Category: Blog

CORONAVIRUS AND NEPAL CRISIS TODAY

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CORONAVIRUS AND CRISIS IN NEPAL

In this article, the InspireU Adventures team wants to focus on what is happening in Nepal, the hunger crisis that the country is living, and what our friends from Hugging Nepal (Spanish NGO focused on Nepal aid) are doing now in Kathmandu.

Today is the 5th Anniversary of the Earthquake that shook Nepal on the 25th of April 2015 and TODAY is the 5th Anniversary of HUGGING NEPAL, who was born as a result of the devastating earthquake. We take the opportunity to congratulate our friends!

As per what the WHO (World Health Organization) is saying and every one of us can see on the news around the world, this crisis is affecting disproportionately to Human Rights worldwide.

Kathmandu, Nepal

THE SITUATION OF NEPAL TODAY

In Nepal, one of the underdeveloped countries of our planet, there are, amongst a few others, three powerful economic motors; the income of the Nepali immigrants working in Arabic countries and others, the tourism and NGO’s.

• – The Nepali immigrant workers that were trying to provide to their families and were working in countries like Emirates are being deported or left to die in the desert with nothing.
• – Tourism is totally canceled like everywhere else in the world and the Himalaya National Parks are empty.
• – NGO’s contribution has a very small impact due to the worldwide global crisis.

Those Nepali that had only a few rupees to have a meal a day, today they have nothing. Entire families had to get all their belongings and travel by foot to their rural hometowns where, if lucky, they will have access to some sort of food that the earth provides.

Meanwhile, millions of citizens in Kathmandu have nowhere to go, they can’t pay their flats, and they sleep in the street without any resources to provide themselves with food.

Hugging Nepal Team delivering food to those who have nothing.

HUMANITARIAN ACTIONS FROM HUGGING NEPAL

In front of this desperate situation and taking into account that there are no means to give shelter to these people, Hugging Nepal has taken action and is cooking every day together with western and Nepali volunteers to provide nutritional food to the maximum number of people every day.

This is a brilliant task that requires daily extraordinary dedication. They are doing a hard job and want to provide good food to the maximum number of people.

Only 50€ can feed 100 persons a day!

Hugging Nepal team packing the meals.

To this date, all donations are allowing Hugging Nepal to deliver 250 to 300 meals a day!

InspireU Adventures is completely committed to this cause and we want to support this great humanitarian work so our friends from Hugging Nepal can feed many more people during all this period of great crisis.

Do you want to join the cause? Please, make your donation through their website:

huggingnepal.org

Whichever contribution, as small as it may seem, will make the difference.

Thanks for helping the people of Nepal, who has always given us big lessons of generosity.

We hope to return to Nepal very soon and enjoy their people and nature. From InspireU Adventures we are very grateful to this country that has given us and still does.

Follow HUGGING NEPAL’s missions on Facebook and Instagram.

Thanks to your donations Hugging Nepal is buying food to help the ones in need.

Do not hesitate to contact us for any information about Nepal or for future adventures or expeditions with us. As soon as it is safe, we will be flying to Nepal and enjoying it with you!

InspireU Adventures Team.

The Everest Madness

Queue in the Hillary Step, the last few meters before the Everest summit. Two persons died this day since they couldn’t take the long wait and got taken by altitude sickness. Photo NIRMAL PURJA AFP made the 22nd of May 2019.

That’s it, this photo is real…

We are in the very middle of the high season to summit the highest mountain in the world; Everest 8848m[1]. Hundreds of climbers arrive in Nepal to acclimate and perform one of the most difficult physical challenges for the human body.

Amongst other things, climbers spend between one and two months in the Sagarmatha National Park acclimatizing and training the body for the big day.

During this period of training and acclimatization, climbers (clients) experience, amongst other things, things like the following:

• Sleeping in camping tents under below zero temperatures all dressed with the down full body jackets to avoid to freeze.

• Suffer big wind and snow storms in some occasions.

• Waking up in the middle of the night after barely having slept, to start climbing.

• Suffer strong headaches due to the lack of oxygen.

• Suffer pulmonary edemas.

• Suffer frostbite in some parts of the body.

• Suffer diarrhea and vomiting because of Altitude Sickness.

• Suffer fatigue due to being exposed to physical conditions for which the body is not really prepared to perform.

• Suffer strong apneas during the sleep process, if sleeping ever occurs…

• Exhibit the body to heights where oxygen is so low that if the body is in that altitude for enough time, it stops working and therefore, stops living.[2].

• Seeing colleagues faint and some times, die in front of their eyes.

• Suffer fear during the whole process.

• Contract Nepali Sherpa staff to work for them and this way avoid having to carry their own material and belongings to each camp along the mountain[3].

• Produce huge quantities of trash which represents a big challenge to all human teams that are employed to remove all the rubbish and to get rid of it in an appropriate manner.[4].

• Spend between $40.000 and $90.000 to pay the expedition.[5]

• And, as we can see in the picture above, suffer long cues during the ascension to arrive to the top…

These long queues not only occur at the Hillary Step (the last few meters before the Everest summit), it also happens in multiple occasions throughout the ascension during weeks in different locations of the mountain from the Everest Base Camp at 5365m to the very end at the Hillary Step.

Especially in places like the known “Pop Corn” or “Ice Fall”, which is the first part just after the Base Camp. For example, in this section, there are numerous big crevasses that all climbers must overcome passing through ladders that serve as a “bridge”. This is a highly complex and slow exercise… and lots of climbers must wait a long time to cross several crevasses…

Climbers of multiple expeditions start climbing at the same hour and, often, some climbers have less experience in mountaineering than others and they cause long delays in the agenda of other climbers. There is tension, arguments, misunderstandings, and debates about who is really qualified to climb to the top of Everest.

No matter how many times I speak to Sherpas of different expeditions that have done the summit once, ten or twenty three times, how many documentaries I see, how many articles I read and how many interviews and statements I read from Sherpas in different media [6], I can’t find any case of any Sherpa that makes any positive and encouraging statement about this expedition.

Kami Rita Sherpa, artículo en “The Kathmandu Post”

Let’s take advantage of the case of Kami Rita Sherpa since the other day he broke a record of summiting the Mount Everest 23 times. Next, I transcribe some statements that the Sherpa guide made to the newspaper “The Kathmandu Post” (one of the well-known newspapers in Kathmandu city), published on the 16th of May of this year.

“Climbers can suddenly start quarreling and fighting. We might have to physically restrain them or even abandon them if the situation becomes perilous for others. We have to make difficult decisions, as death is certain if you make a mistake, even if you are an experienced climber”.

Dice el periódico: Despite of losing many of his Friends and colleagues to the mountain, Kami Rita has never faltered “Each and every moment on Everest is risky. But it is my job and I have to do it“.

But he is clear about one thing –his child will not be climbing Everest for a living. “We were illiterate and poor and had the mountains to help us earn a living. But now, the young generation has more options”.

