How can we reach Nepal for Trekking

Nepal is a landlocked country in South Asia. it is bordered by China in the north and India in the south, east, and west. Also, Nepal is separated only by Sikkim from Bhutan. Even though Nepal is a small country it is rich in diversity and culture. Nepal has a diverse geography including fertile plains and hilly regions with 8 of the 10 tallest mountains within its territory. Including the mighty Mount Everest. There are many factors affecting tourism in Nepal, and trekking holds the maximum authority over its activities. Since Nepal is a landlocked country, there are no waterways available to reach the country. The country has a good network of roads connecting from India. However, the Himalayas obstruct the possibility of roads from China. But there are numerous passes connecting Nepal and China. Another possible entry is by air. Nepal has a good system for domestic and international flights operating every day.

The main headquarters for trekking in Nepal is Kathmandu and Pokhara, from which many expeditions are carried out. Here we will learn about the most famous trekking destinations in Nepal under the following heads:

Everest Base Camp Trek
Annapurna Base Camp Trek
Annapurna Circuit Trek
Langtang Trek
Manaslu Trek
Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek

Everest Base Camp Trek

The Everest Base Camp Trek takes you to the foot of the world’s highest peak, Mount Everest. It is one of the most popular Treks in Nepal. Due to its popularity, the trail leading to the Everest Base Camp is well maintained. Everest Base Camp Trekking trail leads you through some of the most beautiful viewpoints for the surrounding peaks. And to reach most of these viewpoints you need to hike through ridges and trails. However, the best feature is that you can never get lost while on the trail. You can ask any person for directions to your checkpoint. And you will come across the friendliest people on earth in these areas.

The highlights of the trek include stunning viewpoints, spectacular views of few mountains, quaint villages, and the most friendly folks. Not to forget the green valleys and forests filled with Rhododendron trees and small animals. Preparation for the Everest Base Camp Trek should be adequate though the trip doesn’t require any scrambling or climbing. It is advised that trekkers should be physically fit to take the trek. The weather can get pretty chilly, so make sure you have warm clothes with you. The treks we organize will include days kept aside for acclimatization so that you don’t face any difficulty.

Additional Information:

Elevation: 5364 m
Days for the trip: 17 Days
Difficulty: Moderate
Best time to visit: Spring and Autumn
Lodging provided: Tea Houses
Permits required: TIMS

TIMS: Trekkers’ Information Management System

Annapurna Base Camp Trek

Annapurna Base Camp Trek takes you on one of the most popular trails to witness the wonders of the Himalayas. It is one of the most difficult treks to the Himalayas, and you need to be physically fit for trekking. Though a difficult journey, you come across the most number of peak sightings on the trail. Even before you start the trek. You get good views of Macchapucchre, Annapurna and Hiunchuli Mountains in many different angles. You also come across sightings of Annapurna south, Annapurna I, Gandharvachuli and Gangapurna up close. The trail also leads towards dense forests filled with Rhododendron trees, fern and bamboo trees.

Annapurna Base Camp Trek falls on the same trail as the Everest Base Camp route, though the trail separates at one point. In your journey, you will come across small villages with friendly people to serve you. There are ample opportunities to understand the Nepali culture during this trek. And you can interact with the staff and the hosts at the tea houses who can speak in English. You are also likely to come across other trekking parties at the tea houses where you will be staying. Since it is a difficult trek, acclimatization sessions are necessary to adapt to the high altitude.

Additional Information:

Elevation: 4130 m at Annapurna Base Camp
Days for the trip: 18 Days
Difficulty: Moderate
Best time to visit: Spring and Autumn
Lodging provided: Tea Houses and Lodges
Permits required: ACAP

ACAP: Annapurna Conservation Area Project

Annapurna Circuit Trek

Annapurna Circuit Trek takes you on a fascinating trip around the entire Annapurna massif. Reaching the summit at Thorong La Pass (5416 m) is a wonderful experience indeed. The huge massif you circle makes up the Annapurna group. We cross the deep Kali Gandaki gorge, travel across beautiful valleys and witness the majestic Annapurna I and Dhaulagiri. Though it has some steep climbs, it is not a difficult journey. The stretches along the trail sum up some of the best viewpoints in the region. You also tread through barren and dry landscapes similar to the Tibet landscape at some point.

Annapurna Circuit Trek is a comparatively difficult trek to the Himalayas and it requires you to be fit. But not super fit too. If you are capable of walking 5-6 hours with a rucksack on your back at a stretch then its enough. Though gaining some energy and strength before you embark on this trek is also not a bad option. The trekking days are manageable with the adequate resting time between treks and longer mealtimes. There will be acclimatization sessions conducted while you make the ascent. This is to ensure that you don’t get sick at such a high altitude.

