A Complete Guide for Trekking in Nepal

  • Rana Bahadur Khadka
  • Last Updated on Sep 12, 2023

The place that is known for the Himalayas, Nepal presents ponders that are amazing from the Himalayan scenes to the rich social ethos, trekking in Nepal is really a sublime feat. Visit wonderful ethnic Himalayan settlements and towns and travel to goals at dazzling stream valleys harboring unique terrain. Stroll on winding trails going through great snow-capped backwoods and green fields. Trekking in the Himalayas is a wonder that is awe-inspiring.

Table of Contents

Have you at any point experienced Trekking in Nepal?

If you haven’t this is the time to consider getting inside Nepal to trek that you would definitely not regret making your top priority of holidays. 

Trekking in Nepal is that unique acquaintance of the tranquility of nature that comes with your vast exposure to the authentic valleys, aesthetic cultures, and daily lives of the locals.

It is basically categorized into three different types based on the condition of food and accommodation on the way. 

Type of Trekking in Nepal

Trekking in Nepal can be separated into three sorts, such as camping trek, teahouse trek, and guesthouse trek

Camping Trek

Camping Trek is a standout amongst the most adventurous, completely sorted out, supportive and pleasurable trek for the trekkers. Outdoors trek isn't reasonable in each area. It is most appropriate in unbeaten trekking trails.

Tea House Trek

Tea house trek otherwise called lodge trekking, is a generally less expensive method for trekking where meals and accommodation are given in a teahouse. The rooms are small with little furniture and a bed & blanket.

Homestay Trek

Homestay is a type of inexpensive hotel-like lodging with small rooms and a typical Nepali room interior. Homestay trek will present you with an opportunity to stay with the locals in their houses and allow you to experience their culture, tradition, and lifestyle closely.

How to get Nepal Trekking Information?

If you are planning a trip or any kind of trekking in Nepal, gathering all the required information about treks in Nepal is a fundamental thing.

There are thousands of dedicated travel, tours, and trek operators online in Nepal to assist travel aspirants in finding the most reliable, up-to-date, and accurate trekking information. 

You can choose any website of your preference as most of them are authorized professionals in the field and have collected extensive expertise to trust with your closed eyes.

Why trekking in Nepal?

Trekking is an act of walking or hiking for days that generally involves trails in the remote valleys on the highlands with less possibility of transportation and trekking in Nepal is one must to do.

As the country is well known for its soaring mountains and hills, it possibles all kinds of trekking (camp, tea house, and homestay) in the serenity of nature, miles away from the hassling urbanization. 

There are uncountable pros of trekking in Nepal. Some that you ought to notice are:

  • The Hospitable Nepalese, consider learning some general Nepali words; they will love you for even that little effort.
  • Seven World Heritage Sites in the Kathmandu Valley.
  • Eight of the eight thunders in Nepal include Mt. Everest (8,848 m), the highest peak in the world.
  • Twelve major national parks in the nation protect several endangered species of flora and fauna.
  • The unspoiled authentic lifestyle of numerous ethnic groups, far away from the hustle and bustle of daily life in urban cities.

Best Season to Trek in Nepal 

Trekking in Nepal can be attempted consistently. There are four seasons in Nepal. Each season has its distinct attractions to offer.

Autumn (September – November) 

Autumn season is considered the best time for trekking in Nepal, which offers a refreshing climate and tempting mountain views. Moderate temperatures, and clear sky with exceptional sceneries, make it an extraordinary time to do any of the treks. The periodic short storm may dump snow at high elevations. 

Winter (December – February)

Winter is noted for occasional snowfall at higher altitudes in the Himalayas. In spite of the fact that it gets colder at night, often it offers sunny morning/blue sky and moderately fewer trekkers on the trail. Picking a trekking package in the winter should be done wisely as climbing and crossing high passes trips won't be a perfect alternative. Trek like Everest Base Camp, Annapurna Panorama, Annapurna Dhaulagiri, Annapurna Sanctuary, Short Everest Treks, and so forth should be possible even in winter.

