Trekking in Nepal

Trekking in Nepal has attracted people from around the world for years. Trekking is the leading activity of tourists in Nepal and is extremely important to the Nepalese economy. Thousands of tourists take to the Himalayas, some only for a few days of hiking while others take on a month-long treks through valleys and high mountain passes to enjoy the views and Sherpa culture. Two of the most popular trekking regions are the Everest Base Camp and Annapurna Circuit, each offering many different trekking options. Another popular trek is to the Langtang region. The diversity of trekking trails in Nepal cannot be found in any other part of the world.

Everest Basecamp Trek

The Everest Base Camp Trek is one of the most popular trekking routes in the Himalayas with approximately 40,000 people per year making the trek to the Base Camp of Everest. Trekkers usually fly from Kathmandu to Lukla before beginning the trek from Lukla (2859m/9,383 ft). Over the following days they trek to an altitude of 5242m/17,200 feet. After departing Lukla, trekkers hike upward to the Sherpa capital of Namche Bazaar (3441m/11,290 ft) by following the valley of the Dudh Kosi river. Trekkers visit villages and tea houses along the way and spend a few days of additional rest during the approach to Everest Base Camp for acclimatization. Following this route, trekkers eventually arrive at Everest Base Camp via Gorak Shep (5151m/16,900 ft), the highest village in the world, which sits below Kala Patthar (5575m/18,192 ft) and Mt. Pumori (7160m/23,494 ft).

Annapurna Circuit Trek

The Annapurna Circuit Trek is found within the mountain ranges of central Nepal. The total length of the route varies between 160–230 km (100-145 mi), depending on where motor transportation is used and where the trek ends. This trek crosses two different river valleys and encircles the Annapurna Massif. The path reaches its highest point at Thorung La pass (5416m/17,769 ft), touching the edge of the Tibetan plateau. Practically all trekkers hike the route counter-clockwise, which allows the daily altitude gain to be slower and the crossing of the high Thorong La pass is easier and safer. The mountain scenery, seen at close quarters includes the Annapurna Massif (Annapurna I-IV), Mountains Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhre, Manaslu, and Gangapurna, Tilicho Peak, Pisang Peak, and Paungda Danda and numerous other peaks of 6000-8000m in elevation that rise from the Annapurna range. The Annapurna Circuit trek has been voted as the best long-distance trek in the world. It combines a wide variety of climate zones from tropics at 600 meters to the arctic at 5416 meters. It also includes the Thorong La pass and cultural variety, from Hindu villages at the low foothills, to the Tibetan culture of Manang Valley and lower Mustang.

Langtang Trek

The Langtang Trek is in the north-central Himalayas region of the Bagmati province of Nepal. Situated 51 kilometers (31 miles) north of the Kathmandu Valley, the region is renowned for hosting the Langtang National Park which constitutes its border with the Tibet autonomous region of China. Approximately 4,500 people reside inside the park (with Tamang as a majority), and many more depend on it for timber and firewood. The park contains a wide variety of climatic zones; from subtropical to alpine. Approximately 25% of the park is forested. Trees include deciduous oaks and maple trees, evergreens, and various types of rhododendron. Animal life includes the Himalayan black bear, the goat-like Himalayan tahr, Assam Macaque, and Red Pandas. There are also stories of Yeti sightings. The park also contains the Gosainkunda lakes which are sacred to Hindus with Pilgrimages being made there in August. Another spiritual site is the Buddhist monastery of Kyanjin Gompa.