Trekking destinations of Nepal
Nepal has everything that trekkers and adventure lovers search for and dream of. People around the world come to Nepal in millions of numbers every year. Here they come just to see the Himalayas, fields, valleys, waterfalls, beautiful crests, people, culture etiquette, and most important trekking.
It is true that lying on a comfortable chair or couch in the house, watching your favorite movie can give you peace of mind. But that is not the only definition of peace. Sometimes taking your body on an adventure, making it gasp for breath, and not letting it rest when it asks for, can also give you peace of mind. Yes, Nepal has everything that trekkers search for. Each year, the mountains, rivers, and people of this country successfully lure thousands of travelers here. So, without any delay let’s have a look at some amazing trekking destinations.
Mardi Himal Trek
The Annapurna region of Nepal is one of the famous tourist destinations that has always been a priority for Nepali and foreign tourists. Known for its trekking to the base of the spectacular Mardi Himal and the beautiful Machapuchhre, this stunning route is quickly achieving a reputation. Each year thousands of people just come here to see the beauty and unexplored place of Mardi. In terms of tourism, many places in Pokhara have caught the eye of tourists, and a lot of places in the area are already traveled. The trail to the Mardi Himal viewpoint at an altitude of 4,500 meters, is full of steep uphills that can be tiresome. But if you are fit enough, this can be easily done.
During the Mardi Himal trek, you will able to see the jaw-dropping views without the crowds. Along with the lush forest of Rhododendron, warm teahouses, and terrific views of the Annapurna Mountain range. Not only that the region welcomes you with giant peaks like Mardi Himal, Machhapuchhre, Annapurna South, and Hiunchuli. Thus if you are a novice climber this one is the perfect trek for you.
The starting point of the Mardi Himal trek is Gandruk while the endpoint is Landruk. If after Mardi Himal you’re planning to exit the sanctuary and go back to Pokhara or Kathmandu you can varnish in Siding. The venture takes you around five days from Pokhara, you walk through one forest after another until you grasp 3,000 meters, after which the terrain becomes something else as you twitch to float above the clouds.
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Best time: Spring
- Average cost: US$24, 5 per person per day
- Highest point: Mardi Himal Base Camp, 4500 m
- Distance: 40 km/25 mi
- Time: 4 days
- Accommodation: a teahouse, camping
- Guide: can be done independently, with a guide/porter, or in a group
- Food type: Nepali, Indian, Western, Chinese
Moreover, you can combine this trek with the beautiful Poon Hill trek. Similarly, to visit the Annapurna Sanctuary area to trek Mardi Himal you need the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and TIMS card. You can get both of these permits at the Tourism Information Center in Pokhara. These permits are valid only for one entry to the park every time you exit you’ll have to get a new TIMS card and a new permit to enter the park again.
Gokyo Lakes Trek
Gokyo lakes trek is another loved and famous trekking endpoint that could be done by anyone. The sparkling, beautiful, pristine blue color of Gokyo lakes fascinates thousands of visitors each year. The lake includes the highest freshwater lake system above 5000 meters in the whole world. Yes! It is best for people who want to trek in the Everest region.
One can do nothing but feel taken by the splendor of peaks, foothill lakes, glaciers, and astonishing mountain valleys. Well, not only that your eyes will also be blessed with magnificent views of mountains like Mt. Everest, Mt. Lhotse, Mt. Makalu, Mt. Cho-Oyu, and many other mountains in the Everest region of Nepal. During the trek, you will also have to climb the Gokyo RI. It is a common vintage point in the Everest region of Nepal. Besides, it offers some remarkable sights of the world’s highest mountains, turquoise-colored Gokyo Lake, and the longest glacier in the Himalayas named Ngozumpa glacier.
Furthermore, this trek is also for those who want to avoid the crowd of Everest. Many people travel to Everest just to see the extraordinary views of the Khumbu valley. Compared to these both treks, and Gokyo lakes trek takes less number of days and the views from here are also unforgettable and picturesque. So why not visit Gokyo lakes and Gokyo RI as it is much more affordable and worth visiting for everyone.
Similarly, you will able to walk in the Sherpa town of Khumjung, and the wasteland of rock and ice that is the vast Ngozumpa Glacier. The culture and the warmth of the Sherpa people make you visit the place more than once in your lifetime. Here is a short list of fun facts about the Gokyo lakes treks.
