Nepal is home to adventure lovers. This mountainous land-locked country offers numerous outdoor activities than one can imagine. And one of them, the very famous, is trekking in the Himalayas. If you don't know, Nepal houses eight 8,000 meters tall mountains and all of them are in the top ten highest mountains in the world. Along with the mountains, the country is very rich in culture and traditions. Whether it's culturally or naturally, Nepal is quite rich.
Talking about the trails, there are uncountable numbers of trekking routes in Nepal. Every trekking route has something different to offer, with two common things; jaw-dropping mountain landscapes and a tempting mountain lifestyle. During the trek, you go far away from the modern world and travel in the remote Himalayas. Unwind, enjoy the views, tranquil surroundings, and mingle with welcoming locals.
In this blog, we have talked about everything you should know before visiting Nepal, including the best trekking packages, hiking destinations in Nepal, and famous trekking places in Nepal. The blog also gives you some general information and tips to make your venture in the Himalayas hassle-free.
Nepal has many trekking routes, from easy to strenuous and off-the-beaten. As per your fitness and previous trekking experience, you can choose the package best suited for you. Usually, the trails have numerous ups & downs with steep, rugged sections. All the trekking packages gain a certain level of altitude and explore the remote Himalayas.
You'll walk through lush forests and small villages and eventually go above the treeline where the trail gets glacial & rocky. You'll need good trekking boots. On average, 6 hours of walking is needed each day.
As we mentioned earlier, all the treks have different levels of difficulty. The difficulty level ranges from easy hiking routes to moderate, challenging & strenuous trekking routes. Some famous treks like EBC and ABC have moderate difficulty. The season you trek in also determines the level of difficulty. Spring and autumn are the peak trekking season in the Himalayas. Trekking in these two seasons at least keeps unstable weather and poor weather conditions away from the journey.
Monsoon/summer, and winter are off-times for trekking in Nepal. However, there are some short low-altitude treks one can do in these seasons if well prepared. Almost all the treks, even the easy ones, go above 2,500 meters. Traveling above this altitude makes you vulnerable to altitude sickness. Altitude sickness is a common sickness seen during treks in the Himalayas.
Some people start showing the symptoms of altitude sickness at 2,500 meters, while some may ascend to 5000-6000 meters without any difficulty. You are less likely to get altitude sickness if you acclimatize enough and walk at a slow pace. Make sure you hydrate yourself. Stay away from alcoholic drinks or smoke because it dehydrates your body and contributes to altitude sickness.
The trekking routes have accommodation ranging from guesthouses to teahouses and lodges. The most basic ones are guesthouses and teahouses. The famous routes are quite well developed in terms of tourist infrastructure, so you will get a variety of accommodation and food. While the offbeat routes remain very remote and unwelcoming.
In addition to serving tea, tea houses/lodges also offer bed and breakfast options. The rooms are small yet clean. The beds are comfortable, however, it gets cold in the mornings & nights, so it is better to carry your sleeping bag to deal with the extreme cold.
You will have a hygienic meal during the trek prepared by the lodge/teahouse owners. You will be served three meals daily. The breakfast is prepared heavily, so that you can start your day with high energy, followed by a traditional Nepali lunch that is nutritious and filling.
The typical Nepali lunch includes dal bhat tarkari with some other side dishes. Steamed rice will be served with vegetables, spinach, and pickles. Dal bhat is the most fulfilling dish as it will keep you energized for a long time. It's also the freshest option and does not make you sick.
Apart from dal bhat, other dishes like chapati, stir-fried veggies, soup, porridge, eggs, curries, Tibetan bread, momo, noodles, pasta, mashed potatoes, etc, are also found on the menu. Some routes also serve pizza, burger, sandwich, fresh bakery, etc.
WiFi is available in the villages at lower elevations. You may have to pay a few extra bucks to use the service though. Also, the connection shall not be strong as in the city. It's better to carry a Nepali sim and use data for the internet. A charging facility is also available at every tea house and lodge. You can charge your phones in the reception area as most of the charging points are in reception. You will also have to pay an extra USD 3-5 per device.
There is only one ATM available (in Namche Bazaar) on one of the trekking routes that lead to EBC. Apart from this, there is no ATM in the entire Himalayas. Withdraw cash in the city to carry while trekking. The locals of the mountains do not accept other currencies or cards.