“One day there won’t be any Sherpas left to climb Everest, as Sherpas are in demand round the world and many of their children are now studying abroad. There are easier ways to make money than to risk one’s life on Everest.

“Modern climbing gear and technological advancements in weather prediction have made climbing easier and the rate of casualties has been declining each year. But one thing has remained constant: fear”.

“No matter how experienced you are, there is always fear when climbing Everest. It really doesn’t matter how many times you might have reached the top”.

I am now going to let everyone make their own conclusions. Please, do not hesitate to investigate more about this topic. There are extremely interesting stories in the world of climbing the sacred mountain Everest, known by the Sherpa community as “Sagarmatha” or by the Tibetans as “Chomolungma”: the mother goddess protector of the earth…

Kami Rita Sherpa. Artículo en “The Kathmandu Post”

[1] This is the official height for now, but we are still waiting for the results of the new measurements that are taking place at this moment. It is believed that Everest height has been modified especially after the earthquake that shook Nepal on the 25th of April 2015.

[2] This is what is known as “death zone”, from 7000m the body sooner or later will stop working because there is not enough oxygen. No matter how fit the person is, it is a matter of time.

[3] Sherpas normally climb 3 and 4 times more than any other client climber, because they have to carry up all materials to the different camps established along the mountain, set up the tents, carry the bottles of gas up and bring them down again, carry the food and kitchen equipment to the camps and bring it back down, carry client’s materials like sleeping bags, and personal stuff etc… Considered the heroes of the mountain, without the Sherpas, a successful ascension would not be possible or would be a really challenging and complicated mission that only a few could do.

[4] Something that nowadays is creating a huge debate since the mountain is accumulating a great quantity of trash and human excrements on the Everest mountain causing a big sustainability problem and ecosystem impact.

[5] An experienced guide can earn up to $12000in one season of Everest summit. A beginner guide can earn up to $7000. High Altitude porters in Everest earn up to $4000 in a season.

[6] Very interesting to watch the documentary: “Sherpas. Documentary on The True Heroes of Mount Everest”.

We hope that this article has been interesting for you. From InspireU Adventures we work hard to give you the best service and personalized attention so your trekking becomes your lifetime experience! Check our trekkings on our website and for more information, please, contact us and ask us without compromise.

Get amazing discounts at the Camp Base shop when contracting a service with us. The best outdoor gear shop.

What are you waiting for!

Berta Navarro
and the InspireU Adventures Team

10 Things You Need To Know About Nepal

There are numerous things that we can say about Nepal. Here we mention some essential highlights about this country that doesn’t stop surprising us.

10 Essential Things About Nepal

If you come to Nepal to do a trek in the Himalaya, to visit some Hindu and Buddhist temples, to go for a safari in the jungle in the south, to practice other sports like rafting, paragliding, climbing, or to go for a meditation or yoga retreat… is good that you know some basic things about Nepal.

In this article, you will find 10 things that you should know about Nepal.

1. The highest peaks in the world

Nepal has 8 of the 14 highest summits in the world above 8000 meters.

Everest (8848m), Kangchenjunga (8586m), Lhotse (8516m), Makalu (8481m), Cho Oyu (8201m), Dhaulagiri I (8167m), Manaslu (8156m), Annapurna I (8091m).

2. UNESCO World Heritage

Nepal has 4 big sites that are UNESCO World Heritage:

Kathmandu Valley, Lumbini (the site where Buddha was born), Chitwan National Park and Sagarmatha National Park (where the highest mountain above the sea level is, Everest 8848m).

Patan

In addition, only in Kathmandu Valley there are 7 places UNESCO World Heritage that one cannot miss: Hanuman Dhoka Durbar Square, Patan Durbar Square, Bhaktapur Durbar Square, Swayambhunath (also called “Monkey Temple”), Bouddhanath, Pashupatinath, Changunarayan.

Durbar Square Kathmandu

 3. Natural Parks

Nepal has numerous Natural Parks and Conservation Areas. Amongst them:

Sagarmatha National Park, where there are 3 of the highest mountains in the world: Everest (8848m), Lhotse (8516m), Cho Oyu (8201m) and other important mountains like: Pumori, Ama Dablam, Thamserkhu, Island Peak, Mera Peak, , Lhotse Shar (8382m).

Thamserku, Parque Nacional de Sagarmatha

Conservation Area Annapurna, where there are some of the highest mountains in the world (Annapurna I (8091m), II y III, Gangapurna, Machhapuchchhre) and we can see Manaslu (8156m) and Dhaulaguiri (8167m).

Langtang National Park, situated in the north of Kathmandu, has a very easy access and very quickly we find ourselves in the middle of the Heart of the Himalaya. Here we find Gosaikhunda lake, a pilgrimage place for Hindu culture.

Mustang, in the north west of the Annapurnas, has a desert panorama similar to the tibetan landscape.

Dolpo, in the west of Nepal, belongs to the Shey Phoksundo National Park, and it is a very remote area highly protected.

Chhitwan National Park, in the south of Nepal, border with India, this is the most popular National Park to organize a jeep safari in the jungle with routes to see animals like the tiger, rino, or elephant…

Bardía National Park, in the south west of Nepal, we can see all sorts of animals in the jungle like the tiger, rino and elephants… and this park is more remote and not very touristic.

4. Tipical food of Nepal

The typical food of Nepal is the Dal Bhat. “Dal” means lentils and ”bhat” means rice. This dish is based on white rice, lentil soup and curry with seasonal vegetables. Normally includes potatoes. Often includes pickles and fried naan. Some places also offer a small bowl of yogurt and also some slices of fresh carrot and cucumber. In Nepal food tends to be very spicy, so if you don’t like spicy food make sure you make it clear to the waiter!

We don’t want to jump to the next point before mentioning the Momos. It is very similar than the dumpling made with flour and inside it can be buff,, chicken or veg version. This food is steam cooked.

Dal Bhat

5. Festivals

Nepal is full of festivals all year round. Some of the most important are:

• Tihar (festival of lights, last for 5 days in autumn, between october and november).
• Dasain (this is the longest of all, 15 days, it is the festival of the victory of the good over the evil. Takes place in Autumn, October and November)
• Holi (festival of colours, between February and March)
• Shiva Ratri (festival in honour to Shiva, between February and March)
• Bisket Jatra (new year in April)
• Gai Jatra (dedicated to the holy cow, between August and September)
• Indra Jatra (end of the monsoon season festival, in September)

Tihar

6. Religion, Language and Ethnic groups

The main religion is the Hindu, followed by the Bhuddist. Most of the buddhist population is situated in the Himalaya mountain regions.

There are many other religions and they all live together in peace and harmony in Nepal like christians, muslims, animists, etc. The percentage of followers of these ones is very low.

