In this article, we introduce some of the best hikes in the Nepali Himalayas suitable for those seriously trekking in Nepal that want to explore this majestic mountain range from close quarters.
It is every hiker’s dream to first scale the base camp of Mount Everest before summiting the peak. Did you know that there are different options and alternatives available for you to do this? Let’s see what they are.
Everest base camp trek
Sitting at an altitude of 18,513 ft, the trek to the Mount Everest base camp is on the checklist of every avid trekker. This is one of the most dramatic and picturesque treks you will ever be on but what more can you expect from some of the highest mountains in the world? This trekking in Nepal is not for the faint-hearted. On average, it takes around 12-18 days to complete the hike and it has been classified as “difficult”.
While on the trek, you get to experience a plethora of ecosystems and admire the most beautiful views that the Himalayas have to offer.
Most hiking plans to the base camp involve at least a one-way flight from or to the Lukla or the Tenzing-Hillary airport where you will get the most unique experience of flying off the world’s shortest runway!
Although you can do this trekking in Nepal at any time of the year, the most ideal time to scale this peak is from April to early June and September to mid-December. As the winters are unbearably cold, it might make this trek in winter harder for those who are not used to being outside in sub-zero temperatures and heaps of snow.
Undergoing adequate training a while before starting the trek is important to make sure you do not give up on your dream midway. The trek itself is not dangerous if you prepare your body and mind beforehand. Although most of this trek passes through ridges and trails, you have ample facilities to rest and eat along the way.
The trail crosses through mountain peaks and valleys and protected areas like the Sagarmatha National Park. If you are lucky, you can see Rhododendrons in bloom, spreading colour over the mountains. Be prepared to walk on the clouds, cross high bridges, and offer your prayers at praying wheels in the villages all along the way to the Everest base camp.
Tip: Plan a post-monsoon trek as the rain and wind clear the dust which blows from the terrain making for much better views of the mountain ranges.
Everest base camp trek with helicopter return
For those who are pressed for time or craving for diverse experiences in the mountains apart from walking, this route option might be the best one for you.
Ease your journey with a chartered helicopter making the trekking in Nepal to the Everest base camp with a return by helicopter take just around 9 days to complete! This means you would complete the trek in half the time that the normal path usually takes.
With this option, you will be able to return by helicopter from Gorak Shep to Lukla airport from where you can take a direct flight to Kathmandu.
The helicopter ride offers panoramic views where you will get to see many of the most famous and beautiful mountain peaks of the world from up above. You could also have the unique experience of flying over the highest peak in the world, Mount Everest along with the peaks of Lhotse and Nuptse in the backdrop.
As with the base camp trek, the option with helicopter return also consists of a day for acclimatisation at the Namche bazaar, which is the highest trading place in the world.
From here you could visit the largest Buddhist monastery of the Khumbu region, the Tengboche Monastery. Here you would also get a glimpse into the culture, traditions, and ancient history of the region.
With this trekking in Nepal, you can experience diverse topographies and a whirl of adventure with some of the highest suspension hanging bridges, unreal pasture lands with guzzling rivers, and snowy mountains from above, with no stress of walking back.
This trek would be especially fun for those who love scaling summits by walking up a mountain but do not enjoy walking down. As with the Everest base camp trek, accommodation will be in tea houses or lodges found along the way.
Tip: Beware of bad weather as helicopter flights can sometimes be cancelled following heavy snowfall and bad weather. However, don’t fret too much…this also makes for the thrill from the adventurous trek!
Manaslu circuit trek
Although it is a much less trodden path, many hiking experts consider the Manaslu circuit trek as one of the best hiking trails in Nepal. This trail, which is approximately 180 km in length, goes around the world’s eighth highest mountain, Mount Manaslu at 8163 metres.
The hike which starts in Soti Khola and ends in Synge allows you to witness some epic scenery through rustic villages, clear glacier lakes, and beautiful valleys. The first part of the trekking in Nepal is along the river Buri Gandaki which makes seeing suspension bridges a common sight.
After Lho village, the trail enters into the Nupri Region inhabited by Tibetan immigrants, where you can interact with and come in close contact with the culture, and religion of the local people.
The trail passes through Nepal’s subtropical forests at lower elevations through the Himalayan foothills and crosses the Larkya La above 5000 metres. As this route is in a restricted region of Nepal, a trekking pass is required.
On the hike, you pass through Larkya La at 5160m with panoramic views of Himlung Himal, Kang Guru, Cheo Himal, and Annapurna II.
Although this trekking route is now gaining popularity, it is still one of the most remote and off-the-beaten paths compared to other trekking in Nepal. On this route, you might not get the popular pizza and pasta options available on the base camp treks, but warm home food will be available throughout your path.
Similar to the Everest base camp trek, accommodation and food can be found in tea houses and lodges found along the path which also have adequate facilities for sleeping and a hot shower.
Tip: When encountering yaks on the trail, try to give way for them by moving towards the inside of the trail to avoid the cliff edges!
Gokyo Lakes Trek
The Gokyo Lakes trek are significant sections with the classic Everest Base Camp Trek but it takes you into a valley west of Everest its main attraction are the beautiful lakes at Gokyo, at around approx. 5,000 metres. From there trekkers can Climb Gokyo Ri 5,357 metres, a rocky peak with one of the best expansive views on Mount Everest.
Kanchenjunga Trek in Nepal
Kanchenjunga is the third highest mountain in the world. Kanchenjunga is a gift of the earth and this trek passes through forests, mountaintop and villages. Kanchenjunga trek duration is approximately 27 days and the best time to trek is May to September.
Dhaulagiri Circuit trek
Dhaulagiri is the seventh highest mountain in the world at 8,167 m. above sea level. Dhaulagiri is the hardest mountain and a technical trek regardless of the route requiring a high level of skill. Dhaulagiri is one of the most popular trek mountains in Nepal.
Annapurna Circuit
Annapurna is a mountain located in the range of Gandaki Province, it is the tenth highest mountain in the world at 8,091 m. above sea level and it is the hardest climb and dangerous but trekking to Annapuran is much easier than Everest Base Camp. The Annapurna base camp trek is more manicured with more stairs as trails and better maintained.
Langtang Trek
Langtang is quite famous due to elevation gain, in the first two days you easily go over 2000 metres up, there are many steep and long ascents on the route. You can easily cover this trek in approximately a week. However, the total distance of the Langtang Trek route is up to 65 kilometres.
FAQs
The Everest Camp trek is one of the most popular treks in Nepal.
Annapurna mountain is good but bluffy because the ratio of deaths to successful peak existence is the highest in the world. Example, for every three people who successfully climb up the mountain and back down, one person dies.
October to November is the trekking season in Nepal because in these months Nepal’s temperatures are mild.
Yes, it is possible to trek without a guide in some of the most popular regions such as Everest, Annapurna, and Langtang, but not without experience.
Trekking in Nepal is also popular because of its friendliest people in the world.
Also read:
5 Top Treks In Nepal – The Ultimate Guide To Help You To Select The Best Treks For You
Trekking Guide For Beginners – Essential Tips To Start Trek
Himalayan Viewpoints In Nepal: Best Mountain 6 Days Trekking In Nepal
