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One of the best hiking regions in the world is
NEPAL
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If we could be instantly transported to any hiking destination in the world, it would be Pokara, Nepal.
What about the Maoists?
One political party in Nepal, the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist), has abandoned participation in parliamentary democracy and is fighting a 'peoples war' against the Nepalese government.
Consequently there is something of an unofficial civil war ongoing in Nepal. The Maoists appear to have significant support and appear to control the country apart from Kathmandu, Pokhara and the Khumbu Everest Trekking region ....
No trekkers have been harmed during the conflict - both sides recognise the need for the revenues that tourism brings. Both sides are taxing tourists. You may therefore find that the Maoists may expect you to pay their trekking tax - keep the receipt! There is, in our opinion, no reason for tourists to be concerned about the Maoists.
YetiZone believes that the culture of Nepal is unique and worthy of preservation for future generations. We believe that the conflict should be ended by peaceful means in order to protect the people of Nepal and their culture. For this reason we do not support outside governments providing armed support for either side. We believe that the conflict can be and should be resolved by the Nepalese people themselves, and are confident of their ability to use their own skills and resources to overcome the challenges they face on the path to peace.
YetiZone FAQs - Ian Johnson 
Since this was written, agreements have been made to stop this extortion of trekkers. No doubt requests for cash will still occur in places, but less frequently.
AT A GLANCE
NEPAL
 "The abode of the Gods"
- Everest, Annapurna, Kanchenjunga, Machhapuchhare, Makalu
- in fact, eight of the world's ten highest mountains
- every serious hiker wants to travel to Nepal
- though challenging, Nepal is a wonderful tourist destination
- English is widely spoken
- the best "tea house treks" in the world
- on popular routes, no need to carry food nor tent
- challenging hiking, but treks available for all levels of ability and experience
- October to mid-December often the best, driest months
- In winter, Dec-Feb, it is cold but afternoons are often clear. Snow on the passes.
- on a few of the drier Tibetan treks you can hike nearly year round
- ground transportation is slow and very dangerous. It's best to fly in Nepal, if you can.
Mt. Annapurna II (26000ft - 7937m) from Pisang Downs - flickr - Chris de Rham
WHY WE LIKE THIS REGION
- Nepal is fantastic. Unforgettable. There is much to see and do aside from the breathtaking landscapes.
- best months to trek are Oct-Nov (post-monsoon) & April-May (pre-monsoon). Happily this does not conflict with the busy summer months in the northern hemisphere.
- forests of rhododendrons, isolated small villages, birds, temples, monks and monasteries
- fascinating traditional life of mountain peoples
- new routes are still opening
- formerly restricted areas are being opened too for guided trekkers
- Hindu and Buddhist cultures, architecture and history
- the culture of the mountain peoples
- easy to hike independently, hire a porter, or sign on with a trekking company
- travel in Nepal is still relative inexpensive
- hassle free visa to all citizens worldwide on entering the country
- no dangerous wildlife
- photography is fantastic in the clear Himalayan light
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CONSIDERATIONS
By far the biggest downside to hiking the Himalayas is altitude sickness. Hikers die each year. Symptoms begin as low as 3000m (9800ft). Many of our recommended hikes climb over 5000m. On some it is difficult to descend quickly. Rescue often not available. Do not hike high unless willing to accept this risk.
- if you do not have enough time to acclimatize to altitude, hike at lower elevations (the view looking UP at the mountains is gorgeous too)
- hard walking, laboured breathing, intense sun at high altitude — all can compound the problems of a hikers suffering AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness)
- hypothermia is more frequently a problem than sun stroke. Bring gear to stay warm and dry.
- it's essential to avoid frostbite, of course
- we've suffered some pretty severe gastrointestinal ailments on the southern side of the Himalaya range despite taking every precaution. (The Tibet side is drier, the risk lower.)
- mountain tourism is a reality. We must make the best of it. The consequences, good and bad, for the local peoples are evident here, more than elsewhere in the world.
- obviously we cannot leave biodegradable trash
- the burning of wood for cooking at higher elevations is a huge problem
- mid-June to September few trek because of rain, mud, leeches, travel difficulties caused by landslides and general lack of mountain views.
- trekking permits are required on many routes and can be a hassle to get. You need advance planning.
- guidebooks are out-of-date
- new tea houses become popular every season. Likely you will decide where to stay each night, as you go
- unless things have changed, Dolpa, Kanchanjunga, Manaslu and Mustang do not allow independent hiking. You must sign on with a trekking company.
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With altitudes from 70m to 8848m, Nepal has an amazing variety of topography for such a small country.
larger map - Wikipedia
BEST TREKKING GUIDEBOOKS
Lonely Planet is long overdue for an updated edition. Likely instability due to Maoist rebels has delayed that project.
BEST HIKES in NEPAL
Our favourite by far is Annapurna Circuit with a sidetrip to Base Camp. But you will be blown away anywhere in the Abode of the Gods. Even some of the easier, lower altitude hikes are fantastic with views looking up to the high peaks.
NEPAL
There are many more great hikes in Nepal!
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