Trekking in the Himalayan opens up new horizons of awareness, blending physical challenge with mental relaxation and a spiritual elation inspired by splendid scenery and heartwarming human encounters. It is an experience that will expand your appreciation of the world and give you a new perspective on your own life.
Different trekking routes offer a different range of lengths and difficulties. Some trekking routes are just a day hiking trip, and some are very long and high-altitude explorations over the mountain pass. It depends on your own choice to fulfil your dream. Assuring your safety and enjoyment of a trekking trip depends on the appeal of expertise and the finest crews on your trip. Exploring through off-the-beaten-track and into a land of discovery gives you deeper insight into the people and surroundings.
Nepal is known for its beautiful and dramatic scenery. Avid walkers and non-walkers alike are drawn to its mountains and foothills to view the Himalayas and the world’s highest peaks. Many also discover the beauty of the forests and the enjoyment of time spent as a self-contained expedition, far from the rush of the modern world and in the delightful company of the trek crew as they tend to our needs and ensure that we are comfortable and able to enjoy the trek to the fullest. They are physically strong, sharp-witted and have an incredibly positive attitude towards a life that we would consider extremely tough. There is something about a trek in the Himalayas that draws you back time and time again. For keen walkers, it is a paradise, and even avowed non-walkers find that one foot just seems to follow the other, drawn by the appeal of what lies beyond.
Nepal’s population of around 20 million people is a blend of Hindu, Buddhist and animist religions. Nepal is a mosaic of cultures, ethnic groups and languages. It is remarkable that in a country of this size, there are over 30 different ethnic groups with at least as many languages. One million people live in the Kathmandu Valley, but at least ninety percent of the population lives in the rural areas of the lower and middle hills of the Himalayan Range. Nepal is predominantly a simple rural society, and a trek in the foothills of the Himalayas is a strong cultural experience as we spend time with our crew and meet local village people.
1. Everest Base Camp Trekking
Everest Base Camp has been designed to be supple, enabling you to enjoy and immerse yourself in the magnificent natural surroundings of this fantastic area at your own pace. The trip includes all the highlights of Sagarmatha National Park, including Namche Bazar, Khumbu (the Sherpa capital), an unmatched view from Kala Patthar (5,545 m.), and the ever-exciting Everest Base Camp, which offers extraordinary viewpoints of Nuptse, Everest, and Lhotse. This trek provides ample time and opportunities to visit Buddhist monasteries, both at Khumjung, one of the oldest in the area, and at Thyangboche, one of the newest since it was rebuilt after being burned to the ground. All along this part of the trail, villages are interspersed with magnificent forests of rhododendron, magnolia, and giant firs. In both early autumn and late spring, the flowers on this portion of the trek make it a walk you will remember for a very long time.
2. Annapurna Base Camp Trekking
The Annapurna Base Camp Trekking offers one of the best views of the Annapurna range, Nilgiri, Dhaulagiri, Tukuche Peak, Dhampus Peak, Hiunchuli, Machhapuchhre, Gangapurna, Lamjung Himal, and many more majestic mountains you’ve never seen before. This trek provides a true adventure of a lifetime. It's well-suited for those who can only spare a short holiday. Many find this trekking route to be the best, especially since Poon Hill in the Annapurna region is arguably the most panoramic spot on earth with mesmerizing views. The trek begins from Nayapul, an hour’s scenic drive from Pokhara that showcases fabulous views of Annapurna (South) and Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) along the way. From Nayapul, a half-hour walk leads to Birethanti, located at the confluence of the Modi and Bhurung rivers; this is where the route splits. The changing scenery ensures a constantly refreshing visual experience. It's not only one of the most beautiful hikes in the world with breathtaking mountain views but also a fantastic immersion into Nepal's local culture. Villages along the Annapurna trail are welcoming, and the residents are exceptionally friendly. The journey to the base camp follows the valley nestled between the towering ramparts of Himchuli and Machhapuchhre, eventually revealing a spectacular amphitheatre. Here, a labyrinth of mountains surrounds trekkers, with Annapurna I rising almost vertically above.
3. Langtang Valley Trekking
Langtang Valley lies north of Kathmandu and is adjacent to Tibet in the north. It is surrounded by high peaks of great appeal. It has become famous as a trekking region worldwide due to the wonderful scenery it offers. The Langtang Valley is aptly called ‘the Valley of Glaciers”. Here, mountains rise, soaring towards the sky. The valley offers pine forests, swift mountain streams, rugged rock, snow-capped peaks, and diverse flora and fauna. Likewise, the hospitality offered by the ethnic Tamang community is also great.
British mountaineer Bill Tilman described it as the most beautiful valley in the world. The highest peak in this area is Shisapangma or Gosaithan (8027m) in Tibet. The course from the Langtang Valley to Gosaikunda is full of diversity, and it is attracting many tourists. The Langtang Valley is also known as the treasure house of Alpine plants. The whole valley is covered with flowers during the summer. This high and isolated region is inhabited by Tamangs, whose religious practices, language, and dress are similar to Tibetan.
