only. For trekking through National Park Areas, and entrances fee of Rs. 650 is levied. Likewise, an entrance fee of Rs. 2000 is levied for trekking at the Annapurna Conservation Area by the ACAP.Trekking permits are obtained from the Department of Immigration, Bhrikuti Mandap and permits are issued for trekking in any part of the country except in areas restricted for the foreigners by government regulation

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Facts Of Nepal
Climate
Nepal has a typical monsoonal two-season a year. There is dry season from October to May and there is the wet season, the monsoon, from June to September. September-November, the start of the dry season, is in many ways the best time of the year in Nepal. When Monsoon just ends, the countryside is green and lush. Nepal is at its most beautiful and during this season there are plenty of colorful festivals to enjoy.