Are you a trekking maniac? If your answer is ‘Yes’, then you are welcome for trekking in Nepal. ‘Nepal’ and ‘trekking’ are inseparable from each other because Nepal has 8 of 14 tallest mountains in the world above 8,000m. You can experience trekking in Nepal which is gifted with incredible beauty by Mother Nature. You can measure from long to short trek in Nepal to different locations. The Great Himalayan Trail (1,700 km/1,056 miles) is one of the world’s longest and highest trekking routes. This route extends from Kanchenjunga in the east to Hilsa of Humla district in the west of Nepal. You can taste trekking in Nepal from higher altitude to lower one during the journey through High Himalayas.
There are many popular trekking routes in Nepal all over the country. Everest Base Camp Trek, Annapurna Circuit Trek, Manaslu Circuit trek, Kanchenjunga Makalu region trek are some of the most done treks. Trekking through such routes give you a lifetime experience of cultural beauty, snowcapped peaks and splendid landscapes. You can even taste the local typical food items grown organically by the local people of the Himalayan Region of Nepal. Trekking through such challenging but naturally beautiful sites makes you feel as if you were in a piece of heaven.
The flow of the tourists from worldwide is high for trekking in Nepal all 365 days. It is so because all the trekking routes are open throughout the year except on natural calamities and other obstacles. The visitors can travel different base camps, trekking routes, high passes, freshwater lakes situated in high altitude. Trekking to such destinations gives opportunity to capture the memory of the heavenly locations in their camera and the mind.
The travel agencies established in Kathmandu are Nepal trekking guide for the foreigners who visit Nepal in different occasions. The agencies prepare Nepal trekking packages for different durations and trekking in Nepal costs according to the tourists’ choice. You can even engage in budget trekking in Nepal beside the costly ones. The best time to trek in Nepal is the months March, April, May, September, October and November.
Now, you may be impatiently waiting for knowing about the ‘must-go’ Nepal trekking routes which are thrilling and splendid, too. Let’s go for satisfying your desire to know about the most popular trekking regions in Nepal.
Everest Region Trek
Everest region trek roams around the region with many gorges, glacial lakes, lush and green valleys, and snowcapped peaks around Mount Everest (8,848m). You know Mount Everest is the highest mountain in the world, also known as ‘Roof of the World’. Everest Base Camp Trek is scaled by thousands of travelers every year and some of them even on the peak! This epic trek starts from Lukla (Tenzing Hillary Airport) after just about 30-minute’s flight from Kathmandu. The scenic bliss you come to see during the flight is the rarest in one’s life, perhaps!
Namche Bazaar, the Sherpa Capital serves with all amenities through its hotels, malls, cafes, banks and star hotels. During Namche Bazaaar acclimatization day, you visit Everest View Hotel (3,962m). This is the highest placed hotel in the world giving you the excellent view of Mt. Everest and surrounding peaks. Similarly, the Sherpa Museum gives you the all in all glimpses of their lifestyle, culture and tradition. The Hall of Fame is the gallery protecting photos of Hillary and Tenzing right from the 1953 Everest Expedition. Next unavoidable station during trip to Everest Base Camp is Tengboche Monastery, which is the oldest and largest monastery of the Khumbu region.
Everest Base Camp trekking has many long routes around the Everest Region leading to different places. Kala Patthar is the only vantage point that provides you have a 360-degree panoramic view of the Everest Summit. Mt. Lhotse (8,516m), Mt. Cho Oyu (8,188m), Mt. Ama Dablam, Mt. Pumori, Mt. Nuptse and other peaks come into your sight.
Another trekking route to Everest Region is Everest High Pass Trek or Three Pass Trek. You get the lifelong experience of crossing Renjo La, Cho La and Kongma La all above 5,000 meters during this trek. Gokyo Lakes Trek (4,700m - 5,000m) is another captivating side of the Everest Region Trek. You can find splendid view of blue and green water sparkling in the Gokyo lakes with the mountain peaks on the background.
After travelling by bus for about 9 hours from Kathmandu, you reach Jiri (also called the Switzerland of Nepal) of Dolakha district for the night stay. You can begin your Everest Base Camp trek via Jiri following the trail from low to high altitude to reach Lukla. Trek to Everest Region is also accessible through Gokyo Lakes crossing the Cho La Pass for taking the challenge to beat the hard trail.
Everest Panorama Trek, Gokyo Lakes via Everest Base Camp Trek are other trekking packages in Everest region.
