Trekking in Nepal:Mountain Expedition, Climbing and Hiking

Introduction :

Everest Expedition South is one of the ultimate adventurous treks in the Himalayas with many seen and Unseen difficulties. Everest is known to be a legendary mountain steeped in history. Mount Everest is a peak in the Himalayas mountain range. It is located between Nepal and Tibet, an autonomous region of China. At 8,849 meters (29,032 feet), it is considered the tallest point on Earth.

In the nineteenth century, the mountain was named after George Everest, a former Surveyor General of India. The Tibetan name is Chomolungma, which means “Mother Goddess of the World.” The Nepali name is Sagarmatha, which has various meanings. Mt. Everest has its significance to climb. It results that Mt Everest being climbed by more people rather than other mountains.

After the successful summit of Tenzing Norgay Sherpa and Edmund Hillary in may 1953, there have been many attempts in Mt. Everest, including the people who climbed it two or more times. It is a great achievement for those who climbed it or not. Both of them could face dreadful obstacles – technical, physical, psychological.

Difficulty level :

As it is the most difficult to get to the top Himalayan mountain, Mount Everest is also the biggest dream of many climbers who want to finish their career with such a climbing experience that requires overcoming the obstacles that their bodies build. Climbing Everest is an enterprise that has to be prepared in detail but before climbers head for the Himalayas they have to devote a long time to build stamina and train to get used to harsh conditions such as low temperatures and low-oxygen environments at higher altitudes.

The body starts to rebel against the lack of oxygen. Even the strongest climbers may experience impaired judgement, strokes, heart attacks or difficulty overcoming altitude sickness. To achieve the set goal climbers have to acclimate to the lower rate of oxygen in the air before they attempt to get to the peak. It can be done by going on a few trips from Everest Base Camp each time higher. Doing this they allow their body to produce more hemoglobin that carries oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body preventing it from dying.

That is why every Mount Everest expedition has to be properly prepared, and this can only be done right by such an experienced company as Asian Trekking whose employees are Sherpa guides coming from the community known to have spent almost their whole lives trekking in the Himalayas.

Tentative Acclimatization Schedule :

First Rotation/Acclimatization (April 14-15):

– Climb Lobuche East Peak (6,119m/20,075ft)

Second Rotation/Acclimatization (April 24-28):

– Climb to Camp 1 (5,900m/19,500ft)

– Climb to Camp 2 (6,400m/21,000ft)

– Rest at Camp 2 (6,400m/21,000ft)

– Touch Camp 3 (7,300m/23,700ft) and sleep at Camp 2 (6,400m/21,000ft)

– Descent to base camp (5,364m/17,559ft)

Please note that these acclimatization programs may differ during the expedition period as each climber adapts differently with an altitude.

Summit Push (Weather permitting, most likely May 11-20):

– Climb to Camp 2 (6,400m/21,000ft)

– Climb to Camp 3 with the use of oxygen (7,300m/23,700ft)

– Climb to Camp 4 South Col with the use of oxygen (7,900m/25,912ft)

– Summit push (8,848.86m/29,029ft) and descent to Camp 4 with the use of oxygen

– Descent to Camp 2 (6,400m/21,000ft)

– Descent to Base Camp (5,364m/17,559ft)

Seasons :

1. Spring :

Spring is an ideal time for the Mount Everest expedition as it brings stable weather conditions. Still, there are some instances when unpredictable winds from the south can affect visibility in the Everest region. However, considering all other factors, it is the best time for climbing in the Himalayas. There is warm weather in the daytime with scenic clear mountain vista all around. It is also perfect because there are fewer snow deposits on the mountain, which makes it easier for climbers. Accommodation facilities like tea houses and lodges are lively and remain crowded. You will have a great time camping with fellow climbers and enjoying a comfortable adventure in this short Mt Everest climbing season.

2. Autumn:

Autumn is the second-best time for this climbing expedition. Although snow deposits are high this season, there are stable weather conditions. You will have a great adventure in the beautiful landscapes of the region. Hence, it is an excellent alternative for those climbers who cannot take this expedition in Spring.

Food :

Nepal is a multi-religious country where people follow different traditions, cultures, religions, and lifestyles. They have their language, culture and custom, food, dress, and even festivals. So, now we are going to talk about our Nepali foods which are much more delicious than you think.

