Trekking in Nepal: The Ultimate Guide

Nepal, the ultimate adventure destination, provides endless hiking and trekking trails for the intrepid traveler. Trekking in Nepal is hugely diverse; it ranges from a few days in rural areas to a few months (think Everest Base Camp). For its picturesque mountains, Nepal is known all over the world.

The mighty Mount Everest is incredibly well-known, and many people travel from all over to see the highest peak in the world. However, Mount Everest, with some unique tea houses, monasteries, and friendly locals, is just a tiny part of what to discover in Nepal. The best way to see this country is for those who enjoy their adventure by trekking in Nepal.

Short treks are the perfect choice for busy trekkers to Nepal interested in exploring the splendid Himalayas. But those people do not have much time or experience with treks. So perhaps you want a little teaser to return in the future.

To make your deliberation on which trekking in Nepal might be perfect for you, I compiled a list of the best — with a detailed, ultimate trekking guide in Nepal to get you to something great!

Nepal has to offer epic short treks from 3 to 5 days, medium treks for up to 2 weeks, and long treks for the adventurous type, whereas you can spend up to 3 weeks or more in the wilderness.

TREKKING IN NEPAL: WHEN TO GO!

Nepal is a popular destination for trekkers from all over the world, but the best time to go depends on a variety of factors. From weather conditions to trail accessibility, this guide will help you determine the ideal trekking season in Nepal.

Understanding the Seasons in Nepal.

Nepal has four distinct seasons: spring, summer, autumn, and winter. Each season has its unique weather patterns and trekking conditions.

Spring (March to May) is a popular time for trekking as the weather is mild and the rhododendrons are in full bloom. Summer (June to August) is monsoon season, with heavy rainfall and muddy trails.

Autumn (September to November) is the peak trekking season, with clear skies and mild temperatures. Finally, winter (December to February) is cold and snowy but still offers trekking opportunities in certain regions. Therefore, understanding the seasons in Nepal is crucial for planning your trekking adventure.

Best Time for Trekking in Nepal.

The best time for trekking in Nepal depends on your preferences and the region you plan to visit. For example, spring is the ideal time to see stunning rhododendron blooms. However, if you prefer clear skies and mild temperatures, autumn is the peak trekking season.

Winter offers a unique trekking experience in certain regions, but be prepared for cold and snowy conditions. Avoid trekking during the monsoon season in summer, as heavy rainfall can muddy and slippery trails. Instead, plan your trekking adventure according to your preferences and the weather conditions in the region you plan to visit.

Popular Trekking Routes and Their Seasons.

Nepal offers a variety of trekking routes, each with its unique beauty and challenges. The famous Everest Base Camp trek is best done in the autumn, from September to November, when the skies and the temperatures are mild.

The Annapurna Circuit trek is ideal in the spring, from March to May, when the rhododendron blooms are in full swing. On the other hand, the Upper Mustang trek, which offers a glimpse into the ancient Tibetan culture, is best done in the winter, from December to February, when the skies are clear and the crowds are thin.

Make sure to research the trekking route you plan to take and the best season to do it before embarking on your adventure.

Tips for Trekking in Nepal.

Trekking in Nepal can be an unforgettable experience, but being prepared is essential. Pack appropriate gear, including sturdy hiking boots, warm clothing, and a good-quality backpack. Staying hydrated and well-fed during your trek is also necessary, so bring plenty of water and snacks.

Finally, acclimate to the altitude before starting your hike, as altitude sickness can be a serious concern. Take it slow and listen to your body, and you’ll have a safe and enjoyable trekking adventure in Nepal.

Preparing for Your Trekking Adventure.

Preparing yourself physically and mentally before embarking on your trekking adventure in Nepal is essential. Start by building up your endurance through regular exercise and hiking. Additionally, research the trek you plan and ensure you have the necessary permits and equipment.

Finally, consider hiring a local guide or porter to help you navigate the terrain and ensure your safety. You’ll thoroughly enjoy the beauty and challenge of trekking in Nepal with proper preparation.

The trekking season in Nepal varies from year to year by day or even week. The weather in the Himalayas and Nepal is unpredictable, but you use it for guidance every month listed.