The language is Nepali. But Nepal has more than 33 ethnic group with their own languages each of them. Therefore, Nepal is culturaly and traditionally an extremely rich country.

English is the second language that is taught in the schools. If a toursit is visiting Nepal it will be easy for him/her to communicate in English in the tourist areas.

Mapa Grupos Étnicos

7. Politics and Army

Nowadays Nepal is a democratic federal republic with parliament system. In the past it used to be a monarchy until 1990, and the monarchy was abolished to welcome democracy on the 28th of May 2008, after the son of the royal family murdered all his family.

The first Constitution was approved in October 2015, and divided the counrty in 7 states.

Nepal is considered one of the poorest counrties in the world. A third of it’s population lives in poverty. The 80% of the population lives in rural areas.

Nepal has a famous army; the Gurkhas. They are very known for their bravery and strength. They have worked for centuries for British army and Indian army.

8. Turism and economy

In Nepal, the main income comes from tourism with a 45%, followed by agriculture with a 35%, which is one of the main sectors of employment, and the industry with a 20%.

NGOs have a big impact in the country annd they are one of the main providers for first aid and basic needs, construction and education.

Nepal deppends on the importation of basic materials and on the foreign markets for their agricultural products. Nepal imports petrol, construction materials, fertilizers, metals and rice iute, wood and textiles.

Mercado Katmandú

9. Geography and natural disasters

Nepal is the result of the colision between the techtonic plaques that are formed by India and China. The Himalaya range is formed because of this colision that has never ended and, in fact, is still moving normally without us noticing it.

That’s why periodically there are earthquakes in Nepal that can be really devastating. Statistically the earthquakes happen every 75 or 80 years. Eventhough it is impossible to predict when will be the next one. The last earthquake took place in April 25th and the 12th of May 2015 with the corresponding after shocks.

Summer is monzoon time. Strong rains are dangerous and can provoque landslides. Every year there are some floods in the south of Nepal.

Reconstruyendo después del Terremoto en Langtang

10. Clima

Nepal has 4 seasons. Winter, from mid December to mid March. Spring, from mid March to mid June. Summer, from mid June to mid September. And Autumn from mid September to mid December.

The perfect season to come to do tourism and trekking is in Spring and Autumn.

Winter is also good to do tourism in the south of Nepal or a trek in Mustang, the desert region of the Himalaya.

Now that you know a bit more about Nepal, what are you waiting for, come and discover it in person! Book an adventure and choos one of our Treks in Nepal. we will take you to discover the wonderful things of this country. Contact us for any information!

Don’t forget that, in addition of living the experience of your life, when you book a trek in Nepal with us you get incredible discounts in  Camp Base, the shop specialized in mountain gear based in Spain.

NEVER ABANDON YOUR DREAMS

IN THE MONJO’S CLINIC BACKSTAGE

Interview to Lhagpa Gelzen Sherpa, Medical Assistant in Solu Khumbu Community.

“I never abandoned my dream”

Lhagpa Gelzen Sherpa is a 20 year young man that focused his profesional career towards medicine discipline. His mission, to help people to improve their health in the Solukhumbu District.

Lhagpa was born in Bupsa, a village situated 2 walking days below Lukla (where one of the busiest mountain airports in the world is, at 2800m of altitude, bringing thousands of tourists every year). Bupsa is between Karikola and Paya. It is a mountainous region full of rhododendron forests, the national flower of Nepal, and of picturesque trails that lead from one village to the other on prominent slopes that ascend and descend the mountains throughout the region.

We meet Lhagpa on our special trek that we started in Phaplu (Khumbu District; Everest Region). Alex and I start our adventure in the middle of one of the major festivals in Nepal called Tihar, the festival of lights.

During Tihar, the Nepali Hindu community decorates the inside and the outside of their houses and businesses with lights and mandalas bringing the worship of Laxmi, the Goddess of Wealth, along with the worship of dog, crow, and cow.

After 2 days of walking among the magical forests, passing through numerous rural towns and walking and chatting with the locals of the area, we arrive at Bupsa.

As usual, we try to stay in a lodge that does not have any tourists. Not only because we like escaping from the tourist masses (which is a challenge in certain areas of the Everest region), but also because we like to believe that we help distribute the money in the area in a more equal way…

After a delicious Dal Bhat*[1] that Mingma cooks for us, we are surrounded by practically all the locals of the village of Bupsa. There are not many, so they all fit in the garden of the lodge. A party is about to begin, and we stay in the house where the party of Tihar takes place. We feel privileged and besides enjoying some beautiful traditional dances, we receive a cata*[2] from the community and listen to some speeches that the members of the party do in their local language: Sherpa*[3].

A young boy is the master of ceremonies of the party and performs some speeches that capture the attention of all attendees. This boy is Lhagpa. The day after the celebration, Lhagpa goes to Monjo’s*[4], clinic, to his workplace. What others normally do in two walking days, Lhagpa does it in one. We arrive the next day, and we go to Monjo’s clinic to visit him. We want to know more about him…

Tell us a bit about you

I grew up in a poor family basically supported by agriculture. Since I was a child, I always dreamed of being a doctor and helping people. But that seemed to be difficult to achieve since we had a very difficult economic situation. My destiny seemed to be staying home and following the family tradition working on agriculture.

But, despite the difficulties, did you get to study?

Yes. I received help from the organization “Himalayan Trust Nepal” and I managed to complete my secondary school studies in Khumjung*[5]. This was very good because this way I could access to education and get to fulfill my dream.

“My mother’s death served me as motivation to pursue my dream.”

What moved you to study in the medicine field?

When my mother died, me and my father faced a very difficult economic situation. My mother’s death served me as motivation to pursue my dream; study medicine and help others.

It was difficult for my father to understand that I could have the same opportunities as any other child. He said; “Poor people do not study”, but I never abandoned my dream.

“We cannot control death. We must also accept the rules of nature and understand that sooner or later we all die. Nonetheless, I will try to do my best to save people who would possibly die without help.”*[6]

Lhagpa got very good marks at the Khumjung school in grade 10. That helped him to be selected to study CMA (“Community Medicine Assistant”) in the district of Dhading for 18 months sponsored by the Edmund Hillary Foundation of Canada.

Lhagpa graduated 3 years ago and he has been working in Monjo for 6 months now.

I used to work at Phaplu Hospital (3 days below Lukla walking). But I have moved here and I am very happy.

How long does Monjo’s clinic exist for?

It has been working for 17 years. It was destroyed by the earthquake on April 25th 2015, but we managed to repair it.

How is this clinic maintained?

It is subsidized by the Edmund Hillary Foundation of Canada. This foundation opened a hospital in Khunde*[7], and Monjo’s clinic is run by the Khunde Hospital. Medications and other materials are sent from Khunde.

Do you have to pay for the visit?

