Trekking routes in Nepal are more than just trails, they are precisely designed paths that wind through the beautiful attractions, linking distant villages, tranquil lakes, and prominent mountains. Creating these routes requires years of devotion, local knowledge, and a thorough understanding of the landscape.
Nepal's rocky terrain offers both obstacles and opportunities for developing trekking routes. Short routes, such as the Mardi Himal Trek, provide more convenient access to prominent places, attracting a diverse number of adventurers. Longer routes, like the Annapurna Circuit, cross diverse terrain and high mountain passes and necessitate proper planning and preparation.
To access these routes, people fly into Nepal's capital, Kathmandu, and then take a short domestic flight or ground transportation to the trailhead. From there, trekkers set off on their journey, led by expert local Sherpa people or professional and certified guides. Trails in Nepal are mostly famous for most of the highest mountain peaks in the world but they also provide a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in local culture, as trekkers travel through traditional villages and interact with indigenous groups.
Popular routes often have well-established teahouse accommodations, providing comfort and convenience as some routes are still off the beaten and need camping and a lot of crew members as it is untouched by most trekkers.
For instance, we will explore the best four trekking routes which are popular among the tourists in the decade.
Everest Three High Passes Trek
Trekkers can see some of the most breathtaking landscapes during the Everest Three High Passes Trek. Located in eastern Nepal's Khumbu region, the journey usually begins and concludes in the lively town of Lukla, which is reachable from Kathmandu to Lukla with a quick flight. Trekkers can experience the rich Sherpa culture by traveling from Lukla through charming Sherpa settlements like Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, and Dingboche.
Three high mountain passes must be crossed on this strenuous trek: Kongma La (5,535m), Cho La (5,420m), and Renjo La (5,360m). From these passes, one can enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of Makalu, Everest, Lhotse, and other towering peaks.
Trekkers can find suitable lodging along the trail, ranging from simple teahouses to luxurious lodges, offering a peaceful spot to rest overnight after a strenuous day of hiking. Meals provide a variety of world cuisine alternatives to suit different preferences in addition to flavourful Nepali and Tibetan meals.
Proper acclimatization is essential because, like any high-altitude trek, there is a risk of altitude sickness. Depending on the route chosen and the weather, the hike usually takes 16 to 20 days to finish.
The Everest Three High Passes Trek is reasonably priced, with expenses including permits, lodging, food, and guide/porter services. Before starting a journey, hikers must get permits from the Sagarmatha National Park and the local government authorities, and Best to travel from March to May and September to December.
Given that it requires extended days of climbing at high altitudes, this journey is best suited for seasoned hikers with a reasonable level of fitness. Nonetheless, the Everest Three High Passes Trek offers an incredible experience amid the majestic Himalayan peaks for those who approach it prepared and with a spirit of adventure.
Quick Itinerary:
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu (1310 m)
Day 02: Preparation Day
Day 03: Flight to Lukla, Trek to Phakding. (2610 m) (25 min Flight/ 4 hours walk)
Day 04: Trek to Namche Bazaar. (3440 m) (5 hours walk)
Day 05: Acclimatization at Namche, short hike to Khumjung. (3440 m) (2-3 hours walk)
Day 06: Trek to Tengboche. (3860 m) (5-6 hours walk)
Day 07: Trek to Dingboche. (4410 m) (5 hours walk)
Day 08: Dingboche to Chhukung (4730 m) (5-6 hours walk)
Day 09: Climb to Chhukung Ri. (5546 m) (2-3 hours walk)
Day 10: Trek to Lobuche via Kongma La Pass. (5535 m) (6-7 hours walk)
Day 11: Trek to Gorakshep and Explore Everest Base Camp. (5364 m) (4-5 hours walk)
Day 12: Trek to Dzong la via Kalapatthar. (5545 m) (5-6 hours walk)
Day 13: Trek to Gokyo via Chola Pass. (5364 m) (6-7 hours walk)
Day 14: Hike to Gokyo Ri. (5357 m) (3-4 hours walk)
Day 15: Trek to Lungden via Renjo La Pass. (5360 m) (5-6 hours walk)
Day 16: Trek to Thame. (3438 m) (5 hours walk)
Day 17: Trek to Namche. (3440 m) (5-6 hours walk)
Day 18: Trek to Lukla. (2860 m) (5 hours walk)
Day 19: Fly from Lukla to Kathmandu (1310 m) ) (25 min Flight)
Day 20: Departure
Everest Base Camp Trek with Gokyo Lakes
The popular Everest Base Camp trip combined with the breathtaking splendor of Gokyo Lake makes for an enthralling adventure on the Everest Base Camp with Gokyo Lake trip. This journey, which is located in the Khumbu region of eastern Nepal, gives hikers the chance to explore the serene surroundings of Gokyo Lake and take in breathtaking views of the Himalayas, including those of Everest, Cho Oyu, and Lhotse.
