Best Treks in Nepal

Contry of Great Himalays and Diverse Culture
1Packages

Nepal Trekking Packages offers a wide variety of opportunities for different levels of trekkers with different expectations. Nepal is a geographically diverse country and offers flat lands to the highest mountains while traveling across its average width of 193 kilometers. People from all around the world explore this land of great mountains, biodiversity, and beautiful and isolated ethnic culture and traditions.

Nepal provides a great range of trekking opportunities. You can either go trekking in low-altitude regions, high-altitude regions, mountains, hills, lakeside, and religious or cultural sites. Further, you can come trekking in Nepal for a month or for a few days.

A few days of trekking can be done as introductory treks for someone who has never gone trekking before. A few weeks of trekking is done to reach isolated places at high altitudes like Base Camps, high passes, high-altitude freshwater lakes, etc.

Another beautiful notion about trekking in Nepal is the fact that you can come to trek all year round. Most trekking trails are open for trekkers all year round except when heavy snow makes trekking in certain trails extremely difficult.

Almost all trekking trails grant trekkers beautiful photographic moments, especially from viewpoints during sunrises and sunsets. Some trails are more adventurous than others, it all depends upon one’s preference. Few trails even give you an adrenaline rush and hair-raising experience.

These treks are also a wonderful opportunity to try local food grown and prepared by local people. Living with these people for several days gives you a different insight into their traditions, culture, and livelihood. Nepalese people are known for their warm hospitality.

With so many wonderful places to go and things to see, let us take a look at some of the best places for trekking in Nepal.

Everest Region Trekking

Everest is the tallest mountain in the world. This fact attracts tens of thousands of trekkers to the Everest Base Camp annually. Every trek to this region starts with a flight to Lukla. This thrill that you will get on this flight is not likely to be matched in any other airport in the world.

Namche Bazaar is a Sherpas town that every trekking trail goes through. It has various facilities like internet, restaurants, pubs and luxurious hotels. Moving further, it will be harder to find these facilities. Trekking in the Everest Region also offers a visit to Tengboche Monastery, the largest monastery of the Khumbu region. Located at the junction of the Dukh Koshi river and Imja Khola, it is also a brilliant viewpoint to catch peaks like Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, and Tawache.

Some long Everest Region treks like Base Camp Treks and high passes treks also take one to Kala Patthar, which offers the best view of the Everest region. Gorak Shep, Pheriche, Lobuche, Dingboche, and Duglha are some other notable places along the trek.

Some treks in the Everest region are Everest Base Camp Trek, Gokyo Valley Trek, Everest Panorama Trekking, Renjo-La Pass with Gokyo Trekking, etc. You can look at the details of these treks to know which of these trekking are the most suitable for you.

Annapurna Region Trekking

Trekking in the Annapurna Region offers various amazing opportunities besides seeing mountains. Walking inside the Annapurna Conservation Area makes it possible for you to see various exotic plants and animals. Annapurna region has several classic Nepali villages like Ghorepani, Tadapani, and Ghandruk, Landruk, etc. One of the treks is also designed to take you to Tilicho lake, the highest lake.

Annapurna Circuit Trek is the second most popular trek in Nepal for its rich cultural and natural diversity. During this trek, you will get an amazing view of the Annapurnas, Machhapuchhre, Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, and Langtang Himal. This trek will also take you to Muktinath, a holy temple that is worshipped by Hindus as well as Buddhists alike.

Poon Hill Trek is another popular trek in this region. This short trek is for anyone who is looking for a low-altitude trek to complete within a week with a moderate amount of fitness 

Annapurna Region is a culturally and geographically diverse region with the opportunity to explore the culture of the Magars, Gurung, and Thakali people. Tibetan Buddhism is the religion that is dominant in this region.

These treks take you through lush rhododendron forests and wonderful scenic views of mountains of the Annapurna regions in the background. Some other treks in this region are Annapurna Base Camp Trek, Mardi Himal Trek, Khopra Hill Trek, etc.

Langtang Region Trekking

The Langtang region treks will take you through ancient Tamang villages of this region, dense green forests which are upstream of the Bhote Koshi river. You will be walking through the Langtang National Park, which has a great range of vegetation, different types of forests, and ecosystems.

One of the most popular treks in this region is the Langtang Valley Trek. It is renowned for its wonderful natural vegetation and culturally diverse villages. If you take 9 hours to ride from Kathmandu, you will get to the starting point of your trek.

Tamang Heritage Trail Trek in the Langtang region is designed to let one explore the isolated culture and traditions of indigenous people.  If you are looking for a longer trek in this region, you also can try out the Langtang Gosaikunda Trekking and Langtang Helambu trekking.

The biggest attraction of these treks is reaching Tsergo-Ri, which is located at an altitude of 5000 meters. Other beautiful peaks like Langtang Lirung, Pemathang Ri, Langshisha Ri, Dorje Lakpa, and Kangchenpo, and Tillman be seen.

