Nepal: Adventure & Self-Discovery Pt I
Photo by Toomas Tartes
Travelling to Nepal can be a daunting task for many travelers. The nation only opened its doors to visitors in 1950 AD, but since then, the global interest in Nepal's countless bounties has grown every year. Various international OTA’s, forums, and national travel lists include Nepal as a must-visit destination every year. Tourism has evolved from a potential opportunity to a major contributor to Nepal's economy. The plethora of destinations and the humble hospitality of Nepalese have left a positive impact on many who have travelled here.
Let’s look into some of these amazing activities of adventure and self-discovery, shall we?
Re-discovery & Self-discovery in the Himalayas
The Himalayas have been a salvation for countless weary souls for years. The magnificent peaks that spread throughout the northern border of Nepal are the true gems in Nepal's tourism crown. Life around these peaks is difficult, which the ethnic and indigenous Nepalese groups have mastered. It may be the difficulty of life that has brought forth the gratitude and humble nature of the people.
Embarking on a quest to these mountains can be done in two ways: Trekking or Mountaineering. Trekking involves traversing a designated route that takes you to numerous vantage points. It also gives a traveller an opportunity to explore the unfiltered lifestyle of the communities living in the area.
Treks range from comfortable to daunting, depending on the difficulty of the terrain, availability of accommodation, amenities, and duration of the hike. There are various trekking routes spread out all over the country, among them the Annapurna Circuit and its mini treks are the most traversed and comfortable. Other paths include the Upper Mustang Trek, Kanchenjunga Trek, Sisne Trek, and many more.
Mountaineering is a more daunting approach to exploring natural wonders. It involves both trekking and climbing intricate paths to reach the summit. Travelers need to acquire a travel permit and present credible experience.
The summits of Mount Everest, Annapurna, Lhotse, Mera Peak, Cho Oyu, and Manaslu are the most climbed each year. The peak seasons for mountaineering in Nepal are April, May, and October.
In the next part of this article, we will look into more activities of adventure and self-discovery in Nepal.