Trekking in Nepal
Trekking in Nepal is the most popular tourist activity in the country, with a variety of routes available, such as Everest, Annapurna, Langtang, Manaslu, Mustang, Dolpo, Kanchenjunga, and many more. It is important to understand trekking in Nepal before booking your trekking and tour adventure holiday in the country.
Get ready for an exciting adventure by putting on your backpack and taking the first step towards trekking in Nepal! The trekking experience in Nepal offers a wide range of opportunities, from short walks to multi-day high-altitude alpine adventures.
If you’re looking for a thrilling adventure in an exotic destination far from the ordinary, then Nepal is the perfect place for you. Recently, Nepal was named one of the best places to visit in the world in 2018. However, seasoned travelers have known about Nepal’s charm for years, thanks to its top-notch service and excellent value. You need not worry about crowds, as Nepal boasts diverse terrains and landscapes where you can always find a peaceful spot.”
Trekking Destinations in Nepal
Top 5 trekking places in Nepal
Everest Trekking Region
With so many options for trekking tours in Nepal, how can one decide? Luckily, trekking in Nepal is distinguished by region. The most recognizable is the iconic Everest region. Solukhumbu is the area where the highest peak in the world resides.
The valleys of the Solukhumbu funnel you right through high Sherpa villages and take you to famous places like the Everest base camp trek (EBC). Toss in remote Buddhist monasteries and hospitable villages coupled with cozy lodges, hot showers, and excellent Wi-Fi, this region never disappoints.
Annapurna Trekking Region
Trekking in Nepal Offers the breathtaking Annapurna region in north-central Nepal. Many use the lakeside city of Pokhara as their planning and jumping-off point for treks in this area. Not only will your views be dominated by the Annapurna Massif, but there are 14 peaks in this region. So, need clerks are nothing but views, views! It cannot be stated enough that this region will leave you spellbound with every step.
Langtang Trekking Region
The Langtang trek area is slightly closer to the Kathmandu Valley and just to the north, with the grand Manaslu Mt as its neighbor to the east. With proximity to the capital city of Kathmandu, this area is excellent for those with time constraints or if staying at slightly lower elevations is needed.
In the east is the Kanchenjunga region.
If you want the trail all to yourself, Kanchenjunga is your destination. No WI-FI, hot showers, or Snickers bars here, but you will find rugged beauty and unmatched views of the world’s 3rd highest peak, Mt. Kanchenjunga.
Dolpo and Mustang Trekking Region
Dolpo and Mustang are areas that have opened relatively recently and are distinct in their ecology, which is unique Trekking in Nepal. These areas are restricted and require special permits to hike here. Wild, remote, and barely touched by modern life, these areas see little traffic for trekking.
Those who decide to venture here will be transported in time to ancient Buddhist and Bon religious communities. Just as the culture of Dolpo and Mustang is unique, so is the ecology. It’s a great option if you can only visit Nepal during the summer when most of the country is wet from the monsoons.
Best Time for Trek in Nepal
Top 10 trekking places in Nepal
When to go trekking in Nepal
Once trekking in Nepal is chosen, you must know the best season for trekking. Most decide to fall. That means the majority of trekkers will come between September and October. This season can be extended into November as the number of travelers dwindles. It is dry, clear, sunny, in a word, spectacular. The shoulder season of spring is close behind when most trekkers typically arrive March-May. Most travelers avoid the summer season since it’s also the rainy season.
However, as mentioned, the Mustang area is blessed with drier weather. Winter (December-February) is very dry, except in the high passes and mountains covered in snow and ice. Any trek with significant elevation cannot be accessed during this time, and if you stay low, water availability can be an issue.
Types of Trekking in Nepal
Popular trekking routes in Nepal
Generally, Trekking in Nepal falls into two categories—either teahouse (small guesthouse) to teahouse, camping, or a combination of both. Teahouses can range from almost deluxe, such as along the EBC trek, to rugged and thinly stationed. Teahouse treks require little more than flying into Nepal and getting your visa at immigration.
The most famous teahouse trek, and probably on everyone’s bucket list, is the Everest Base Camp Trek. EBC Trek begins with a thrilling flight to Lukla airstrip, where you start trekking to the base of the world’s highest peak. If the many tourists who come to trek in Nepal aren’t going to EBC, the next most famous trekking in Nepal is the Annapurna Circuit. This trek circles this mighty massif of Annapurna after a drive up into the hills from Pokhara.
The EBC and the Annapurna Circuit have an impressive arrangement of teahouses complete with Wi-Fi and apple pie. The Langtang Trek is a delightful ramble through Tamang country, slightly closer to Kathmandu and lower in elevation.
This trek is high in biodiversity and rich in culture as you hike through lofty villages and rhododendron forests. If camping is more to your taste, the Kanchenjunga area in the higher elevations will be the only way to access this wild and remote area. Or, if you want to head west, the Dolpo region for camping is a pristine mountain environment.
Dolpo is for the hardy trekker who wants high passes, wild landscapes, and hikes rich in Tibetan culture and the diversity of animal life.
How to Choose Trekking Regions
Choosing the right region, trek, and grade of difficulty will create the best opportunity for a fun and memorable trip. Tours can range from easy to difficult. Let it be known that easy still means some climbing and days lasting 5-7 hours of walking. Moderate will involve up to 8 hours of hiking and uneven terrain with plenty of climbing and descending. Difficult for the well-seasoned trekker who has experience with multi-day backpacking in wilderness terrain.
Along with choosing the right level for your physical ability is being prepared for AMS or Altitude Mountain Sickness. In general, AMS will affect anyone going above 6000ft. How much is up to the individual and can vary in length for adjustment. AMS can become a severe issue, however, if the body doesn’t respond well to the gain in altitude or the ascent is too quick. Good guides are well-trained to watch for these symptoms and react appropriately. Generally, the best treatment is rapid descent to lower elevations.
How to Get Visa and Permits
Visas and permits are luckily easily acquired for most incoming travelers. Always check with the official Nepalese Government website for your country of origin. Most can obtain a visa on arrival for up to 90 days. Permits can vary and depend on where you are going. Your trekking company will be able to advise you as to what you need for your trek.
Crisp mountain air, snowcapped peaks glittering in the high alpine sunshine, and solitary stupas guiding your way along a winding trail. It seems the stuff of dreams. However, it is natural and waiting for you here in Nepal. Get ready to quench your thirst for adventure and love of mountains because Nepal has everything.
