WWF Travel Blog

Everest, Nuptse and Lhotse. Courtesy KarmaQuest.

It was a fact-finding mission of a different sort when Trishna Gurung took to the rugged, swooping trails across the mountains and valleys of the legendary Everest trail in Nepal a few years ago.

Gurung, a WWF communication manager who hails from the small Asian republic sandwiched between India and China, was on a team filming climate change impacts on Himalayan glaciers with WWF climate scientist Sandeep Rai and Payal Shakya, who was crowned Miss Nepal in 2004.

Gurung shared with us 10 of her top tips for trekking in the Himalayas.

10. When getting ready for the trip, pack everything, then unpack half of it. Even though you’ll have porters on your trek, lighten your load. One pair of good, broken-in hiking boots and a pair of waterproof sandals, like Tevas, are enough. Don’t skimp on enough proper socks, though.

9. While on the trail, you’ll encounter mounds of carved rocks.  These are Mani stones, usually inscribed  with the sacred Buddhist mantra “Om mani padme hum.” Think of them as outdoor shrines, and show your respect by walking around the left, always keeping the Mani stones on your right hand side.

8. No matter what your skill level, walking sticks are invaluable. I’d guess they gave me at least 30 percent more efficiency while tackling the trail, especially when walking downhill. You’ll see that many porters use sturdy wooden staffs, too; they double as stands on which they prop their loads when taking a little break. 

7. Yaks get right of way, always. When you encounter the wooly beast on a trail, it’s a good idea to scramble up to higher ground. Yaks, after all, are big animals, and your toes are vulnerable—even in hiking boots—to getting stomped. Walking sticks are extremely handy to respectfully wave in the air, get their attention and try to wave them off the route.

6. Sun block and sunglasses are absolutely essential. Get the highest SPF you can and make sure your sunglasses offer 100 percent ultraviolet protection and have mirrored lenses and side protectors. An added advantage? You’ll look like a rugged, pro trekker in your photos!

Gurung, second from right, interviewing a local with Miss Nepal and her friend to her left. © WWF Nepal

5. Chewing gum and a great playlist are good for the soul. When I trek, chewing gum and a varied set of music on my Mp3 player help me keep pace. (Litter is a real problem in the Everest Region, so dispose of your gum properly.) If you want something new for your ears, traditional Nepali music from Kutumba and Sur Sudha is inspiring; rock bands like 1974AD and Nepathya will definitely help you keep a great pace.

4. Stick your tongue out as a sign of greeting – it’s perfectly acceptable. But you may be more comfortable simply saying the Tibetan greeting “tashi delek” or the Nepali equivalent “namaste” while on the trail. The latter is usually accompanied by hands held in a prayer-like position.

3. Carry a wind-up, battery-free flashlight. Batteries tend not to last as long in cold climates, plus wind-up flashlights are more environmentally sound.

2. Be a locavore. Sure, you’ll get Snickers and spaghetti on the trail but where else in the world can you try yak steak? Do sample momos, Nepali steamed dumplings, and you’ll be a fan like all of us. Don’t pass on the Tibetan tea – made from salt and yak butter (better to think of it as tea soup). Beware of the local alcohol. It packs quite a sneaky punch. I know.

1. Don’t “power through” any symptoms of altitude sickness. Stay hydrated and pay attention to your body. One night, at around 15,500 feet, I had a pounding headache, coupled with a loss of balance, nausea and delusions. I recall weeping over my poor motherless children—this, before I ever had kids! Respect your body and respect the mountain.

 Join WWF’s Nepal Trek, October 10-29, 2010