
NEPAL
"There is no greater adventure in the world than living the adventure of your dreams."
Oprah Winfrey
India is a country that arouses strong emotions: you either love it or hate it. Despite the thousands of descriptions you can read before your trip, nothing beats direct experience to grasp its essence. You have to confront it to truly understand.
The population density can be overwhelming at times, as can the noise level, with the constant honking of horns and the heady smells of the streets. While this country may push you out of your comfort zone, it is also full of wonders, delicious food and fascinating personalities.
It is a remarkable adventure, sometimes positive, sometimes negative. India is a country of contrasts, where wealth rubs shoulders with extreme poverty. A shock, certainly, but also an inexhaustible source of fascination.
THINGS TO KNOW
JUNE 2024
VISA - 120 USD for 90 days visa, filling of visa application form 150 Nepalese Rupees.
EXCHANGE - 1 USD = 138 NPR
OTHER - None
DOG -
Chip required, but tag with owner's name and number may be accepted.
Vaccinations: rabies 31 days to 12 months before arrival;
Health certificate for Nepal required
In fact, the certificate was not requested from customs.
SIM - 150 rupees for a sim card and 888 rupees for 88gb for 28 days
DIESEL - 161 NPR/l
INSURANCE - We were unable to get insurance for our vehicle in India.
VEHICLE - Customs Passage Carnet (CPD) not mandatory according to the list of countries provided by the TCS, but often requested at border crossings.
Want to experience a unique adventure in the heart of the Himalayas? Discover how to prepare for a trek in Nepal , face the challenges of the high mountains and fully enjoy breathtaking landscapes. From essential equipment to managing altitude sickness, this article gives you all the keys to turning your trekking dream into reality. Click here to dive into the details and start planning your unforgettable expedition!

Trek of the 3 passes
The Three Passes Trek is a 2-3 week expedition, covering over 180 km and an elevation gain of 10,000 to 12,000 meters. This demanding route took us through three passes over 5,000 meters above sea level, surrounded by the majestic peaks of the Himalayas, including Mount Everest.
There are several options for reaching the Three Passes trek. The most expensive option is to fly to Lukla. We opted for a longer but equally functional alternative: a 15-hour bus ride, followed by a 6-hour jeep ride, and then a walk to the entrance of Sagarmatha National Park, the starting point of the trek.
Namche Bazaar
Namche Bazzar, the capital of the Sherpas at an altitude of 3500 m. This small town is home to many shops and restaurants, but be aware that everything you will find there has been transported on the backs of animals, humans or by helicopter.
This is one of the key stages for mountaineers to acclimatize before climbing the highest peaks in the region, or like us, to travel the 3 passes trek at over 5000m altitude. The latter crosses: The Renjo La pass, the Cho La pass and the Kongma pass, It offers breathtaking views of the highest peaks in the world.


Pass No. 1
Renjo La 5360 m
Renjo La is the first pass of our trek, but it represents much more than that: it is also the first major climb where we reach 5,360 m above sea level, with a positive elevation gain of 1,000 m over 12 km.
Although the last 400 meters, which seem endless, are particularly tiring, the three of us eventually reach the pass. From there, we are rewarded with a breathtaking view of the highest peaks of the Himalayas, with the famous Mount Everest in the background.
A trek in spiritual quest
Nepal is a deeply spiritual country, and many pilgrimage sites are scattered across its mountainous landscapes. These treks attract people from all over the world in search of spirituality, serenity or natural beauty.
On our way, we discover prayer wheels to be turned clockwise, which is said to release prayers into the universe.
There are also these Tibetan mantra stones, often round, carved by Tibetan craftsmen or many engravings bear the mantra "Om Mani Padme Hum", which makes them objects that are both aesthetic and spiritual. They are placed in places of prayer or meditation, often around stupas, and the direction in which one walks around these elements is important.