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Best time: Spring and autumn
- Average cost: 1200-1800$, per person per day
- Highest point: Gokyo Ri, 5483 m
- Distance: 4145 meters from Kathmandu.
- Time: 20 days
- Accommodation: a teahouse, and camping
- Guide: can be done independently, with a guide/porter, or in a group
- Food type: Nepali, Indian, Western, Chinese
Similarly, to enter the Khumbu region you will need a permit. Without a permit, it is illegal to enter. Thus you need two permits TIMS (Trekker’s Information Management System) permit and Sagarmatha National Park permit. Besides that, you will also have to get a local permit that cost you around $20 per person. You can get these permits at the Monjo village in Khumbu or Nepal tourism board office in Kathmandu. Remember that, the cost of the permit cost differs between SAARC and Non- SAARC countries.
The starting point of the Gokyo lakes is Ngozumpa Glacier while the endpoint is Lukla. And it takes 20 days to complete the whole trek. Moreover, you can combine this trek by crossing over the Cho La pass to the east and linking with the widespread Everest Base Camp trek.
Khopra Trek
Are you a novice trekker, or are you searching for someplace where you don’t have to walk for so long? Then the Khopra Danda trek is the perfect option that we can recommend for you. The Khopra Danda trek also known as the Khopra Ridge trek is a great alternative to the more crowded Ghorepani trek, which takes higher to a great viewpoint of the Annapurna region. It is situated to the northeast of Pokhara bordering the districts of Myagdi District and Kaski District.
The off-the-beaten-path is one of the best spots, which combines the best of what Nepal has to offer: amazing mountain views, pastoral villages, and rice fields layered on top of each other, descending down into the valley. And you know the best part of the trek is few people are familiar with it. During the trail, you will encounter both downhill and uphill trails that is not that must easy to climb. Similarly, there are some places like Muldai View Point, Tadapani, Dobato, Khopra Danda, and Khayer Lake that will make the trip worthwhile.
Starting from the Kimche you will pass through the rhododendron forests with Himalayan wildlife like pheasants and yaks. Following that, you will reach the beautiful Gurung village of Ghandruk. Next morning you will head to Bayli Kharka while passing Tadapani on the way. The path we will be taking is an off-beaten trail - barely in use. Bayli Kharka has a few lodges that provide a homely feel to your trek. If you want, you can visit the holy Khayar Lake as well. However, there are other several itineraries that might take different duration. Here are some travel facts about Khopra Trek;
- Difficulty: moderate to Easy
- Distance: 12.5km / 7.7miles
- Highest Altitude: 3,210m / 10,525ft
- Trek Duration: 4-5 hrs
- Driving Hours: 2hrs
- Guide – can be done independently, with a guide/porter, or in a group
- Starting point – Kimche
- Finishing point – Ghandruk
- Accommodation – guesthouses
- Food – Nepali and Western food
- Best Month: Spring and Autumn
Moreover, you can combine it with several other trek like the Mardi Himal trek, Annapurna base camp trek, Poon hill trek, and Mohare Danda trek. There are two permits needed for the Khopra Danda trek including the Annapurna conservation area project, and the trekker information management system. An Annapurna conservation permit is needed because Khopra lies within the Annapurna conservation area. You can obtain both of these permits either in Kathmandu or in Pokhara tourism offices. As it is close to Pokhara it would be faster and easier to get all your permits from there. It costs you around Rs. 3000.
Overall the Annapurna trek has great views of Annapurna south and the Annapurna region. Similarly, many of the trekkers also compare it to the Poon hill trek, however, it is slightly more challenging but it does have fewer crowds. Thus, to successfully finish the trek one must have to be in good health condition and should be fit and fine. The unpredictable weather of this region also brings difficulty during the tip, so prepare yourself accordingly.
Annapurna Base Camp
Annapurna Base Camp also known as ABC or Annapurna Sanctuary is the most widespread and crowded trekking destination in Nepal. It is situated in Northwestern Nepal’s Annapurna region of the Annapurna Conservation Area, west of Pokhara. The trek offers to breathe taking Mountain Sight and people from different ethnic group who speaks a different language. This is something fascinating, isn’t it?
