Length and Extent of a Hike

The best length for a hike is between 10 and 20 days. Anything less will leave the feeling of "not having seen enough" and is reserved for those who do not have a lot of time at their disposal. Anything longer will make it possible to reach the hidden spots, but applies only to the stronger walkers.

A more relaxing form of hiking is to walk only in the mornings, or to make stops of one or two days in villages or interesting spots. The extent of the trekking will therefore be reduced, but you will be able to meet and learn about villagers on the way.

In a normal hiking day you should accomplish 17 to 20 km, with a variety of climbs and descents equalling 1,000 to 1,600 meters. A little later there is a list of the commonest hikes and their lengths.

Whatever the chosen hike, you must never look on it only as a physical accomplishment in itself; it would not be necessary to go to the HImalayas just for this.

Travelling too fast will make you miss many spots of interest along the way, and anyway the daily rhythm of the porters, with their loads of 30 kg is a limit not to be exceeded.

On the other hand, it is always a good idea during the preparations to leave aside a day of relaxation every seven or eight days. It will be extremely welcome for either a rest, an interesting change or for fitting in something extra to your programme.