Trekking in Nepal

The Himalayan Country of Nepal is well known as one of the best destinations in the world for enjoying the real beauty of nature through trekking. The trail into the interior parts of the country follows ancient foot trails, which meander through scenic riverbanks, intricately terraced fields and the forested ridges connecting picturesque hamlets and mountain villages. Trekkers can walk along the rough but beautiful trails or virgin tracks in the lap of green and friendly looking hills. The rhododendron-filled, green, dark and deep forests with different seasonal flowers blossoming can catch anyone's eye as can the scattered residential cottages, domestic and forest animals, variety of birds, both Hindus and Buddhist temples, mountains, breath-taking landscape, and above all warm greeting from smiling local people. The highly developed and well-defined trails have been used for centuries.

Trekking in Nepal is an all season activity. It is possible at any time of the year depending on where one wishes to go. However, the most popular seasons are spring (February- May) and autumn (September- November). Even during the monsoon season (June - August), you can trek in the rain - shadow areas north of the Himalayas like Mustang, upper Manang and Dolpo.

Currently, in Nepal, two kinds of trekking are popular- Teahouse or Lodge trekking where one have to do trekking staying and eating in the local tea house or lodges on the way and Tent Trekking which will be fully supported by kitchen crew, camping equipments, foods where one can sleep in tents, eat foods prepared by kitchen crews.

Not necessarily in order, some of the most famous treks in Nepal are:

1. The Langtang Region

A trek through the Langtang region will take you to 4,700 meters (15,419 feet) with excellent views of both the Annapurna region to the west and the Makalu region to the east. The trek also passes by Buddhist monasteries and a nature reserve renowned for animal viewing.
Perhaps the best thing about this trek is that it begins near, or even in, Kathmandu. This makes it very easy to organize and is an excellent option for those pressed for time or looking for an easy introduction to trekking in Nepal. For more information about trekking in the Langtang region, check out our detail programmes or contact us.

2. The Mt. Everest Region

Nestled in the Khumbu region, home to Sherpa and Tibetan Buddhist cultures, there are many reasons to visit this area of Nepal besides getting a glimpse of Chomolungma, as Everest is known to the people who live around her.
Treks in the Khumbu typically range from 17 to 25 days, depending on the route. Though it was once popular to begin treks into the Khumbu from just outside Kathmandu, heavy Maoist activity in these areas has forced most trekkers to fly to Lukla, which sits at 2,680 meters (9,380 feet).
From Lukla, most trekkers head straight for Namche Bazaar and then on to Gorek Shep, a small town that provides unparalleled views of Mt. Everest. Going all the way to Everest base camp or making the route a loop by visiting the Gokyo Lakes (highly recommended) will both add days to the trip. For more information about this trek, check out our detail programmes or contact us.


3. The Annapurna Circuit

The major trek in the west of Nepal is the Annapurna circuit. Reaching a height of 5,300 meters (17,388 feet), the circuit traverses the incredible mountains and glaciers of the Annapurna Conservation Area.
The circuit takes between 16 and 20 days from Pokhara, Nepal’s third largest city. Though the elevations are just as high as in Khumbu, the Annapurna Circuit begins near sea level and allows more time for gentle acclimatization.
The Annapurna circuit is popular because it allows trekkers to pass through diverse terrain, from jungle to high alpine, and passes through a region dominated by Tibetan Buddhist culture. At one point, trekkers even have the opportunity to look into the heavily restricted Mustang Region, which extends all the way into Tibet itself.
For more information about this trek, check out our detail programmes or contact us.
 

4. The Annapurna Sanctuary

The Annapurna circuit itself does not actually go to the common base camp of Annapurna. It is the Annapurna Sanctuary trek, which also begins from Pokhara, that leads to the base of this impressive 8,091 meter (26,545 feet) mountain.
The trek takes between eight and ten days, round trip from Pokhara, and can be a real trial for the unacclimatized. The base camp, at 4,157 meters (13,638 feet), can also be reached as an extension from the Annapurna Circuit.
At the edge of the base camp is the memorial to Anatoli Boukreev. Boukreev, one of the world’s great mountaineers, was killed in an avalanche on the peak in 1997. For lovers of mountains and mountain lore, the experience is moving, to say the least.
For more information about this trek, check out our detail programmes or contact us.