Annapurna Region Trek
Annapurna Region Trek is one of the most talked trekking destinations in Nepal. Annapurna Region lies in Gandaki Province of Nepal and under the Great Himalayan Trail. This trek comprises other famous trekking routes like Annapurna Circuit Trek, Annapurna Base Camp Trek, Annapurna Sanctuary Trek, Jomsom Muktinath Trek and the Royal Trek. Since Tilicho Lake (4,919m), the world’s highest altitude lake, lies in this region, you can do trekking or hiking there, too. Similarly, you can plan a day hiking to the Ice Lakes just a few hours away from Manang Village. You can do Upper Mustang trek to witness the rain shadow area of Annapurna (8,091m) and Dhaulagiri (8,167m) Himalayan region.
This is the busiest trekking route in Nepal throughout the year because around 50,000 trekkers or hikers walk around here in a year. The popularity and attraction of Annapurna Region grew more when Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) was established in 1986 AD to protect flora and fauna of High Himalayas. The area ACAP has occupied is 7,629 km2 inhabited by different species of plants, mammals, and birds in it.
Annapurna Trekking Region is famous for hygienic ‘Thakali food’, clean hotels and lodges with the best hospitality. If you want to interact and know about Gurung Culture (Gurung is an ethnic community) face to face, Annapurna Region is the ultimate destination for you. Not only culture, tradition, cuisines and hospitality but you can also experience the intoxicating outlook of the snowcapped mountains here. You have a close view of Dhaulagiri (8,167m), Manaslu (8,156m), Annapurna I (8,091m), Machhapuchhre (6,996m), Nilgiri (6,940m), Tukuche peak (6,920m), Annapurna South (7,219m), etc.
Even though Annapurna Region Trek covers comparatively small area, you can find all types of climatic variation found on Earth. You can find the production of paddy in the lowland to oat and barley in the highland in this region. Next plus point of trekking to Annapurna Region is the mixture of multiple castes, creeds, languages, religions, culture, tradition and festivals.
Some other long and short trekking in Annapurna Region are Ghorepani –Poon Hill trek, Khopra Danda trek (Khayar trek), Royal trek, Panchanse Trek, Ghale Gaun Trek, Sirubari Homestay Trek. You can plan an organized or solo trek to Annapurna Region and its sub-destinations for more fun and natural, cultural and traditional beauty.
Kanchenjunga Region Trek
Kanchenjunga Region Trek moves around Mt. Kanchenjunga (8,586m/28,169ft). Kanchenjunga Region located in the eastern Nepal bordering to Sikkim, India is one of the longest trekking routes in Nepal. Trekking to Kanchenjunga starts from Suketar of Taplejung and ends at Suketar when you trek there from Lalikharka. Kanchenjunga Region Trek can be completed from 20 days to 27 days depending on your package, health condition, etc.
Kanchenjunga Region trek includes other similar long and short trekking packages like Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek, Kanchenjunga North Base Camp Trek, Kanchenjunga South Base Camp Trek, etc. Trekking to Kanchenjunga Region gives you an invaluable opportunity to experience thick rhododendron forests, traditional communities with their unique codes of conduct and rituals. Kanchenjunga Conservation Area offers you a rare chance of sighting a snow leopard along with other endangered species of flora and fauna. The best time for Kanchenjunga region trek is between April and May and September and November. In this time, you can have lifetime experience of majestic mountains view and other natural sceneries.
Makalu Region Trek
Makalu Region Trek takes you towards Makalu Barun National Park established in 1992 with 2330 sq. km area in eastern Nepal. Makalu Region Trek is named after Mt. Makalu (8,463m/27,766ft) surrounded by sixteen other snowcapped mountains. Makalu Region Trek is the summation of many other trekking routes like Makalu Base Camp Trek, Salpa High Pass Trek, Lukla to Tumlingtar Trek, Makalu to Sherpani and West Col Pass Trek, Arun Valley Trek and Makalu to Ama Lapcha La Trek, etc.
Another interesting trekking route in Makalu Region Trek is Milke Danda Trek famous for different species of rhododendrons. Tinjure-Milke-Jaljale Area is said to be the Capital of rhododendrons, Nepal’s national flower. If you plan your Milke Danda Trek in spring, you can see this place covered with rainbow colored rhododendrons. Arun Valley Trek, located between Mt. Everest and Mt. Makalu, is also a remarkable journey once in a lifetime. Here you have the wonderful view of the snowcapped peaks including the unique culture and tradition as well.