Starting either from Gandruk or Landruk the trek takes you around a week to complete. The treks to the base camp at an elevation of 4130m offer dominating views of the Annapurna I, the first mountain over 8000m is yet to be climbed, and its surrounding range. While trekking towards the base camp you will visit some well-equipped teahouses where you can take a rest. Not only that, but people also relax in hot springs at Jhinu Danda.
Moreover, the Annapurna Base Camp route goes passing via outstanding and peaceful landscapes, delightful Gurung and Magar villages, lush green forests of Rhododendron, bamboo, and alpine forests to the trip’s last and final destination. A magical sunrise over the Annapurna ranges from the spectacular heights of Poon Hill adds more flavors to your journey. Likewise, from the base camp, you will see the stunning view of Tilicho, Pisang, and Pungda Danda, in addition to numerous other peaks. Thus, it is considered to be one of the best and most legendary trekking routes that are mostly forested with unique flora and fauna. Here are some Annapurna base camp treks facts:
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Best time: Spring and autumn
- Average cost: NPR 2800 per person per day
- Highest point: 4,130 m
- Distance: about 110 km
- Time: between 7 to 12 days
- Accommodation: a teahouse, and camping
- Guide: can be done independently, with a guide/porter, or in a group
- Food type: Nepali, Chinese, Indian, Western,
Similar to the other trekking site to enter here you will need a permit. You have to purchase a TIMS card, which costs you around $10, and another Annapurna Conservation Area Permit is also needed. This costs you around $20. You can get both permits at the ticket counter in Pokhara and Kathmandu. And while staying at Pokhara relax and unwind in Pokhara after your trek, choose to cruise along Phewa Tal (Lake) and gaze up at snow-capped mountains or opt for a relaxing massage to rejuvenate those tired legs. As it is close to Pokhara it will be easier to get these needed permits from there.
Langtang valley
Langtang Valley is another best trekking destination that could be done by anyone. The Beautiful and easily accessible trekking destination is located in the Rasuwa district of Nepal and is a treat to the eyes and soul. Standing 80 kilometers north of the Kathmandu Valley, the valley lies within the Langtang national park, which borders the Tibet autonomous region of China.
Starting from the Dhunche near the Nepal-China border, through the lush rhododendron forest, deep gorges of Bhote Koshi and Langtang Khola square you will reach this ancient and gorgeous Langtang valley. Langtang can be the best option for those looking for a trekking destination with a great view of the Himalayas. One can expect a breathtaking sight of the Langtang ranges and many more peaks like Dhambu, Therpa Che, Kim Chong, and Tsergo RI.
The culture and the people of the Langtang add more beauty to the trip. The livelihood and the warmth of the people are something that you won’t find anywhere else. Thus, visit Langtang to trek as high as 4700m from the sea level and embrace the Himalayan beauty and culture. Here is a short list of fun facts about the Langtang valley trek:
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Best time: Spring and autumn
- Average cost: Between 500 to 900 USD for 10, 12 days of trekking
- Highest point: Shishapangma, 8,027 meters
- Distance: 202 km from Kathmandu.
- Time: 8 days
- Accommodation: a teahouse, and camping
- Guide: can be done independently, with a guide/porter, or in a group
- Food type: Nepali, Indian, Western, Chinese
Moreover, to enter the valley you will need two permits. Without a permit, it is illegal to enter the valley. The needed permits are a TIMS card and Langtang National Park Entry Permit. Generally, TIMS cards are green, blue, and pink. Green costs around $20 and is for an individual trekker, Blue TIMS costs $10 for organized group trekkers and pink TIMS card is for a SAARC national, and costs only $6. You can get them at Nepal Tourism Board in Kathmandu and Pokhara. However, after the transfer of basic rights to local authorities due to decentralization, TIMS has become invalid in the Everest region. You, now, need a Local Area Permit for the Everest Base Camp. That costs you around $20.
Similarly, for the Langtang valley trek, you will need the Langtang National Park Permit. The permit cost ranges from $30 excluding 13% VAT (Value Added Tax). Although if you belong to SAARC countries can get the permit for $15 excluding VAT. And remember that children below the age of 10, do not need to pay any charges for the permits to trek at this place. Like TIMS you will get this permit at Nepal Tourism Board, Kathmandu. Or you can buy them at the entry point in Dhunche.