You have to pay something symbolic. The clinic visit times are from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. although it is open 24 hours a day. If you come during visiting hours you have to pay 50 Nepalese Rupees (0.38 €) and if the visit is after hours, you have to pay 100 Nepalese Rupees (0.76 €).

In the afternoons from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. I teach the children of the school about health and higiene.

Do you like what you do?

Yes. I feel very happy to be able to help people. And especially to be able to participate in teaching the little ones. It is very important that they learn about health and safety so they will avoid having diseases.

“The information and education of people is the best remedy for the prevention of diseases.”

What are the most common health problems of the local people that you treat in this clinic?

The most common problem within the local villagers is respiratory. Many people cough a lot. The area of ??Solukhumbu has a very dry alpine climate, and at the same time is very cold. In addition, the dust raised by the animals and the thousands of people who come to trek affect the respiratory system.

What do you advise them to do?

They should treat their respiratory problems by starting with home remedies such as drinking lots of hot water with ginger, lemon and honey and doing steam inhalations. They should also wear appropriate masks if their day-to-day involves walking the trails (porters, yak and mule farmer, guides …).

What other health problems do you find in the local villagers?

The next problem is gastric. Followed by dermatological infections and muscle and bone pain.

Why do they have these problems so regularly?

The people of rural villages have poor hygiene. That’s why they get stomach infections. Sometimes it is because they do not wash their hands and ingest harmful bacteria for their stomach. Skin wounds, for example, if not washed properly, are easily infected. Many porters come with muscle and bone pains (especially back and knees) because of the weight they carry.

And what about the tourists? Do you receive visits from foreign visitors who come to hike?

Yes, of course.

What kind of health problems do they have?

First of all gastrointestinal problems. Foreign people are not accustomed to water from Nepal and even less to mountain water. Many tourists have gastrointestinal problems because they do not boil the water they drink or they do not purify the water with pills or other methods. I recommend all tourists who come for the first time to drink boiled water and purified with pills. The second time they come, they can drink the tap water without boiling, only with purifying tablets.

What other reasons do the tourist hikers have to visit you?

The second cause that leads tourists to visit me is falls, ankle sprains, and other injuries.

If there is something you would change or improve what would it be?

We have a Medical Camp organized by Dr. Kami Temba Sherpa, who is in charge of all the hospitals belonging to the Edmund Hillary Foundation. This camp is mounted once every 2 months to attend to the villagers in the area. It is a very complete camp and deals more in depth with the problems of the villagers. With more medicines and resources. I would like this camp to be organized monthly. We lack medicines.

Also, I think that the educational classes that I teach at Monjo’s school in the afternoons to children are very useful. This way I teach them to avoid health problems. The information and education of people is the best remedy for the prevention of diseases.

Lhagpa completed his CMA training “Community Medicine Assistance” with a mark of 90 out of 100. He started working in Monjo 6 months ago, after having worked in Phaplu Hospital previously. Within the first 5 months in Monjo he had already visited 311 patients.

We wish Lhagpa a fantastic experience. It is great to see him helping with so much passion and devotion. Thank you for your attention and dedication to your patients and your work.

Thanks also to Edmund Hillary Foundation Canada and Himalayan Trust Nepal for the fantastic support they give to the community of the Solu Khumbu region.

NOTES:

[1] *Dal Bhat: Typical food of Nepal. Based on rice, lentil soup and seasonal vegetables cooked with spices and hot chilis.

[2] *Cata: fine cloth scarf that the Buddhist community offer to the beloved ones, relatives and acquaintances and they place around the neck in symbol of protection and good luck. A cata is given for different reasons, for those who arrive from a trip, to bid farewell to those who leave, to wish good luck to the couple who marry, to give good luck to a new born baby, to protect and honor guests…

[3] *Sherpa is an ethnic group that comes from the Tibetan population. The Sherpas migrated from Tibet and crossed the mountains, settling in the foothills of the highest mountain in the world, Everest. After Nepal opened the border to tourists in 1951, the Sherpa community became a key aid to the success of Western climbers who wanted to climb the highest mountain in the world (from sea ??level). The Sherpa community, still not understanding why someone would want to do something like this, understood that they had a greater resistance than the visitors, they were strong, and they had an enviable physical condition for the geography and the altitude. This is why “Sherpa” is a concept known as a profession, as well as an ethnic group. The Sherpas became the guides, the porters, those who did the hard work loading all kinds of climbing materials and food, those who took care of the yaks and the mules, those who cooked and prepared the tents for the climbers, those who climbed the mountain first to prepare the fields throughout the expeditions, those who prepared the terrain with ropes and ladders to climb to the highest point in the world… And since then, the Sherpas have remained in this role. They are the heroes of the mountains of Solukhumbu.

[4] *Monjo is the village that leads to the entrance of the Sagarmatha National Park. It is a day walk from Lukla airport.

[5] *Khumjung is located in the heart of Solukhumbu. At 3800m of altitude, it is about an hour walk from Namche Bazar (the most popular village in the Khumbu area from where all the tourists depart to different areas of the region). Khumjung is home to the Khumbu Secondary School sponsored by Edmund Hillary Foundation Canada .

[6] *Lhagpa’s quote: We must understand that in a society like Lhagpa’s, resources and medical infrastructure are extremely scarce. With this in mind, we can imagine that some villagers might die for health reasons that with few resources nowadays it is unthinkable that any person does not recover.

[7] *Khunde, at 3800m high, is located north of Namche Bazar, and west of Khumjung. These 3 populations form the central core of the Sagarmatha National Park. From here, visitors can access the three valleys that comprise the Everest area (roughly: Thame, Gokyo and EBC -Everest Base Camp- areas).

Getting an Insurance to Trek in Nepal: all you need to know

If you are thinking of trekking in Nepal you should get a good insurance that covers you in case of accident. Keep in mind that, walking in the mountains at high altitude has undescribable rewards, but also some risks. Being well prepared is essential, and getting the proper insurance is one of the essential steps you should do.

For this reason, in this InspireU Adventures post we want to cover some of the things you need to know about trekking insurance for Nepal treks.

Why do you have to get an insurance for a trek in Nepal?

A trek in Nepal is not like an easy day hike. We have to be aware that this type of treks are more complex and require great logistics. We will ascend to high altitudes, and we hike along different types of terrain, some of them are clear paths, some are more challenging (crossing glaciers, high passes, etc). The weather is, in addition, another factor to consider when hiking; walking through snow, wet terrain when raining, or even walking with a very strong heat from the sun at high altitude.

Therefore, we must be alert when hiking in wild nature, where there are risks that we are exposed to. Considering this, it is worth to count on a good insurance. Failing to do so means that any help you might need will have to be paid by yourself, and immediately. Any rescue in the Himalayas can be extremely expensive and sometimes unaffordable for some pockets.

Es por este motivo que en Inspire U Adventures solo hacemos treks con personas que tienen debidamente contratado un seguro para un trekking en Nepal.
It is for this reason that at InspireU Adventures we understand that purchasing an insurance for your trek in Nepal is mandatory.