Mustang Region Trekking

Geographically, Upper Mustang lies in the Tibetan plateau. Upper Mustang used to be a part of the Tibetan empire and therefore has close historical as well as cultural ties with Tibet.

Upper Mustang Trekking was open for Non-Nepalese only in 1992 as it still remains a geopolitically sensitive area. The isolation of the Upper Mustang from the world has meant that the geography of this region has remained practically untouched by modern technology. So if you come to trek in this region, you’ll have a feel of the century-old culture and tradition. 

The landscape of this region varies drastically while trekking as there are semi-arid deserts, deep gorges, shelves of rocks, and snowy peaks. The highest point during this trek is only 3800 meters making it comfortable for trekking enthusiasts. One of the best things about trekking in Mustang is the fact that trekking here is not affected even in the monsoon as the Himalayas that surround it blocks the monsoon clouds.

Manaslu Region Trekking

Manaslu Circuit Trek is a classic trek in the Manaslu region along with the wonderful Himalayan ranges and beauty of nature. Manaslu Circuit Trek was open for visitors only from 1992. Therefore, it is not usually crowded like EBC or ABC trek which means that this trek is suitable for anyone who wishes to trek in peace and solitude.

Manaslu Circuit trek will take you along the border of India and Nepal. The villages of these regions are quaint and have a great range of ethnic as well as scenic range. You will have breathtaking views of mountains like Himalchuli, Ganesh Himal, and Manaslu itself. Eight peaks which are over 6500 meters tall are visible during this trek.

Another major attraction of the Manaslu Circuit trek is the visit to the Manaslu Conservation Area that is full of lush green vegetation and a variety of animals. The highest point along this trek is Larkya La Pass which is located at an altitude of 5213 meters.

Upper Dolpo Trekking

Situated between the Tibetan Plateau and Dhaulagiri ranges, Upper Dolpo is one of the most remote trekking destinations in Nepal. The entire Dolpo region was open to trekkers only in 1989. Like many other trekking destinations in Nepal, Upper Dolpo is a region where the cultural, as well as religious influence of Tibetans is high. The villages in this region are stylish, the mountains are beautiful, and quite often, the barren landscapes are stunning.

Traveling through quaint villages, dense green forests, terraced farms and the stunning beauty of nature takes you inside Shey-Phoksundo National Park and lets you visit Nepal’s deepest lake Shey Phoksundo. This park is a habitat for many species of plants, birds, mammals, and other animals. During the trek, you will also trek to Shey Gompa monastery.

Upper Dolpo trek is a long trek that lasts 24 days and will take you to the maximum altitude of 4500 meters. If you are looking to trek for fewer days, you can try out the Lower Dolpo trek which lasts only 18 days.

Kanchenjunga Region Trekking

Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek is perhaps the longest trekking destination in Nepal. It is located on the Eastern border of Nepal and will take you approximately one month to complete. Kanchenjunga mountain lies partly in Nepal and partly in India due to which this mountain is visible from India, Nepal, Bhutan, as well as Tibet.

One of the major attractions of the Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek is the walk through the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area. This conservation area is home to various flora as well as fauna including red panda, snow leopard, wild boar, and musk deer.

One of the most important religious sites to visit during the Kanchenjunga Base Camp is the Pathibhara temple, an important site for Hindus from Nepal and India. The highest point along the Kanchenjunga trek is the Kanchenjunga Base Camp which is located at an altitude of 5143 meters.

In addition to Kanchenjunga Base Camp, you will also go to Yalung Base Camp and Sela Camp which are 4500 meters and 4290 meters respectively. During the trip, you will also cross two mountain passes.

Rara Lake Region Trekking

Trekkers who have trekked to Rara Lake consider it to be an earthly paradise. In the Rara Lake Trek, you will encounter the blue turquoise Rara Lake surrounded by lush green forests on a backdrop of quaint snow-clad mountains.

Rara Lake trekking can be completed in 15 days. The trek starts after a flight from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj to Jumla. From Jumla you will walk along with various places like Chelchaur, Chalachaur, Sinja Valley, and finally, reach Rara Lake.

Rara Lake is located at an altitude of merely 3010 meters making this trek relatively safe from the worries of altitude sickness. Rara lake is Nepal’s largest lake and this lake is surrounded by people of different ethnicities making the Rara trek a culturally satisfying trek.

Rara National Park is another region of great importance during this trek. The national park falls into two districts- Mugu and Jumla. The national park is home to more than one thousand species of plants including rhododendron, oak, and birch forests. Snow leopards, red pandas, and Himalayan black bears are the most popular animal species in this national park.

Other Notable Treks

Besides these treks, you also have a variety of other trekking routes in Nepal. Some of these trekking are long ones while some of them are shorter.

