Monsoon Trekking in Nepal – A comprehensive guide for trekkers.

[Yentra Nepal]

“No pain, no game”

Remember nature deals in balances, not conveniences. For every positive, there is a negative. In winter you can walk across streams on rocks or bridges; in monsoon, you may have to take off your boots and roll up your pants, or in some places, cross a river in an open box, being pulled along a steel cable. The trails may be slippery and muddy in places, parts even wasted away. Some trails provide higher alternative, but you are your guide must know where they are.

On a flat, forested stretch in the langtang valley on a monsoon trek, I was conversing with my friend when he just disappeared- as if thought an unseen trap door. He had slipped off on eroded trail, and fallen some 10 meters. Just like that.

Probably the most distasteful aspect of monsoon trekking is the leeches. Long, worm-like creatures about 2-4 centimeters in length and of varying fatnesses, they dangle from the lush vegetation, lurk under wet leaves or on damp ground, and wait for unsuspecting trekkers. They are abundant in forest above 1200 meters (4000 feet) and are seldom found above 3500 meters. They slide smoothly into t-shirt collars, trouser cuffs and the rims of socks. You feel nothing, expect perhaps a cool sensation when, like Count Dracula, they attack and consume your blood.

But unlike the malevolent Count, leeches are more annoying than harmful. Nevertheless, you should watch for signs of infection later. Take some commercial mosquito repellent available in trekking shops, or remove them by applying iodine or salt to their heads. Some people burn the bodies with a match, causing the leech to drop off. Turk pant cuffs inside your socks and soak your sock tops in salt. Now and then check your body for leeches, particularly your arms, legs and neck. During one summer trek, I found only four on my body through the entire week, while another group on the same trail was infested with them. Part of your luck depends on your time of travel. Leeches abound on shrubs, trees and grasses on rainy days, and disappears when the sun comes out. Don’t stand around in wet place or you’ll be invaded in a matter of minutes.

BE PRAPERED

Remember these words when you’re tackling Nepal’s rugged hill terrain, especially when you get caught in the rain. For the hardy trekker who takes to the mountains this time of year, weather is just part of the game. It may shine, it may rain. Both have their rewards. Clear skies’ advantages are obvious; unbeatable view of greatest mountains on earth. But what are the advantages of rain?

In the summer rains, the mountains come alive. Green valleys open into fields of blooming wild flowers; sky-blue poppies and gentians, purple irises, star- studded white edelweiss, yellow asters ; a slight lavender tinge on the snow rhododendrons and alpine flowers are sprayed on moss covered  granite mountains. You can lie in the lush green carpets of grass, just lie, and smell the flowers .you can roll in the fields of wild clover like a child.

And best of all, no crowds compete with your pleasure. Nature’s Balance the rainy season is already here; it generally rains from mid-June through September, most heavily in July and August. But as every hiker knows weather is fickle as a feather. Especially in a monsoon climate Nepal’s monsoon rains originate in the Bay of Bengal bearing on winds from the south-east. They hit first and hardest in the east and spread westward. The question is whether to trek in the drier west, or “go for it” in the east where at this time, there are many beautiful flower bearing plants.

Part of the adventure of monsoon trekking is the mountain weather, which in summer charges moment to moment. The usual daytime’s pattern in the halls is clear mornings, with light rain coming around noon. Thunderstorms offer develop in the late afternoons bringing downpours. The hills from 800 to 2000 meters receive the most rain; above that it snows up to a point, and still higher peaks are above the clouds.

But regardless of planning around statistics, trekking in monsoon can be just a matter of luck. You may catch a weather “break” or you may walk in rain for days. At time the clouds part to reveal glistening white glaciers against blue, skies. And at others, mist shrouded mountains seem captured by magic and mystery. There are times when you won’t be able to see beyond the soggy trail and you’re dripping poncho.

 

If properly prepared for rain or shine, you can certainly trek this time of years and enjoy it. Whether you travel on your own, staying in village lodges (called “tea house trekking”), or hire a guide, cook and porters and travel “inclusively” depends on your budget and the availability of food and lodging where you are headed.

There are some monsoon trekking advices:

• Tea house trekking can be cheaper than going with an agency-provided guide, cook and porters, but eating in local inns exposes you to more bacterial agents in improperly treated food and water. Agencies’ cooks are trained in trekkers’ hygiene and take pains to see that you eat well and eat safely.
• Hire a guide. A guide known the trails and their alternatives. He or she will also know the places to stay or camp, and be able to ward off unwanted visitors.
• If walking unaccompanied or with an unfamiliar person, be cautious with your belongings and personal security. Trekking alone is not advisable. If an accident occurs, no one may be around to assist you. Contracting with an established trekking agent assures you that should problems arise between you and your staff, or if you or your staff fall ill, the agent will take responsible action.
• Keep one set of dry clothes and shocks for the evening. Evening chill is even chillier when you’re wet. Put on your cold, clammy clothes in the morning; body heat will warm them up quickly.
• Pack all your belongings in plastic sacks. Plastic of various sizes and sacks. Plastic of various sizes and thickness is available in Kathmandu or Pokhara market-places.
• If you are planning to stay in local lodge, be aware that some are closed during the rainy season. In such, be as self-sufficient as possible, just in case. Carry a sleeping bag, a tent, kerosene stove, a pot and some freeze dried food if you are going off the beaten track. If you are in an organized group, all of this will have been taken care of; of course.
• Bring leech repellent and salts and most important, a first aid kit.
• Rain gear for you, your pack and your hired staff is imperative. Umbrellas nylon ponchos, or Goretex jackets and pants: everybody has a different option about what works best. You body can’t breathe properly through nylon rain gear, thus you can get too warm and soaked with sweat while walking. Goretex is water-proof and breathes, but is more expensive. Some people prefer a loose poncho that can fit over you and your pack.
• Consult trekking agents and local travelers regarding current information about trails, as landslides may have removed critical portions.

 

For More info on Monsoon Trekking, go through this link: 
Yentra.com