Best Resources & Recs For Nepal Newbies.
/ VIDEO'S & MOVIES /
Hiking the Mardi Himal Trek in Nepal - Craig Adams
We really enjoyed watching this silent hiking film by Craig Adams. An experienced hiker, Craig documents his first trek in Nepal: the Mardi Himal Trek. This trek is often recommended for beginners. However, as shown in Craig's video, the trek to the actual base camp (not just the upper viewpoint) is quite exposed and challenging. He undertook the Mardi Himal trail in winter, highlighting the trek's difficulty in those conditions. This film is a must-watch for anyone considering the Mardi Himal trek in Nepal, especially for beginners.
The Best 5 Days of My Life - Micky Stotch
Mickey Stotch recorded his first hike ever while solo trekking the Mardi Himal trail in Nepal. (Note: Nowadays, foreign tourists must hire a licensed Nepali guide.) Watching him buy all his gear in Kathmandu and savor the local cuisine at the tea houses along the trek was fascinating and fun. Check it out!
Trekking to Everest Base camp from start to finish - Eco-Flight Attendant
We absolutely loved this 44 min realistic portrayal of the Everest Base Camp trek by the Eco-Flight Attendant who was traveling with her husband, 60-year-old mother-in-law, and 66-year-old father-in-law. She shared that "the trek was a bit tougher than she imagined, but not impossible". Very useful information! Go ahead and watch it if you're planning to do the EBC.
Together Free - Kristin Hollmann and Valerie Menke
A captivating movie with beautiful music about two best friends tackling the majestic Himalayas in Nepal! The documentary captures the incredible journey of BFF's Kristin and Valery as they commemorate their friendship with a four-week hike to Everest Base Camp. The documentary is a heartfelt tribute to friendship and, at the same time, provides a good glimpse into the challenges of the longer version of the EBC trek.
Aftershock: Everest and the Nepal Earthquake (2022)
This super intense docu-series is all about the aftermath of the 2015 deadly earthquake in Nepal. If you're new to Nepal, it's a great way to really understand how much the quake affected the country. They show the destruction in Kathmandu, Everest Basecamp, and the Langtang Valley and have real stories from survivors and actual footage. It's a really emotional look at the devastation caused by the earthquake, and it really helps you grasp the whole situation. It's a different take on Nepal, but super insightful.
/ BOOKS & MAPS /
Nepal: The Essential Guide to Customs & Culture by Culture Smart!
This is a concise but comprehensive introduction to the customs and culture of Nepal. It is an excellent little book for Nepal newbies as it tells you what to expect and provides insights that will help you go beyond friendly smiles and turn your Nepal journey into an enlightening and rewarding experience.
Lonely Planet Nepal (Travel Guide)
Obviously, we love this well-known little travel guide, which includes itineraries to help you build the ultimate trip based on your personal needs and interests, insightful color maps and images, essential language tips, and much more.
Trekking in Nepal by David Ways
Nice little, yet comprehensive specialised trekking guide with over 29 of Nepal's finest treks, including Everest Base Camp, Gokyo Ri, Three Passes, Langtang Valley, Manaslu, Tsum Valley, Annapurna Circuit, Annapurna Base Camp, Annapurna North Base Camp, Mardi Himal, Ghorepani Poon Hill, and more.
Annapurna travel map by National Geographic
This map is super handy for anyone looking to explore the awesome Annapurna mountain range, Nepal, and its capital, Kathmandu. One side of the map shows a detailed topographic and trekking map of the Annapurna range, and it also has useful info like visitor centers, checkpoints, health posts, lodging, religious sites, and settlements. A map is also available for e.g. Nepal and the EBC trek!
Wanderlust Himalaya: Hiking on top of the world by Gestalten
This amazing coffee table book is a great conversation starter (wow are you going to the Himalaya?). It has a beautiful hardcover and showcases stunning nature, diverse cultures, and hikes suitable for different skill levels. Whether you're interested in one-day, multi-day, or long-distance trails, you'll find them all in this book. Let this book inspire you and your guests!
/ HELPFUL LINKS & INFO /
High Elevation Travel & Altitude Illness-
CDC Yellow Book 2024
The CDC is America's leading science-based, data-driven service organization that protects public health. The CDC Yellow Book has been a trusted resource, providing international travelers and clinicians with expert guidance for safe and healthy travel abroad. This page provides information on High Elevation Travel and altitude illness, and it is very informative!
Official Website of Nepal Tourism Board
Nepal Tourism Board is a national tourism organization of Nepal established in 1998 to develop and market Nepal as an attractive tourist destination. You'll find helpful info on where to go, things to do, festivals & events, and travel updates. Check it out!
Hiking 101 - Tips for your next hike
The American Hiking Society (AHS) is a community of hikers who strive to create a world where everyone feels a sense of belonging in the hiking community. Their website features an extensive database with helpful tips for beginner hikers. It's super helpful to explore and prepare for your journey to Nepal.
Grab My Nepal Starter Kit.
PREPARE FOR YOUR NEPAL TREK THE SMART WAY! Everything I wish I'd had before my first trek: checklists, worksheets and honest tips. Free!
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The Nepal trekking blog for beginners who want the real story. First-hand experience from a fifty-something beginner, honest tips and practical guides for your first trek in Nepal. Squat toilets included. No sugar-coating.
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