10 Things Not To Do While Trekking in Nepal

The list for things not to do while trekking in Nepal can be obvious, but some trekkers definitely learn it the hard way. From slipping in the wrong shoes to ignoring altitude to disregarding sunscreen as cosmetic, every small mistake you make can let mountains catch you off guard. Nepal trekking is a worldwide dream of all adventurous people, which provides them with the spectacular scenes of the Himalayas, a colorful cultural experience, and an opportunity to create unforgettable memories.

Nevertheless, trekking in Nepal is not that easy, even though it is popular. The geographical, weather, and cultural sensitivities of the region may require a trekker to be well prepared and careful. If you think you can carry your whole wardrobe in the mountains “just in case” or disregard wearing sunscreen, thinking of it as a cosmetic, then that's what not to do in Nepal trek. Here are 10 things to keep in mind for the best experience on the Nepal trekking trip. 

1. Don’t Ignore the Altitude 

Most of the treks, such as the Everest Base Camp Trek, Manaslu Circuit Trek, etc, generally start above 2500 m and can go above 5000 m. So, altitude plays a vital role while trekking in Nepal. Hence, you should never take altitude sickness as a joke, as altitude sickness poses a serious threat.

Some of the altitude sickness symptoms are headaches, nausea, dizziness, fatigue, irritability, and lack of appetite. Once you develop these symptoms, you must take care without neglecting them. The neglect can result in life-threatening cases of high-altitude pulmonary or cerebral edema. So, the first things not to do while trekking in Nepal include ignoring the altitude, as it can quickly turn an exciting adventure into a risky challenge.

Hence, to cope with AMS, proper acclimatization is required, i.e., taking slow ascents with rest days included on the itinerary. Likewise, consuming a lot of water aids in avoiding dehydration. It is also necessary to recognize and be aware early about the signs of high altitude sickness.  It is important to descend as quickly as possible when the symptoms become worse or fail to improve.

Many trekkers try to hurry or underrate the impact of altitude, thus causing severe health issues. Never overwork yourself to achieve a peak; listen to your body, take the advice of the medical personnel, and always heed the message of your body. Some preparation involves studying the signs of altitude sickness, carrying some medication to carry, such as acetazolamide, and having some knowledge of emergency evacuation. 

2. Don’t Leave the Trash

The Himalayan environment of Nepal is delicate and prone to destruction. Trekking trails go through sensitive ecosystems that need to be conserved. One of the common mistakes while trekking in Nepal is littering, particularly plastic waste. Littering is a serious issue jeopardizing animal life and the natural scenery. So, waste such as food wrappers and batteries should always be properly taken care of.

As a trekker, it is your responsibility to dispose of the waste that you have created, whether it’s by throwing the trash at the designated place or bringing the waste with you down the mountains and discarding it properly. All trekkers should act under the principles of Leave No Trace. Conservation of Nepal's trekking environment helps in maintaining the beautiful and clean environment that will be experienced by trekkers in the future.

3. Don’t Disrespect Local Cultures and Traditions

The trekking trails in Nepal are designed in an interesting way, where you will pass by numerous villages that practice indigenous cultures and rich traditions. For instance, when you are trekking the Annapurna Circuit, you go through many Gurung villages in Manang, and Thakali villages in Marpha and Jomsom. These local people practice indigenous cultures and rich traditions.

Several of the villages have rigid practices, celebrations, and taboos that must be respected by the visitors. The traditions and rites they follow may not be familiar to you, but they carry their strong faith and belief. So, making fun of and disrespecting their culture and tradition is a big no. Hence, you can gain prior knowledge of their cultural norms. You can learn some basic Nepali words and slang, since it can be an added advantage during your whole trekking experience. Hence, things not to do while trekking in Nepal include disrespecting local cultures and traditions.

4. Don’t Disregard the Rules or Engage in Illegal Activities

There are many rules and regulations when it comes to trekking. For instance, carrying permits is essential during almost every trek. You need to carry the Sagarmatha National Park Permit and the Khumbu Rural Municipality Permit during the Everest Base Camp trek with Gokyo.

Likewise, disturbing and killing wildlife and destroying the flora can be considered illegal activities. Also, another thing not to do while trekking in Nepal is flying drones without permission from the relevant authority. Doing these activities can result in various consequences like fines, penalties, and even deportation. 

