Himalayas

The Himalayas generally have a reputation as the highest and most rugged mountains in the world. This is true, but it mainly applies to the most ambitious mountaineering goals. Trekking itself, however, is not much different from regular hiking in the Tatras or the Alps, perhaps with the exception of altitude. Let’s break it down in more detail.

Weather

Nepal is geographically situated much lower than the Tatras or the Alps. For this reason, the climate in Nepal is much more stable.

Nepal has two main tourist seasons - spring (March to May) and autumn (October to December). The summer is rainy due to the monsoon from the Indian Ocean, and winter in the mountains is cold, though not particularly rich in precipitation, with the weather generally remaining stable until early February.

Both trekking seasons are characterized by pleasant, stable weather - mornings and afternoons are typically clear, with clouds accumulating in the afternoon and possible occasional rain in the evening. Autumn is generally a bit more stable, while in spring, we are treated to blooming rhododendrons and magnolias.

Cold

Surprisingly, cold is not the biggest problem when trekking in the Himalayas. It is true that it can get cold in the mountains, especially at night, and mornings can be chillier when starting a trekking day. However, during the day, when the sun comes out, the weather is generally quite pleasant.

Tempo, distances

First of all, it's important to clarify that trekking is not a race. On a trek, we are generally focused on the experience, acclimatization, enjoying the company, and soaking in the beauty of the mountains. It is by no means about proving your fitness or breaking segments on Strava. The pace is relaxed, with frequent stops for tea, soup, and enjoying the scenery. In all our experience, we've never had a client who couldn't handle a regular trek. 

For a Himalayan trek, you don’t need to be an elite athlete or a professional sports person. If you occasionally engage in recreational exercise, I’m sure you’ll be able to handle a regular Himalayan trek. The usual daily distance we cover ranges from 5 to 20 km, and it’s done at a comfortable pace without rushing. 

The 6000-meter peaks on our trips are a bit more challenging, but believe me, your success will depend far more on your mindset and mental preparation than your fitness.
                     
Infrastructure

Accommodation in Nepal is typically in so-called lodges (teahouses). The rooms are simple, with a bed and, in the best case, a hanger and a shelf. There is no heating in the rooms, so a good sleeping bag is a must. However, heating is provided in the common areas (dining rooms). The food is tasty, mostly vegetarian, and consists mainly of rice, vegetables, potatoes, pasta, and eggs, in hundreds of different combinations. In recent years, local Nepali people have ventured into more creative dishes like pizza or burgers. It should be noted that these experiments are met with varying degrees of success.
                     
Equipment

High-altitude Himalayan treks don't differ much in terms of gear from our domestic hiking. The basics are comfortable, durable, high hiking boots. Another important item is a sleeping bag, which should be rated for temperatures below freezing depending on the chosen trek. The last essential piece of equipment is a down jacket, which can be bought in Kathmandu (Pokhara, Namche Bazaar, etc.) for just a few dozen euros. Of course, its origin will be from an unspecified Nepali factory, but it will surprise you with the good service it provides for just a few bucks.

More about trekking equipment here