Spring (March-May)

Spring presents distinctive variations of wild blooms, especially the rhododendrons make the slopes heaven during this season. It is moderately warm at a lower elevation, and at a higher elevation the mountain views are magnificent and the temperature is very mild.

Summer/Monsoon (June-August)

Mid-year from June till mid-September makes travel wet and warm. These occasions are blessed for the keen botanist as the higher valleys and glades bloom with blossoms and lush vegetation. Trekking in the rain shadow (places are far from the rain because of the high mountains) territories north of the Himalayas like Upper Mustang and Dolpo could be a perfect trek determination. 

You can do the majority of the Nepal treks like Everest Base Camp or Annapurna Sanctuary in Autumn, Spring, and Winter though, the Upper Mustang trek is great even in Summer/Monsoon as it won't rain much there. 

Pre-prepare Before Trekking in Nepal 

Pre-Exercise

Treks can differ in terms of distance, ascent, descent, and elevation. However, all require specific planning to guarantee you get most of your trekking trip. Without no less than a little pre-trip preparation, training, or a basic level of fitness, trekking will be diligent work. Preparation begins before you even travel for your trekking holidays in Nepal, the fitter you are simply the more you will enjoy, take as much time as is needed choosing your equipment, and do check our clothing and equipment guide.

Shopping

Meet your trekking guide before the trek, and become acquainted with one another a bit, Crucially you can ask the guide about their experience, the number of years in service, and any inquiries you may have about your trek. Basically, how we get things done in Nepal is your trekking guide will meet you at your lodging, offer tea, espresso, or a cold drink and you take a seat to talk about the following:

Gear Selection 

Our guide will see whether you have the right clothing, footwear, and hardware for your trek. Parkas are an absolute necessity. Guarantee you have shades, cap, lip balm, and sun cream. You can find different good quality gear brands here in Nepal, therefore, you don't have to bring your gear all the way from your home. Yet, if you want you can bring it!  

Health & Safety 

Preparation about how to avoid potential risk if affliction or high elevation manifestations show up. Generally, your guides have been prepared for all the risks that may occur during the trek and they know the significance of your wellbeing and security. Your guide will have a day-by-day discussion with you about your condition. An emergency treatment pack is always with your guide. You will be approached to impart any restorative issues to your guide. 

Documentation 

Some documents required before going to trek in Nepal:

  • Visa
  • Passport
  • Few passport-sized photos
  • Insurance papers, depending on the agency and where you will be traveling to
  • Proof of any payments you have made to the company you are traveling with 

Top 7 trekking destinations in Nepal

Nepal is renowned as the best trekking destination. The landscape of the Nepalese Himalayas offers several surprising trekking trails. It is fairly out of line to name one as the best trek in Nepal. 

However, these 7 regions are our top destination to go on a trek in Nepal: 

Everest 

Trekking in the Everest region is the best alternative for those hoping to savor the tremendous close-up views of the world's most noteworthy mountains. Trekking in this region offers you an opportunity to explore the Sherpa towns and their ways of life, tradition & culture. This is a standout amongst the best trekking destinations in Nepal and offers an exotic Himalayan experience. 

During the trek in this region, you will experience a brilliant stroll on the impressions of unbelievable mountain dwellers. In transit, you go through wonderful High Passes and the thundering Dudh Koshi River. Alongside the famous Namche Bazaar, peaceful Imja Tse Valley, and numerous ancient Buddhist Monasteries on the trail. 

Everest Base Camp Trekking
Mt.Everest and other peaks

Annapurna

Annapurna region is another popular place to trek in Nepal. And, as the Everest region, Annapurna also presents several trekking trails and packages that one can go on. Trekking in this region presents astounding views of the Annapurna Ranges, Macchapucchre, Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, and Langtang Himal. 

