Comments on: 8 Things I Wish I Knew Before Going Trekking in Nepal

By: Regina Kim

Regina Kim — Wed, 08 Aug 2018 05:02:04 +0000

This is a wonderful guide before heading for any of the treks in Nepal! I was trekking through the Annapurna Base Camp route during the September monsoon season back in 2016. The highlight of our first 4 days was leeches – Throngs and hordes of them. Much screaming daily in the first 2km trek and constantly had our heads pointed looking down for leeches trying to score a quick one my succulent legs rather than enjoying the scenery. I am usually not overly concern with insects, but leeches is a whole new level of disgusting!

It was 3 days of blood sucking horror until I was fortunate enough to have a Korean couple join our trekking after we stopped by a teahouse. The guy had this special gel like repellent called Leech hound. Some sort of leech repellent. He only had enough for 1 more application on the shoes for me and my fiancé. It was a God sent miracle! All the leeches couldn’t make their way past a barrier layer where the gel was applied. It was a lifesaver. Finally a chance to properly appreciate the beauty of Himalayas.

I wasn’t able to find this gel for sale anywhere in the local stores until about half a year later on ebay. For trekkers who plan to go on an adventure in mountainous Nepal or humid Borneo rainforest, do yourself a favor and standby a bottle of insect repellent or sea salt or simply Leech Hound, my all-in-one life saver back in 2016.
Hope this helps. Have a great adventure ahead!

By: Purushottam Timalsina

Purushottam Timalsina — Mon, 07 May 2018 16:02:54 +0000

Thank you for sharing this awesome hack. Can’t wait to pack my bag with all the tools you mentioned above keeping in mind the precautions I need to think of.

By: Corinne Cook

Corinne Cook — Wed, 08 Nov 2017 16:13:28 +0000

Taryn, u know it!!!! Can’t wait to go back!!!!

By: Taryn Eyton

Taryn Eyton — Wed, 08 Nov 2017 00:51:04 +0000

In reply to Corinne Cook. Thanks Corinne! You must have had so much fun with Chandra!

By: Corinne Cook

Corinne Cook — Wed, 08 Nov 2017 00:30:37 +0000

Hi! Really enjoyed your “what I wish I knew before going to nepal post”. Very accurate! I’ve signed up to follow your newsletter at the suggestion of Chandra from Friendly Trekkers, who I just did Manaslu Circuit with. Amazing guide/trekking company !
I also enjoyed your post on Wells Gray Park. On my list to go explore more there! I live in Quesnel BC

By: Sheree

Sheree — Sat, 28 Oct 2017 07:36:10 +0000

What awesome, detailed, and practical advice!! I must say, I’m not much of a trekker (I prefer my concrete jungles), but I’ve got some friends heading to Nepal soon so I’ll definitely be sharing this with them. It looks like they might venture there outside of monsoon/leech season though (lucky ducks! haha). Sounds like you had a cracker of a time, though, even with the various challenges – thank you so much for sharing!!