Why Trekkers Confuse Peak Climbing With Trekking in Nepal
For people with basic trekking and touring knowledge, trekking and peak climbing can feel the same. Especially in Nepal, they can be difficult to differentiate because of the country’s geography and trekking permits. However, each term refers to distinct activities and experiences. Likewise, they differ in terms ofpermits, preparations, and technical skills requirements. The country is home to thousands of officially recognized mountains above 6,000 meters. And hundreds of them are addressed as high mountain peaks that accept climbers. Similarly, it inhabits eight of the fourteen tallest mountains in the world that are well above 8,000 meters. So, the geographical composition can feel tricky to understand at first.
Furthermore, a lot of treks in Nepal take you close to various small peaks. First-time visitors may therefore mistake them for a peak climb. Furthermore, the term “trekking peaks” is widely used for climbing smaller mountains that range from around 5,500 meters to 6,500 meters. For example, you will hear tour operators address Mera peak climbing and Island peak climbing as treks. While this could look and sound like a trek, it actually is a climb to the summit. Furthermore, “peak trekking” calls for specialized climbing equipment and knowledge, in contrast to regular treks.
Another factor contributing to the misunderstanding is the requirement for permits. People tend to mix up trekking permits with climbing permits. So, this article is perfect if you want to learn the exact difference between trekking and peak climbing in Nepal and get rid of all the confusion.
What Is Trekking In Nepal?
“Trek” means a foot journey that goes on for multiple days through themountain trails. Walking on these mountainous routes can be moderate to challenging, but it does not typically demand technical skills. The main purpose of trekking is to explore the scenic views, villages, local culture and tradition, and enjoy their local cuisines. Governmental bodies such as the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB), the Department of Tourism, and the National parks and Conservation Area authorities are involved in managing treks in Nepal. They set rules and regulations for the safety of trekkers as well as the trekking destinations.
Likewise, the typical altitude of most popular trekking destinations in Nepal ranges from 2,000 meters to 5,500 meters. Trekkers follow well-defined trails that have endured years of use. Basic living infrastructures (food and accommodations) are provided by teahouses along the route.
What Is Peak Climbing in Nepal?
The term “peak climbing” refers to getting to the summit of the mountains that range from 5,500 meters to 6,500 meters. Reaching the summit of mountains above 7,000 meters typically means mountaineering or expeditions. For example, reaching the top of the tallest mountain in the world is referred to as the Everest expedition. Therefore, it’s important to distinguish between the two terms. Compared to trekking in Nepal, climbing a peak consists of steeper terrain with ice, glaciers, and snow. Likewise, it requires more advanced skills. To complete the climb successfully, climbers use various equipment, such as ice axes, crampons, harnesses, and ropes. Therefore, all these factors combined make “peak trekking”/climbing much more difficult than normal himalayan treks.
Trekking Versus Peak Climbing At A Glance
Main Objective
The primary reason for trekking is to complete a long walking journey on foot while exploring the mountainous regions. Meanwhile, the specific goal of peak climbing or peak trekking is to be at the summit of the mountain.
Altitude Range
General trek’s altitude in Nepal ranges from 2,000 meters to 5,500 meters. Likewise, the peak trekking altitude goes up to 6,500 meters. Climbing mountains above 7,000 meters is called an expedition or mountaineering.
Technical Skills
Trekking does not require any advanced skills. Meanwhile, peak trekking requires you to be familiar with techniques like knot tying, crampon techniques, rocks, mixed climbing, glacier travel, etc.
Accommodation
While on a trek, it consists of teahouses, lodges, or guesthouses. However, as climbing begins, you take shelter in high camps and tents.
Cost and Permits
Going on treks is significantly more budget-friendly than climbing a peak. The cost spikes up in peak trekking from the need for technical gear, camping logistics, permits, and the mandatory guide policy.
Trekking permits required for normal mountain treks include national park, conservation area, and restricted area permits. For peak climbing, along with these, you also have to obtain peak trekking/climbing permits. Governmental bodies that issue permits for treks are the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB), the Department of Tourism, and local government authorities. Meanwhile, the Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA) is responsible for issuing climbing permits.
Difficulty level
Classic treks in Nepal range from easy to challenging on the difficulty scale. Regardless of how demanding the trek is, they mostly do not require technical skills. However, even the easiest peak climbing is considered challenging or strenuous, as you need to have proper climbing skills for it.
