Nepal is undoubtedly an excellent destination for adventure, cultural encounters, and spiritual renewal. When in Nepal, you have a plethora of options to choose from, including trekking, mountaineering, hiking, rafting, and jungle safari. If you want to participate in ethnic and cultural celebrations, this country’s diverse terrains will provide you with the best memories.
Trekking is regarded as the most spectacular activity in Nepal. Visitors will be bombarded with guides, organized tours, and gear for sale or rent on the streets of Kathmandu and the trekking hub of Pokhara.
If you want to go trekking in Nepal, keep reading to find out which trek is best for you. These treks provide breathtaking scenery and an up-close look at Himalayan cultures. The overview below will assist you.
Everest Base Camp Trek
Everest Base Camp Trek is regarded as the craziest and one of the world’s most famous. It certainly deserves its reputation, thanks to its history, beautiful scenery, and the Sherpa culture you will encounter during the trek. However, because the trek is so popular, the main trails are often crowded.
This trek is more than just a walk; it is a “step closer to the world’s paradise.” Prepare to be lost in one of the highest routes accompanying various challenges: wondrous forests, graceful mountains, glaciers, Sherpa settlements, Namche Bazaar, foothills, flying prayer flags, and whatnot to the world’s window.
Furthermore, the trekking path runs along the edge of the Sagarmatha National Park, where you can see a variety of vegetation and fauna. Similarly, you will see the Tengboche religious society, concentrated in the Everest Region.
Highlights Of EBC Trek
- Lonely Planet ranked it as the fourth best trek in the world.
- A UNESCO World Heritage Site– Sagarmatha National Park.
- Namche Bazaar– a vibrant sherpa town.
- Tengboche Monastery– the world’s highest mountain base camp, is a spiritual center on Everest.
- Kala Patthar– portrays the best view of Mount Everest.
- The culture of the mountain people.
- Hiking adventure of international renown.
- Beautiful mountain scenery, including the mighty Everest.
Annapurna Base Camp Trek
The Annapurna Base Camp Trek is a vibrant, adventurous, and legendary classic trekking trail that takes you into the magnificent skyscraping mountain top, a stunning range of landscapes, lush Rhododendrons, and local settlements.
The trek begins with breathtaking views of the snow-capped Himalayas, Gurung villages, and a sunrise view from Poon Hill and ends with rejuvenating natural hot springs near Jhinu Danda.
As a result, savor the inner spirit of adventure as you march in this extraordinary Annapurna Base Camp with one of the best treks in Nepal.
Highlights of ABC Trek
- Thorong La Pass, the world’s most comprehensive pass, is traversed (5,416 meters)
- The Annapurna Massif Diversified Trekking Trail includes peaks above 7,000 meters.
- Local Gurung and Magar Cultures in the Annapurna Conservation Area Villages.
- Natural hot springs at Jhinu Danda
- Beautiful Pokhara from above.
- The Himalayas are reflected in Lake Phewa.
Langtang Valley Trek
The Langtang Valley Trek is famous, not far from Kathmandu. The trek begins in Syabrubesi, an 8-hour drive from Kathmandu.
This trek takes you to glaciers and snow-capped mountains not far from Kathmandu. You continue your journey through pine forests, stony streams, boulders, grassy meadows, and vast pastures. Views of Mt. Langtang-Ri, Langtang Himal, and Gajala Peak from above.
Highlights of Langtang Valley Trek
- Langtang Gompa and Kyanjin Gompa
- Tserko Ri offers breathtaking sunrise views.
- Langtang National Park
- Saraswati Kunda, Gosaikunda, Vairab Kunda, Surya Kunda
- The village of Helambu
- Cheese factories and yak farms
- Longer pastures
Mardi Himal Trek
The Mardi Himal trek may be the best option if you are looking for an appealing short trek in the Annapurna region. It is a brief journey along the shepherd route above Pokhara, Nepal. The trekking route is one of the separate and virgin off-beaten paths.
The scenarios are incredibly appealing and wonderful. This short trek in Nepal allows you to experience sublime mountain giants such as Machhapuchhre, Hiunchuli, and the Mardi Himal. These mountains are the “eye candy.”
The Mardi Trek has a new goal for each hiking day so that you won’t be repeating the same route. It has recently become the most admired short trek in Nepal.
Highlights of Mardi Himal Trek
- Trekking trail for ecotourism
- Varieties of vegetation
- Genuine teahouses
- The Annapurna range’s landscape
- Valleys of glaciers
- Tour of Kathmandu and the Pokhara Valley
- Beautiful landscape and mountain views
- The course is less crowded.
- Waterfalls that occur naturally
Gokyo Lakes Trek
Trekking to Gokyo Valley grants access to the magnificent Khumbu Valley and the magnificent Khumbu icefall. The Gokyo valley trek takes you to a sacred lake in the valley, as well as ancient monasteries and Buddhist traditions.
