Trekking in Nepal is an adventure activity that gives you a unique experience for a lifetime. Whether in a group or solo, it is the must-experience activity on your bucket list, which will take you around the lush green landscape, flora and fauna, panoramic mountain view, and many more.
So, even if you opt to trek solo in Nepal, you are much more welcome. But trekking solo comes with multiple other sets of worries and questions. Is it safe to travel independently in Nepal? Even for the women travelers?
Considering other nations, Nepal is a generally safe country for travelers and visitors. It may be due to the openness to all religions and cultures. Not to mention, it’s friendly people who are willing to welcome everyone with open arms.
Top Three Solo Treks To Embark Your Journey On
Before we move on to how the solo treks can be operated and what tips can help you with the journey, let us first finds some of the few tours that are much more favorable even when you trek independently.
Langtang Valley Trek
- Starting And Ending Point: Syabrubesi
- Trekking Region: Langtang
- Trekking Duration: 8 Days
- Difficulty Level: Moderate
- Maximum Altitude: 4800 meters / 15655 feet (Kyanjing Ri)
- Best Seasons: Autumn (September, October, November, and December) and Spring (March, April, and May)
It is one of the closest trails to the Kathmandu valley. Langtang Valley offers over 70 glaciers and reaches a maximum altitude of 4,773m at Kyangjin Ri. This high altitude provides a panoramic view of the Langtang range that looks stunning with winter snow cover.
Here, the trails are rough but give you a warm experience. Likewise, it is also an opportunity to get a closer look at the ethnic culture of Tamang and Sherpa. While here, you can also visit Langtang National Park and observe wildlife like Himalayan monal, Himalayan tahrs, wild dogs, and snow leopards.
Highlights Of The Trek
- Visit the local Cheese Factory in Kyanjing Gompa.
- Walk through stunning Rhododendron forests, high alpine meadows, and yak pastures.
- Get panoramic views of the Langtang Ri, Langtang, Langsisa, and Ganjala Peaks.
- Experience Tibetan Buddhist culture and life firsthand.
- Climb Tserko Ri for its stunning scenic views.
Annapurna Base Camp Trek
- Starting And Ending Point: Pokhara
- Trekking Duration: 11 Days
- Trekking Region: Annapurna
- Maximum Altitude: 4,130 meters at Annapurna Base Camp
- Difficulty Level: Moderate
- Best Seasons: February, March, April, May, June, September, October, November, and December
It is one of the most beautiful trekking tracks that take you to the base of the world’s tenth-highest mountain, Annapurna (8,091 meters). This journey gives you fantastic scenery of culturally enriched villages and diverse landscapes.
It is also incorporated with the famous Poon Hill trail, which is the viewpoint for sunrise and sunset. You will also enjoy the natural hot water pool at Jhinu Danda. As this trek takes you through the Annapurna Conservation Area, it is also known as Annapurna Sanctuary Trek.
Highlights Of The Trek
- Amazing views of Hiunchuli, Annapurna South Annapurna I, Khangsar, Gangapurna, Annapurna III and Machhapuchhare
- Explore the villages and farmland at Ghandrunk
- Sunrise views of Annapurna ranges, Dhaulagiri I (8,167 meters / 26,795 feet), Annapurna I (8,091 meters / 26,545 feet), and Nilgiri (7,061 meters / 23,166 feet) from the Poon Hill viewpoint
- Take a bath at a natural hot spring in Jhinu Danda (1,780 meters / 6,393 feet)
Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek
- Starting And Ending Point: Pokhara
- Trekking Duration: 5 Days
- Trekking Region: Annapurna
- Maximum Altitude: 3,210 meters at Poon Hill
- Difficulty Level: Easy
- Best Seasons: February, March, April, May, June, September, October, November, and December
It is one of the most popular short treks that takes you along the foothills of the Annapurna to Ghorepani and Poon Hill. This trail rewards you with some of the most striking scenes of the Annapurna ranges, Dhaulagiri, and Nilgiri mountains.
During this journey, you will get to explore the Ghorepani Village, where you will experience the rich culture and lifestyle of Gurungs. Moving from there, the trek takes you to the Poon Hill viewpoint.
Highlights Of The Trek
- Panoramic views of the Annapurna ranges, Dhaulagiri, and Nilgiri mountains from the Poon Hill viewpoint
- Take a bath at a natural hot spring in Jhinu Danda (1,780 meters / 6,393 feet)
- Explore the villages and farmland at Ghandruk and Ghorepani
Other Solo Trek Journeys
- Everest Base Camp Trek
- Mustang Trek
- Mardi Himal Trek
- Pikey Peak Trek
The Ultimate Guide To Solo Travel In Nepal
Traveling solo in Nepal is a thrilling experience, and even with the high safety for trekkers, the area of accident-free is absent. Yes, there have been multiple incidents during the trek where the trekkers went missing or faced some problems.
