Kathmandu Balthali Trek

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Jyatha, Thamel, Kathmandu, Nepal
Trip Costs: US$ 675
Overview
Balthali village is situated at 1730 meters from the sea level, 40 km away from Kathmandu at the junction of Roshi and Ladku rivers with terraced rice fields and ochre thatched farmhouses.This isolated Balthali Village Trek rewards you a variety of flora and fauna, friendly and hospitable Nepalese people. You will enjoy the grandeur views of Langtang Himal, Ganesh Himal range, Manaslu, Dorje Lakpa, Gaurishankar, and Everest on the northern horizon.
Nature lovers and bird watchers can spend and enjoy days exploring and discovering some excellent species of wildlife, tradition and civilization untouched by modernity. This "off beaten location" has infinite trials leading to many villages of Tamang, Newar and some ethnic tribes. You trek through the deep forests with luxuriant growth of various floras vibrant rhododendron, Magnolia and Sal trees, terrace fields and sacred land, Namo Buddha, the place where Lord Buddha was born as a prince before Shakyamuni Buddha was born before 6000 years. Staying in Balthali Village beyond is warmly hospitable and best services.
Trip highlights
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Balthali village close to Bhaktapur, Panauti, Namobuddha and Dhulikhel
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Enjoy lush forest greenery and Himalayan range views with wide farmlands
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The world’s best multi-day trek without high altitudes
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Hike to Namo Buddha - one of the holiest sites for Buddhists
Detailed Itinerary
As you fly into Kathmandu, you'll have beautiful views over the valley, the snow capped mountain peaks in Himalaya, and of the terraced fields below. As per your arrival time, our representative will be at the airport to receive you and transfer you to your booked hotel. Overnight in Hotel
After observing important sites in Dhulikhel and being graced with a glimpse of the Himalayas, Langtang, and Dorja Lapka Ranges, we start our hike to Namobuddha (1982m). It takes about three hours to reach Namobuddha from Dhulikhel. There are 360-degree views of the rural
area, natural jungles, Himalayas, and windswept prayer flags; it's such a heavenly place. You may offer butter lamps to Lord Buddha, who offered his body to a starving tigress and her cubs, a legend related to the Namobuddha shrine, which is commemorated by an ancient stone slab
and a stupa with the all-seeing eyes of Lord Buddha. Overnight at resort.
The trail passes through fields cultivated with mustard and Buckwheat, terraced orchids filled with orange trees bursting with ripe fruit (seasonal), traditional Tamang and Brahmin Villages, and along a forested ridge down to the crystal clear Roshi Khola(River). Throughout the hike, hikers are treated to the views of the snow-capped mountains and the rolling foothills of the Himalayas. A short steep climb will take us up to Balthali Village. Overnight at resort.
After breakfast we continue hike to the typical Newari village of Panauti . This traditional Newar settlement has a particularly rural character and a variety of farm products are offered for sale throughout the town. Panauti is popular for having a large number of fascinating temples.
Inserted away in a side valley of the Arniko Highway, about 7km south of Banepa, Panauti sits at the sacred confluence of the Roshi Khola and Punyamati Khola. Panauti is in the shape of a triangle with a serpent (naga) idol standing at each of its three corners. It is believed the
serpents protect the village from the flood. There are some interesting buildings in the middle of the village. Walk west along the northern brick lane and turn right just before you reach the main road.
You’ll soon come to a large square with a music platform, a large white stupa, a Brahmayani Temple, and classic Newari-style architecture. Paunauti houses some ornate temples, some Rana-era mansions, restored with assistance from the French government. Indreshwor Mahadev temple is believed to be one of the oldest pagoda-style original architecture built in 1294 AD and rebuilt in the 15th century. This three-tiered temple dedicated to Hindu god Shiva at the isthmus of Punyamata and Roshi river is proud of this. The lingam enshrined here is said to have been created personally by Shiva.