The trek offers plentiful social and natural excellence. Along the trail, you go through affable villages and the world's most profound crevasse. From wilderness to high snow-capped, rich valley, and up to parched pinnacles, a journey in this region will surely leave your mind and soul with ultimate satisfaction. 

Annapurna Region Trekking
Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek

 Manaslu

Trekking in the Manaslu region displays astonishing scenes of the tops of the Nepal-Tibet outskirt. The trail circumvents the dazzling Mount Manaslu, the eighth most elevated mountain on the planet. In this region, you come to the most noteworthy pass, Larkya Pass. The region includes antiquated Hindu and Tibetan-style villages. 

Manaslu trekking is assorted, remote, segregated, and enhanced geology. It offers a breathtaking landscape for those searching for an audacious voyage. No big surprise, the trails of Manaslu are among the best in Nepal.

Manaslu Region Trekking
Tsum Valley and Manaslu Trek

Langtang

The Langtang trek is well known for its assorted vegetation and refined villages. The trek offers an extraordinary vantage purpose of Langtang Ri and views of the Annapurna Range and Makalu. In spite of the vicinity to Kathmandu, the region is as wild as some other Tibetan good countries. Encompassed with a quiet country scene. 

The region offers an introduction to the one-of-a-kind Tamang culture and an opportunity to stroll past the delightful icy masses at a very low elevation. The trek is a perfect alternative for the one. If you are wishing to experience the rich Tamang culture, wonderful scene, and vegetation, then this is the region you should go on a trek.  

Langtang Region Trekking

Upper Dolpo 

Upper Dolpo is a shrouded diamond of Nepal with its Tibetan-style towns, shocking desolate scenes, and beautiful mountain tops. The region holds a centuries-old culture immaculate by the advanced world. The trail requires the intersection of the three high passes Magdalo La (5,350 m), Shey La (5,000 m), and Jeng La (5,110 m). It includes long trips and strenuous plunges. Trekking in this area is exceptionally challenging yet satisfying. 

Dolpo Region Trekking
Upper Dolpo Trekking

Kanchenjunga 

Kanchenjunga offers you a chance to experience the irresistible beauty, the way of life, and the common excellence of eastern Nepal. The region includes the world's second-largest mountain, Mt. Kanchenjunga (8,586 m). 

The journey happens in the wild high-mountain landscape, profound into the disconnected mountain that extends on Nepal's fringe with Sikkim and Tibet. Moreover, the region is the home to a portion of Asia's most extraordinary natural life. 

Kanchenjunga Trekking
Kanchenjunga North and South Trek

Upper Mustang 

Upper Mustang is a socially and geopolitically delicate region and wasn't open for trekking until 1992. The way of life and the scene of the area is near that of Tibet. Because of the separation from the world, the locale can keep up its hundreds of years old culture and scene. 

The sixteenth-century Buddhist religious communities and the caverns cut into sheer precipice dividers in the colt attract numerous trekkers to the region. Holed up behind the grand Himalayan extents, Mustang is the shrouded heaven in Nepal.  

Mustang Region Trekking
Upper Mustang Trek

Things you should know before Trekking in Nepal 

Trekking in Nepal is simply moderate as most treks take the way that local people do in everyday travel. The general people you will meet during the trek are really humble and kindly offer you help. Nepal is a diverse nation, so relying upon where you are going you may need to make a few arrangements and changes to your gear and preparation.

So, here are a few things you should know before going on a trek in Nepal:

Local Operator 

No doubt, traveling with local operators will always make your trip easy, safe, and more fruitful. All the arrangements are made prior to your arrival so that you can enjoy every second of your trip. What could be better than this? 

If you want to trek alone, then it would make a limitation for you to enter many regions as you have to get special permission from the government of Nepal. There are many restricted regions, which according to the Nepal government, you have to compulsory go with a local operator and guide otherwise you will not allow entering. 