• Everest Base Camp: (Autumn season from October to December and Spring Season from February to May)
• Three Passes Trek: (Autumn season from October to November and Spring Season from March to May)
• Gokyo Trek: (Autumn season from October to December and Spring Season from February to May
• Annapurna Sanctuary Trek: (Autumn -Winter and Spring season from October – May)
• Annapurna Circuit Trek: Autumn season (October – November) and Spring season (March – April).
• Mardi Himal Trek: October to November and March to April.
• Upper Mustang Trek: Ideal for the rainy season (May – October)
• Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek: Very weather dependent all year round due to avalanche risk.
• Manaslu Circuit Trek: Mid-March to May and October to Mid-December
• Lower & Upper Dolpo Trek: May to October
• Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek: October to November and March to May
• Great Himalayan Trails: Starting time is generally October

TREKKING IN NEPAL – GUIDED OR INDEPENDENT

Because of the restricted areas, the guides and porters require many treks in Nepal, such as Lower and Upper Dolpo, Kanchenjunga, and Upper Mustang. But there are no guides to locations such as the Annapurna Conservation Area and the Everest Base Camp.

If a specific trek needs a guide, there is no way around it; to pursue the tour, you must use a guide and a porter. Before you reach Nepal, to save time and avoid confusion, find a trekking company in Kathmandu or Pokhara; the best thing to do is organize a tour through Nepal. Guides are perfect for trekking and are full of experience; although it may cost you a little more, it’s worthwhile. Therefore, I think it’s worth going on a guided trip while trekking in Nepal.

It’s also important to remember that no matter what trek you’re doing, you’ll probably have to get a Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS). Permits.

THE BEST TREKKING IN NEPAL FOR 2023/2024

Nepal offers a wide range of different regions, including many trekking routes in Nepal, and I have placed a list of the best hikes in each of these regions. For your reference, I have grouped each trek from the respective areas.

These are some of the most popular treks of the Khumbu Valley, including the famous Everest Base Camp Trek.

EVEREST BASE CAMP TREK

The pinnacle of trekking in Nepal is the Everest Base Camp Trek, a prerequisite for the most dedicated wanderers. The question always raised is, what makes Everest Base Camp Trek so good, and why do so many trips for this hike to the Khumbu Valley?

As you might know, it is the highest peak in the world. In 1953, when Tenzing Norgay and Sir Edmund Hillary were the first to do so, there were numerous expeditions to Everest.

Mount Everest is one of the most beautiful natural sights you can see anywhere in the world. And trek to Everest Base Camp is becoming more accessible, attracting more visitors than ever.

Getting to Everest Base Camp (EBC) begins with a hair-raising flight from Kathmandu to Lukla, to which you fly to the side of a mountain. There are a few choices from Lukla as acclimatization becomes necessary due to Lukla’s altitude, so choose to stay in town for 1 or 2 days before starting the trek.

The Everest Base Camp Trek: Overview

When you fly in a short period from Kathmandu to Lukla from an altitude of 1,400 meters to an elevation of 2,860 meters, the risk of altitude sickness may occur, but you must take all precautions. As you’ll notice along the trails, many tea houses and guesthouses can get swamped during peak periods. Also, make sure to register your TIMS card before you leave Lukla!

Things get more enjoyable when you go deep into the Khumbu Valley. You can spend a day for acclimatization at Namche Bazaar so that you can take advantage of side trips. Due to altitude changes, spend at least one day in Tengboche, a 4-hour hike from Namche Bazaar. The scenery starts to get pretty unbelievable once you leave Tengboche, with Ama Dablam Peak and Imja Tse (Island Peak) peeking their heads out of the clouds to the right of the trail.

At the same time, Cholatse towers up from the west. To get amazing views of the Himalayas, choose the arduous trip to Ama Dablam Base Camp, which will add another five hours to your day. As its unique form, Ama Dablam, one of Khumbu’s most picturesque peaks, is one of the most iconic in the world.

Kala Pattar provides you with a great view of Mount Everest. Unfortunately, EBC will not deliver anything similar to Kala Pattar.

EVEREST THREE-PASS TREK

Once you reach the trekking peaks, the Three Passes Trek is considered one of the most challenging treks in Nepal. You follow the same path starting in Lukla as if you were on the way to the Everest Base Camp. The Three Passes Trek involves three mountain passes of 5000 meters, which are over 5000 meters, so make sure to dedicate yourself 100% before taking them.

Trekking in the Himalayas gets no better than this!

It is the highest elevation, Kongma La, at 5,535 meters above sea level. Except when you decide to be adventurous, add Kala Pattar, another 10 m over Kongma La. Once you have reached the junction village of Lobuche, the first is to Everest Base Camp. The second continues towards the following pass of Cho La. Cho La is 5 420 meters above sea level before heading into a lush meadow and reaching Thangnag village.