Guide
Despite the 2023 ban on solo trekking, a few destinations remain accessible without a guide. Some of them are Mardi Himal, Ghorepani Poon Hill, Langtang valley, etc. To the contrary, a licensed guide is mandatory for climbing a peak. Furthermore, you can’t even obtain climbing permits if you do not go through a registered agency.
Which one is more physically demanding?
Overall, peak climbing is way more physically challenging than normal trekking. There are several factors that contribute to added physical demands during peak trekking. The most prominent ones are the need for technical strength, longer days, and extremely harsh weather conditions.
Endurance Vs Technical Strength
Trekking puts your endurance to the test. This activity requires long hours of walking at increasing altitudes and across changing terrains. On the other hand, reaching the summit of a peak tests both your endurance and technical strengths. Climbers need to pull themselves up steeply while using their arms and shoulder strength to fix the ropes. Having to do all that while wearing heavy climbing gear requires good core strength.
Daily Walking Hours
On the “trek” part of the peak climbing, the average walking time per day is the same as the typical trekking days, which is around 5 to 7 hours. The climbing days require about 8 to 12 hours of technical effort or even more to reach the summit from the base camp.
Summit Day Difficulty
It is the most demanding day of the entire journey. Typically, you have to start moving even before midnight. They have to climb in extremely low temperatures, in the dark, and with low oxygen levels. Moreover, you have to descend back to the base camp on the summit day itself, so this requires both physical and mental strength.
Difference In The Fitness Requirement
Trekking primarily demands leg strength and stamina. Whereas climbing requires greater arm strength, upper body strength, core strength, and better endurance. Cardiovascular health becomes a concern above the range of 3,000 meters. So, for both trekking and peak climbing, good cardiovascular health is a must. In conclusion, trek mostly challenges your stamina, but peak trekking challenges your stamina, mental strength, and skills.
Technical Skills. Do You Need Prior Mountaineering Experience
Skill Requirement For Treks
Almost all of Nepal’s treks do not need any advanced trekking skills. The focus is primarily on adapting to changing environmental and weather conditions, as well as being comfortable with altitude gain. Most of the classic destinations demand a basic fitness level. They should be able to walk for long hours continuously for several days. Similarly, it is important to understand proper pacing and the significance of gradual elevation gain. Basic navigation skills, such as following the trails and using the GPS app, are enough.
Skill Requirement For Peak Climbing
The Peak climbing routes in Nepal include mountainous terrain with snow accumulation, icy paths, steep slopes, and glaciers. Unlike trekking, they mandate real mountaineering skills. Climbers must have good knowledge of walking properly on snow and frozen slopes. Glacier travel is another technical requirement for climbing a peak. This includes properly identifying the hidden crevasses that appear to be covered in solid snow bridges. Moreover, you need to be familiar withrope protocol and self-arrest to sustain falls from these deceiving mountain surfaces.
Using technical equipment during peak trekking/climbing
Proper rope technique is one of the most basic yet crucial climbing skills. They are often used on steeper sections of the climb to prevent sudden, dangerous falls. Moreover, climbers are generally roped together to avoid falling and provide easy rescue if someone slips.
A Jumar, an ascending tool, is clipped to the safety rope, and climbers use their upper body and leg strength to pull themselves up. While abseiling to descend, using ropes correctly is an important safety skill. As incorrect use of ropes can risk accidents like slips, falls, and abrupt impact against rocks and edges.
Crampons are often attached to climbing boots for better grip while walking on slippery and icy surfaces. So, climbers should know how to attach these metal frames (crampons) correctly. Likewise, they should be familiar with how to walk correctly with them on.
An Ice Axe is a safety tool that is widely used in peak climbing for a skill called self-arrest. It involves the immediate stop of an uncontrolled fall down the steep sections. Climbers dig a hole in the ice with the help of an axe during the fall, causing them to stop right there.
Are Prior Climbing Skills Mandatory?
Since “peak climbing” is used for smaller mountains that range about 6,500 meters, the previous mountaineering skills are not a must. Mera Peak (6,476 meters) and Island Peak (6,189 meters) are the most beginner-friendly options for peak trekking in Nepal. However, you do need basic proficiency in climbing skills and good mental endurance.
People with no previous summits have completed climbing a peak in Nepal with professional guidance, physical and mental preparation, and proper training. Moreover, before the summit day, climbing guides often provide a basic training session to help you prepare for the climb. However, for intermediate to advanced peaks, it is suggested to have prior climbing experience.
