Blog10 Best Trekking Itineraries in Nepal
9 Apr 2019 snowpath
10 best trekking itineraries in Nepal, is compiled taking numerous aspects like number of visitors, difficulty level, price, flexibility, cultural and natural aspects.These trekking destinations generally receive more trekkers than other trekking regions of Nepal. Moreover, the trekking path remains highly busy during peak season of March-May and September-November. Importantly, feedback received from the trekkers after completion of trek, is one of the major criteria to list out these 10 best trekking itineraries in Nepal. We have provided short description of each trekking to trekkers.
Everest Base camp trek, three passes trekking, Everest Gokyo trek from Everest region and Annapurna Base camp trek,Annapurna Round trek,Ghorepani Ghandruk trek, Upper Mustang trek from Annapurna are the most popular trekking itineraries. Similarly, Manaslu Round trek, Langtang Tamang Heritage, Langtang valley trekking and Gosaikunda trekking are the 10 best trekking itineraries in Nepal, according to trekkers.
However, the list of the 10 best best trekking itinieraries in Nepal might not be in chronological order. Depending upon the preferences of trekker, the list might change the spot. For example, for some trekker Annapurna base camp trek can be first choice, rather than Everest Base camp trek on given circumstances of budget and trekking days.
01. Everest Base Camp Trek-15 days
Everest Base Camp trekking has always been the matter of challenge and pride among the trekkers. The numerous mountains and peaks with interesting landscape keep Everest Base Camp extremely busy during peak season.
Most of the landscape is rocky and steep. The Forested temperate climatic zone appears as soon as you land at Lukla. The lower trekking region has the forest of birch, juniper, blue pines, bamboo, and rhododendron mainly around Namche and Tengboche. The sub-alpine climatic zone has small juniper bushes and open meadows, particularly around Dingboche, Pheriche, and Lobuche. Apart from this Gorakshep, Kalapatthar, and Basecamp are alpine and snowline region, mostly have rocky landscape of lichens and mosses. The animal species found around the region are musk deer, snow leopard, Himalayan black bear, red panda, and Himalayan Thar. Some famous bird species are Monal, blood pheasant, red-billed chough and yellow-billed chough.
Sherpa is the ethnic group around the Everest trekking region that follows Buddhism. They were previously nomadic then first settled around this region and gradually move towards the western region along with the salt trade route. The alpine region of EBC trekking has few seasonal tea houses with no permanent settlement.
You can trek to Everest Base Camp from Gokyo valley crossing Cho-La pass for extra thrill. However, the trekking itinerary is long and demands good physical condition. Top of the list among, 10 best trekking itineraries in Nepal.
02. Everest Gokyo Trekking-14 days
The Everest Gokyo trekking itinerary receives the name from the famous valley of the Everest region, Gokyo. Not to mention, this trekking itinerary is highly popular to catch a clear portrait of the whole Everest trekking region including Mount Everest. Gokyo Ri top offers the magnificent view of numerous mountains and peaks of Everest region. In addition to that trekkers highly enjoy exploring five natural ice lakes deep on the Gokyo valley.
Most of the landscape is rocky and steep. The Forested temperate climatic zone appears as soon as you land at Lukla. The lower trekking region has the forest of birch, juniper, blue pines, bamboo, and rhododendron mainly around Namche and Sanasha. The subalpine climatic zone has small juniper bushes and open meadows, particularly around Dole and Machhermo. Again, Gokyo ri and landscapes around five lakes have alpine and snowline climatic zone. The animal species found around the region are musk deer, snow leopard, Himalayan black bear, red panda, and Himalayan Thar. Some famous bird species are Monal, blood pheasant, red-billed chough and yellow-billed chough.
Sherpa is the ethnic group around the Everest trekking region that follows Buddhism. In the first place, Sherpa were nomadic first settled around this region. Afterward, they move gradually towards the western region along with the salt trade route. The alpine and snowline region of trekking have few seasonal tea houses with no permanent settlement.
We can increase trekking days in Everest Gokyo Trekking itinerary by adding Cho-La pass. Needless to say, the itinerary will be demanding physically and mentally for amateur trekkers. Some trekkers claim Everest Gokyo Trekking to be the most beautiful destination. Especially to capture Mount Everest and its surroundings entirely. Ceratinly, holds the second spot in list of 10 best trekking itineraries in Nepal.