The last big climb on the Three Passes Trek is Renjo La at 5,345 meters, and the views are guaranteed to see Everest, Lhotse, and Makalu, all in the top 5 highest mountains in the world! After that, the altitude decreases for the rest of the trek, making things much more comfortable as you get Lukla to where the tour ends.

GOKYO LAKES TREK

Gokyo Ri Trek is an alternative to the Everest Base Camp, with only trekkers on the Three Passes Trail. Gokyo is a trek back, which means you come back the way you came, but don’t worry, as you walk in the opposite direction, everything looks different.

There are several lakes, first Longponga Tsho, Tarujung Tsho, and Dudh Pokhari, situated in Gokyo, throughout the region.

When you arrive in Gokyo, allow at least two to three days of rest before you return to Lukla.

There are great opportunities to see some of the world’s most majestic mountains, such as the Everest, Cho Oyu, Lhotse, and Makalu mountain ranges, located within the top five highest mountains on earth. The Scoundrels Lookout is also an alternative way back five hours, bringing you to the Dudh Kosi River, which is exceptionally sacred.

On your return trip to Lukla, you can go via Phortse to the Khumbu Climbing Center operated by the legendary Conrad Anker. Here the locals are trained in mountaineering and alpinism, making work and mountain activity easier for them — taking the Namche Bazar 2 days from Phortse to Lukla.

GHOREPANI TREK (POON HILL TREK)

The Annapurna Ghorepani Trek is a classic teahouse-to-teahouse trek with a magnificent view of the Annapurna, Machhapuchhare, and Dhaulagiri ranges. While the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek is considered one of the easier treks in Nepal, it is stunning. It is surrounded by lush Rhododendron forests, which, in their full bloom, are rare in the region, and walking among these trees is a beautiful feeling.

Poon Hill presents an impressive panorama, and the best way to see Annapurna is to get up at 3:30 am in the early morning. It can take about 30 minutes to 1 hour to reach Poon Hill in the distance to allow adequate time to climb the summit (3,210 meters).

You are ready to enjoy it when the weather is clear!

Ghandruk is a place that you want to visit for at least two days because WOW, is it! It was awesome, but Ghandruk is a lot of the next level. I thought about the views from Poon Hill.

Annapurna South surrounds the village, Hiunchuli and Machhapuchhare, followed by a direct view of the Modi Khola to Annapurna Base Camp.

Moving out of Gandruk is not particularly enjoyable because your knees will likely do a good job (take it slowly), and an ascent to Landruk immediately.

ANNAPURNA SANCTUARY TREK (ABC TREK)

Nepal’s second most popular trekking area is the Annapurna Area. Home to some spectacular treks, such as the Annapurna Circuit and Poon Hill, you’ll have plenty of hiking adventure opportunities.

This exhausting trek encapsulates you amid some of the finest mountains in Nepal. A 10-day walk from the Rhododendron forest of Pothana and Ghandruk, in contrast to the Annapurna base camp alpine climates, the Annapurna shrine trek gives you an excellent view of the place.

Along the Annapurna Trail, the Annapurna Base Camp Trek provides a relatively easy view of Nepal’s mountains and villages compared to some of the most challenging routes, including the Annapurna Circuit and the Everest Base Camp.

Before you arrive at the Annapurna Base Camp, you will find the Machhapuchhare Base Camp, which is only a tiny town in reality, and it doesn’t mean you can climb Machhapuchhare because the mountain is sacred.

ANNAPURNA CIRCUIT TREK

It is no wonder the Annapurna Circuit Trek is the jewel of Nepal. This trek, which everyone with passion and enthusiasm for walking and outdoor activities has come to place themselves among the most elegant environments in the world, and, yes, the Annapurna circuit is truly a world to walk on.

It is only once more special to go from Subtropical Forests to Thorung La’s high alpine pass and then to Nepal’s rain-shadowed Kali Gandaki valley.

MARDI HIMAL TREK

Mardi Himal is a challenge to test you and your fitness for Nepal as much as possible. Mardi Himal takes you to an incredible altitude of 5,587 meters to the upper foothills of Machhapuchhare.

Please note that Mardi Himal Trek is not a popular tourist route, and the track can be overgrown or impacted by natural elements at some places. Most of this trek is steeply up until you get to Mardi Himal and have to go down again. Kumai is an excellent place to pitch a tent about halfway along the ridge to the Mardi Himal and rest before continuing the trek.

