Find Out Why Nepal Should Be Your Next Backpacking Destination

Leah Bishop has listed down 11 reasons why Nepal should be your next backpacking Destination. Read the original article here

Trekking in Nepal is do-able for anyone with moderate physical fitness

“Annapurna Base Camp is a moderate trek that did require strong determination and stronger knees, but there are easier and shorter treks like four-day Poon Hill trek that still offers amazing views of the mind-blowing mountains. While I shouldered my own sack, you can also hire a porter if you’d rather not carry a Tyrion Lannister-sized backpack uphill.’

Apart from the base camp treks which are mentally and physically more demanding, Nepal offers you shorter treks like four day trek to Poon Hill , a day trek through Shivapuri National Park or a day hiking to Chisapani.

Teahouse Trekking makes you feel home all along the way

“With Nepal’s network of teahouses, I had three delicious home-cooked meals and comfortable accommodation daily on my trek, even at -17 degrees Celsius low and 4,000 meters high. The Annapurna Circuit certainly isn’t known as the “Apple Pie Trek” because you’re eating Top Ramen and Instant Oats  at meal time.”

If you haven’t trekked in the Himalayas, you probably aren’t aware about the tea house trekking in Nepal. Teahouse trekking is the most popular trekking style in Nepal which involves going from one teahouse to another. Teahouses are essentially small hotels found in local villages that offer both a place to sleep as well as home cooked meals. You needn’t worry about carrying your own tent or food as there will be sufficient numbers of teahouses in your trekking route. Teahouses in the Everest and Annapurna region are really nice and even have western style flush toilets, hot water showers, a selection of beverages including beer and a wide range of menu items. Teahouses along less popular trekking routes are usually more basic and one might expect to sleep in a common room around a toasty stove after enjoying a meal of dhal bhat(rice and lentils).

Food all along the way

“If you thought you’d be living off Clif Bars and shedding weight like Al Roker, have another Teahouse apple pie and think again.”

Your teahouse hosts will ensure that your stomach is filled up and satisfied to keep you pumped up and energised for hours of hiking.

Nepal is a knock-off North Face mecca

“It’s funny how the more time you want to spend in nature, the more money you have to shell out for supplies. I’ve had car payments lower priced than Patagonia Parkas, and it’s more economical to buy Patron than certain water purifiers. Instead of trading your soul to Sierra Trading Post, just do your shopping in Kathmandu (the city, not the outdoor store).”

Meet people from round the globe

“With thousands of people heading to the Himalayas annually, it’s basically a real life Global Guts with everyone trying to get a piece of Aggro Crag. With idle time and without WiFi after a hard day’s hike, you’ll have opportunities to trade stories over Everest Beers, bunch up for body heat, pass the time playing poker and embracing the forgotten art of human interaction.”

One of the major assets of trekking in the himalayas is the opportunity to bond over with people from all around the world. You will meet fellow trekkers in the teahouses or in any part of Nepal. Share stories over bottles of Everest beer and embrace the forgotten art of human interaction which has been replaced by technological marvel.

Trekking in Himalayas does wonders for your skin

“After 10 days of going au natural without any makeup, no mirrors to pick at your pimples and a diet free of artificial foods or binge drinking, my skin glowed like after pictures in Proactiv ads.’

The himalayan air does true magic to your skin and gives you the clear, blemish free skin you have always desired.

Get fit fast

“Ever been on a stair master? Ever been on one for eight hours a day, in 3,000-meter altitude wearing a 30+ pound bag? That’s the Annapurna Base Camp trek. Quit wasting your money on Cross Fit and get fit across Nepal instead.”

Trekking up and down the mountain paths relentlessly for 8 hours a day will surely make you fit, slim and in great shape.

The higher the altitude, the lower your tolerance

“Some days, the only thing that would get me through the trek was the thought of an ice cold, 22 ounce Everest Beer waiting for me at the last tea house. The “Taste of the Himalayas” beer is even more watered down than Coor’s Taste of the Rockies, but after a long day of trekking, I would’ve settled for my great aunt’s O’Douls and still gotten a buzz.”

Witness beautiful sceneries

“If the altitude doesn’t leave you breathless and speechless, the mystical mountains, remarkable rhododendron forests, astounding waterfalls, vibrant marigolds, never-ending rice terraces and impossible panoramas of Nepal will.”

The majestic mountains, alluring sceneries, stupendous panoramas, amazing waterfalls, etc, will leave you spellbound and intrigued.

Experience the hospitality of Nepalese people

“The only thing more beautiful than the scenery of Nepal, are the people of Nepal. From residents of the sensory overload city of Kathmandu, to the dwellers of tranquil villages along the trails, Nepali hospitality is unrivalled. This is a bold claim from a Georgia native who prides herself on Southern hospitality. A culture as colourful as prayer flags, Nepali will teach you their traditions, enlighten you on their geography and leave you with a heart as full as a stomach sated on Dal Bhat.”

Nepali people are renowned for their warm hospitality and kind gesture. No matter where you go, you will be greeted with a smiling face and “Namaste”. Live and experience Nepali culture and tradition with Nepali people.

Nepal needs you more than ever

“My trekking guide, Amar, was once an orphan rescued by Umbrella Foundation, but with their help was able to earn his guide certification and ultimately earn independence and a foothold in the tourist economy. Before our trek together, Amar (who I still keep in touch with today) had been out of work for months after the earthquake kept many tourists away. He frequently thanked me for providing a lucrative opportunity for him, but I assured Amar it was I who left Nepal richer than rupees ever could.”

The tourism industry which is also the backbone of Nepal’s economy, saw a major downfall due to the April 25 earthquake. Help Nepal bounce back stronger than ever by just paying a visit to this himalayan nation. Every Dollar counts