After exploring we drive back to Kathmandu. En route, stop at Bhaktapur, one of the three ancient cities within the Kathmandu Valley. Lying 14 km east of the capital, Bhaktapur was founded in the 9th century, and the old city plan is shaped like a sacred conch shell. With its famous carved peacock windows and excellent museum, Bhaktapur is regarded as the center of traditional Nepalese wood carving. Overnight at Hotel.
As per your flight time you will be transferred to the airport for your flight back home or any other destinations. The airport check-in is 3 hours prior to the departure time and the hotel checkout time is 12 PM.
Or inform us if you want to stay longer for short tours such as Jungle Safari at National Parks, Mountain Biking, Rafting, a Tibet tour, a Tour to Bhutan or India Tour. We will be happy to assist you.
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Trip facts
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Trip duration : 5 days
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Grade : Soft Adventure Trek
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Activity : Trekking & Sightseeing
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Starts in : Kathmandu
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End in : Kathmandu
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Trek Type : Tea House
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Accomodation : Hotel & Resort
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Max Altitude : 1730 m.
Cost Includes
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Airport pick-up and drop off services by private A/C vehicle
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1 night accommodation at hotel in Kathmandu on twin /double sharing basis with breakfast only
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1 night accommodation in Dhulikhel at resort on twin/double sharing basis with breakfast
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1 night accommodation in Namo Buddha at resort on twin/double sharing basis with breakfast
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1 night accommodation in Balthali at resort on twin/double sharing basis with breakfast
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An English speaking Trekking Guide
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Porters ( One porter can carry up to 20 kgs luggage of two trekkers)
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All Necessary Permits
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Trekkers' Information Management system(TIMS) card
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All required land transportation by private A/C vehicle
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All meals three times a day (breakfast, lunch and dinner) during the trek
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Accommodation in teahouses (lodges) during the trek
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First aid kit
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Insurance and equipment for the trekking staff
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All tax, VAT and company service charge
Cost Excludes
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Nepal visa
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International flight & any other airfares
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Personal gears & clothing (available on hire)
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Tips for Guide, porters, drivers etc.
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Personal nature expenses such as all kinds of drinks, beverages, etc.
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Clients insurance and Medical expenses
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Tips to the guides and porters
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Lunch & Dinner in Kathmandu
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Any other tours, transfers and hotel accommodations other than mentioned above
Gallery



Extension Tours

Paragliding

Jungle Safari

Pokhara Tour

Rafting
Necessary Information
You can obtain the Nepalese visa from Nepalese consulate in your country easily or upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. For that, you require a valid passport with 2 copies of passport size photos. Similarly, A visa for Nepal can be obtained at Nepal India border entry point at Birgunj, Nepalgunj, Kakadvitta, Bhairahawa, Gaddachowki and Kodari on the Nepal China border. A15/30/90 day multiple entries Nepalese visa can be obtained by paying USD 30/50/125 or equivalent foreign currency respectively. For more information, please visit http://www.nepalimmigration.gov.np/page/tourist-visa
We will be at the airport to welcome you upon your arrival to Nepal. We will be carrying the Raj BalaTreks & Expedition placard with your name underneath. From airport you will escorted to your hotel and we help you to check-in.
Kathmandu Balthali Trek 5 days is an easy hike or trek that does not require any technical expertise of mountaineering. Physically not very tiring, involves approx 5-6 hours. No previous experience is required, you should be moderately fit, used to some regular exercises and enjoy walking in the hills.
Kathmandu Balthali Trek 5 days trek is a tea house trek. A Nepalese tea house is a lodge or guest house located in one of the trekking regions in the Nepal Himalayas. At the end of the day’s trekking you pitch up and have a room and food provided. Teahouse trekking in Nepal is an incredible experience.
Places in Kathmandu Valley like Kathmandu, Nagarkot, Dhulikhel & Balthali offers a wide range of accommodation facilities, from 5 star luxury hotels to budget-priced guest houses. We will arrange your accommodation as per your preferences.
On trek, we have breakfast and dinner in the tea-houses/lodges we spend the night and lunch on our way to the next destination. Nepalese, Tibetan, the more common continental and Indian cuisines are common choices in the menu.