Altitude sickness, something to have in mind

In addition to injuries or accidents that we are exposed to during the trek, one of the conditions that may also appear is the so-called “altitude sickness”. AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness) can be mild and treated by resting or descending at lower altitudes.

However, if the symptoms of altitude sickness are major, then it is imperative to be rescued by helicopter. This type of service is very expensive.

Other risks that may occur on a trek in Nepal

An insurance for a trekking in Nepal can also be useful to treat and assist you in situations such as:

• Injuries

 

• Stomach infections

 

• alergy reactions
• repatriations…

 
During the trek, if one member of the group gets sick and cannot continue, most probably will need to be rescued by helicopter so to be taken directly to the hospital. Normally during the treks in the Himalayas, there are no roads and we walk for several days. Therefore, to be fully protected in any of these situations, it is essential that you have a medical insurance contracted and have peace of mind during the whole trek.

Tips when hiring an insurance for a trekking in Nepal

At InspireU Adventures we want to help you to be totally protected against any unforeseen event and, therefore, here are some good tips that will help you to hire your insurance:

• Read the fine print: when you are getting your insurance it is important that you read the fine print to be sure of what is covered and what is not.

 

• Covered for trekking activities: The insurance should indicate specifically that the policy covers you to do mountain activities or trekking up to the height you are going to attain. This is very important since you will be protected at all times.

 

• Supplement coverage: This type of insurance coverage usually comes as an “extra” from the usual standard travel insurance. And you can choose the insurance you want but, in addition, you will have to add the “adventure sports” supplement (called differently depending on the company) to be sure that you will be covered for the activity you are going to do.

 

• Insurance Dates: It is also important that you make sure that the insurance covers all the days you are going to travel so that you do not stay any day without being covered.

In relation to the dates of the trip , it is important that you read the fine print as there are some companies that will not cover your hike if you are purchasing it once you have already started your trip/holiday. For example, if you take a flight to Nepal on April 1st, and have a flight back on April 30. And you have organized to trek from April 5th to April 20th. The insurance should be contracted from April 1st to April 30th and not from April 5th to April 20th.

Our recommendation: before signing anything, you should be certain that this trekking insurance is the one you need, so you can have peace of mind facing any unforeseen event that can occur.

Basic aspects of an insurance for a trek in Nepal

In general, your trekking insurance has to cover the following elements:

• Trekking up to the height you are going to reach

 

• Repatriation

 

• Rescue

 

• Emergency assessment
• Medical assistance

 

• Other aspects of the trip (loss of bagages, flight cancellations, etc.)

Generally, travel insurances will cover most countries worldwide, but in general, your own country and the United States will be excluded. So, if after Nepal you want to travel to the United States you should normally hire another specific insurance. But if after Nepal your adventure takes you to other countries, surely the same insurance that you choose will cover you. Normally you will have to communicate to the insurance the countries that you plan to visit.

With this article we have tried to help you choose your insurance for a trek in Nepal. However, if you have any questions or need clarification, you can contact InspireU Adventures .

We will be happy to assist you and help you so that you, like us, can enjoy an unforgettable experience in the nature of this magnificent country. We are waiting for you with the arms wide open!

Travelling to Nepal in August: Tips and recommendations

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Are you thinking of organizing a trip to Nepal in August? Great idea! Many people believe that in the summer season it is not advisable to travel to this country due to climatic and temperature issues. But, the truth is that Nepal has many differences in climate depending on the area in which we are at.

So, if you have no choice but to take your annual vacation in August, you can take a trip to Nepal and enjoy its magnificent scenery! In this InspireU Adventures post, we will show you the best tips and recommendations for your trip to Nepal in August. Your adventure starts here!

Is it advisable to travel to Nepal in August? Of course, yes!

There can be some doubts about whether it is worth coming to Nepal in August. The truth is that, although it is the rainy season in the country, you can also enjoy many experiences and treks adapted to the weather.

At InspireU Adventures we want to help you to organize a perfect and memorable trip. Therefore, here we give you some good advice with which you will get the most out of your experience.

Weather in Nepal in August

One of the main issues that worries travelers who want to travel to Nepal in August is the climate issue. Yes, it is true that from June to September, it is the rainy season in the country. But this does not mean that it is raining all day or that the rain is a real impediment to enjoy and trek in Nepal.

In general, the weather seasons in Nepal are divided into:

Rainy season: from June to September

Most of the holiday seasons for western countries coincide with the rainy season of Nepal. This is the period in which the monsoon appears.

For example, in the Kathmandu Valley or especially in Pokhara rain tend to be more intense than in other mountainous areas. In fact, when it exceeds 3500 meters, rain volume in Nepal tend to descend considerably. For this reason, if you want to do a trekking in Nepal a> in august, we encourage you to go for it!

In this other post we talk in detail about when it is better to travel to Nepal. However, although the month of August is included in the rainy season, you can also enjoy the trip. Especially if you come to do a trekking!

Best treks in Nepal for August

If you want to trek in August in Nepal you should consider some recommendations in order to do it in a safe manner. As we have already said, from the 3500 meters high, the rains lessen. Therefore, making routes at these altitudes is a great option to enjoy the experience to the fullest.

However, due to weather conditions, it is always recommended to trek with a guide like the ones you will find at InspireU Adventures. The reason is that in case the monsoon brings difficulties in the terrain, an expert mountain guide and an expert in the region can help you much more than if you go alone. We know the trails, the terrain, and we know how to act in case of unforeseen events.

It is, highly recommended that on your trip to Nepal in August you hire a guide to do your trekking. Here is the information regarding our treks and, in case of any doubt or comment, you can contact us directly and we will advise you.

Tips to travel to Nepal in August

Because we are in the rainy season, it is advisable to take into account some factors such as the following:

• Bring waterproof clothing: whether you’re trekking or not, ideally come with waterproof clothing that allows you to walk and discover places without the rain soaking you. The raincoats or the breathable waterproof pants are an ideal option to be able to walk without problem.
• Mountain boots: We also recommend that you wear waterproof hiking boots, especially if you want to discover the mountainous Nepalese landscapes (something we recommend 100%). With this, you can easily walk through the mountainous terrain and protect your feet from moisture. Wet boots will not dry out for the next day and walk with wet feet can lead to serious health problems.

 

• Umbrella: It is an alternative that can provide a great experience. If it is not a problem for you to walk with an umbrella in your hand, this solution will allow you to walk with a short-sleeved shirt and avoid sweating too much under impervious layers. In addition, a more or less large umbrella will cover your shoes too, preventing it from getting wet.

 

• Water proof boots for the city: If you are going to walk through cities or towns, you can go equipped with waterproof boots that will allow you to be totally protected from moisture.