Risk Comparison Between the Two
Mountain climbing is more dangerous than normal treks. This is because of the need for increased physiological strength, mountaineering skills, and altitude. The typical elevation of classic Nepali treks goes from 2,000 meters to 5,500 meters. In contrast, mountain climbing typically reaches altitudes of around 6,500 meters. Therefore, the risks of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) on treks are moderate, but during the summit, they are much higher. Expect mild symptoms like headache, nausea, and dizziness on treks. And more severe forms, such as High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE) or High Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE) in mountain climbing.
Similarly, on the summit days, climbers rapidly gain an elevation of 1,000 meters to 1,500 meters. This elevation gain can make physiological adjustment difficult. Likewise, the oxygen level is much lower. The combined pressure of the two can pose harm to cardiovascular health. This causes breathlessness and difficulty in coordination.
In conclusion, both trekking and climbing have their risks and safety concerns. However, when comparing the two, summiting a peak carries higher risks and potential dangers.
Permit And Regulations Differences
Trekking permits focus on the trekker’s safety on the trail and the protection of natural vegetation and wildlife. Authorities use these permits to track traveller’s location on the trail. This helps with rescue operations and ensures a safe return. In addition to the trekking permits, summiting requires climbing permits too. It is basically a royalty fee for climbing a peak. The cost of these permits varies depending on the mountain.
Independent trekkers can obtain permits to trek through non-restricted destinations in Nepal. However, you can never get a climbing permit as a solo climber. You have to be a part of an expedition team. Furthermore, a licensed Nepali guide should lead that team.
Likewise, Liaison Officers (LO) are typically appointed for mountain expeditions above 6,500 meters. The officers act as the bridge between the expedition team and government authorities. Their role is to ensure no rule violations, compliance with garbage disposal, and official certifications. However, typically LO is not appointed for peak climbing, as they generally stay under the mark of 6,500 meters.
Trekking permits, a passport, a visa, and other personal identification documents are enough for trekking in Nepal. However, it is more complicated for climbing. Typically, it consists of a climber’s list with their personal information, gear and equipment, and details of guides and other staff. Proof of travel insurance and a proper record of permit’s application submission via a registered trekking company are also required.Helicopter and medical evacuation are enough for normal treks, but climbing insurance should also cover equipment loss or damage, trip interruption/cancellation, and third-party liability.
Common Myths About Peak Climbing Vs Trekking
Trekking peaks is easy
This is the most dangerous and common assumption travellers have. While it sounds easy because of the word “trek” linked with it, in reality, they are highly technical and need actual climbing skills.
There is no need for training to climb a peak
If you think basic fitness is enough to be at the summit, then you are highly mistaken. Climbers must get proper training to develop the required mountaineering skills. Likewise, they should know how to manage going on in high-altitude and harsh weather conditions. Ignoring training before opting for the summit can be fatal.
Trekking is only for beginners
A lot of people tend to underestimate trekking, thinking it is just easy walks through well-established trails. Even though they do not need technical or advanced skills, altitude risk and challenging terrain make it more than just a mountain walk. AMS is more common than you realize, especially in high-altitude treks. So, people who have completed short treks before should go for more challenging and remote destinations. Such as the Kanchenjunga trek, Makalu Base Camp trek, Tilicho Lake, etc.
Guides are optional for peak trekking
No. Climbers need to have a climbing guide and a team in order to reach the summit. You will not be allowed for peak trekking without a licensed guide. In fact, as an independent climber, you can’t even obtain the necessary climbing permits. Therefore, guides are mandatory for climbing a peak in Nepal.
Final Say
Choosing peak climbing or trekking in Nepal depends on your physical fitness, experience, and adventure goals. Classic treks are more suitable for those who are new to the himalayan journey and want to explore scenic beauty and the cultural and traditional practices. Meanwhile, climbing is for adventure seekers who are physically and mentally fit and skillful.
Lastly, do not mix up the two. Understand that the motive behind them is very different. Trekking is for exploring the mountain trails and settlements. Whereas mountain climbing aims to reach the summit. Regardless of what you choose, Nepal’s geography and varying terrain make each of them equally rewarding. You can enjoy ethnic villages, mountain views, and cultural immersion in both options. Climbing the peak just adds to the thrill of it and falls more to the technical side.