It's always a smart idea to take a guide with you while going for a trek as they are more experienced, plan the excursion appropriately, and are very much familiar with the local language, traditions, and conventions. For novices, it is profoundly advised to take a guide with you. 

Permit and Fee 

Most of the trekking regions in Nepal fall under a certain conservation project or is a restricted area that requires to have a permit to enter the region and it also doesn’t matter whether you are an independent or trekking through a travel agency. You have to show these permits at the entrance point, exit point, and during the route, therefore, always carry a photocopy of your passport and your permits with you. 

For permits, you might need 2 or more passport-sized photos and a photocopy of your passport. If you are trekking with an agency, they will manage all the permits for you. 

Along with the regional permits, one needs to obtain a Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS) card before entering the trekking area. It costs Nrs.2000 per person. As a group, you can take a blue TIMS card that costs Rs.1000 per person. You can get a TIMS card from the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) office or the Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal (TAAN) office.

Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) 

AMS or altitude sickness occurs in high elevations when the body isn't appropriately adjusted to the lower oxygen levels. The ailment is deadly in its higher stages, and ought to be dealt with in proper time. In the event that you are trekking at a consistent pace, and short rises (about 400m per day), remain very hydrated and warm, eat a sound eating routine, and get legitimate rest and rest, AMS ought to be no issue by any means.

Prescriptions like Diamox make the body rapidly prepared for higher heights, however, they do have some reactions. It's best to drop to a lower elevation, drink a lot of water, and rest once you get AMS. Include enough acclimatization days according to your trip altitude to stay away from AMS.

Food and Accommodation

Food 

The menu is surprisingly extensive in Nepal. You can choose anything from local, national, and international cuisines. You must try Dal Bhat Tarkari, a staple food of the Nepalese. It is filling, inexpensive, and rich in carbohydrates. You can easily find small tea shops along your trail that will probably sell cookies, bread, bars, canned juice, tea, coffee, and other snack items.

Accommodation 

During the trek, you will either find a lodge, teahouse, or guest house unless you trekking in the extreme isolation region where there is no human habitat and you have to stay in a camp. Lodges/guest house offers simple tidy little rooms with little furniture and twin beds along with pillow, quilt, and blanket. Do ask for a blanket if it is not already put in the room.

You will also find dorm rooms that can fit 5-6 sleepers if you are traveling in a group. The walls of the lodges are thin and sounds carry. Therefore, if you are a light sleeper, you should bring a pair of earplugs. As the elevation gets higher the accommodation turns more basic. It gets colder as well and the blanket provided will not be enough to keep you warm so, bring a Sleeping bag and add the blanket over it.

 First Aid 

Staying well hydrated and eating foods high in carbohydrates helps prevent the risks of AMS. Medicine like Diamox eases the effects of altitude as well. 

You should keep in mind that these are some precautions that you can take. Like, taking Diamox can help lessen AMS symptoms. It will not ‘certainly’ stop AMS.

Who can trek in Nepal?

There is no administrative limitation on as far as possible for trekking in Nepal. On the off chance that if children younger than 8 years of age and grown-ups more than 70 years of age, you are requested to add an additional porter for an easy and safe journey.

The diverse topography of Nepal has made enough options for differently abled people as well. There are many trails that one can go to enjoy the captivating views and tempting natural beauty of this Himalayan nation.

How can we trek in Nepal? 

There are several ways one can trek in Nepal. You can either trek in a group, alone or with a local trek operator. Trekking in a group will allow you to be safer while exploring around and it also makes the journey easy & more joyful. 

However, if you like to trek alone then no problem Nepal is a perfect option for you. Besides hundreds of breath-taking trails, people here are extremely kind and humble. They will always help you with whatever you want. Even though security plays a vital role if you plan to trek alone in Nepal without a guide. 

Going with a local trek operator is always the best option as all of the necessary preparations have been done for you beforehand. Moreover, some regions do mandatory require to go with a guide and local trek operator. 