Additional Information:

Elevation: 5416 m at Thorong La Pass
Days for the trip: 20 Days
Difficulty: Moderate
Best time to visit: Spring and Autumn
Lodging provided: Tea Houses
Permits required: ACAP

ACAP: Annapurna Conservation Area Project

Langtang Trek

Langtang Trek is a pleasant trek to one of the most beautiful areas in the Himalayas within easy reach of Kathmandu. Unlike many other treks, you don’t need internal flights to reach the starting point. In spite of that, the Langtang trek promises to be a wonderful experience with some of the most stunning views. It is also one of the shortest treks in Nepal. You don’t need any training as such to take the trip, but basic fitness might be better. If you are able to walk with a rucksack for 4-5 hours every day, then you won’t face any difficulties. The massive Nepal earthquake of 2015 took many lives of inhabitants and tourists in Langtang. The trail is definitely repaired but the mark of the tragedy can still be seen in the village.

Nevertheless, the trek to Langtang is a great alternative to a much longer and more committing trek in Nepal. Still, it contains all the flavors and excitement necessary for a trek to the Himalayas. Langtang valley is characterized by steep jungle-covered valleys at lower elevations and wide barren alpine valleys towards Langtang Village. The trekking trail offers a wonderful vantage point to reach Langtang Ri. The trail is also well known for the wonderful views of the Annapurna range and Mount Makalu.

Additional Information:

Elevation: 3541 m
Days for the trip: 12 Days
Difficulty: Moderate
Best time to visit: Spring and Autumn
Lodging provided: Tea Houses
Permits required: none

Manaslu Trek

Manaslu Trek is a trek featuring the world’s eighth highest peak, Mt. Manaslu. It takes us around the mountain and the highest point (Larkya pass) to witness an unparalleled view of Manaslu mountain. This expedition promises to be a wonderful experience with incredible scenery all along the way. It also takes us through different landscapes. We pass the subtropical forests, river gorges, alpine forests, and the striking snowscapes. The Manaslu Trek is a similar experience to Annapurna Base Camp Trek and Everest Base Camp Treks.

Manaslu Trek is challenging yet it has a sense of raw beauty of its own. The trekking trail has recently become popular and so the population is meager and villages less crowded along the route. You will come across magnificent views of Manaslu, Choe Himal, Himlung Himal, Nemjung, Gyaji Kang and Kang Guru. You also come across the sightings of Annapurna II. Chances of running into some mountain animals are also high on Manaslu Trek. For instance, Tahr (mountain goat), Agali (Blue Sheep), Pika ( a small mammal) and Himalayan Marmots can be sighted. Snow leopards are also found in these areas but are rarely seen around the trail.

Additional Information:

Elevation: 5215 m at Larkya Pass
Days for the trip: 20 Days
Difficulty: Hard
Best time to visit: Spring and Autumn
Lodging provided: Tea Houses and Lodges
Permits required: ACAP and MCAP

ACAP: Annapurna Conservation Area Project
MCAP: Manaslu Conservation Area Permit

Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek

Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek is one of the shortest and easiest treks in the Khumbu region of Annapurna’s Sanctuary. It is a good route for beginners and for those looking to get a quick taste of the Himalayas. The trek can be completed in 4-5 days, with plenty of time to enjoy and take in nature’s gift to mankind. The route is well marked and there are several tea houses and restaurants on the way. The people of the region are very friendly and helpful, plus they are well known for their hospitality.

Normally the trek begins from Nayapul near Pokhara. The route takes us through beautiful yet quaint villages of Ulleri, Ghorepani, and Ghandruk. The villages are inhabited mostly by Gurungs and Magars. And almost every corner of the trail is worthy enough to have a viewpoint built for trekkers and travelers. We travel through dense rhododendron forests filled with birds and vast green valleys. Poon Hill is located a few hours walk from Ghorepani village. The vantage point offers the best view of the surrounding mountains and the magic of sunrise. The mountains visible in this trek include Mt. Dhaulagiri, Mt. Annapurnas, Gangapurna, Lamjung Himal, Barasikhar, Nilgiri and Tukuche peak. You also come across sightings of Hiunchuli and Manaslu ranges during the trek.

Additional Information:

Elevation: 3210 m
Days of the trip: 10 Days
Difficulty: Fairly Easy
Best time to visit: Spring and Autumn
Lodging provided: Tea houses
Permits required: TIMS, ACAP