To get an idea about your meals on the go, breakfast comprises a hot beverage, toasts, pancakes, eggs, etc. while lunch will include rice items, noodles, potato varieties, pizza, pasta, burger, meat items, and so on. The starters in dinnertime are soup varieties while the main course includes more or less similar items as that of lunch menu, including a dessert item and a hot beverage.
We provide a comfortable experience on our teahouse lodge-style treks. Our team works hard to support you so that you can relax and enjoy trekking in Nepal. The lodges provide your meals in a communal dining room. There is a range in standard and service in teahouse lodges depending on location. i.e. lodges at higher altitude and places with fewer trekkers tend to have more basic facilities.
The day starts with getting up in your room shared with another trekker in our group. Before heading for breakfast you pack your overnight gear into your duffel bag. You would have given your breakfast orders to the guide to pass onto the kitchen last night. At the designated time the group will assemble in the dining room to eat breakfast. The menu has a range of items to choose from such as porridge, cereals, chapattis, and a choice of egg dishes. There is also the choice of tea or coffee plus other hot drinks like the popular ginger, lemon honey drink.
While the group is having breakfast the porters arrange their loads and set off in the cool of the morning. After breakfast, between 7am and 8am, we start trekking. The pace of the trek is moderate as there is plenty of time in the itinerary to reach the lodge for tonight. There will be plenty of time to enjoy the scenery, take photos and explore the local villages. Lunch will be around midday at a teahouse lodge by the side of the trail.
After lunch, we continue the trek and on most days we arrive at the lodge by mid-afternoon. For dinner, you get a two-course dinner (soup and main meal). The menus are quite standard with a range of dishes such as dal bhat, momos and the famous Sherpa stew. Dal bhat is a Nepalese dish of rice and lentils with vegetable curry. It is also possible to order spaghetti and pasta; pizzas; vegetable burgers and chips and fried rice.
After the meal, the leaders will discuss the plan for the next day. Afterwards, people might stay in the dining room chatting about the day’s events or playing cards. After a tiring day, most people head to their rooms quite early for the night. Tomorrow is likely to be very similar to today!
We cater for a variety of dietary requirements. There are always meals that are suitable for vegetarians. During booking, we find out if you have any dietary needs and agree upon meal plans before departure. If you have any questions about the food provided please get in touch with us to discuss further.
You can exchange money at a Bank or the money exchange counter in cities like Kathmandu and Pokhara. Many Tourist class Hotels have money exchange facilities. For adventure trekking in higher altitudes, there are Banks and exchange counters at major Tourist hubs like Namche and Lukla. These days, there are availability of ATMs everywhere in Kathmandu and some in Lukla and Namche.
Tips are appreciated by your support team after the completion of your trekking in Nepal. The amount depends on your budget and appreciation of their work. As a suggestion, we advise that you can allocate 5- 10 % of the total tour cost as tips. It is recommended that you talk to the members and hand it over individually as per the hierarchy on the last day of the trek.
For using internet, Wifi service is available in all stopovers. You can also use Ncell and NTC network (both for internet and mobile network), both of them work properly throughout the trek.
You will be transferred from Kathmandu to Dhulikhel by private vehicle. Trekking starts from Dhulikhel and ends at Panauti. Both points are easily accessible by road transfers. From Panauti back to Kathmandu there will be private land transfer.
During the trek, your main luggage will be carried by porter. Please keep your luggage as light as possible around 12 to 15 kgs for flight safety and porter welfare as per IPPG standard. You simply carry a day pack with water bottle, camera, sun-screen, spare jacket etc. You can leave your valuable items at your hotel in Kathmandu while trekking. Many hotels have a locker system and provide a deposit slip for the valuables kept under the hotel's safekeeping.