 

• Sunscreen: Many people, when they organize a trip to Nepal in August, believe they should not be equipped with sunscreen. Big mistake! There are many times of the day when the sun shines and it does so powerfully, especially at high altitudes. Even on cloudy days, the sun has a bigger impact in our skins that what we think.
• Light clothes: We also recommend that you do not only carry warm clothes in your suitcase. T-shirts or lighter clothing will be a must-have for your trip.

With all these tips, you can enjoy your trip to Nepal in August to the fullest. But if you have any questions or want to know more about what specific treks are good for monsoon season, you can contact us and we will be more than happy to help you.

If you have annual holidays in August, come to Nepal!

Nepal Annapurna trekking: important tips and recommendations

Among all the treks that can be done in Nepal, the Annapurna is one of the most popular areas, in fact, it`s also one of the most requested by mountain and hiking enthusiasts.

The Annapurna Circuit Trekking extends for 250 km it starts at an elevation of 800 meters and reaches 5416 meters (achieved halfway through).

If you feel inspired and want to do this trek, Inspire U Adventures is going to offer you some good tips and recommendations so that your Nepal Annapurna Trekking is a success.

What to know before doing the Nepal Annapurna Trekking

The complete Annapurna Trekking Circuit is 250 km but there are other alternatives and other routes adapted to all types of public. In fact, at Inspire U Adventures we offer you various options so you can enjoy this magical mountain range at your own pace: the Annapurna short circuit, the full trekking of the Annapurna Circuit and a few others. See here all routes that we suggest for Annapurna Region.
Contact us so we can advise you and help you organize your Nepal trek better and discover these impressive mountains and the culture surrounding them.

Whichever option you choose, we are sure of one thing: you will enjoy stunning landscapes as you walk amongst some of the highest mountains in the world. In addition during this circuit, you will also meet the people from this region, who will always welcome you with beautiful smiles.

The beginning and the end of the Annapurna Circuit Trek of Nepal

But let’s talk about the circuit in particular. The trekking consists of 250 km, which officially starts in Besisahar and ends in NayaPul. To access any of these two points there are buses that contact both Kathmandu and Pokhara.

But, even if this is the “official” trek, you can decide for yourself where to start and what route to take. To enjoy the essence of Nepal you do not need to be an elite hiker, just be slightly prepared so to walk and marvel at the environment.

The level of difficulty of this Nepal trek

Many people ask us if it is easy to do the Annapurna Circuit trekking. If we had to pigeonhole it on one level, we would include it in the “Medium” level. And, although there are sections that are more challenging, the advantage of this trek is that you can make some adjustments so to adapt to your skills and your level of training.

Therefore, along with a team of professional guides like the one you’ll find at Inspire U Adventures, we can design the best route for you and help you enjoy this experience to the fullest.

The hardest time of the Annapurna Circuit Trek is at the Thorung-La pass. This is when we reach 5416 meters where fatigue, cold and elevation can take its toll. However, if you are well prepared and equipped, you can enjoy this stage without problem.

Permits necessary to make the Annapurna trek

In order to make this route through Nepal, it is important that a series of official permits be obtained. The reason is that this circuit goes through the Annapurna conservation area, so it is important to request these different permits:

• Entry permit to Annapurna
• TIMS Card (Trekker’s Information Management System)

To apply for these permits you will need to carry money, 3 passport photos and your valid passport. These permits can be obtained in the corresponding offices in Kathmandu and Pokhara. But at Inspire U Adventures we organize them all for you so you are free to enjoy every minute of your stay and avoid going to several counters and waiting in line.

Altitude sickness: what is there to know?

When we do a trek that runs through high mountain passes, we may experience altitude sickness. In the case of the Annapurna Circuit Trek, it is a condition that must be taken into account.

Altitude sickness is a condition that appears when our body experiences lack of oxygen. This can cause us to feel pain and discomfort as:

• Dizziness
• Vertigos
• Nausea
• Headache
• Sensation of weakness and fatigue
• Increased heart rate
• Difficulty breathing

In the case where we suffer any of these symptoms, it will be essential to rest a few days to try to stabilize the body, so it can adapt to the new elevation. If we see that there is no improvement, the most prudent course of action will be to descend to lower altitudes to recover normality.

The necessary material for the Annapurna Circuit Trek

To do this trek, you will need the material that we always recommend to our clients: mountain boots, warm clothes, lighter shirts, gloves, sunglasses, sunscreen, and so on. It is important to go well equipped but without excess; remember the backpack that you will carry.

In this other post of our blog we give you more tips for a trekking in Nepal where we talk about the most necessary material, as well as other important aspects such as water, respect for the environment, physical training, the best time to do a trek, etcetera.

Important: respect the environment

At Inspire U Adventures we are very aware of the much needed respect for the environment and the natural environment of Nepal. We promote active and responsible tourism, therefore, we always recommend to our clients that their impact on this trek is minimal. Visit here our page to know about our commitments.

This is the reason why we avoid the consumption of water bottles and, instead, we trek with water purification tablets or other water purification methods. This simple measure is essential to avoid polluting the environment, by reducing our use of bottles.

If you want more information about the Annapurna Circuit trek of Nepal you can contact us. We will be happy to assist you and help you in everything you need to know for your trip.

7 recommendations for traveling to Nepal

Are you thinking of travelling to Nepal? You should know that it is a beautiful country, full of contrasts and a very attentive and friendly local population. A country where you can explore both the natural wonders of its mountains and valleys and its rich culture where Buddhism and Hinduism are very important pillars.

In today’s Inspire U Adventures post we want to give you 7 recommendations for travelling to Nepal so you can prepare your trip without forgetting anything. Your journey starts here!

Useful tips for traveling to Nepal

There are some practical aspects and others of general interest that are really good to know if you want to discover Nepal. For this reason, here we offer you a list with some of the best recommendations for travelling to Nepal and that will help you to get to know this country better.

1#The Visa in Nepal

To travel to Nepal you need a visa. You should be aware that there are three different types of visas that you can apply for, and that they include different length stay validity:

• Nepal visa 15 days
• Nepal visa 30 days
• and Nepal visa 90 days

In the event that, for example, you have applied for a 15-day visa and then you want to stay longer, not a problem! You can extend your visa at the immigration office in Kathmandu within the 15 days before your visa expires. For this, you will need to give a copy of your passport and the current visa, fill up an online form and cash.

2#The roads in Nepal

It is quite likely that during your trip to Nepal you will want to travel to different parts of the country. The most common way to do it is by local buses, vans, cars or jeeps. For this reason, we believe it is important that you know the situation of the roads in the country. Bear in mind that Nepal is a country with underdeveloped infrastructures and, therefore, it is common for some “unforeseen” problems to arise during the journey, for example, being stuck in traffic.

In this sense, another of our recommendations for travelling to Nepal is to be patient during the journeys as they are likely to take longer than you expected.