Langtang Valley was completely wiped out by Nepal’s 2015 Earthquake and avalanche, with only 1 house standing. On the other hand, the earthquake destroyed not only the valley but also the proudly standing hospitable village of Langtang. But the people of Langtang are standing together to take the glory back. You’ll still be able to see the destroyed Valley. Here, in Langtang Valley Trek, you’ll be able to experience both the beauty and evilness of Nature.
4. Manaslu Circuit Trekking
Manaslu (8,156m) is the world’s eighth-highest peak. From the Hindu middle hills culture to the Tibetan high-country dwellers, the Manaslu Circuit trek in the heart of the Nepal Himalaya is a cultural trek par excellence, without a doubt one of the best treks in Nepal. Manaslu, ‘The Mountain of the Spirit’ and from Upper Nubri, must be one of the most beautiful ones; the spectacular mountain scenery has to be seen to be believed. We trek the classic high trek around Manaslu from the historic town of Gorkha, with its wonderful durbar(palace), to Kutang in Lower Manaslu and on to Upper Nubri, where trade with Tibet continues as it has for hundreds of years. We experience incredible mountain panoramas after the first few days and add extra days at the most beautiful villages before the Larkya La (pass). The diverse Tibetan culture, spectacular scenery, and snow peaks of the Manaslu Himal Circuit make it one of the most interesting, as well as one of the most challenging, treks in Nepal. Manaslu Circuit offers everything from grasslands filled with colourful flowers and beautiful countryside villages to high passes and Himalayan valleys. The diverse Tibetan culture, spectacular scenery, and snow peaks seen from the Manaslu Circuit make it one of the most interesting, as well as one of the most challenging treks in Nepal.
5. Upper Mustang Trekking
The Kingdom of Lo in the Mustang Region of Nepal is one of the most remote kingdoms on earth. One of the few remaining authentic Tibetan cultures still left in the world, the northern part of this astounding kingdom is open to a small number of fortunate permit holders each year. For the adventure of a lifetime, join us as we explore the dramatic landscape and ancient culture of this isolated region. Sheltered by such massive Himalayan peaks as Annapurna and Dhaulagiri, Mustang is a rugged moonscape of walled monasteries, windy plains, and towns that time forgot. The founder of Tibetan Buddhism, Padmasambhava, came here in the 7th century to defend Buddhism against the forces trying to destroy it. To celebrate his successful battle, he built the temple of Lo Gekhar that still stands today, surviving along with an “unadulterated Tibetan culture” that cannot be found elsewhere. The kingdom of Lo is strategically positioned along the main trade route between Tibet and India. In the 15th and 17th centuries, traders carried salt and wool to India and spices and grain back to Tibet, following the course of the mighty Kali Gandaki River. The Kingdom of Lo was part of Tibet until it joined with Nepal in 1790. This district is the lone bastion of traditional Tibetan Buddhist culture and religion in predominantly Hindu Nepal. The kingdom was closed to outsiders in 1960 when eastern Tibetans began their fight against Chinese forces. The region was not reopened to outsiders until 1991, and the Upper Mustang is still closed to casual visitors. A small number of permits are issued each year to trekking companies, and a government liaison accompanies each trekking party in the restricted area of the Upper Mustang. Mustang enjoys a longer trekking season than the rest of Nepal because it lies beneath the rain shadow of the Himalayas. It is not subject to the monsoons that hit other parts of the country and make trekking difficult, but because of the windy plains and arid landscape, this region is more rugged than other trekking areas of Nepal.
6. Everest Three Passes Trekking
Everest Three High Passes Trek is an ultimate trek that will take you through the famous three passes of the Everest Region, namely the Renjo La Pass, the Cho La Pass, and the Kongma La Pass. It is a trek with unparalleled alpine beauty and, without a doubt, the grandest mountain scenery in the world. The highlights of the trek include the Sherpa village of Khumjung, the pristine Gokyo Lake, the breathtaking scenery from all these passes, and the visit to the Island base camp. Unlike other treks in the Everest region, this trek makes a loop, hence no tracing back of the route. The main feature of this trek is you’ll get to trek close to some of the tallest mountains in the world. For this 19-day trek in the Everest Region, you’ll be accompanied by an experienced guide who knows about the region completely. Filled with lots of experiences and scenic views at every step, this trail is also a place to learn about the Sherpa culture and the Himalayan Lifestyle.