1.Dhal Bhat and Tarkari :

Dal Bhat is Nepal’s staple dish. It is also known as Dal Bhat Tarkari, or just Tarkari (curry) in many local restaurants. Yet no matter the restaurant, cafe or hotel you order it in the chances are it will never be the same. But usually always very good and very filling. The food is very rich in carbohydrates, protein and all sorts of essentials for the body. So, it may sound boring, but as the items get changed every time, they are varied and tasty.

2. Dhido and Gundhruk :

Although the Dal and Bhat is the main food of Nepal, dhindo and gundruk is the national food of Nepal. It is prepared from buckwheat or millet flour, but wheat and corn flour are the commonly used ones. While gundruk is a fermented leafy green vegetable and it serves as curry in the dhindo and gundruk cuisine. Eating dhindo and gundruk may not be as easy as eating dal and bhat. It is very sticky in hand and in the mouth too, if you don’t know how to eat. It is eaten by making a small ball with fingers, dipping in the curry of gundruk and swallowing. Yes, you heard it right, it is swallowed not chewed. If you chew it, it will stick between your teeth.

3. Newari Khaja set :

The Newar community of Nepal is very rich in culture and tradition. And, their foods are also as rich as their customs. Newari Khaja is probably one of the popular and favourite cuisines of Nepal. The Newar community of Nepal is very rich in culture and tradition. And, their foods are also as rich as their customs. Newari Khaja is probably one of the popular and favourite cuisines of Nepal.

4. Momo :

Momo is a type of steamed dumpling with some form of filling. Momo has become a traditional delicacy in Nepal. Momo is like Mount Everest – one of the symbols of Nepal. Now its popularity has spread beyond national boundaries and, thanks largely to Nepalese communities living abroad, it is growing popular in other parts of the world, too. It is found in every corner of the country and every restaurant and hotel, big or small. So how is momo prepared and what are the ingredients? Momo is made from wheat flour, vegetable oil, chopped onion, garlic, sesame, green chillies, tomatoes, meat (preferably beef), mustard powder, ginger juice and a blend of Nepalese herbal spices.

During First Aid :

As mentioned above, a first aid kit should include:

Adhesive tape
4″ x 4″ sterile gauze pads
Antacid – for indigestion
Antidiarrheal medications (Imodium, Pepto-Bismol)
Antihistamine cream
Exam gloves
Antiseptic agents (small bottle liquid soap) – for safe cleaning wounds and open skin
Aspirin – for mild pain and possible heart attack

Gear Equipment :

1. Ice Axe :

A general mountaineering ice axe. We recommend the following size as a general guideline to follow. When in doubt, a shorter ice axe is better than a longer axe. Heights 5’4” and under should use a 52 cm axe, 5’5” to 6’0” use a 59 cm axe, above 6’0” use a 66 cm axe. Note that wrist leashes should be removed from your axe. Check out our write up to learn more about different ice axes.

2. Accessory Cord :

40 feet of 6mm accessory cord to be used for pressing and another climbing rigging. If you plan to bring your pre-tied prussiks, please contact the Gear Department ahead of time. You will need a cord for more than just prussiks. Make sure the cord is soft, flexible and supple. The stiff and rigid cord will not work. To test this, hold the final 12-inch/30-cm piece of the cord in the air, with your hand below. If the cord stands up straight (stalagmite style) it will not work.

3. Crampons :

General mountaineering crampons. We recommend modern steel 12-point crampons with anti-balling plates. Please do not bring 10-point, aluminium, or single-piece rigid crampons. If you have questions about the suitability of your crampons for your trip, call or email the Gear Department. Check out our write-up to learn more about how to fit your crampons.

4. Carabiner System :

You will want exactly the right climbing hardware for your climb. Follow this list carefully: two (2) large oval wire gate carabiners; two (2) smaller wire gate carabiners; one (1) large pear-shaped locking screw gate carabiner; one (1) large locking carabiner (can be auto-locking). If you have any questions about your carabiners, please contact the Gear Department.

5. Alpine Climbing Harness :

Your harness must fit over all of your clothing, feature gear loops, adjustable leg loops and waist belt, and must be able to fully separate at the legs. We strongly recommend newer models with a belay loop and which do not require “doubling back” your waist belt – older models are cumbersome. Check out our write up to learn more.