After taking a scenic flight from Kathmandu to Lukla, the walk proceeds via some of the most beautiful Sherpa villages, including Namche Bazaar, Khumjung, and Phortse. Trekkers get to experience the lively Sherpa culture along the journey, with stops at monasteries, stupas, and local marketplaces. Trekkers can choose from a variety of lodging alternatives, such as cozy lodges or more modest teahouses, to recuperate after a strenuous day of hiking.
The climb to Gokyo Ri, a viewpoint that provides unmatched views of Everest, Cho Oyu, and other nearby peaks reflected in the turquoise waters of Gokyo Lake, is one of the trek's highlights. The largest glacier in the Himalayas, Ngozumpa Glacier, is also accessible for trekking exploration. Best to travel during March to May and September to December is a popular option which usually takes 16–18 days to finish the Everest Base Camp with Gokyo Lake Trek, depending on the itinerary and weather. It is recommended that hikers thoroughly acclimate to the high altitude and understand the risks related to altitude sickness as this trek also includes Cho La Pass one of the highest passes in the Everest region.
The hike is reasonably priced when it comes to covering permits, lodging, food, and guide/porter services. Before starting a journey, hikers must get permits from the Sagarmatha National Park and the local government authorities. The Everest Base Camp with Gokyo Lake Trek is a well-liked option for those looking for an incredible Himalayan experience since it provides the ideal balance of adventure, scenic beauty, and cultural immersion, making it appropriate for trekkers of moderate fitness levels.
Quick Itinerary:
Day 01: Welcome to Nepal - Kathmandu. (1310 m)
Day 02: Preparation Day
Day 03: Flight to Lukla, Trek to Phakding. (2610 m)
Day 04: Trek to Namche Bazaar. (3440 m)
Day 05: Acclimatization at Namche, short hike to Khumjung. (3440 m)
Day 06: Trek to Tengboche. (3860 m)
Day 07: Trek to Dingboche. (4410 m)
Day 08: Dingboche Acclimatization. (4410 m)
Day 09: Trek Dingboche to Lobuche. (4910 m)
Day 10: Trek to Gorakshep and Explore Everest Base Camp. (5364 m)
Day 11: Trek to Dzong la via Kalapatthar. (5545 m)
Day 12: Trek to Gokyo via Chola Pass. (5364 m)
Day 13: Hike to Gokyo Ri. (5357 m)
Day 14: Hike to Dole. (4038 m)
Day 15: Trek to Namche. (3440 m)
Day 16: Trek to Lukla. (2860 m)
Day 17: Fly from Lukla to Kathmandu (1310 m)
Day 18: Departure
Annapurna Circuit Trek with Tilicho Lake.
Trekkers can have a captivating adventure across a variety of landscapes, quaint villages, and holy lakes on the Annapurna Circuit Trekking route in Nepal. In addition to providing amazing views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountains, this traditional trip offers the chance to explore the magnificent Tilicho Lake, which is among the world's highest lakes.
Best to travel from March to May and September to December Trekkers begin their journey in the energetic metropolis of Kathmandu and take a picturesque drive to the trailhead in the village of Besisahar. From there, views of the native way of life are offered as the trekkers pass verdant forests, terraced fields, and traditional Gurung and Manang villages.
accommodations are in a comfortable Tea House with attached bathrooms in most of the places. Meals consist of hearty Nepali and Tibetan dishes, as well as international cuisine options to satisfy different tastes.
The hike up to the 4919 m high Tilicho Lake, surrounded by the untamed Himalayan environment, is one of the trek's highlights. Before proceeding through the highest point of the climb, Thorong La Pass (5416 m), hikers can take in the breathtaking view of the lake's deep blue waters and snow-capped peaks.