Halfway views along the ridge are spectacular, with excellent views of Manaslu, Dhaulagiri, and the Annapurna. Opt for two days of steep trekking from Kumai to Basecamp. Once you push up on Mardi Himal, ensure you find the right path leading up to the pass. If required, a tent at 4.650 meters can be constructed from here, as steep paths of snow and ice lead to the Mardi Himal summit, so the tight spots are essential.

If you intend on the Mardi Himal summit, please watch the conditions before reaching the mountain with the local guides. Trekking paths in Nepal include Mardi Himal and the Summit.

TREKKING IN NEPAL: UPPER MUSTANG TREK

Do not skip hiking in Nepal’s Mustang region, home to one of Nepal’s best treks! It is perhaps the most unique of all treks in Nepal, with its rugged and dry mountains, covered with fresh snow on top, commonly known as the moo-stang.

Upper Mustang Trek takes you through some of Nepal’s ancient villages in Tibetan style, where you will encounter some of Nepal’s friendliest people.

Hiking in Nepal is no better than this! The Mustang Trek is one of Nepal’s, if not the best, trek.

UPPER MUSTANG TREK: THE LAST FORBIDDEN KINGDOM

Technically is the start of the trek in Kagbeni, as it remains the official control point where your permits must be reviewed before you head to the Mustang.

But we will start back at Jomsom because it’s such an awful place. Jomsom is surrounded by a Nilgiri massive of 7,061 meters, which is astounding. The first part of the trek leads to the Kagbeni River, the entrance to Lo Manthang.

Lo Manthang is probably Nepal’s most unique city due to its massive walls around the city. The Chode Gompa, Choprang Gompa, and the spectacular Thubchen Gompa are in the center of town inside the walls.

Finally, the Upper Mustang trek ends at Jomsom, encircling the many tiny Tibetan villages such as Chele, Ghami, Tsarang, Yara, and Chhuksang.

The Mustang Region Trek requires a restricted area permit of USD 500 for the first ten days, followed by an additional USD 50 per day.

DHAULAGIRI CIRCUIT TREK – AROUND DHAULAGIRI TREK

This trek is not for the heartless and should only be attempted if you have advanced trekking skills.
In the Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek, you will test your skills in various sections, such as the French Pass and the Dhampus Pass, for 16 days.

Around Dhaulagiri are some of Nepal’s most exceptional trekking opportunities, with spectacular views of the Dhaulagiri peak, the 7th highest mountain on earth. Although challenging, Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek is one of the best treks in the Himalayas.

Ensure that your porters and guides are appropriate for walking where avalanches can be observed over 4500 meters before undertaking this trek.

In icy conditions, camping at high altitudes will also be required around Dhaulagiri, and it will be freezing, so your gear will have to be of high quality.

UPPER DOLPO TREK VIA SHEY GOMPA

A trek to Upper Dolpo Trek via Shey Gompa is one of the most challenging places to travel in Nepal, even the far west of the Mustang Valley.

This region has only been open to visitors since 1992. Shey Gompa and Crystal Mountain has proven to be one of the most spectacular treks in Nepal and revealed the hidden secret of Upper Dolpo that no one is talking about reading on our blog about Upper Dolpo.

The trek includes an average height of about 5160 meters at Kang – La, and Tsakang Gompa sits cautiously along the trail on the edge of the cliff. When you enter Shey Gompa at 4390 meters lower altitude, there are no significant artifacts inside, but the building’s age is why people come. Shey Gompa is eight hundred years old.

More like the Mustang Trek, Upper Dolpo requires a restricted area permit of USD 500 for the first ten days and an additional USD 50 a day afterward. After that, getting to Upper Dolpo to Jomsom trekking via Niwar pass is possible, and then joining a portion of the trail that links Mustang with Dolpo.

LOWER DOLPO TREK

Lower Dolpo Trek is a challenging and rewarding trek that brings you to the mountains’ stunning views as you go up to 5,115 meters above sea level. Dare to wonder about the Dolpo region’s hidden trails and daring itineraries, the following big things in Nepal’s trekking.

One of the reasons that trekkers come to Lower Dolpo Trek is to see the elusive snow leopard while waterfalls and blue sheep appear the closer you get to Tarap Valley and Numa – La Phedi.

Getting to Lower Dolpo to Jumla Trek is possible by traveling to Jumla via Kagmara – La and then joining a portion of the trail that links Jumla with Dunai.

KANCHENJUNGA BASE CAMP TREK

There are certainly more epic trekking options in Eastern Nepal. Kanchenjunga is the world’s 3rd highest mountain at a gigantic 8,586 meters above sea level, and what better way to discover this mountain than to travel around it?