In addition, planning an independent trip is much better if you do it with careful thought and research. Cause, of course, disasters strike quickly and unknowingly.
Absolute planning is required for many other factors than safety. Traveling solo gives you the ultimate freedom to decide on the budget, location, timeframe, and many more, depending on your preferences. Hence, below are some guides and tips that will help you if you want to travel solo.
Plan Everything First
Make your visual board first! Before you travel, ensure you have collected and understood all the basic knowledge about the trek or the country itself. As you sketch the trip you want to follow, you can organize the days you will spend, the budget you will stick to, and the objectives.
As you make the plan, ensure you are physically, mentally, and economically fit with the visions you have. Trekking requires all aspects on good terms. Hence, you will need to plan accordingly.
Should You Take The Help Of Guides And Porters?
Even if you are traveling solo, you can opt to have a local guide and a porter. If you feel the need that you will require additional information or it will get hard to travel on your own, you can hire a local professional guide.
With them, your trip will indeed be more informative and helpful. Additionally, if you think you have too much to carry, you can hire a porter.
But yes, several trails also fit without a guide or porter. With it, some trekking routes are restricted for solo travel.
Understand Your Budget Plan
Nepal is one of the most affordable nations to ever travel to. With an average budget plan, you can enjoy the facilities and experience the thrill of the premium. However, the cheapest facilities often do not equal comfort and convenience.
In addition, keep your budget the highest, expecting you to get comfortable with it. Also, you must understand that the higher you elevate your trekking trail as per the altitude, the higher prices get for your basic needs and facilities.
Also, while trekking, it is much better to have cash on hand as you will not have a credit card or ATM facility in remote areas. Furthermore, prepare to spend extra money on minor facilities such as charging your electronic devices, using hot showers, or even wifi services.
Remember the permit cards and entry fees. As a trekker, you will have to issue for TIMS (Tourist Information Management System) card, no matter which region you are traveling to except the Everest region.
Similarly, you will also need other entry cards if you have to pass through the conservation areas. You can get these permits from Nepal Tourism Board in Kathmandu or Pokhara.
When To Travel?
Generally, Nepal’s season is divided into four; spring, monsoon, autumn, and winter. Here, spring is between March and May, monsoon is between June and August, autumn is between September and November, and winter is between December and February.
The trails are filled with blooming flowers during spring, and the temperature is mild. Likewise, you can also expect cloudless blue skies. Hence, it is one of the best seasons to trek, as most of the routes are filled with rhododendrons.
In Nepal, the monsoon usually is mild and humid. It rains almost daily, making the trails more slippery and hard to trek. Often, the lower elevation is filled with rain, mud, and even leeches. It is a dangerous season if you want to go for the trek.
Autumn is one of the best seasons, with cloudless blue skies and warm temperatures. Due to this reason, it is one of the peak trekking seasons.
Lastly, winter in Nepal is a miserable season to trek. The days are chilly, and the nights are even colder, almost freezing. Also, since the higher altitudes face heavy snow, most of the trails are closed.
Pros Of Traveling Solo
- You can make choices of your desire, whether for the budget, itinerary, or other factors. Also, you can travel at your own pace and make the trip flexible.
- For those who dislike being in a group, solo travel often brings peace.
- Solo travel develops self-confidence and self-reliance.
Cons Of Traveling Solo
- Solo travel exposes you to the risks of the unknown.
- Your trek will have a different schedule than in group treks.
- You will need someone near to help you if you get injured.
- You will have to bear the trekking cost on your own.
Tips While Traveling Solo In Nepal
- Always apply for travel insurance. Whether traveling solo or in any region, it will eventually help you.
- Keep yourself hydrated throughout the journey. Also, carry snacks and chocolates to keep up your energy.
- Do not ignore the symptoms of altitude sickness even if you feel physically fit.
- Carry enough cash in hand but do not wear any luxury items.
- People in remote areas are pretty conservative when it comes to dressing. Always wear appropriate clothes with less display of skin.
- Always reach your destination before sunset, as it gets harder to see the trails at night.
- Always keep your near ones updated on where you are going.
- Ask permission before taking pictures of people or religious sites.
- Keep a small first aid kit with traditional medicines or the medications of your requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Solo trekking refers to going on a hike or trek alone, without the company of others. This can include overnight trips in the wilderness, multi-day treks in the mountains, or even shorter day hikes.
Trekking as a solo traveler is not recommended, but having a male guide with you can be just as dangerous if you are a solo female. Not every guide is a danger, but there is the chance that something could happen, and it is better to be safe and try to trek with others if possible.