The Annapurna Circuit Trek with Tilicho Lake typically takes around 18-21 days to complete, depending on the chosen itinerary and weather conditions. Trekkers are advised to acclimatize properly to the high altitude and be aware of the risks in landslide areas mostly during monsoon. Trekkers are required to obtain permits from the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) through the tour operator or Tourism Office.
Quick Itinerary
Day 01: Kathmandu Arrival (1310m)
Day 02: Preparation Day
Day 03: Drive from Kathmandu to Chame (2670m) (238km / 10-11 hours)
Day 04: Trek from Chame to Pisang (3300m) (14 km / 5-6 hours)
Day 05: Trek from Pisang to Manang (3540m) (15.7 km / 5-6 hours)
Day 06: Acclimatization day (3540m)
Day 07: Trek from Manang to Yak Kharka (4200m) (10.8 km / 4- 5 hours)
Day 08: Trek from Yak Kharka to Thorong Phedi (4450m) (7.5 km / 3-4 hours)
Day 09: Cross Thorong la pass down to Muktinath (5415m) (16.4 km / 8-9 hours)
Day 10: Trek from Muktinath to Jomsom (2769m) (20 km / 8-9 hours)
Day 11: Flight from Jomsom to Pokhara (822m) (25 min)
Day 12: Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu (1310m) (200 km / 7- 8 hours)
Day 13: Final Departure
Upper Mustang Classic Trek
The Upper Mustang Classic Trek offers a journey back in time to the "Last Forbidden Kingdom" of Nepal, where trekkers can explore ancient monasteries, cave dwellings, and picturesque villages amidst the arid landscapes of the Upper Mustang. This isolated area, which is under the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges' shadow, offers a singular fusion of breathtaking natural beauty and Tibetan culture.
The journey starts with a picturesque flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara, then a quick hop to Jomsom, which serves as the entry point to Upper Mustang. Trekkers then headed out across windy valleys, desolate cliffs, and historic Mustangi communities, like Ghami, Lo Manthang, and Kagbeni. You can see the experience of our traveler Krasimir Nikolov Alexandrov during Upper Mustang Trek
hikers can stay in basic but decent teahouses and guesthouses. The majority of the food served at meals is traditional Tibetan fare including momos, Thukpa, and Tsampa, which represent the area's cultural heritage.
Trekkers can observe Buddhist rites and take in exquisite murals and sculptures at the centuries-old Lo Manthang monasteries, as well as visit the ancient Chosar cave dwellings. This is one of the trek's highlights. Depending on the chosen itinerary and weather, the Upper Mustang Trek normally takes 14–18 days to finish. Trekkers should be ready for steep elevation fluctuations and exhausting days spent hiking through secluded and difficult terrain.
Given that the journey is a restricted region and requires special permits, it is reasonably priced. Trekkers must get permits from the Annapurna Conservation Region Project (ACAP).
Best to travel during March to May and September to December is a popular option for adventurous travelers looking for a distinctive Himalayan experience, the Upper Mustang region maintains an air of mystery and exclusivity due to its isolated position and restricted access. Trekkers should, however, respect regional customs and traditions and be mindful of the region's cultural sensitivity.
Quick Itinerary
Day 01: Kathmandu Arrival 1310m
Day 02: Preparation Day
Day 03: Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara (Private Vehicle) 822m
Day 04: Flight from Pokhara to Jomsom, Trek to Kagbeni 2847m
Day 05: Trek from Kagbeni to Chele 3050m via Tangbe and Chhusang
Day 06: Trek from Chele to Syanboche 3730m
Day 07: Trek from Syanboche to Ghami 3575m
Day 08: Trek from Ghami to Charang (Tsarang) 3570m
Day 09: Trek from Charang to Lo Manthang 3810m
Day 10: Exploring Lo Manthang 3810m
Day 11: Trek from Lo Manthang to Dhakmar 3820m
Day 12: Trek from Dhakmar to Ghiling 3570m via Ghar Gompa 3931m
Day 13: Trek from Ghiling to Chhuksang 2980m
Day 14: Trek from Chhuksang to Jomsom 2780m
Day 15: Flight from Jomsom to Pokhara 822m
Day 16: Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu 1310m (Alternative Flight)
Day 17: Departure