Likewise, if you are via the Helambu trail that starts from Shivapuri National Park. Then you will need another permit called Shivapuri National park permit for that you need to pay certain charges i.e. $5 excluding VAT.
Shey Phoksundo Trek
If you are looking to trek in Nepal, especially in the countryside, the Dolpo region is highly recommended. Shey Phoksundo may be on many people’s bucket lists. Being surrounded by hills and forests, the Shey Phoksundo hiking destinations offer a panoramic view of the Himalayan range, beautiful landscapes, and refreshments. Not only that the region provides a diversity of spectacular landscapes and ranks among the most scenic mountain parks in the world. Dolpo Shey Phoksundo is a majestic lake beneath Kanjiralwa Himalayan. The region offers you a magical landscape and scattered pieces of beautiful land, people, and elements. Apart from these things the region offers various Mountains, Lakes, and Hills.
Shey Phoksundo National Park covers a total area of 3,555 square kilometers in the districts of Dolpa and Mugu in the Mid-Western Region, of Nepal. Located in Western Nepal Dolpa and Phoksundo hiking destinations offer a panoramic view of the Himalayan range, beautiful landscapes, and refreshments. The area is home to the Bon people whose culture is widely influenced by Tibetans. Not only that here you also find nomads with caravans of yaks and sheep. Here is a short list of fun facts about the Shey Phoksundo trek:
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Best time: Spring and autumn
- Average cost: about 18 thousand per head
- Highest point: 3660 meters
- Distance: 286km from Kathmandu.
- Time: nine days
- Accommodation: a teahouse, and camping
- Guide: can be done independently, with a guide/porter, or in a group
- Food type: Nepali, Chinese, Indian, Western
Moreover, during the trek, you will visit Buddhist sacred monasteries including Shey Gompa, and be able to explore old villages like Dho Tarap and Saldang. One of the major attractions of this region is a medicinal herb named Yarshagumba. Similar to the above-mentioned trekking destination, you will need a permit to enter this place. Without a permit, it is illegal to enter Shey Phoksundo Park and the area. Thus you need to get a TIMS card and trek individually or in a group. Dolpo trek, if you plan to trek only the lower parts of Dolpo, you need a Lower Dolpo permit. But, if you need to trek to isolated parts of Upper Dolpo, you will require both Lower Dolpo and Upper Dolpo trek permits. For the permit, you can contact an authorized trekking agency in Nepal, which will then apply for your permit at the Department of Immigration of Nepal.
Overall, the Dolpa trek is for those who want to experience the rawness of nature. Passing through isolated regions that need special permits you will be able to gather memories that will last forever. The rivers, streams, alpine forests, grasslands, and a few high passes are some of the exciting sights that will always be there for you. Similarly, you will explore the area that only a very few westerners have explored. Thus, if you trek this place you will be families with nomads, and study Bonpa and its unique culture.
If you want to trek in Dolpo, you can contact us for a comfortable and well-prepared trek to Dolpo. We look after your entire trek from getting your permits to taking care of your food, accommodation, and transportation.
Everest Base Camp
Similar to the Annapurna base camp, the Everest base camp is considered to be quite easy to trek and one of the most crowded trekking destinations in Nepal. The camp comes with the most thrilling and unforgettable experience of them all. It offers jaw-dropping views of a snow-capped mountain, beautiful monasteries, Sherpa people, and so on.
Everest Base Camp is situated about 150 kilometers (90 miles) northeast of Kathmandu in the Khumbu region of Nepal at an elevation of 5,364 meters. Generally, the EBC is the place where the climbers stay and prepare before starting to climb the world’s highest mountain. There are actually two base camps for climbing Mount Everest, the South Base Camp in Nepal and the North Base Camp in Tibet. The Nepalese camp is the Everest Base Camp that most people refer to.