There are paid hot showers available for you to wash off your sweats. The heating system is powered by solar energy, so if it's windy and cold, you may not be able to take a hot shower. The majority of lodges and tea houses have hot showers. During the peak season, getting a hot shower might be difficult.
Despite the remoteness of the Himalayas, the trekking routes have 3G connections. The signals are not 100 percent guaranteed all the time though, and you may not get any singal above 4,000 meters in some areas. As all the regions are not accessible, every little thing costs money and is expensive.
Likewise, no proper health facilities are available along the trails. In the worst case, the only way you can get medical assistance is by flying in a rescue helicopter to a nearby hospital. Given all these limitations, trekking in the Himalayas does come with many hurdles. However, the breathtaking mountain scenery and the soothing aura make any trek worth it.
Since the trails explore high altitudes, the climate is cold throughout the year. The average temperature during the coldest month December to January, can go down to -20 degrees celsius. During the summer season, you can observe the sun for at least 7 hours. The nights & mornings are cold, even during summer.
During spring & autumn, the weather is sunny, and the skies are clear. These two are the best seasons to trek in Nepal. The stable weather and moderate climate are all you need for a pleasant venture. You'll get to see a range of flora & fauna along with respective festivals in both seasons.
Tips To Make Your Trekking in Nepal Hassle-Free
You need to build your walking habits to walk 6 hours a day during the trek.
Doble check clauses in your travel insurance and make sure it covers emergency evacuation and medical bills.
Do not trek in new boots. It'll not be comfortable. Break in your boots a few weeks before the day trek begins.
Carry spare batteries, water purification tablets, and your favorite snacks.
Trek with an experienced trekking company like us who will arrange everything for you, including your accommodation, meals, guide, porters, etc.
Learn some Nepali phrases like Namste and Dhanyabad to greet elderlies in the villages.
Make sure to have an additional budget for personal expenses, shopping, tipping, international flights, etc.
We have listed some of our favorite trekking packages below with their highlights to help you choose the perfect trek for yourself.
Enjoy a thrilling flight from Kathmandu to Lukla and witness a heavenly aerial panorama of the Himalayas.
Trek through dense forests and beautiful Sherpa villages, crossing suspension bridges, waterfalls, and terraced fields.
Spend a couple of nights in Namche Bazaar and hike to Hotel Everest View.
Come across the rich cultural heritage of the locals while visiting ancient monasteries and get to see the daily lifestyle of the mountain people.
Walk on glacial paths and moraines before reaching Everest Base Camp.
Hike to the famous Kala Patthar viewpoint to witness a gorgeous sunrise and 360-degree views of the snow-capped mountains.
Explore the stunning Gokyo Valley and the holy Gokyo Lakes.
Follow a relatively less crowded trekking route in the Khumbu region and enjoy tranquil walking.
Perfect for travelers looking for a bit offbeat route and wanting to go beyond Everest base camp.
Cross-challenging Renjo La pass.
You can tailor design the itinerary and combine EBC too.
Witness breathtaking views of Everest, Cho Oyu, Makali, Lhotse, etc.
Get to see a striking view of Ngozumpa Glacier, the longest glacier in Nepal.
Quickest and shortest trek in the Everest Region.
Scenic flight from Kathmandu to Lukla.
Trek through Sherpa settlements and rhododendron forests.
Explore Namche Bazaar and Tengboche monastery, the biggest monastery in the Khumbu region.
Hike to the Hotel Everest View, from where you get to see jaw-dropping views of mountains like Everest, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, Nuptse, Cho Oyu, etc.
Get to see the daily lifestyle and culture of the locals.
The perfect package for beginner trekkers or someone who cannot go on a long trek.
A journey of glacier peaks, Himalayan landscapes, natural hot springs, mule trains carrying supplies, mesmerizing glaciers, and river banks.
Wander around Ghandruk, a village of ethnic groups Magar & Gurung, and enjoy their warm hospitality.
Get mesmerized by lush forests of bamboo, oak, and rhododendron.
Walk through the suspension bridges of Modi Khola and Kimrong Khola.
Breathtaking views of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges.
Enjoy one night under the shadow of Mount Annapurna, the tenth highest mountain in the world.
Trek through the lowest peak and the off-the-beat trekking path.
A less crowded trekking route in the famous Annapurna region with outstanding landscapes.