Chisapani Nagarkot Trek is short trekking that can be completed within a week. This trek takes you to the surrounding hills of Kathmandu. You will go to places like Nagarkot, Sundarijal, and Shivapuri National Park where you can have wonderful sunrise views as well as panoramic views of mountains.

Dhampus Sarangkot Trek is another popular short trek in Nepal in the Pokhara region of Nepal. Sarangkot is a major attraction for all trekkers as it provides a wonderful sunrise view. You will also trek to Ghandruk, which is a picturesque multi-ethnic village popular for a panoramic view of the mountains.

Tsum Valley Trek, trekking in Indigenous People Trail, Ganesh Himal Trek, and Tamang Heritage Trail are some less renowned but equally satisfying treks that you can be a part of when you are in Nepal.

FAQ

What type of accommodation can be found while trekking in Nepal?

There is no definite answer to what kind of accommodation you are likely to encounter while trekking in Nepal. Along the lower regions of the trek, you can find various types of accommodation. You can choose to stay in tea houses, lodges, or luxurious hotels depending upon your budget. But as you trek higher up, the accommodation might be more basic.

You are unlikely to find facilities of WiFi and automatic flush bathrooms in high-altitude regions. Furthermore, despite having basic facilities only, the prices are likely to be greater than that of the places along the lower regions as transporting goods to higher altitudes is tough.\

Which is the best season to trek in Nepal?

You can trek in Nepal all year round. Almost all trekking trails are open all year round. In exceptional cases like heavy snowfall or rainfall, some trekking trails might not be open. So as long as you pack well and adjust your gear depending upon the weather you are likely to encounter in your treks, your trekking will be awesome.

Spring and autumn seasons have a mild amount of sunshine, considerably lower precipitation, and low wind speed. All of these factors make spring and autumn two very popular trekking seasons in Nepal.

In terms of scenic beauty, winter treks are the best. Winter has the lowest precipitation among all seasons and the chances of clouds covering the views of mountains are practically nil. However, the temperatures during winter are quite low. So you have to pack well.
 

What is the packing list for trekking in Nepal?

The packing list is dependent upon the places you are traveling to and the season you are planning to come to Nepal. If you are coming on low-altitude treks or during the summer season, you can pack lightly. However, high altitude or winter treks require you to pack heavier than you normally would.

Sturdy trekking boots are necessary to trek in Nepal. You will need good down jackets to keep the cold away. During high-altitude trekking, layered clothing is a must. Spacious, high-quality backpacks will also be necessary to store all your belongings. The volume of the backpack will be dependent upon the length of the trek. If you are coming to longer treks in Nepal like Upper Dolpo or Kanchenjunga trek, you will need a larger bag to store all your belongings.

Other items to pack include t-shirts, rain-cover, sunscreen, toiletries, basic first aid, mosquito repellent, and basic medication.
 

What is the cost of trekking in Nepal?

The price of trekking to different places in Nepal is different. Therefore, you cannot pinpoint the prices for trekking in Nepal. However, as a simple rule, the higher up you go, the higher the prices for trekking are.

The number of days is another factor that determines the cost of trekking. If you are planning to trek in high-altitude regions for a longer period of time, the cost increases.

It also depends upon whether you use air transportation or road transportation to get to the starting points of your trek. The cost of airfare in Nepal is quite high. If you cut down on the use of air transport, your trekking costs are likely to be reduced.
 

Do I have to hire a guide while trekking in Nepal?

Hiring a guide while trekking in Nepal is optional. However, in order to have a wholesome experience, a guide will be necessary especially for inexperienced travelers and in rural regions.

Some trekking trails might be dangerous during off-seasons. A guide will help you avoid such paths. In addition, no trek is ever complete without an appreciation of the culture of the region. Guides will help you know the culture as well as the historical significance of the places during your trek making your trip all the more enriching.

In addition to the guides, we encourage you to hire porters as well. Even if you are physically fit, hiring a porter is important. Porters will carry your bags helping you preserve energy during your treks and thus reducing the chances of altitude sickness. They will also be your companions during your treks.

Do I need to get travel insurance for trekking in Nepal?

There might be certain problems you might encounter while trekking. Petty thefts, bruises, cuts, altitude sickness, flight cancellation, etc. So, we strongly advise you to get insurance for trekking in Nepal. You can check the various plans, policies, and what things are covered while getting travel insurance.

Should I contact a travel company while trekking in Nepal?

Travel companies in Nepal are present in large quantities. We highly recommend you to travel only after contacting a travel company and make sure the travel company is trustworthy.

The guides that travel companies assign you are highly experienced and registered. They will also lay out a lot of plans for you and help you customize your trip. They will also assist you in case you happen to encounter medical problems while trekking.

Conclusion

Trekking in Nepal will be a wholesome experience as long as you have the appropriate planning and preparation. Take a look at the various possibilities of trekking and decide which places and for what length you want to trek in Nepal. As long as you have followed our guidelines, trekking in Nepal will be nothing less than a dream come true.