Nestled in the breathtaking mountain scenery and dotted with rustic rural villages, Nepal is a treasure trove for trekkers and mountaineers alike. With eight of the world's highest mountain peaks, including the mighty Mount Everest, Nepal is often considered the Holy Grail for adventure enthusiasts.
As you embark on your trek, you'll be captivated by the magnificent peaks that pierce the sky, the glacial villages that seem frozen in time, and the fluttering prayer flags that adorn high mountain passes. Along the trails, you'll discover charming teahouses where weary trekkers can seek respite and forge connections with like-minded individuals over a cup of hot tea.
Beyond the legendary peaks and summits, Nepal offers a tapestry of experiences. Quaint Sherpa villages beckon you with their warm hospitality, while beautiful forests invite you to immerse yourself in nature's embrace. Ancient monasteries stand as a testament to Nepal's rich spiritual heritage, and gentle yaks graze peacefully, completing the picturesque landscape.
Trekking in Nepal is a dream come true for backpackers and adventure lovers, thanks to the country's well-established trekking infrastructure. Whether you're a novice or an experienced trekker, Nepal has trails to suit every level of difficulty. From easy treks that allow you to soak in the beauty of the Himalayas at a leisurely pace, to moderate treks that offer a perfect balance of challenge and reward, to more strenuous treks that push your limits and reward you with awe-inspiring vistas – the choice is yours.
To help you plan your epic journey, here is a curated list of some of the best treks in Nepal, recommended by travel bloggers who have ventured into this land of wonders. Whether you prefer the popular Annapurna Circuit trek, with its diverse landscapes and cultural encounters, or the iconic Everest Base Camp trek, where you can stand in the shadow of the world's tallest peak, there's a trek that will leave an indelible mark on your soul.
So lace up your hiking boots, pack your sense of adventure, and embark on a journey that will take you to the very heart of Nepal's natural and cultural wonders. With its awe-inspiring landscapes, welcoming locals, and unmatched trekking experiences, Nepal awaits, ready to fulfill your wildest dreams.
Recommended by Campbell & Aly of Stingy Nomads
The Annapurna Circuit is renowned as one of the most famous trekking routes in Nepal, and for good reason. This trek offers incredibly diverse scenery, taking you from lush green forests and waterfalls at lower altitudes to rocky landscapes and snow-capped peaks at higher elevations. Whether you're an amateur or an experienced hiker, trekking the Annapurna Circuit is a lifetime adventure.
The route traverses the Annapurna Conservation Area in the Western region of Nepal. Hikers are required to obtain the TIMS card and the Annapurna Permit, which can be obtained at the Tourism Offices in Pokhara and Kathmandu for NPR 5000/US$45.
The full circuit from Besisahar to Nayaul takes about 2 weeks to complete. However, it is possible to shorten the trek by taking a jeep. The standard itinerary is around 10 days, with most hikers starting in Jagat and finishing in Jomsom. From Jomsom, you can fly or take a bus or jeep back to Pokhara or even all the way to Kathmandu.
The Annapurna Circuit is considered a moderate-difficult trek, with a significant portion of the route in high mountains. The highest point of the trek is Thorong La Pass at 5400m, where altitude sickness is a real concern. The trek also includes long and steep ascents and descents, with some days involving a 1000m elevation change. While it is recommended, especially for inexperienced hikers, to have a guide or porter, it is not compulsory. Hiring a guide or porter typically costs between US$20 and US$25 per day, including their food and accommodation. The trek has a well-established infrastructure, with well-marked trails and numerous teahouses offering private rooms, electricity, hot showers, and even Wi-Fi. The food on the trek is diverse, ranging from Nepalese and Indian dishes to Western options. The average cost of the trek is approximately US$22 per person per day, including accommodation, food, transport, and permits. If you decide to hire a guide or porter, add an additional US$20 to the cost.
Number of days: 12-16 days
Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult
Best Time: March – April and October – November
Nearest trailhead: Besisahar, ends in Pokhara
Recommended by Charlotte Hockin of Our Taste For Life
The Annapurna Base Camp Trek is an excellent choice for those seeking a relatively short-term trek that takes you high into the Himalayas. Sitting at an altitude of 4130m, reaching Annapurna Base Camp is by no means an easy feat. However, with proper training and the right mindset, it is possible to complete the trek in as little as 7 days.
Compared to other treks in the region, the Annapurna Base Camp trek is considered moderate in difficulty. Hikers of all ages, experience levels, and capabilities undertake this challenging climb. While it should not be underestimated, the reward of witnessing the breathtaking Annapurna range at the summit makes the journey worthwhile.
Apart from being one of the most accessible hikes in Nepal, the Annapurna Base Camp trek can also be one of the most affordable. The trail is well-maintained and getting lost is almost impossible. Mountain villages are scattered along the route, making it easy to find accommodation independently.
Accommodation options along the trail are comfortable, with a range of tea houses catering to different budgets. As you climb higher, the number of options decreases, but you can still expect a cozy bed and satisfying meals.