Kathmandu Balthali Trek is a moderate trek, with various uphill, downhill, and mixed terrains, so good physical fitness is necessary. To stay fit, it is essential to exercise regularly and eat healthily. The trek doesn’t require a previous alpine trekking experience nor involves technical mountain climbing. But trekking fitness level does require some preparations. With proper preparation, you can complete the trek easily. The highest point is 1730m, which poses a low risk of altitude sickness. While you won't be trekking with a full pack (your porter will carry up to 10kg for you), you will need to carry your own day back and deal with the possibility of extreme variations in temperature. We recommend that you undertake regular aerobic exercise in the months before you travel to best prepare you for the realities of trekking in Nepal. Our trekking guides will accompany you and assist you with adjusting to the altitude. They'll also guide the walking pace and breathing techniques along the way.
The main trekking season in Nepal is from October to mid-May when daytime temperatures at most altitudes are generally comfortable for walking, the sky is clear much of the time and rain and snow are occasional occurrences. Daytime temperatures will vary from 15ºC to 35ºC in the Kathmandu Valley to around 10ºC at 3,600m and progressively lower the higher we go.
Different seasons offer different advantages for trekking.
Post Monsoon/autumn: Mid-September to November. This is the main trekking season in Nepal. Day temperatures in Kathmandu are approximately above 20ºC. Skies are usually clear and days on trek are sunny and mild with clear mountain views. At the highest altitudes although the days can be nice and sunny the temperatures can drop to 10ºC and much lower. Nights will be colder with temperatures dropping as low as minus 10ºC and lower at the highest altitudes.
Pre-monsoon/spring: March to May. Both day and night temperatures will be warmer in general but haze will often build up in the afternoons. It is very hot in the lowlands and temperatures rise to 35ºC in Kathmandu. Flowers bloom in this season and this is one of the reasons people chose to trek in spring.
Snow can be expected on any departure, usually at the higher altitudes. Summit day will be a very early start (usually about 2am) and will be extremely cold. Although mostly it is calm and clear on summit day the mountain does occasionally get high winds. You need to be equipped for temperatures as low as minus 25ºC plus wind chill on summit day.
Please remember that in any mountain area the weather is never wholly predictable and you should be prepared and equipped to deal with any differences in weather beyond the conditions described above.
We supply a medical bag with standard medicines prescribed by trekking doctors and a user’s manual. Since our staffs/guides are not qualified for suggesting medications to western clients, we would request you to use the medicines upon your own risk. It is safer and more reliable if you have your own medicine kit and not depend on what we have.
All our guides are certified and trained trekking leaders. Our guides are certified by the Nepal Academy of Tourism and Hotel Management (NATHM), Nepal. They have years of experience working in this line of work and know the different trekking trails of Nepal, mountain ranges, culture, and mountain sickness.
Your booking of Kathmandu Balthali Trek 5 days will be confirmed by email once we receive your deposit of 20% of the total trip and the signed copy of booking form and contract. The balance is due no later than two months prior to departure. If you book a tour less than 2 months prior to departure, you must send the full payment within 7 days of confirmation by us.
If you cancel your booking, the following scale of charges will apply:
- 2 months before departure – Loss of deposit (20% of the total trip)
- 29 days to 2 months before departure – 30% of total trip cost
- 10 to 28 days before departure – 60% of total trip cost
- Less than 10 days before departure – 100% of total trip cost
Staying adequately hydrated is crucial for trekking. You have to consume at least 4 liters or more of water to counter sweat-induced water loss. While natural water sources like rivers and springs are abundant on the trails, they are unsafe for direct consumption. To address this, tea shops heat water and offer it to trekkers. Boiled water is available for free at tea houses, but at tea shops, a small fee of USD 1 or 2 may be charged.
An alternative is purifying tap water using purification tablets. It’s advisable to carry a water bottle with a built-in filtration system, allowing you to filter water from natural sources along the trail. If you prefer the conveniences of bottled water, mineral water bottles are available for purchase at around $2 to $3. Although we strictly discourage the use of one-time plastic bottles on the trek path due to the increasing issue of plastic waste on the trekking trails.