5. Don't Try to Rush the Trek

Another thing to avoid while trekking in Nepal is rushing. Trekkers need to understand that reaching the destination is not everything, but enjoying the journey is. Most of the trekkers are keen on getting to the base camp, so they rush their journey by continuously walking for several hours without proper rest. However, rushing exposes them to fatigue and puts them at further risk of altitude sickness. Acclimatization is the golden rule of trekking safely in Nepal. Other things not to do while trekking in Nepal are making your trek short and not including acclimatizing days . If you don't have enough time for trekking to the Annapurna Circuit, it’s absolutely okay. Instead, you can go for the Ghorepani Poonhill trek rather than rushing the trek in short days. It is good to listen to your body's needs and have a good and successful trek, unlike trekkers who are in a hurry and end up taking setbacks due to health issues.

6. Don’t Neglect Proper Packing

When you’re going on a trek, it’s normal to feel that everything is important. The question of, what if I need this?, arises in your mind, and you may pack things that you will never use on the journey. So, overpacking and forgetting essentials are things not to do while trekking in Nepal. Overpacking can cause you to overload yourself with unnecessary things, while leaving you with heavy weights on the trail, while underpacking leaves you with the inconvenience of not having the things you actually need. Hence, packing smartly can save you from Nepal trekking mistakes. If you are still in a dilemma about what to pack and what not to, it is always beneficial to look for an ultimate packing guide, whether through blogs or videos.

For clothing, you don't need to pack 2-3 jackets, but you have to understand that layering is important. Likewise, instead of buying many junk foods, you can buy protein bars, dry fruits, and chocolates, which will actually keep you energized on the trail. Similarly, instead of buying bottled water, you can carry a reusable water bottle and water purification tablets. This will not lower the weight but foster responsible trekking.  

7. Don’t Ignore Weather Conditions

The weather in the mountains is so erratic, and the weather tends to change very quickly, which may impact the safety and trekking plans. Rain, snow, fog, or strong winds might cause obstruction. Cold weather and low temperatures, particularly during the night and at high altitude, can be cruel. So, not choosing the right time for trekking is one thing not to do while trekking in Nepal. Likewise, making your itinerary flexible and contingency plans in case of unpredictable circumstances is one of the applicable Nepal trekking tips that every trekker should follow. Walking for longer hours and not following the principle of climbing high and sleeping low can easily trigger altitude sickness. Hence, you should abstain from walking longer in case of storms or avalanches. 

8. Don’t Disrespect Sacred Objects

Nepal is full of religious sites, including ancient temples, mani walls, prayer flags, stupas, and chortens alongside the trekking trails. They mean much to the local religious and spiritual beliefs. Hence, damaging them or not following the certain set rules, etc, can be seen as disrespect towards their sacred objects and faiths.

These days, many people have been climbing on the mani walls and chortens for some aesthetic photographs. However, trekkers need to realize the sensitivity of the acts done. They should understand that some activities they do can come as disrespect to the local cultures and traditions. Hence, it is advisable for trekkers to educate themselves or ask for suggestions from the locals before doing any activities that can later hurt the local sentiments.

Likewise, photographers are supposed to seek permission to shoot religious objects or landmarks. These cultural symbols are important to understand and honor so as to save Nepalese heritage and to enjoy harmonious relations with locals.

9. Don’t Trek Alone And Without a Guide

Let’s be honest, trekking in Nepal is not as easy as you see in videos. You have to consider many factors that can affect your whole experience. Many trekkers opt for solo trekking without a guide. Hiring a guide is not mandatory in Nepal, except for some restricted regions. However, if you ask if hiring a guide is recommended, then the answer is yes. The trails can get confusing at higher altitudes, especially if it's less popular treks such as the  Kanchenjunga trek. So, the guide will help you navigate the path and act as a mediator between you and the locals. In case of altitude sickness, your guide can help you since the licensed guides are trained in basic first aid. 

10. Don’t Try Trekking in Normal or Regular Shoes 

In many videos and reels, you may have seen porters and locals walking the same trail on slippers or normal shoes. Don't try walking wearing slippers or regular shoes because those trails are an everyday route for them, not for you. Wearing regular shoes is another thing not to do while trekking in Nepal, especially if you are a novice trekker. The path high up in the mountains is rugged with many steep uphill and downhill sections. Experienced trekkers or short day treks can be absolutely rocked with some regular shoes. However, when it comes to long day treks on the mountains, try wearing comfortable hiking or trekking boots that have a good grip and ankle support.  

Nepal trekking can be exciting and wonderful, but there are things not to do while trekking in Nepal and in case you carry on with such things, the mountains can definitely throw some obstacles on the way. So, be careful not to make common mistakes and let the Himalayas show their magic. Let us, Mountain Adventure Trekking Pvt Ltd, guide you in this wonderful journey. Contact us today.