Find the Ultimate Guide to Trekking in Nepal

Love trekking? Do mountains pull you like a magnet? Then Nepal is your ultimate destination. It is a paradise for those who love adventure and want to explore the mighty mountains up close and personal.

Trekking in Nepal is an experience of a lifetime. Abode to the mighty Himalayas and several other mountains including some of the world famous peaks, Nepal is the proud crowd puller. No wonder Mt. Everest welcomes the trek lovers with arms wide open, so do the historical places and the cultural heritage sites. The whopping count of 176,000 hikers per year is anyway no matter of joke.

Want to be one among them? Keep this guide handy – we jot down few of the most interesting trekking routes – with every minute details, things to carry and important tips for trekking in Nepal.
Here we go...trekking up our guide.

Top 5 Trekking Routes in Nepal

1. Everest Base Camp (EBC) Trek

Trekking difficulty: Moderate

Maximum elevation: 5,545m (18,192ft)
Time required: 12-15 days
Best time for trek: February-May and September-December
Permit from: TIMS, Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit

Be one of the most adventurous trek of your lifetime, this takes you to the vantage point for an outstanding view of the Everest, Kala Patthar to be precise. Get mesmerized with the dreamy view of some of the world’s highest peaks above 8,000m (26,247ft) – Mt. Everest, Mt. Lhotse, Mt. Nuptse, Mt. Makalu, Mt. Cho Oyu, and Mt. Amadablam.

2. Annapurna Circuit Trek

Trekking difficulty: Moderate

Maximum elevation: 5,416m (17,769ft)
Time required: 14 days
Best time for trek: March-May and September-December
Permit from: TIMS, ACAP

This memorable trek to Annapurna Circuit is going to be etched in your mind forever – thanks to the natural beauty and the major attractions including explorations of Manang Valley, Thorong La Pass, Muktinath Temple, Kali Gandaki gorge, and Jomsom. Tilicho Lake at an altitude of 4,919 meters and Rupse Jharana, one of the most striking waterfalls, are visual treat indeed.

3. Upper Mustang Trek

Trekking difficulty: Moderate
Maximum elevation: 3,810m (12,500ft)
Time required: 17 days
Best time for trek: March-December
Permit from: ACAP, RAP

This is going to be a soul-reviving one trek. With an abundance of Tibetan-influenced traditions, a number of interesting hidden caves, and several magnificent monasteries at the backdrop of barren hills, rock-strewn mountains and amazingly gorgeous views of Mt Dhaulagiri and Annapurna, this trekking route is guaranteed to sweep off your feet.

4. Langtang Valley Trek

Trekking difficulty: Moderate
Maximum elevation: 5,050m (16,568ft)
Time required: 10 days
Best time for trek: March-May and September-December
Permit from: TIMS and Langtang National Park Entry Permit

You can watch the beauty of the Himalayas come alive in all its glory as you ascend for the trekking of Langtang Valley. Bestowed with flora and fauna, some spectacular views of Gosaikunda and Ganesh Himal and a spread of Tibetan culture amid Tamang community, it is a paradise for the nature lovers and photography freaks. Do make sure to carry your camera and also the travel backpack to keep your gadgets safe while trekking through rough terrains.

5. Manaslu Circuit Trek

Trekking difficulty: Difficult
Maximum elevation: 5,125m (16,814ft)
Time required: 15 days
Best time for trek: March-May and September-November
Permit from: TIMS

Certainly not for the beginners, this trekking route is solely for the ones who are interested to explore this remote and unexplored route for trekking in Nepal. The route leads to Mt. Manaslu, the eighth highest peak in Nepal. Larkya La Pass, at an altitude of 5,125m above sea level, is the highest point of the trek which offers the most gorgeous views of Manaslu and Ganesh Himal. Keep your senses awake to catch glimpses of some of the rare species like snow leopard, grey wolf, musk deer and blue sheep.

Food and Accommodation During Trekking in Nepal

Nepal welcomes trekkers from all over the world. Accommodation, for the same reason, isn’t difficult to get. You will get ample of options from tea houses to 5-star hotels, as per your budget and requirement.
Food variety is adequate and universal. A typical breakfast looks like a wide spread including French toast and jam, oatmeal, eggs, butter and honey, local cheese and much more. A full-course meal is all about various soups, momo, sandwiches, pizzas, pastas, macaroni, and, of course, traditional Nepalese cuisine including rice, pulses, and desserts.

Mountain Hotel During Trekking in Nepal

Things to Carry and How to Pack

• Backpack: An obvious carry. But make sure it is not pulling you down with its weight. Pick the one which is just the right size, comfortable, and at the same time can hold it all that you must carry.

• Trekking boots – And no prize for guessing why. Trekking is tiring and harsh on the feet. So make sure to wear the most comfortable ones.

• Right clothes – If you are trekking during summer, pick fabrics to keep you cool during the long stretches of trekking. During winter, thermals and down jackets are must. Pick the light ones and keep them non-bulky.

• Walking sticks – A steady walking stick on the trail of steeper tracks are a must, even for the fittest trekkers.

• First aid kit and medicines – While the rocky terrains can cause bruises and cuts, the change of climate and food habit can upset the stomach or cause headache. Keep yourself prepared to fight these odds.

• Sunscreen and eye-gears – You don’t want any sunburn during trekking, nor would you like to get dazzled with glares of the snow affecting your vision. A good sunscreen and a quality sunglass are the solutions.

• Water – Of course!

Trekking in Nepal is a lifetime experience, and must be on top of any intrepid traveller’s bucket list. All you need to do is to prepare yourself physically as well as mentally for the rough terrain, steep climbs, and the possible surprises, and you are all set to head off on the adventure that you might be seeking for since long.
Happy Trekking in Nepal.