Rolwaling Trek
Rolwaling Trek is a trip through the Rolwaling Valley located in the north east part of Nepal. Rolwaling Valley (also called the Valley of Yeti) located between Tibet and the Everest Region, is rich in unique culture and tradition. During Rolwaling Valley Trek, you see the magnificent view of Mt. Gaurishankar and other snowcapped peaks. Two freshwater glacial lakes Tsho Rolpa and Omi Tso and many waterfalls are situated in the High Himalayan Region. Rolwaling Valley is embroidered with various species of flora and fauna besides white langurs (monkey), snow leopard and yaks.
Trek to Rolwaling Valley is suitable for seasonal activities to the travelers for flowers sighting, ice climbing, peak climbing and trekking. The best season for flowers watching trek is June and July and Ice Climbing from November to February. Similarly, Peak Climbing and Rolwaling Valley trekking can be done between March and April and September and November.
Langtang Region Trek
Langtang Region Trek is one of the closest trekking destinations from Kathmandu. Trek to Langtang Region gives you a splendid panorama of the Himalayan range from Makalu in the east to Annapurna in the west. On the account of the Himalayan terrain scenery, Langtang Region comes after Everest Region Trek and Annapurna Region Trek. Similarly, you get the firsthand experience of the endangered species of flora and fauna that survive in high altitude in Langtang National Park.
Named after Mt. Langtang Lirung (6,581m) and Langtang Himal (7,234m), distinct Tamang villages, Langtang Valley, Helumbu Valley, etc. are assets of the region. Trekking in Langtang Region gives you the best taste of natural beauty and Tamang lifestyle, culture, tradition and hospitality. Langtang Region consists Langtang Valley Kyanjing Gompa Trek, Ganja La Trek, Tamang Heritage Trail Trek, Langtang Gosainkunda Trek and Helambu Valley Trek.
The highest point to cross while Trekking to Gosainkunda Lake in Langtang Region is Laurivinayak Pass (4,610m) at Ghopte Bhir. Gosainkunda (4,380m) is an alpine freshwater lake where many Hindu pilgrims visit for holy bath in August.
Helambu Valley Trek is another important trekking route in Langtang Region which begins from Sundarijal near Kathmandu. Trek to Helambu Valley is one of the shortest trips from Kathmandu valley, however, it is culturally and naturally blissful. With Tamang and Sherpa residents, this trek gives you the best view of Jugal Himal, the closest peak from Kathmandu. Similarly, you have marvelous pictures of Mt. Gaurishankar ((7,134m), Langtang Lirung (7,246m) and Ganesh Himal (7,405m) while walking through rocky trails.
Ganesh Himal Trek
Having the shape like Lord Ganesh, a Hindu deity, Ganesh Himal Trek is a complete blend of natural and cultural fascination. Ganesh Himal Trek starts from Betrawati, Rasuwa district through classic Tamang settlement areas, their culture and tradition distinct from others’. You can also find the variation in vegetation from sub-tropical to alpine range and wildlife according to the climatic regions.
Trek to Ganesh Himal also contains wonderful panoramic outlook of the mountains like Langtang, Ganesh Himal, Bouddha Himal and other nearby peaks. In the course of this hiking, you have to cross Shing La Pass (4,200m) and Pansang La Pass (4,100m) as a challenge. Nevertheless, these passes shows the spectacular mountains peeping from behind the snow and clouds!
Manaslu Region Trekking
Manaslu Region Trekking, the east of Annapurna Massif, is an off the beaten path journey in the Himalayas. Opened in 1992, Manaslu Region trekking route starts from Gorkha district between the Budhi Gandaki and the Marshyangdi River. Extended between the altitude 1,000m and 5,200m, trekking through Manaslu Region gifts you with rich culture and tradition, majestic views and bio-diversity. Different majestic trails, panoramic peaks, magnificent landscapes, mixed communities and their cultures are the attractions of Manaslu Region Trekking.
Manaslu Region Trek includes Manaslu Circuit Trek, Manaslu Panorama Trek, Tsum Valley Trek, Tsum Valley Manaslu Circuit Trek and Barpak Trek. For the customized trekking package cost and duration of Manaslu Circuit Trek, you can consult with Orbit Alpine Adventure.
Dolpo Region Trek
Do you want to enhance your knowledge about remoteness, drier area under rain-shadow topography, people totally aloof from modern inventions? If ‘yes’, you have a pristine valley in the upper western part of Nepal named Dolpo! Dolpo is the largest district of Nepal but it is populated by hardly 5,000 people. It is so as it is also the remotest and least populated district in the nation. Some of the oldest monasteries, Tibetan Buddhist culture and tradition along with a very hard life are the attractions of Dolpo region. Due to geographical isolation, the people and their culture, tradition, fashion and thoughts are far from modern means of technology.