Things to do while Trekking in Nepal 

Nepal is the ultimate destination on Earth for trekking, mountaineering, whitewater boating, natural life safari, and other a wide range of outdoor activities because of its outrageous high Himalayan extents and brilliant biodiversity. To a great extent difficult to reach by street, joined with the well-worn foot tracks created between villages over hundreds of years, makes trekking in Nepal the most ideal approach to get close to the Himalayas. 

The most remunerating approach to encountering Nepal's common and world-marked attractions is to stroll through the length, broadness, and onto the elevations of the nation with an exceptionally beneficial experience. Mt. Everest, Annapurna, Kanchenjunga, Langtang, and so on are the glorious piles of Nepal. A few spots of Nepal have yet stayed untainted or untamed; that is of brimming with wild environmental and social historical centers. 

There are a few choices one can do while trekking in Nepal; cannoning, kayaking, paragliding, mountain biking, peak ascending and mountaineering, mountain flight, cultural tour, city tour, jungle safari, cooking Nepali dishes, learning popular Thangka painting, tasting world-class Himalayan tea & coffee, extra. Moreover, many people visit Nepal to grow their psyche and soul with ancient yoga & meditation. 

Trekking Equipment 

What trekking equipment to pack depends on when and where you are trekking. 

You should also keep in consideration whether it is a teahouse trekking or camp trekking? 

You can do most of the treks in Nepal as a teahouse trek. You will find numerous tea houses and lodges en route to the trekking trails. Packing the right gear is essential for a satisfying trip. Shortage of necessities can result in anything from exhaustion to illness/injury. 

So, make sure to bring the following: 

  • Hiking Boots (lightweight and perfect fitting)
  • Pair of sandals and casual shoes
  • Pair of Thick and thin socks
  • Crampons (not necessary unless you are trekking in winter on high passes)
  • Pair of thick gloves
  • Basics (T-shirts, pants, trousers, underwears)
  • Thermal wears
  • Down jacket/wind-resistant jacket
  • Sleeping bag
  • Woolen hat
  • Torchlight/headlight
  • Sunglass/sunscreen/moisturizer/lip balms
  • Small first aid kit
  • Trekking pole/map
  • Toiletries (wipes, hand sanitizer, towel, sanitary pads, panty liners toothbrush, toothpaste, toilet paper, paper soap)
  • Camera/charger/extra batteries/extra CF cards
  • Snacks/bars
  • Journal/pen

Conclusion 

Trekking is the most prevalent activity in Nepal, and voyagers will be presented with numerous options in the cities of Kathmandu and Pokhara, with aides, sorted-out visits, and apparatus available to be purchased or leased. While you could go through a year arranging an undertaking to wild and grand places that few would set out endeavor, you could likewise land in Kathmandu without any plans and be on the trail in merely days. 

In spite of what many may see, trekking in Nepal isn't really meandering alone through an unfamiliar wild. The consistently dispersed villages and teahouses allow trekkers great chances to rest and recuperate, either for a couple of minutes or the night. The solid culture and open benevolence of the Nepalese individuals can likewise be seen as one crosses the slope tracks.

 

Rana Bahadur Khadka

Rana Bahadur Khadka

In the world of outdoor adventure and exploration, only passionate individuals immersed in the wilderness can be travel guides in Nepal! My name is Rana Bahadur Khadka, and I am from Taplejing, Nepal. Born in 1971, I have collected 20 years of extensive knowledge in travel and tourism as a mountain guide and trip organizer. I have always been fond of exploring and navigating various gorgeous corners of the world and the challenges offered by nature.   

I hope that my over two decades of honed skills in mastering the art of leading treks safely, ensuring the participant's memorable and transformative travel experience, and my vivid insight into the world of adventure, nature, and self-discovery help you bridge the gap between the pristine Himalayan grace and the human spirit as an ambassador of the wilderness.