 
5. Mt. Kangchenjunga Region

If you are looking for something a bit more remote and much less traveled, the trek to the base camp of Mt. Kangchenjunga (8,586 meters, 28,169 feet) may be just the thing.
It is best to plan at least 20 days to reach the base camp of the world’s third highest peak and return. Unlike the other treks on this list, the amenities on the Mt. Kangchenjunga route will be basic. While a tent is not required, expect meals of daal (lentils), rice, chapati (an unleavened bread), and the occasional vegetable curry.
Well off the beaten path, the Kanchenjunga Circuit is a great way to spend time with local Nepali people far away from the hordes of other trekkers who flood more popular treks in peak seasons. For more information on the Mt. Kanchenjunga Circuit, check out our detail programmes or contact us.

6. Mustang Region

Mustang is an ancient Himalayan Kingdom which lies in the northern central part of Nepal and at the top of the Kaligandaki River. Upper Mustang consists of two distinct regions: the southern part and the northern where the languages, culture and traditions are alike to those of the Tibetan people. This area is consider as one of the most interesting and picturesque places in Nepal. The whole area has an isolated and mystical feel to it, enchanting and inspiring visitors to this region.
The trek to Lo- Manthang is through high altitude desert country climbing in and out of the huge sided valley of the Kali Gandaki. In places the gorge which the Kali Gandaki River runs through is the deepest in the world. This region is full of some of Nepal’s oldest Buddhist Monasteries, ancient and isolated villages with quaint white washed houses.
Luri Gompa and Yara/Ghara village lies East South of Lo-Manthang,Luri Gompa (Cave monastery) sits high above the crumbling landscape like an eagle's nest. It is some of the last cave monasteries in Lo and Tibet. No written record exists for the construction of Luri Gompa. Luri Gompa and some other monasteries are affiliated with the Kagyu sect (one of the sect of Buddhism). The style of painting suggests they were done by Nepalese (Newari) artists working for Tibetan patrons. The cave temple dates from the 13th - 14th century. The central chamber of the Gompa is carved out of the rock creating a domed ceiling on which are painted a series of Mahasiddha, Sakyamuni Buddha and Chenrezig figures etc, which are the true masterpieces. Lining the walls are series of 14th century paintings, which depict India Mahasiddahs. Some are real individual and other mythical.For more information about this trek, check out our detail programmes or contact us.

7. Tsum Valley Trek

Tusm valley was opened for trekking newly 2007 on October by Trekking agencies,association of Nepal (TAAN) in association with Nepal Tourism Board,(NTB)
It is a sacred Himalayan pilgrimage valley situated in northern Gorkha,Nepal.'Tsum' comes from the Tibetan word 'Tsombo',which means vivid.Traditionally,Tsum valley was a currently distinct geographical area called 'Tsum Tso Chucksums',which means thirteen provinces ruled as a single territory.Against the majestic backdrop of the Ganesh Himal,Sringi Himal,Boudha Himal ranges,this serene Himalayan valley is rich in ancient art,culture and religion.The local people are mostly of Tibetan origin & speak their own dialect.The altitude of Tsum Valley trek varies from 1905m in Lhokpa to over 5093m at Ngula Dhojhyang pass on the Tibatan border.The hidden valley is surrounded by the Boudha Himal and Himal chuli to the west,Ganesh Himal to the south & Sringi Himal to North.
People in Tsum Valley still practice polyandry system and they have their own unique culture,tradition, & dialect.They celebrate unique festival like Lhosar,Dhacyhang,Saka Dawa,Faning & others.Many residents of this valley report that they have seen or found the signs of Mehti,commonly referred as the 'Yeti' or 'Abominable Snowman'.
The trials are strewn with artistic chortens and lined with Mani walls made of thousands of stone slabs carved with drawings of deities and inscribed with prayers.The famous Kyimo Lung,a pilgrimage circuit in the central Trans-Himalaya is a well known seat of learning and a seat of meditation.The circuit traverses across Tsum Valley,Manaslu area in Nepal and southern parts of Tibet.The Buddhist saint Milarepa is believed to have meditated in the caves of these mountains.Due to its remoteness and inaccessibility,this sacred valley and its people have been bypassed by mainstream development for centuries.As a result,the unique culture of this valley has also remained fairly intact.This trek begins from Arughat in Gorkha district,which is easily accessible from Kathmandu.For more information about this trek, check out our detail programmes or contact us.