Additional Information
Balthali is a beautiful small village located in the Kavrepalanchowk District, lying around 35 km southeast of Kathmandu. The village is rich in rural culture and depicts the authentic lifestyle of local inhabitants. Terraced farms, ancient temples, and old houses drag the attention of any travelers toward this village.
You will trek through beautiful terraced rice fields, lush subtropical forests, and traditional villages. The trek starts in the Panauti area and takes you to Balthali Village, a picturesque and peaceful village. Along the way, you will get to see panoramic views of the Himalayas and experience the local culture and lifestyle of the ethnic groups that live in the area. People can enjoy amazing views of the Himalayas such as Langtang, Ganesh, Manaslu, Dorje Lakpa, Gaurishankar including Mount Everest. Balthali village is home to variety of ethnic groups, including Tamang and Newar, and visitors can learn about and participate in local culture and traditions. The area also has several historic temples and monasteries, which offer a glance into Nepal's religious and cultural past.
This trek is of moderate difficulty level. It is suitable for all ages and fitness levels. A normally fit person can complete Balthali Trek. However, the fitter you are, the more you will enjoy the trek. So, we advise you to participate in stamina-building exercises such as jogging, swimming, and cycling for a few weeks before joining the trek. You can also trek for six to seven hours locally, carrying a regular backpack.
The traditional settlement of the Balthali village is really attractive. The houses are built of pagoda style with different colors. The surrounding location is full of green terraced farmlands and forests. The backyard is dominated by high hills of lush green Maharabharat Range. The forests are covered with colorful rhododendron, pine and saal trees. Balthali village hiking is best for the bird-watching tour and nature lovers. This village has a high possibility of Agra tourism and Homestay. This place is vibrant and lively because of the terraced fields, green meadows, rhododendron, Magnolia, Sal trees and sparkly rivers.
Below is a list of equipment and clothing required for Balthali trekking. Appropriate trekking gears are not only required for the comfort/pleasure of your trek but also to improve safety factor. Please have a look over these items in order to fully prepare and thoroughly enjoy the trekking.
Head, face, and neck
- Sun hat or cap (day)
- Fleece beanie/woolen cap (night)
- Balaclava (optional)
- sunglasses
- Sunscreens
- Moisturizers
- Lip Balm
- Face towel
- Scarf
- Neck gaiters
Upper Body
- T-shirts (preferably quick-dry and breathable) (day)
- Parka/windbreaker (day)
- Rain gear/poncho
- Inner thermal (at night)
- Fleece T-shirts (night)
- Fleece jacket
- Down jacket (night)
Lower Body
- Undergarments
- Trekking pants (preferably stretchable, quick-dry, and water-resistant) (day)
- Rain gear
- Inner thermal (at night)
- Fleece/wool pants (night)
- Hands
- Light/outdoor gloves (day)
- Warm winter gloves, fleece or woolen gloves (night)
Legs
- Thin socks (day)
- Warm woolen socks (at night)
- Hiking boots (preferably GORE-TEX) with spare shoelaces
- Floaters or sandals
- Knee support (optional)
Essential Items
- Passport
- Extra passport-size photos (min. 2) for trekking permit
- Cell phone and charger
- Money
- Backpack and rain jacket
- Duffel bag*
- Padlocks
- Rain cover and a day pack (30L)
- Trekking pole
- Sleeping Bag
- Personal medicine
- Water bottle
Toiletries
- Toothpaste and toothbrush
- Facial wash, soap, and shampoo
- Tissues or wet wipes
- Toilet rolls
- Hand sanitizer
- Quick-dry towel
- Handkerchiefs (optional)
- Basic first-aid kit
Others (Optional)
- Thermo flask
- Portable water filter/purification tablets
- Earplug
- A Universal Adaptor
- Camera, memory card, and charger
- Reading books or maps
- Binoculars
- Watch
- Snack
If you are looking for alternative treks , we have more options for trekking in Nepal.
Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you will be promptly transported to your designated hotel, a comfortable and well-maintained 3 star hotel. Your stay includes twin-sharing/double accommodation with breakfast. All the rooms have private bathroom, TV, and ample storage for your luggage.