At Inspire U Adventures we fly whenever possible, avoiding long journeys on winding roads, gaining quality time to visit and enjoy the day at the destination.

3#Currency exchange

Another important point is the currency exchange. In Nepal, the currency is Nepali rupees and you can change your currency to Nepali rupees in different parts of the country. Especially in larger and touristy cities where there are usually many exchange offices. However, our advice is that, when you arrive at the airport, you change some money to have some cash for the beginning of your journey. Nepal is the only country where you can buy Nepali rupees.

4#Money in Nepal

Another recommendation when travelling to Nepal is to always carry cash. Unlike European countries, in Nepal it is not so common to pay by credit card. Therefore, it is always advisable to carry cash. ATMs are not always available in this country, especially when trekking in the Himalayas, so money in hand is the best option.

To keep the money safe, it is good to carry a small fanny pack. In fact, it is recommended that you also bring your passport and documentation here to avoid theft or loss.

5#Hire an expert guide for your treks in Nepal

Most people who travel to Nepal come to discover some of the most spectacular mountains in the world, such as the Annapurnas, Everest or Langtang. For this reason, it is usual that trekking is among the travel plans.

If this is also your idea, our advice is that you hire a professional guide. At Inspire U Adventures you will find a highly experienced professional team that will make from your trip an unforgetable, interesting and comfortable experience. The reason why it is recommended to go with a guide is that, this way, you get immerse in the country's authentic nature, culture and tradition. The experience will be way more rewarding with the help of knowlegable professionals.

In addition, with a guide you will ensure a much safer trekking through Nepal as we are experts in mountaineering and we can provide help in any accident or unforeseen event (falls, injuries, exhaustion, altitude sickness, etc.). Check our routes through Nepal and sign up for any of our departures!

6#Travel insurance that covers the trek

Something very important is that you have a travel insurance when travelling to Nepal. And, in addition, if you are going to trek, it is essential that the insurance covers any problem that you may experience in the mountains.

This is a very important point before coming to this country because, this way, you ensure maximum protection during your stay and your adventure.

7#Security in Nepal

And we finish this list of recommendations to travel to Nepal to talk, now, about the issue of security. This is usually a very common question among travellers who want to visit a country with a different culture and situation. But the truth is that Nepal is not an unsafe country. The fact that Nepal is a safe country to travel does not mean that it cannot be robberies. For this reason, it is recommended that basic guidelines be followed such as:

• Bring your passport and other valuable documents duly stored with you.
• Make copies of your documentation and send it to your email so that you can always have these data available.
• Look after your valuable things: especially cameras, mobile phones, etc.
• Be respectful with the Nepalese: they are very kind and calm people, but we don't have to go overboard or be too brazen or invasive with our attitude. Respect and they will respect you, that is the secret.

And these are some of the tips for travelling to Nepal that are worth taking into account. If you have further questions about your trip or your trek, do not hesitate to contact us, we will be happy to help you!

Solidarity trip to Nepal: tips and recommendations

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Are you thinking of doing a solidarity trip to Nepal? You should know that in this country there are many NGOs that work to develop different areas of society. There are associations aimed at improving the educational environment, others aimed at improving sustainable trade, others aimed at helping with the reconstruction of villages, etc.

To be able to do a trip of this type, it is important to have the correct information prior to the trip and, above all, to not be in a hurry. At Inspire U Adventures we want to help you to know how to do a solidarity trip to Nepal. Here we will give you some tips and recommendations so that your trip is something beyond pure tourism.

Solidarity trip to Nepal: what to keep in mind?

In order to know how to make a solidarity trip to Nepal it is important that you know that you are going to cooperate. That means that you have to get rid of the idea that you are going to “help” because that is not completely right. What you will do is give an extra dimension to your trip and not only accumulate tourist experiences, but contribute to local development. In addition, a solidary trip allows you to better connect with the country, get to better know the people and get a better idea of cultures and traditions of Nepal.

In fact, at Inspire U Adventures we are very knowledgeable of this more human and cultural way of travel. Therefore, in our treks in Nepal you will always be accompanied by an expert guide. Our objective is not only that you enjoy the nature of the country, but also, that you discover its essence in a very respectful way. At Inspire U Adventures this style of solidarity-tourism is the only one we conceive as true and, therefore, it is the one we offer to our hikers.

In order to make a solidarity trip to Nepal, we recommend you to take these tips into account.

Find a good NGO or association to make your solidary trip

We recommend that you research and compare different options before choosing yours. You should take into account practical aspects such as price and dates, but above all, you have to make sure that the core values are the same as yours. Therefore, evaluate the different associations that work in the country and assess which of them you could cooperate with in a more appropriate way.

There are many NGOs, so we recommend getting information, comparing opinions and making a final decision at the end of this reflection. Thus, you can feel satisfied with your solidary trip and you will enjoy your experience to the fullest!

Learn about Nepal: customs, traditions, religion …

In order to make a solidarity trip to Nepal it is important that you understand the place you are going to. Knowing the reality of the country is basic so that you know where and how you are going to live. Therefore, we encourage you to gather information about some cultural aspects, religion, customs, political situation and others. These factors will be crucial for your experience during your trip and, therefore, it is good that you are aware of them.

Keep in mind that a solidary trip is different from a normal tourist trip. In solidarity trips you get involved with the people of the country and you are surrounded by them almost all the time. Therefore, you will have to cultivate an open, tolerant and respectful attitude.

Find out which are the best sectors to cooperate with

Let’s not forget that a solidary trip is a cultural exchange. By constantly being in contact with the local people, you will live the experience in a more authentic and real way. Therefore, it is important that we know what you are going to do during your stay. It is crucial for your solidarity trip to evaluate what knowledge you have and how it can be useful. If, for example, you are experts in education, you can use this knowledge to share your experience with the teachers of a rural school or centre where there might be a lack of experience.

Many people believe that it is great to teach English classes or do workshops in schools with children, but the biggest impact is to teach the teachers how to teach. At the end of the day, when you finish your solidary journey, those who will remain in the centre will be the teachers. If the impact of our collaboration does not have any durability in the centre, what you wanted to offer will go away with you.

It is important that you evaluate your profile well and see what you can offer. The fact of being there is not synonymous of cooperation. For this reason, we re-emphasize the importance of getting as much information as possible before making a decision.

Find people who have already volunteered

In order to clarify your doubts about how to make a solidary trip to Nepal, there is nothing better than talking with former volunteers. They will inform you about some basic aspects or curiosities that are worth taking into account. Also, always try to stay in constant touch with the entity with which you are going to collaborate so that they can resolve doubts or questions you may have.

Approximate duration of a solidarity trip in Nepal

There are many options when making this type of trip but, in general, many entities organize trips throughout the year and the standard duration goes from 10 to 30 days. Less than 10 days is not worth it because you will not have time enough to integrate yourself with the population. In any case, each association or NGO has specific volunteer programs and you will have to consult directly with them.