To reach an elevation of 5380 m, one must have to reach Lukla a gateway to the Khumbu valley. Trekkers usually fly from Kathmandu to Lukla to save time and energy before starting the trek to this base camp but trekking to Lukla is also possible. Lukla is connected by no roads from Kathmandu and as a result, the only method of transporting large and heavy goods is by plane. During the flight, you will see diverse landscapes and snow-capped mountains. Likewise, here are some highlights of the Everest base camp:
- Spectacular sights of the World’s highest Mount Everest
- Kalapatthar for the majestic viewpoint
- Tengboche Monastery
- Gokyo Lakes & Gokyo RI
- Three great high passes (Kongma-La, Cho-la & Renjo-la pass)
- Hillary Museum
- Nepal’s biggest Khumbu and longest Ngozumpa glaciers
- Namche Bazaar-the biggest trade market of the Khumbu region and the Sherpa’s Capital
- Sagarmatha National Park- Major Highlights of Everest Base Camp Trek
- Traditional Sherpa traditions, culture, villages, & hospitality
- Involvement a Helicopter flight above the Himalayas
Moreover, to enter this region you will need a permit. Without a permit to enter this place, it is illegal. Before that, you must have a Local Government permit and Sagarmatha national park permit. The local permit costs you around NPR 2000/US$17 meanwhile the National park permit costs you around NPR 3000/US$25. Similarly, no TIMS Card is needed for this trek. If you are traveling alone you must have to pay $58 per person per day including permits and transportation. Here is a short list of fun facts about the Everest base camp trek:
- Difficulty: Difficult
- Best time: Spring and autumn
- Average cost: US$29 (without flights) $58 per person per day including permits and transportation.
- Highest point: 5640 m/18 500 feet Kala Patthar
- Distance: 120 km/75 mi.
- Time: 12 days
- Accommodation: a teahouse, and camping
- Guide: can be done independently, with a guide/porter, or in a group
- Food type: Nepali, Indian, Western, Chinese
- Total ascent – 6015 m/19 734 feet
- Total descent – 5821 m/19 097 feet
Ghorepani-Pool Hill
Among all of these trekking destinations, the Ghorepani Poon hill is one of the most easiest and crowded routes that is filled with local and international tourists. It is a hill station overlooking the Annapurna Massif range and Dhaulagiri mountain range. It is situated on the border of two districts named Kaski and Myagdi Districts in Gandaki Province of Nepal. This lookout is the key viewpoint in the Ghorepani Poon Hill trek. From there you will see several peaks including Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Annapurna South, Machapuchare, Hinchuli, Annapurna III, Dhampus peak, Dhaulagiri II, and many other tall peaks can be seen from here. As of now, the route has been getting more and more fame.
The route is great to walk for beginner hikers and for those who just want just to get a taste of hiking in Nepal. You can complete this Ghorepani trek in just 3 or 4 days, the route is well-marked. During the trek on your way, there are many guesthouses and restaurants and quite a few people so no need to worry about getting lost, or not being able to find a place to stay or to eat.
The Poon Hill is a great trail to do as an acclimatization trek before attempting one of the more challenging routes like the Annapurna Circuit or the Annapurna Base Camp trek. Starting from the beautiful village Nayapul and the journey ends at Ghandruk, the Gurung village. During the trek, you will be able to witness the beauty of the western, Pokhara region, the diverse landscape, local Gurung people and their culture, and different ethnic groups.
Nevertheless, despite all of the above-mentioned scenarios, the poon is famous for its Annapurna sunrise trek and this is due to everyone searching it on Google. And another beautiful thing about this trek is the people of the region. People around this region are so helpful and they always welcome guests with a big smile. Here are the short travel facts about Poonhill-Ghorepani;
- Difficulty: Easy
- Distance – 40 km/25 mi
- Time – 3-4 days
- Permits – TIMS card and Annapurna Sanctuary permit required
- Guide – can be done independently, with a guide/porter, or in a group
- Starting point – Nayapul, 2 hours by bus from Pokhara
- Finishing point – Ghandruk
- Highest point – Poon Hill peak (3131 m)
- Total ascent – 3000 m
- Total descent – 1996 m
- Accommodation – guesthouses
- Food – Nepali and Western food
Likewise, poon hill is a reserved area, thus to enter this region you must have several permits. Without a permit to enter this place, it is illegal. You will need a TIMS card and an Annapurna sanctuary permit to visit Poon hill. The TIMS cost you around 2000 per person for foreign nationals and Nepali rupees 400 for Indian nationals. Meanwhile, the Annapurna conservation area permits cost you $25 · However, during the peak season it might cost $100 per person for the first week.
Overall, the poon hill trek is regarded to be one of the best and easiest trekking destinations in the Annapurna region. Not only that it is considered to be family-friendly and unlike other treks in Nepal, but you can also do this trek in a short time if you wish to.