In conclusion, we highly recommend the Annapurna Base Camp trek to individuals with a reasonable level of fitness. It serves as a perfect entry-level hike for those who haven't experienced a multi-day trek before, while experienced hikers will relish the challenge. For us, it was one of the most incredible experiences of our lives, and encountering the otherworldly landscapes of the Himalayas is an unforgettable moment.
Number of days: 7-10 days
Difficulty: Moderate
Best Time: March – April and October – November
Nearest trailhead: Nayapul. The trek ends at Kande
The Langtang Trek is a trek with a real heart. After having been devoid of travellers for a couple of years after the 2015 earthquake, the trails and guesthouses have been rebuilt, and trekkers are back.
The trek takes you through magnificent forests to the high alpine meadows and yak pastures around Kyangjin Gompa (a Buddhist monastery), with an optional day hike up to the top of Kyangjin Ri (peak).
Min. duration: 7 days
Max. elevation: 3800m (Kyanjin Gompa) / 4773m (Kyanjin Ri)
Start/finish: Syabru Besi
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Trek style: Teahouse
Recommended by Annie from Off Goes Annie
The Everest Base Camp trek is undeniably one of the most beloved hikes worldwide, offering awe-inspiring mountain vistas along the way. The sense of achievement upon reaching the base camp of the world's tallest mountain is incomparable.
Although a reasonable level of fitness is required, the Everest Base Camp trek is not as physically demanding as some other high-altitude hikes. The gradual ascent allows ample time for acclimatization to the reduced oxygen levels. The highest point of the trek, approximately 30 minutes before reaching Base Camp, reaches an altitude of around 5600m above sea level.
During the 14-day return hike, you will traverse charming mountain villages, monasteries, and tea houses. Given the high altitude and rapidly changing weather conditions in the region, it is strongly recommended to trek with a guide and in a small group to prioritize safety. Deals can be found for around $600, including the return flight from Kathmandu to Lukla Airport, the starting point of the ascent, as well as 13 nights of accommodation and meals in tea houses. While the tea house accommodation is basic, it provides a comfortable resting place for the next day's climb.
Duration: 14-16 days
Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult
Best Time: March – April and October – November
Nearest trailhead: Namche Bazar
Recommended by Meg Atteberry of Fox in the Forest
Gokyo-Ri Trek_Trekking in Nepal: If you want to lay eyes on Mount Everest, but don’t want to visit the over-crowded climber’s toilet that is Everest Base Camp, there’s no better view of the world’s tallest peak than from Gokyo Ri. This 11-day trek makes its way up to 5,357 meters for an absolutely breathtaking 360-degree view of the Khumbu Valley.
Highlights
Duration: 10-12 days
Difficulty: Moderate to difficult
Best Time: March – April and October – November
Nearest trailhead: Namche Bazaar
Route
You slowly make your way to the famous town of Namche Bazaar. After a rest day of acclimatizing, you branch off of the pedestrian super-highway to Everest and make your way down quiet hiking trails to small towns leading towards Gokyo Ri.
Experience
Along the way, you have the opportunity to spot incredible mountain wildlife and learn about local culture and customs. The trek terminates in the small village of Gokyo, where seven sacred lakes line the trekking trail. Awake early in the morning to make the trek up to the summit of Gokyo Ri and watch the sunrise over Mount Everest. If you’re lucky, you’ll be one of just a few trekkers on the summit enjoying unbelievable, secluded views. You’ll also be able to spot the mighty Kanchenjunga glacier and 3 other 8,000-meter peaks including Cho Oyu, Nuptse, and Lhotse peaks.
Practical Tips
One of the best practical tips for visiting Nepal is to hire a trekking guide. Even experienced trekkers should hire a guide to promote a healthy tourism economy in Nepal. The cost of a private, guided trek, including lodging, permit fees, an in-country flight, all of your meals, several days of sightseeing, and accommodation in Kathmandu is around $1,100 for 14 days.
Recommended by Agni & Amrita of Tale of 2 Backpackers
Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek: The third highest peak, Kanchenjunga (8,586 m) in the world, stands tall in the northeastern part of Nepal, bordered by Sikkim, India. While in Sikkim, Kanchenjunga is considered to be a guardian deity and is revered by all the Sikkimese people, Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek falls in one of the most beautiful regions of Nepal, the Arun Valley. In Tibetan, Kanchenjunga means ‘five great treasures of the snow’.
Highlights
Duration: 25-26 days
Difficulty: Difficult
Best Time: March-May and October-December
Permits: Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Permit & Kanchenjunga Restricted Area Permit. It costs about USD 50 per head.
Nearest trailhead: Suketar
Route
Kanchenjunga Base Camp trek forms a part of the Great Himalayan Trail (GHT) and falls in the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area, covering an area of 2035 sq km. This area is home to a variety of flora and fauna. The route to Kanchenjunga Base Camp thus offers a diverse landscape, from alpine grasslands to sub-tropical forests, river valleys, glacial moraines, and rocky scree slopes. Throughout the trek, you can get a panoramic view of some of the greatest mountain ranges like Kanchenjunga, Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and others. The trek has tea houses and homestays available on the trail.
Contact Address:
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Phone Number:
+977- 9851036115 , +977 1 4821844 , +977 1 4821914
Email Address:
info@nepalmountaintrails.com
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