7. Langtang Tamang Heritage Trial
Langtang Valley lies north of Kathmandu and is adjacent to Tibet in the north. It is surrounded by high peaks of great appeal. It has become famous as a trekking region worldwide due to the wonderful scenery it offers. The Langtang Valley is aptly called ‘the Valley of Glaciers”. Here, mountains rise, soaring towards the sky. The valley offers pine forests, swift mountain streams, rugged rock, snow-capped peaks, and diverse flora and fauna. Likewise, the hospitality offered by the ethnic Tamang community is also great. British mountaineer Bill Tilman described it as the most beautiful valley in the world. The highest peak in this area is Shisapangma or Gosaithan(8027m) in Tibet. The course from the Langtang Valley to Gosaikunda is full of diversity, and it is attracting many tourists. The Langtang Valley is also known as the treasure house of Alpine plants. The whole valley is covered with flowers during the summer. This high and isolated region is inhabited by Tamangs, whose religious practices, language, and dress are similar to Tibetan. Langtang Valley was completely wiped out by Nepal’s 2015 Earthquake and avalanche, with only 1 house standing. On the other hand, the earthquake destroyed not only the valley but also the proudly standing Hospitable village of Langtang. But the people of Langtang are standing together to take the glory back. You’ll still be able to see the destroyed Valley. Here, in Langtang Valley Trek, you’ll be able to experience both the beauty and evilness of Nature.
8. Gokyo Valley Trekking
Gokyo Valley Trekking is the second most famous trekking in the Everest region or an alternative trek to the traditional Everest Base Camp Trek that offers magnificent views of the mountain peaks and the Ngozumpa Glacier- the largest in the Nepal Himalayas. The image of this region is associated with the soaring view of the most popular mountains in Nepal, at an altitude of 8000m, including Cho Oyu, Everest, Lhotse and Makalu, which are clearly visible from Gokyo Ri (5483m.) above Gokyo Lake. One of the most remarkable features of the trek is the view of the tremendous ice ridge between Cho Oyu and Gyachung (2922m), located in the Khumbu region. This extraordinary trek is also worthy in the sense that it offers an ample opportunity to explore the amazing destination and its impressive sight, which is beyond human imagination. After a thirty-five-minute flight from Kathmandu, landing at Lukla’s tiny airstrip, the adventure really begins. We spend the next few days Trekking and interacting with the mountain people, also known as Sherpa. We stay at local lodges and trek into the heartland of their villages. Everything is organized in conjunction with local Sherpa guides. Along the trek, we will pass Buddhist monasteries with views of Everest and other snow-t towering mountains, getting closer by the day. We will have rest days in the villages of Namche bazaar, which will allow us to explore the region and acclimatize, which is very important. After trekking to Gokyo Ri (5483m), we return at a leisurely pace back to Namche and Lukla for our flight back to Kathmandu.
9. Mardi Himal Trekking
Mardi Himal is the name given to the feature of the long rising ridge and its summit from the southwesterly lower slope of Mt. Machapuchare, the famous triangular skyline that is seen from the Phewa Lake at Pokhara. As we shall soon see from a closer and more westerly vantage point, the mountain holds Wins Peak – thus its name, Machapuchare, which in English means “Fishtail”. Machhapuchhare is the most southerly high point of the Annapurna Massif, the awesomely majestic grouping of mountains in the central Himalayas that includes 5 of the 12 highest mountains in the world – all at the close quarters to our route. Mardi Himal Trek, a magnificent trekking trail in the Annapurna region, is a gateway to Mardi Himal and its base camp. It offers some jaw-dropping sceneries of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchre, and Manaslu Ranges. This trekking trail is a complete package for adventure seekers as it fills someone trekking this trail with adrenaline and eye-catching views of mountains and high hills. The beauty of proudly standing silvery mountains and the greenery of the high hills is only offered by some of the best trekking trails in the Himalayas, which can be experienced here, in Mardi Himal Trek. This ten-day hike leads us through the forest and above the tree line up to High Camp at (4,100 m.) from where there are the most amazing close-quarter views of the Annapurna Range.
10. Annapurna Circuit Trekking
Annapurna Circuit Trekking attracts a relatively high number of trekkers in Nepal. As the name itself suggests, this trail goes on a circuitous route around the entire Annapurna massifs, visiting the Tibet-like country on the northern slopes of the Himalayas and the dramatic Kali Gandaki Gorge. Much of the trek is through lowland country, but there is one high pass, ‘Thorong La’ (5416m). The trail over the pass is steep but in good shape and not hard to follow. This is one point of the entire circuit where you really feel you are amidst the mountains. However, you should be aware of altitude sickness and be prepared for weather extremes as the Thorong La is notorious for changing its moods. The pass is usually snowbound and uncrushable from mid-December to mid-April. The Kali Gandaki Gorge is another spell-binding part of this trip. Known to be the world’s deepest river gorge, the trail up to the Jomsom and Upper Mustang actually goes side by side with the river, giving the lonely trekker company and groups something to talk about. Thus, the Annapurna Circuit is an extraordinary trek, truly one of the world’s best. It requires at least three weeks. But due to the popularity of this route, it can sometimes tend to be crowded.