The price of solidarity travel

As a general rule, the price offered by associations in Nepal to make this type of trip is cheaper than if you organize a tourist trip. The reason is that the amenities are not the same, since you will sleep in a shared accommodation or in a family home. The food is usually also dispensed by the organization and, for this reason, the price is usually lower. It depends on some factors as the type of accommodation, the length of your travel, the time of year, and so on. Normally, the price of the flight ticket and the visa are not included.

Make sure that the price that the NGO suggests is fair. Ask questions about the details of the costs and about what you are paying. Sometimes, to be a volunteer, you just have to pay for accommodation and food during the stay… paying more than that would not be fair. A volunteer work should not cost money since the goal is to offer your time and knowledge. Nonetheless, there are NGOs that have higher prices that include “donation”… In these cases, we advise you to make sure of what they are going to do with that money and make sure you have proof of that. Once you understand how that money is distributed, if you agree, go ahead.

Active tourism in solidarity trips to Nepal

These trips are, in fact, “trips”. That is to say, there is part of the experience that consists in cooperating and being in development projects but, discovering the country is the other part. For this reason, at Inspire U Adventures we encourage you to come to Nepal and experience with us one of our routes. We offer treks through the most impressive mountains in the country and, always, with expert guides. In addition, our tourism philosophy is based on sustainable tourism and respect for the country, both for its nature and its people.

Check out collaborations and social projects that Inpsire U Adventures has done in Nepal in recent years.

If you want to know more about what we do, contact us and we will inform without obligation. Enjoy your solidary trip to Nepal and, also, get inspired by the impressive landscape that this country offers.

How to look after the environment trekking in Nepal

One of the main objectives at Inspire U Adventures is to trek respecting nature and environment.

We consider essential to maintain and protect the environment to be able to fully enjoy it. We love nature and, therefore, we respect it deeply. And this is something that we transmit to everyone during our adventures.

For this reason, in today’s post we want to focus on talking about how to take care of the environment on a trek in Nepal. Since we believe that, actually, it is an easy task to care about the environment. We just need to follow few simple tips and guidelines to ensure that we all practice a sustainable and responsible tourism.

Responsible trekking in Nepal. Some tips:

Below we offer you a useful list with tips to look after the environment when trekking in Nepal.

1# Be responsible with your trash

Be smart with the garbage you create and never throw it away on the road. The best thing is to take it with you and as soon as you find the right garbage bin, you get rid of it. In addition, it is important to remember recycling materials and separate plastic, paper and biodegradable waste as much as possible. In several natural parks in Nepal, garbage separation systems are being implemented and numerous stands have been built with plastic, metal and paper separators.

But we are aware that in Nepal it might be a bit more difficult to find the same garbage system as in Western countries, so, in case you do not find a suitable space to get rid of biodegradable waste, one option is to bury it. But yes: at very high altitudes the garbage does not decompose, so the best thing is to keep your waste in bags and then throw it away when you find the right place.

What to do with…

• Batteries: in Nepal they are not being recycled, so we recommend that you take them back to your country and recycle them correctly there.
• Butts: they are not biodegradable waste, so if you smoke you should bring your own portable ashtray to store the consumed tobacco.

In addition, from Inspire U Adventures we want to encourage everyone to help keep the forests and trails clean during the trek. Therefore, if you find garbage or waste along the way it is of a great help to pick it up and, thus, you help to maintain nature as it should be: clean!

2# Going to the toilet during your trek in Nepal

The issue of the toilet is also one of the most common doubts for hikers. In fact, faeces are biodegradable and, therefore, there should be no problem by going to the toilet in nature.

But for hygienic and health reasons it is important that, whenever we need to go to the toilet, we move away at least 50 meters from the water sources. In addition, you should dig a hole about 50cm deep and, when you finish, cover it back again.

3# Water during the trek

No plastic water bottles! They are very polluting and one of the great problems of Nepal. Therefore, Inspire U Adventures team uses only refillable bottles in our treks.

To purify the water we use different methods such as ultraviolet disinfection, iodine or boiling.

4# Personal hygiene

During the treks in Nepal, it is very tempting to go to the rivers to have a bath or clean clothes. However, it is not advisable to do so because we pollute the water of the rivers. Therefore, the best way to maintain your personal hygiene is to get some water from the river in a bucket and use it to wash your clothes and groom yourself. You will find showers in all lodges of the trek too.

We recommend to use biodegradable soap and throw away the water in areas far from rivers to avoid contaminating them.

5# Follow the trails

We continue with the list of the best tips to take care of the environment on a trek in Nepal. Now we want to talk about the importance of following the designated trails during the trek.

It is important that we don’t leave the designated trails because, in doing so, what we are causing is erosion of the land and destruction of vegetation. In addition, we could even cause landslides by walking off the path. Therefore, always follow the trails to protect nature.

6# Do not abuse from fuel in the villages

It is important to highlight a concept that might be difficult for a Westerner to understand: the mountain villages of Nepal have reduced combustion resources and they are very expensive because it is very difficult to deliver them to these lands. This happens with products such as gas and wood. There are great restrictions regarding the wood that the villagers can take from the forests. Therefore, it is important that when we trek we are aware of these realities.

We should not abuse these fuel resources and, whenever we can, avoid them. So, we recommend that you wear appropriate warm clothing to avoid requesting to use too much gas or wood in cold weather. We also encourage you to choose meals that do not require the use of too much fuel, for instance, the delicious Dal Bhat, the regional food of Nepal.

7# Leave no trace trekking in Nepal

It is very important to be respectful of the environment. Therefore, we should avoid throwing any residue in our way. The same way, we should refrain from picking up flowers, plants, seeds, etcetera. Even though it does not seem to be so big of a deal, the truth is that these small actions can seriously influence the natural cycle of vegetation.

8# Respect the animals

During our treks in Nepal, it is common for us to find wild animals living freely. In these cases, we should not scare them or scare them away. We must respect their space and avoid interfering with their habitat.

Also, we should not feed any animal because, if we do, we can interfere with their survival instincts and make them become dependent. This, in the long run, can end up causing the animals to acquire aggressive behaviours with humans.

9# Respect the culture and tradition

For Inspire U Adventures it is very important to promote respect for culture and tradition. In fact, it is one of the characteristics that define us and define our special style of trekking: we are very focused on integration and respect for the culture we are discovering and learning from.

Therefore, we encourage the learning of the traditions, languages and customs of the locals. We avoid prejudice and, in case of any doubt, we ask to learn and understand. We leave any possible feeling of superiority at home and we open up to other ways of living that help us grow as human beings and, also, help us to find a better way of living.

These are the essential tips for taking care of the environment on a trek in Nepal. Help us put them into practice when you come to trek with us. We guarantee you, that this way, the experience is much more meaningful.

Do you have any doubt? Then, contact us and we’ll be happy to help you.