Hidden Dolpo got its little introduction with David Snellgrove’s 1956 book ‘Himalayan Pilgrimage’ and David Mattheiessens’s 1973 book ‘The Snow Leopard’. Eric Valli, a French director featured a film “Himalaya” on the lifestyle and culture of Dolpo in 1999. Along with the movie first nominated for OSCAR from Nepal, the coveted region of the country came to limelight.
Dolpo Region is divided into Upper Dolpo and Lower Dolpo in which Upper Dolpo is a restricted area for foreigners. To experience the untouched beauty of nature and culture of Upper Dolpo, you need a special permit from the Nepal immigration. As the infrastructures of tourism are not fully developed, you are suggested to join an organized trekking. There you can see the flavor of Tibetan Buddhist culture, oldest monasteries and marvelous sight of still Shey Phoksundo Lake. Similarly, glimpse of rare vegetation and wildlife will fascinate you that you find this land of nomadic people jubilant! And for sure, you can have a real experience of being in a complete wilderness as your lifelong achievement!
Lower Dolpo Region, one of the adventurous trekking destinations of Nepal lies in Shey-Phoksundo National Park, the largest national park of Nepal. You reach Juphal by flight from Kathmandu via Nepalgunj, to begin trekking to Lower Dolpo Region. This ‘hidden treasure of Nepal’ consists Kangmara La (5,115m), Numa La (5,159m) and Baga La (5,190m). On the way, you find the glimpse of traditional villages, enthralling gorges and forests until you reach Shey-Phoksundo Lake.
Trekking to Dolpo Region can be done from Beni of Myagdi and Mustang as well. Beni Lower Dolpo Trekking route passes through Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve by following the hundreds of years old salt trading route to Tibet. On the way, you can see forests of oak, pine, bamboo, walnut and rhododendron trees. Mustang Upper Dolpo Trekking starts from Kagbeni and goes past Dhulungpadanda Pass, then follow Upper Dolpa Great Himalayan Trail.
Guerrilla Trekking
Guerrilla Trekking route got its name from a decade-long Maoists’ guerrilla warfare of Nepal. Starting point of Trekking to Guerrilla route is exactly Beni from where Annapurna Circuit trek and Dhaulagiri Region trekking starts. Guerrilla Trekking Route goes past via Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve, the only wildlife protected area open for scheduled animals shooting. If you have shooting license and want to experience hunting in Nepal, you can do it by taking the required permits from Nepal Government.
Guerrilla trek informs you about the rebels’ secret trails, hideouts and shelters during the domestic war between 1996 and 2006. The trail passes through lush valleys, green rhododendron and pine forests that protect many species of flora and fauna. The major attraction of Guerrilla trekking is the Magar people’s settlement area which is renowned for its culture, tradition and other rituals. The Guerilla Trekking route reaches up to Rolpa, the origin of the Maoists’ Revolution in 1996 AD. For a scholar interested in research about the hilly trail of Guerrillas during the insurgency, Guerrilla trekking is very helpful. You can also know more about the war sentiments, victims of the war, natural and cultural heritages here.
Rara Lake Trek
Rara Lake Trek guides you towards the largest lake in Nepal which lies in Rara National Park partly in Jumla and Mugu. Rara Lake (3,200m) is one of the freshwater lakes in Nepal covering an area of 10.4 sq. km. The fish species Nepalese Snowtrout, Cyprinid fish and Rara Snowtrout and one endemic frog species, Rara Lake Frog are found only in Nepal.
To reach the starting point of Trek to Rara Lake, you need to fly or travel by bus. The route goes past from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj and then to Jumla. From Jumla Airport, you travel northwards by witnessing the magnificent sight of the peaks around Dolpo Region. Rara National Park, a haven for many endangered animals and plants species is an attraction of Rara Lake trek. Red panda, musk deer, Himalayan black bear, leopard and other species of animals add up to your memory.
Rara Lake trek shows you the lovely view of snowcapped mountains, vegetation and wildlife along with the pastoral life of people. The place is still unaffected by the developmental activities and people untouched by the modern life style and accessories. The experience you get during trekking to Rara Lake Region will be imprinted in your brain for whole life.
Limi Valley Trek
Limi Valley trek leads to the farthest corner of Western Nepal close to Tibet. Limi Valley is situated in Humla district also known as the “district in the other side of the Himalayas”. Limi Valley Trek is a rare opportunity to know about the culture, tradition and life style of the Bhotia people. Mostly, you find the Tibetan Buddhist culture and tradition in this part of Nepal. People living here have the relationship of the ‘bread and bride’ with the Tibet as it is close to Tibet.