After the Everest Base Camp Trek, the Everest Gokyo Lake Trek is the most well-organized in Nepal. The hike provides breathtaking views of the four highest mountain peaks, specifically Mt. Everest (the World’s Highest Mountain), Mt. Makalu, Mt. Cho-Oyu, and Mt. Lhotse.
In addition, the side view of costumed villages provides insight into Sherpa’s life. Overall, the trek is one of Nepal’s must-do treks in the Everest region.
Highlights of Gokyo Lakes Trek
- Ngozumpa glacier is Nepal’s longest glacier.
- Mt. Everest, Mt. Makalu, Mt. Cho Oyu, Mt. Lhotse, and so on.
- The Gokyo Valley and Lakes
- The world’s largest freshwater system
Best Time For Trekking
The dry and warm seasons of March-June and September-November are ideal for trekking. The temperature is bearable, and the skies are usually clear during these times, though the skies are foggy and rain begins in May-June. Out-of-season trekking is possible, but expect rain and leeches during the summer monsoon season and severe cold and closed passes during the winter months.
During the monsoon season, the treks are nearly deserted. The most rain falls at night; days are cloudy with little rain. The north side of the Himalayas is in a rain shadow, meaning that the mountains block some rain. After Pisang, the Annapurna Circuit is in the rain shadow. The skies are usually cloudy, and it rains from time to time. Although the skies are more apparent in the mornings, the views are still not as good as they are during the trekking season. Landslides may obstruct the trekking routes.
Trekking Necessities
It is best only to take what you require and leave the rest behind. Your trekking requirements will be straightforward.
Everything you need can be easily purchased or rented in Kathmandu’s Thamel neighborhood and Pokhara’s Lakeside neighborhood, though it is preferable to wear already broken-in footwear. There are some excellent deals on fleeces and down jackets, but the knockoffs of brand-name goods sold in Nepal are of poor quality.
The essential items to bring are:
- Sturdy and comfortable hiking boots.
- A sleeping bag (depending on your lodging).
- A daypack.
Hiking pants, thermals, gloves, a neck warmer, a beanie, a warm inner jacket, and a windproof/waterproof outer jacket are all required for cold weather. It is widespread for locals to throw garbage into the environment.
Please consider bringing water purification supplies, so you don’t have to buy water in plastic bottles, as you don’t know what happens to empty bottles. A hiking stick or two, a waterproof case, fabric bandages such as moleskin, a headlamp, altitude sickness and other medication, a camera, and binoculars are also recommended.
Maps are widely available in Nepal, though they may not be completely accurate. The blue-covered map series is printed and widely available in various sizes and scales; however, be aware that the smaller sizes lack the handy time/distance charts on the inside of the cover, despite claims on the body to the contrary. Also, larger-scale maps are difficult to use when looking at alternative routes that might connect two towns.
Crampons and ice axes may be required for more difficult mountaineering treks. Crampons that attach to the shoe with a rubber ring are readily available in the Thamel neighborhood. Spikes, microspikes, and chains are all names for these.
Accommodations
Before you embark on your trek, research the types of accommodations available.
Tea Houses (Lodges) at various points along the trek provide dorm room accommodation and basic meals similar to what the locals eat. But many tea houses and hotels in the hills and mountains are reasonably comfortable; others may be filthy and lack amenities.
Dining rooms may be smoky in areas where chimneys are scarce. The bedrooms and dorms will not be heated. The lodges do not provide linens, and nights can get very cold, so bringing a sleeping bag is recommended even for teahouse treks.
Camping is possible almost anywhere in the country. Camping expeditions can be fully organized and supported by a team of guides (who may or may not be Sherpas), cooks, and porters.
Homestays in nearby villages can be arranged.
Some excursions are designed to take in the best mountain views, while others are designed to expose participants to village life. Some treks are based on detox/healthy living programs, while others include meditation classes and daily yoga. Consult with local guides to find the best trek for you.
Trek lawfully. By law, if you trek alone, you are not permitted to bring any staff. A Trekking Agency is required for this, as they are the only ones authorized to hire staff for foreign trekkers.
Please take all your trash, including bottles and cans from goods consumed in restaurants, to the nearest truck-accessible road for the most proper disposal.
Take note of the pollution and lack of trash management in the trek’s villages, which include trash-clogged rivers and mounds of discarded beer bottles. Nepal is battling rapid Westernization and has yet to figure out how to dispose of its waste. Don’t add to the problem any more than is necessary!
Itineraries
You can find detailed itineraries that include elevation and hiking time between each major stop. See above for the required permit fees for these itineraries, and make sure to research lodging options before beginning the trek.
The Great Himalayan Trail is a 1,700-kilometer trek that links all major trekking areas. This trek is possible with a team of excellent guides, cooks, porters, equipment (including technical gear), and the payment of a slew of high-priced fees. Because snow closes the high passes for much of the year, the window for completing this journey is minimal.