If you desire a more exclusive experience, you can upgrade to single occupancy or enhance your stay to a 4- or 5-star hotel at an additional charge.
On Balthali Trekking trail, the choice of accommodation is limited to a local and traditional lodge known as tea-houses. These lodges have basic rooms often with sharing with others but they do have toilets and shower facilities.
During the Balthali Trek, electricity is available at all the tea houses where you will spend the night. To be well prepared, bringing personal torch lights and power banks is advisable. It is advisable to bring two-pin (type C) and three-pin (type D) adapters. However, you can either bring these adapters or buy them in Kathmandu.
After completing the Balthali Trek, you will return to Kathmandu. You can do cultural sightseeing tour in and around Kathmandu or enjoy a tour to Pokhara and Chitwan.
It’s a great idea to stay in Pokhara as it is a chilled place with lots to do. Whether you wish to relax by the lake, explore the natural beauty and culture of the town, or party through the night in one of the many nightclubs and bars, it’s up to you! What is more thrilling is that in Pokhara, you can do several adrenaline-rising activities such as paragliding, bungy jumping, and taking an ultra flight—a great way to get different views of the Annapurna mountains.
In Chitwan, you can do jungle safari tours.
We conduct Group Departure Treks as well as Private Treks. If you have your own group, we provide you discounts based on your group size.
However, you will not get discounts for groups we assemble or our Fixed Group Departure Treks. For a group of 12 or more, we add an assistant guide. You can choose to conduct a private trek exclusively for your team.
After completing the trek, you may want to stay a couple of days extra in Nepal. There are many beautiful and adventurous places in Nepal.
You can spend your time in various ways, such as sightseeing in Kathmandu, Nagarkot View Trip, Chitwan Jungle Safari, paragliding, White Water Rafting, and canoeing before flying back.
Balthali Trek is a moderately challenging but incredibly rewarding adventure. A good level of physical fitness is required because it involves walking for several hours a day, frequently uphill, and at high altitudes. We highly recommend that you keep up a regular exercise routine for weeks before the hike. If you have any health issues, consult with your doctor before starting the hike.
Here are some tips to help you overcome difficulties during the trek and make the most of it:
Physical Preparation
We recommend you start fitness training before your trek. Focus on cardiovascular exercises, strength training, and endurance activities. Incorporate uphill and downhill walking into your training to simulate the trek's terrain.
Altitude Acclimatization
The Balthali Trekking trip involves a gradual ascent, allowing your body to acclimatize to the increasing altitude. Our itinerary grants your body time to adapt to the increasing altitude, reducing the risk of altitude-related illnesses. As you venture deeper into the trekking area, the landscapes become more surreal.
Hydration and Nutrition
You may have heard that everyone should drink eight glasses of water a day. Our guides are trained to keep you stay well-hydrated throughout the trek. We recommend you drink as much water as you can. Consume a balanced diet rich in carbohydrates, proteins, and essential nutrients. Eating light but frequent meals is recommended. Keep a nutrition bar in your day bag.
Pacing and Rest
Rest is essential for acclimatization and overall well-being. Pace yourself during the trek. Avoid rushing to prevent exhaustion and altitude-related issues. Listen to your body and our guide. Always take breaks as needed.
Proper Gear
We recommend you invest in high-quality, certified trekking gear, including comfortable and sturdy boots, warm clothing, a good backpack, a day bag pack, and other essential equipment. Dress in layers so that you can easily adjust to changing temperatures and conditions.
Mental Preparation
Stay positive and focused. A positive mindset can help you overcome challenges more effectively. If you have any issues that come to mind, kindly share them with our guide.
Our guides and porters are experienced in the Nepal Trekking. They can provide valuable insights and assist with logistics, allowing you to focus on the trek itself.
There are good medical facilities at Balthali Trek. Still you can carry your personal medications and first-aid supplies. In case of severe altitude sickness or emergencies, evacuation options are available depending on the situation.
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(Note* Date starts from Kathmandu)