Trek through dense forests of rhododendron, fir, oak, juniper, bamboo, pine, etc.
Experience local Nepali culture through homestay and hospitality of Gurung and Pun ethnic groups.
Closest view of the Machhapuchhre (Fish Tail).
Eye catching view of Annapurna, Hiunchuli, Nilgiri, Dhaulagiri, Gangapurna, and Mardi Himal.
One of the most famous treks in Nepal's Annapurna region.
Trek through lovel remote villages resided by people of many communities. A close peek into authentic mountain lifestyle and culture.
Pass by lush forests and come across numerous species of flora and fauna.
Witness diverse landscapes and unbelievable mountain views throughout the trek.
Explore the second-highest lake in Nepal, Tilicho Lake, and cross the challenging Thong La pass, the highest pass in the Himalayas.
Get a blessing at Muktinath Temple and walk along the Kali Gandaki Gorge, the deepest gorge in the world.
A newly opened trekking route in the central Annapurna region.
Less crowded, offbeat trail with astonishing views of the mountains like Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, Fishtail, etc.
Get to see the authentic mountain lifestyle and explore picturesque villages.
Visit Khayer Lake at 4,500 meters and witness the gorgeous sunrise from Khopra Danda.
Moderate trek and a great alternative for beginner trekkers.
A popular short trek in the Annapurna region among travelers with limited time to explore the Himalayas.
The trail ascends through impressive rhododendron forests and fine villages that offer breathtaking scenery.
The trekking route is ideal for people of any age because of its gentle pace.
Explore the beautiful Ghorepani village and catch the glorious sunrise from Poon Hill.
Spend time with locals and learn about their practices.
Enjoy superb mountain views along the trail.
A closest trekking route from Kathmandu.
Explore the Langtang National Park and its rich flora & fauna.
Trek through dense forests and settlement areas of Sherpas and Tamangs.
The trail crosses rushing rivers and suspension bridges.
Spend the night in the beautiful Langtang village and Kyanjin Gompa.
Witness views of the Langtang Himal range and huge glaciers.
Extend the trek to holy Gosaikunda Lake if you have some extra days on your hand.
Visit the local cheese factory.
Trek to the lost forbidden kingdom of Nepal, Lo Manthang & a restricted area.
Trek in the trans-Himalayan region and witness arid landscapes.
Cross many passes along the way and enjoy offbeat trekking.
Visit numerous ancient monasteries and walk past mani walls.
Get to see close views of Nilgiri, Gangapurna, Hiunchuli, Dhaulagiri, and Annapurna mountains.
Explore the beautiful villages called Jomsom, Marpha, Kagbeni, Chhusang, etc.
Challenging and the most remote trek in the Western Part of Nepal.
Explore Nepal's deepest lake, Shey Phoksundo & its mesmerizing beauty.
Offbeat trekking, less crowded trail, and restricted area.
Trek in the Shey Phoksundo National Park and come across abundant flora and fauna.
Falls under the rain shadow area of the Dhaulagiri range, and you can enjoy a comfortable trek without fear of getting wet in the rain during monsoon season.
Observe rich Tibetan Buddhist culture, including Bon Po.
Get to see many fluttering prayer flags, stupas, and monasteries on the way. Visit the ancient Shey Gompa.
One of the less traveled trekking routes in the eastern part of Nepal.
Experience warm hospitality and traditional Nepali culture with a blend of Tibetan culture.
May get to see wildlife and endangered animals like Snow Leopard, Musk Deer, Red pandas, etc.
Trek around the third highest mountain in the world, Kanchnajunga.
Meditate in peaceful places like Ramtang and Oktang Monasteries.
Scenic views of rivers, waterfalls, glaciers, and snow-capped mountains.
Offbeat, strenuous trek. Recommend to experienced trekkers.
One of the best trekking routes among the restricted area trekkings, has recently gained popularity among foreign trekkers.
Rich Tibetan culture and insights into the local Nepali culture of the region.
Trek in the Manaslu Conservation Area, home to hundreds of flora and fauna.
A very remote region, isolated from major trekking routes, and offers offbeat trekking.
Explore the valley of Budhi Gandaki, one of the world’s most exotic river valleys.
Witness the majestic view of Mt. Manaslu, Mt. Himchuli, and Mt. Ganesh.
Cross one of the highest passes, Larkya La (5,153 m).
