Nepal is a beautiful country mainly known for the high summits and deep valleys of the Himalayas Mountains. With scenic beauty and magical mountains, Nepal has become a major attraction for thousands of mountaineers and hikers from all over the world. There are many Himalayan peaks that allow reaching on top suitable for all kind of mountaineers who are experienced or beginners. This is also the reason, Mountain climbing is a popular activity in Nepal.
With 1310 identified Himalayan peaks above 6000 meters, 326 are open for climbing and mountaineering. Out of the fourteen peaks that are 8000 meters above the sea level, eight of them are: Mount Everest (Highest Peak in the World), Kanchenjunga, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu, Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, and Annapurna I, lies in Nepal. With more opportunities for mountaineers than other countries in the world and endless challenges including the less known trekking peaks which still require good climbing gear and skills, this is another reason Nepal has become a paradise for mountaineers.
Many mountaineers come for new adventures and for testing their skills, enduring and fulfilling their desire to summit a Himalaya Peak and praise the world from its rooftop. As Nepal is a mountainous country, it has a huge variety of options that allow people of different age groups and capabilities, to attempt trek and climbing here. Although mountains like Everest, Langtang and Annapurna, grab the entire eye, there are other peaks being climbed on a daily basis such as Yala, Tarpuchuli, Lhotse, AmaDablam, Manaslu, Himchuli, etc. Many climbing peaks are suitable for climbing peaks for beginners. There are also some climbers looking to climb untouched peaks as there are 103 virgin peaks and also new peaks are exposed for climbing from time to time.
Best time for Peak Climbing in Nepal
Traveling in Nepal is good for all seasons. Nepal consists of four seasons: Spring (March-May), summer (June- August), Autumn (September- November), and Winter (December - February). However, spring and autumn are the best seasons for climbing and trekking as the weather is good, the temperature is comfortable; not so cold, not too hot, and less rain. April, May, October November are the busiest months as they are best for trekking weather-wise and trails get crowded during this time. Island peak climbing is still possible to climb in December month although it is the coldest month in the Himalayas.
During summer, its monsoon season and it rains everywhere whereas, during winter, it’s very cold higher up in the mountains. But due to the lower amount of people in winter, some people like trekking at that time although some routes may be closed due to avalanche risk or too much snow in the area.
How to Climb Mountain Peak in Nepal
In order to climb a mountain peak, one should be physically and mentally fit. One should arrange trekking permits through trekking companies who are associates with Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMS) by applying with your full personal information if you are going to climb climbing peaks above 6000 meters or any other technical peaks below 6000. A licensed climbing guide is required for climbing peaks. You need to prepare your climbing equipment gears and essentials. Climbing gears can be bought or rented in Kathmandu, Pokhara, or near trekking base camp.
Today there are many companies and agencies that will lookout at each aspect of hiking and the only thing mountaineers have got to do is arrive in the fine condition physically and mentally, and not worry about equipment and supplies. The local company will give you basic knowledge of how to use your gear equipment, rules, and safety instructions to climb the peak. You will reach the summit in one day and come back to the base camp. So you will spend 2-3 days in base camp and the rest of the days you will spend trekking to and from Kathmandu/ Pokhara. 
Mr. Andy from Australia on top of Island peak. Island peak climbing organize by Nepal highland treks
Required Permit for Peak climbing
Peak Climbing is physically and technically very challenging. It requires several considerations before one can start an actual climbing activity. There are various rules and restrictions imposed by the govt. regulating peak climbing activities because of economic, safety, environmental, and cultural concerns. As the Mountains are part of natural resources, the government derives fees from permit as a part of export income. Mountain peaks with altitude height higher than 5000 meters need a permit. Attempting to climb a peak without a permit is an illegal act. Permits are checked at police checkpoints and park officers can check it at any point. It will cost you double the original cost if you are caught without a legal permit. It also has the chance to go back if you are without any permits that have to issue from registered trekking company for you. You will have different permits, one for conservation area or national parks permit, other from Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS) card or permit of local government, and peak climbing permit. If you are going to climb climbing peek inside the restricted area, another permit also apply for restricted area permit. The amount of permit card fee depends on the area you are going, peak range, whether you are independent or group with a guide.
Nowadays, all these documentations and permit cards can be obtained only through licensed agencies that provide services for climbing and make arrangements on all other requirements, procedures, and gives you necessary information and advice. The same company also can assist to provide you with entire climbing equipment.
Accommodations
Before you begin your journey make sure to research the type of accommodation available on the route. Tea houses or lodges are available at various points in the trekking route. They offer room accommodation and local food. In the mountains and hills, most shelters are comfortable, but rooms might be cold at night hence make sure to bring a sleeping bag even to lodges. Camping can also be organized and conducted by the team you embark with; there will be cooks and porters arrange by your trekking climbing agent. Homestays in villages can also be arranged. In your peak climbing plan, one night or several nights accommodation will be in a tented camp at the base camp of climbing the peak.
Safety measures
There are many safety measures you have to consider during mountain trek:
- Altitude Sickness:
As you are going for high altitude peak climbing, altitude sickness might occur. You must know the symptoms and never ignore them while trekking. Be sure to stay hydrated and if anyone in your group experiences the symptoms, don’t go any further. If the symptoms don’t improve then descend to a lower altitude. Make sure to take medications for altitude.
- Food and Water contamination:
Make sure to buy antibiotics for bacterial and amoebal infections. If possible don't buy bottled water on the trek as there are no plastic disposal systems on the trek. Use local drinking water stations for small fees. Or you can buy filtered and boiled water from every lodge. Some tourists also feel comfortable to purify local tap water using purify tablet or any other way they bring themselves.
- Rescue insurance:
Before embarking for peak climbing, make sure that your travel insurance covers all the trekking activities and conditions. Many reputed trekking agencies, will have to proof rescue insurance before you begin trekking. Your insurance should cover the climbing part and its altitude. Also, ave to cover emergency chartered rescue and treatment. Insurance from your country is the best idea or make it cover using a cover insurance company in Nepal.
- Trekking Alone:
For safety, make sure your trek with other people on side treks with the unclear path. If you don’t have any trekking partner, it is easy to find other like-minded people with the same trekking plans from the point of departure. In the case of climbing mountain peak in Nepal, you should affiliate with local registered trekking and climbing company. It is your choice if you do it individually with the guide or join the group.
Conclusion
Nepal is the land of Himalayas with amazing adventures filled with beautiful scenarios, waterfalls, picturesque villages, and incredibly high mountains. Peak Climbing is one of the most exciting adventures one can experience. You can explore cultures, witness beautiful sunrise, flowing rivers, magical greenery forests, and up in the mountain top, you can get closer to nature. Make sure to plan your adventures with trusted and licensed agencies and make the best out of your journey.