As Kanchenjunga is far from the East of Kathmandu, only a company with experience in this area can venture here. However, hiring a guide and porter without the hassle of going through a larger company is possible.

Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek demands a reasonable skill level due to the continuous high climbs and steep descents that will take you through the forests of Rhododendron along narrow ridges with stunning mountain views, including the eastern side of the distant Everest Range.

The spectacular sight of the gigantic mountains allows us to discover the beautiful alpine pastures and local culture. The whole circuit is called Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek, including North and South Base Camp.

Likewise, the Kanchenjunga South Base Camp is a short version of the Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek. Here is everything you need to know about Kanchenjunga South Base Camp Trek for your rejuvenating holiday experience.

LANGTANG – HELAMBU TREK

The area of Langtang is a popular tourist destination. Langtang district is situated north of the valley of Kathmandu and is neighboring Tibet. The Langtang Valley Trek is a popular destination due to its unmatched geographical structure and bio-diversity, while it lies within the Langtang National Park.

It consists of several itineraries depending on the physical condition and the holiday duration. A trek up to Kyanjing Gompa makes exploring the entire Langtang Valley possible. Another attraction is the people and their vibrant culture; it is accessible to average grades.

Check out these treks to get more off the beaten track in Nepal.

LANGTANG VALLEY TREK

The Langtang Valley has once been Nepal’s sweet spot for trekking enthusiasts to find beautiful landscapes, authentic culture, and warm hospitality in charming lodges— all easily accessible in Kathmandu. So Langtang trek is a lovely trek.

HELAMBU CIRCUIT TREK

Helambu is only a 2-hour drive from Kathmandu by jeep or bus and promises lush Rhododendron forests, crystal clear waterfalls, and beautiful views of the Himalayas. Helambu circuit trek is a pocket of greenery, and what better way to explore than a 6-day trek bound to give you a healthy dose of nature?

It is mainly known as where Rinpoche visited, especially south of Melamchi Ghyang, a lake. However, Helambu was hit by quakes in 2015, so consult with guides before starting this trek.

GOSAIKUNDA LAKE TREK

The Gosainkunda Lake Trek is a relatively easy trek and one of the shortest in Nepal. Though less risky than other significant treks in the region, such as the Langtang Valley trek, altitudinal sickness remains a problem.
Trekking along the Gosainkunda Lake leads to one of Nepal’s most scenic and beautiful lakes, 4380 meters above sea level.

Legend has it that it originated when the Hindu god, Shiva, pierced the Trishul glacier, his trident, and after he swallowed up the poison, he could get water that turned his throat blue and sting.

People have often said that they can see Shiva lying in the mud. If so, it’s one of the few places where the lake exists. This lake is oligotrophic and low in nutrients. Therefore, it makes the waters very clean and eminently drinkable.

MANASLU CIRCUIT TREK: AROUND MANASLU TREK

The Manaslu Circuit Trek offers what you’d like from a classic trek in Nepal: beautiful scenery, casual experiences with locals and their vibrant culture, and a 5120 meters pass of the Himalayas.

Himalayan Exploration Treks is organizing group departures during the spring and fall trekking seasons and private treks on any dates that can take place from February to June and September to November.

Experts consider the Manaslu Circuit Trek among the best treks in Nepal. Although it has been increasingly popular recently, the Manaslu Trek remains remote and off the beaten track compared to Nepal’s best-known tea house treks. The Manaslu is the 8th highest mountain in the world which takes you around Manaslu.

THE GREAT HIMALAYAN TRAIL (GHT TRAIL)

Would you like to do all of it? The Great Himalayan Trail, recognized as the Greater Himalayan Trail, passes five different nations: Nepal, Pakistan, India, Bhutan, and Tibet. The GHT trail divides into a few sections to facilitate the trekkers by making it a shorter GHT trail or completing it later.

It helps to choose among the trekkers to make the GHT trail their interest. The Great Himalayan Trail expands from the east to the west as the above-listed trail. It is considered one of the longest trekking trails on the planet.

Final Thought

Trekking in Nepal is an experience like no other, but it requires preparation. Depending on your fitness level and trekking preferences, many reasons exist to embark on a trek in Nepal.

You can seek adventure, explore new cultures and places, challenge yourself physically, learn about local customs and traditions, immerse yourself in nature’s beauty, or find peace of mind away from your daily routine.

To ensure a successful and safe trek, it’s always recommended to book with a reputable trekking company that can guide you to the best trekking destinations in Nepal.