Regardless of the intention, hiking is an extreme sport that involves quite a lot of risks. If you are visiting Nepal for trekking or hiking, here are 5 most important things you should know

1.      Water

Getting drinking water is not a problem during trekking. Buying it is. Because as gain higher altitude, the price of the water rises up to 2$ per liter from .2$.

An alternative way to keep yourself hydrated is by getting your water bottles filled at tea houses. The tea houses sell boiled water which is very safe for drinking. It will cost you about 0.3-0.4$ per liter. Therefore, carry at least two water bottles along with you.

2.      Food and accommodation

You need not worry about the food. Almost everything is available. However, the most preferable food is Dal-Bhaat-Tarkarai. A famous Nepali dish that comes with a generous serving of rice, vegetables, chutney, salad and meat. The food is high is nutrition and will keep you energetic for the journey ahead.

You will either be spending your nights in tented camps or in tea houses; it depends upon the type of trek you go for. During season, some treks may have insufficient rooms to provide you with. In such cases you might have to camp.

3.      Carry cash, no cards

There are no card facilities anywhere outside the main city like Pokhara and Kathmandu. Carry as much cash as you need- depending upon the number of days and the level of luxury you are aiming to travel with. Do not depend upon card.

4.      Health concerns and combat

Go for a check-u before you trek. Your body should be able to handle the altitude pressures. Stay alert of any of these symptoms-

1. Headache
2. Nausea and vomiting
3. Dizziness
4. Tiredness
5. Loss of appetite
6. Upset stomach
7. Feeling unsteady
8. Shortness of breath
9. Increased heart rate
10. Difficulty sleeping

These are symptoms of altitude sickness. If you notice any of the symptoms, take necessary precautionary measures such as:

1. Do not climb any higher for the next 48 hours
2. Descend to a lower altitude if possible
3. Take complete rest until you feel well
4. Do not exercise
5. Do not smoke
6. Drink plenty of water
7. Take external oxygen supply if necessary
8. Take anti-sickness medicines

If you don’t feel better but notice further degradation of health, you will have to be immediately deported in a helicopter.

5.      Guide and porter

It is highly advisable to have a guide and a porter.

A guide is someone who will help you with navigation. Not only this, but he will also help you with negotiation and during emergencies. Female guides are also available.

A porter is someone who will carry your baggage for you so that you can enjoy your walk. Upon hiring any of the two, you are entirely responsible to provide them with the essentials required for trekking. This includes few gears, food, accommodation and medical facilities.

Nowadays, guide/porter are also available. In this case, a single person plays the role of both- guide and porter. Hiring them will save you from bearing extra cost.

Conclusion

These are only a handful of pointers you need to keep in mind before trekking. Even knowing these five important elements, you can save yourself from a whole lot of trouble. For more detail guide and information, you will find several guide books available for purchase at a minimal price in the local stores of Kathmandu and Pokhara.