The population
It is clear that it is not easy to get in touch with the population during the popular treks in Nepal. However, we were lucky enough to have memorable encounters with Tibetans living in isolated villages. This population resides, throughout the year, in these remote and high altitude regions. It is mainly composed of Tibetan-Nepalese ethnic groups, whose traditions and way of life are deeply marked by Tibetan culture and Buddhism.
Pass No. 2
Cho La 5368 m
After a few days on the trails of our trek, we feel the increasing fatigue and lack of oxygen due to the altitude, but we do not tire of the incredible landscapes that are offered to us.
Our second climb is the Cho La Pass, which peaks at 5,420 m. This stage involves a positive elevation gain of 800 m over 4.6 km. Upon reaching the pass, a wave of renewed energy invades us, as we discover the peaks that stand side by side in front of us, including Mount Everest, Makalu, Lhotse and Nuptse.


Kalla Patthar 5645 m
In the Lobuche region, we spend our first night in the Himalayan lodge located at 5175 m above sea level, it is the highest room of our trek. It is by far the least restful night we spend. Our body has difficulty recovering and we feel a little weakened.
However, despite our condition, we decide to climb Kala Patthar, which peaks at 5645m and is one of the most emblematic viewpoints in Nepal. From here, we can admire the highest peak in the world and the Mahalangur Himal range from up close.
Everest Base Camp
EBC
Our first days spent on the 3 passes trek, we crossed Sherpa villages, forests, then we arrived in this icy and mineral universe surrounded by the highest mountains in the world.
As we discover the base camp, we see not only trekkers exhausted by days of walking, but also tourists arriving by helicopter to take a few photos, often struck by acute mountain sickness. And then there are those mountaineers in intensive training, ready to climb Mount Everest.
Without forgetting the most impressive and important element: because without them, the camp and the entire installation would not exist: the porters, whether men or yaks, they carry impressive loads and make many trips back and forth to transport things to the base camps.


Listen to yourself
Although we had been moving at a relatively good pace so far, we were starting to feel a bit groggy as we entered the EBC region. That is why it is essential to listen to yourself, both mentally and physically, on a trek of this magnitude. We therefore decided to forgo the last pass, Kongma La, at 5,545 m, and we were right to do so. We both suffered from severe stomach problems, which forced us to take a day off.
Change of plans can happen, especially in an expedition that requires rigorous preparation. By choosing to bypass this last pass and rest at the Chukung hut, we were able to recover enough to then climb the famous Chukung Ri and its 5550 m.
Chukung Ri 5550 m
Now that we have recovered and are acclimatized, the Choukung Ri summit marks the end of our three-pass trek in the Everest region.
Equipped with our gaiters and microcrampons, we climb this famous mountain culminating at 5,550 m above sea level. This is the summit we were most eagerly awaiting, because the view is breathtaking, especially of Ama Dablam.
Up there, it is probably the most beautiful panorama we have had so far. Everything is sublimated by a light layer of snow which muffles all the surrounding noise and leaves us alone in the world.


Annapurna Trek
The Annapurna trek is an expedition that includes many variations and is one of the most famous and classic treks in the world. Located in the Himalayas, it offers trekkers breathtaking views of the Annapurna I, II, III and IV massifs, which peak at over 8,000 meters above sea level.
The main circuit covers a distance of 160 to 230 kilometers, depending on the route chosen, with a positive elevation gain of between 10,000 and 12,000 meters and takes you through 1 pass of more than 5,000 meters above sea level.
To reach the starting point of the trek, we take a bus in Pokhara, for a 6h30 journey towards Besisahar. From there, we board a jeep which takes us, in 5 hours on a bumpy track, to Chame, the starting point of our adventure.
Ice lake
The Annapurna trek, in addition to offering hikers a breathtaking view of the famous massifs of the same name, allows you to adapt your itinerary in order to discover majestic mountain lakes.
Among these wonders is the Ice Lake, located at an altitude of 4,300 meters. Although it is called a “frozen lake”, it is not always so. However, it offers a magnificent mirror effect, creating a spectacular image.
This variant, to add to your circuit, is an excellent opportunity for hikers who wish to acclimatize optimally by extending their trek by one day. From Manang, it is necessary to count approximately 800 meters of difference in altitude over 7 to 8 km to reach the lake.