Trekking to Limi Valley starts from Simikot Airport where you fly from Kathmandu via Npalgunj. During the trek to Limi Valley, you have to cross two passes: Nara La (4,580m) and Nyalu La (4,990m). The major attractions are top hill villages and a variety of wildlife like marmots, wolves, blue sheep, etc. Due to the existence of the 11th –century Halji Rinchenling Monastery, it is like traveling back to time.
Trekking Types in Nepal:
Trekking in Nepal is a wonderful journey moving lowlands and highlands in country’s different destinations. Trekking in Nepal has three categories that the trekkers can choose any in their comfort and desire. Nepal trekking, package, cost and trekker’s payment ability determine the type of trekking in Nepal. Short introduction of each type is given below:
Teahouse Trekking
Teahouse trekking is trekking to Nepal’s different locations where teahouses, hotels and lodges provide lodging -fooding facilities to the trekkers. Teahouses are small hotels the local people open and run for helping the travelers in different night stay stations. If you choose teahouse trekking, you need not carry lodging and fooding items except your personal items. You can find from teahouses to 5 star hotels at different stops in Nepal’s different locations. Teahouse trekking gives you opportunity to taste local typical cuisines and an ordinary sleep in those small hotels.
Camping Trekking
Camping trekking is generally done to the area where there are no teahouses, hotels and lodges. Camping trekking is more interesting than teahouse trekking for the trekkers who love enjoying eating and sitting in wilderness. Camping trekking requires a crew consisting of a guide, assistant guide, porter, cook, kitchen helper, camp helper and a manager. The crew will carry food, fuel, trekking and camping equipments for camp trekking. Camp trekking is useful towards the destination far from teahouse areas.
Hiking Trekking
Hiking trekking is the third trekking type which is walking a short distance through countryside or the forests. Hiking trekking is teahouse-like trekking which doesn’t need the trekking and camping equipments. You can find teahouses or hotels for the night station and food facilities. You can return your origin location completing your hiking trekking to different beautiful locations of your reach.
FAQs:
1. How can I choose trekking in Nepal?
Choosing trekking in Nepal is very easy via a travel agency located in Kathmandu valley. You can search the travel agency’s website and make the required trekking package they suggest.
The agency you make your trek booking should be authentic with the government registration. For the agency’s authenticity, you can see the government license number and registration details. They will tell you the trekking type, about guide, porters and other required information.
2. Do I need to make travel insurance for trekking in Nepal?
Actually, travel insurance is compulsory for the travelers trekking in Nepal. Travel insurance helps you when you have any accidents while trekking to different highlands and lowlands. Travel insurance helps you claim any health problems, theft, lost stuffs and other shortcomings.
3. Is hiring guide or porter necessary while trekking in Nepal?
Hiring guide or porter in some restricted areas is compulsory according to the GON policy. While trekking through short and easy root, it is not mandatory for any trekker or traveler. However, we suggest you hire a well trained and skillful guide or a porter for carrying your stuffs.
4. How costly is trekking in Nepal?
Being frank, trekking routes, package type, duration and trekking difficulty determine the cost of trekking in Nepal. Cost for short trekking is low while long trekking costs higher price. The cost includes guide and porter charge, lodging and food price, legal documents cost, transportation fare and other necessary expenses.
5. What things are in the packing list while trekking in Nepal?
Many factors affect the package list while trekking in Nepal. Firstly, trekking type: if you make a teahouse and hiking trekking, you need only things for your personal use. For camping trekking, you need food, fuel, trekking and camping equipments. Similarly, if you go hiking, you don’t need thick clothes and things you require while high Himalaya trekking.
6. May I know the best time for trekking in Nepal?
There is trekking in Nepal throughout the year, however, March, April, May, September, October and November are the best trekking time. Sometimes, December is the best time for trekking in Nepal because of global warming and its effect in weather. You can book your trekking Nepal package seeing the most appropriate season leisurely.
7. For accommodation, what facilities are there?
There are teahouses, hotels and lodges for trekking accommodation during Nepal trekking. Such teahouse, hotel and lodge facilities are available in almost every trekking station in different trekking routes.
8. What are the things that I can do during the trekking in Nepal?
Besides relishing Nepal’s natural and cultural assets during Nepal trekking, you can also interact with the local people. You can converse with different walks’ people for different types of knowledge in culture, tradition, mythology and so on. You can do the culturally accepted things around the locations of your trekking routes.