Tilicho lake
Tilicho Lake is also a must-see detour to add to the Annapurna Circuit trek. It is one of the highest high altitude lakes in the world. Located in the Mustang region of the Himalayan range. It is approximately 4,919 m above sea level.
Discovered by mountaineers in the 1950s during an expedition to the Annapurna region, Tilicho Lake has since become a popular destination for trekkers from around the world. It offers spectacular views of the Manaslu massif. In addition to the beautiful surroundings in which it is located, its turquoise water, fed by the melting of the surrounding glaciers, contrasts beautifully with the snow-capped mountains and glaciers that surround it.
Thorong la pass
5416 m
Thorong La Pass, located at an altitude of 5,416 metres, is the highest point of the Annapurna Circuit. It connects Manang district with Mustang district, before descending to the town of Muktinath.
The Thorong La crossing is a major challenge due to its high altitude and sometimes difficult weather conditions. However, the experience remains unforgettable, offering breathtaking panoramas.


Lucky in the Himalayas
Lucky, is immersed in the environment he cherishes so much: the mountain. In this element we have the impression that he is completely fulfilled and happy.
During these high-altitude expeditions, he showed us an altitude tolerance, an admirable physical and mental condition. Although we do not yet have the perfect equipment for him, he was able to test, during this trek, glacier goggles, a down jacket and a backpack, thus lightening our own load.
Seeing his agility and ease in this environment, we are more than motivated to take him further and for him to accompany us on our future mountain outings.
Which trek to choose?
A multi-day or week-long trek in the mountains is an exceptional adventure. Despite the challenges of high altitudes and difficult conditions, with good physical preparation and good planning, it is entirely possible to go solo in some of the most beautiful regions of the country. If we had had more time in Nepal, we would have explored less frequented treks like Manaslu or Kanchenjunga. Choosing a popular trek also allows you to meet other trekkers, which is reassuring when going solo. For a first trekking experience, the Annapurna circuit is an excellent choice, less demanding than the Three Passes.


Kathmandu
Nepal's capital, Kathmandu (KTM), is a charming city with its ochre-coloured buildings and old wooden windows. At the heart of the city is the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Durbar Square. This site is full of ancient temples, as well as the famous Swayambhunath stupa.
Durbar Square is one of the most iconic places in Nepal, a true crossroads of history, culture and architecture. This vast complex was once the royal center of the country, housing royal palaces, temples and various buildings where important ceremonies took place.
Holi festival
The Holi festival, celebrated in Nepal, is the "festival of colours" that marks the arrival of spring. It symbolises the triumph of good over evil. Festivities include throwing coloured powders (gulaal), music, dancing and festive meals shared with family and friends. Holi is celebrated across the country, with particularly lively events in Kathmandu and Bhaktapur.


MTB Nepal
Knowing that there is a great mountain bike ride in the Muktinath area, we decide to come back to this area, but this time our goal is to cycle!
Riding over a pass at over 5,000 metres above sea level is a rare opportunity. And the descent is a real pleasure: every steep bend is savoured, offering not only 1,000 metres of negative altitude difference, but also an absolutely splendid landscape.
Chitwan National Park
After exploring the Himalayan region and its majestic snow-capped peaks, we suddenly find ourselves immersed in a totally different atmosphere, in the south of Nepal, in a jungle environment where the climate is very humid.
Nothing like what we have seen so far. Chitwan National Park offers organized safaris in a unique landscape and atmosphere, far from the imposing mountains we have crossed. Here we have the chance to observe wild animals in their natural habitat.