03. Annapurna Base Camp Trekking-10 days
Annapurna Base Camp Trekking is very popular as ABC trekking among the trekkers. Comparatively, it is the only cheapest and shortest trekking to Base Camp of any mountain that is above 8000m. Moreover, this trekking is suitable and highly cost-effective to trek in high altitude and lower trekking region of Nepal at once. You can see mount Annapurna 1(8091m) from the nearest possible point.
The trekking is not only about enjoying the magnificent mountains and landscape of deep Himalaya region of Nepal. Furthermore, it also has the interesting and diversified cultures dominated by ethnic group Gurung. Meanwhile, The landscape starts with terraced farming land and dense forest in the tropical and lower temperate region. Especially around Ghandruk and Jhinu Danda. You may enjoy upper temperate climatic zone around Ghorepani and Chhomrong. The trekking continues by the bank of the river and follows the sub-alpine and alpine settlements around Dovan and MBC. Meanwhile, Annapurna Base camp is icy and isolated snowline with beautiful high altitude landscape. The lower region of trekking has the tropical forest of birch, juniper, bamboo, oak, and rhododendron. The icy and isolated alpine and snowline region has open meadows and small juniper bushes.
Beside Mount Annapurna (8091m) the other notable peaks in the region are Annapurna South (7219m) Gangapurna (7455m) Annapurna III (7555) Fishtail/ Machhapuchre (6993m).
Indeed the long Classic Annapurna Base Camp trekking itinerary has been significantly shortened and designed for those who have a limited time and budget. However, there is a slight risk of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) for amateur trekkers for this particular Annapurna Base Camp trekking. The second popular base camp trek,and for sure hold the genuine spot among the 10 best trekking itineraries in Nepal.
04. Annapurna Round Trekking-13 days
Annapurna Round Trekking has coined its name from the massif Annapurna mountain ranges at north-west of Nepal. The trekking path encircles entire Annapurna trekking region. For the reason, Annapurna Round Trekking is also popular as Annapurna Circuit trek. Moreover, two famous valleys Marshyangdi valley and Kaligandaki valley are joint by the famous thrilling Thorong-La(5416m) pass at the heart of the Himalayas.
This trekking has been popular among the trekker due to the diversified landscapes and vegetation. The trekking starts by the bank of Marshyangdi river with the lower temperate forest of chestnut, walnut, maple around Syange and Chame. The casual and easy trekking gradually enters to Pisang and Manang the popular sub-alpine villages on the region. Furthermore, the trekking stretches to the alpine and snowline landscape of Yak Kharka, Thorong Phedi and finally to Thorong-La pass. The trekking descends to deep and wide Kaligandaki valley dominated by Mount Dhaulagiri(8167m) and Mount Annapurna(8091m) along with other numerous peaks. Trekking on two different valleys gives an opportunity to experience an entirely different class of landscape, flora, fauna and human habitat along with their cultures, traditions, and lifestyles on Himalaya.
People on lower trekking region follows Hinduism. Brahamin, Chhetri, Gurung are the major cultural community living with great harmony. People of Upper trekking region, especially around Pisang, Ngawal, Braga, and Manang, follows Buddhism similar to Tibetan culture.
This itinerary is the shortest model of Classic Annapurna Base Camp Trekking. We drive on the jeep for most of the dusty and gravel road up to Chame and start the trekking. Though there is a slight risk of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) for amateur trekkers but is an advantage for general trekkers. The significant number of trekkers in the region, is proof how much popular this trekking is. One of the best trekking itineraries in Nepal.
05. Langtang Gosaikunda Helambu Trekking-17 days
Langtang Gosaikunda Helambu Trekking is the nearest trekking region from Kathmandu. Furthermore, easy transportation access and favorable landscape have made this trekking easy and cheap compare to Everest and Annapurna. The Langtang trekking region has no popular mountain ranges but it is equally versatile and adorable like other trekking regions. Trekking offers a lot to enjoy from the different landscapes, vegetations, wildlife, along with the cultures of the Tamang people.
Although the lower region of Langtang Gosaikunda Helambu trekking has a uniform landscape and the dense vegetation, the upper region remains cold icy and isolated. Places like Lama Hotel, Thulo Syabru, Tarkeghyang has the forest of rhododendron, pine, oak, bamboo, and juniper that provides shelter to numerous wildlife. Himalayan Black bear, red pandas, and musk deer are some wild animals found in these regions. The subalpine and alpine settlements like Langtang village, Kyanjing has open meadows for unrestricted views of mountains and peaks. In addition trekking around Gosaikunda lake is an exceptional way to explore the high altitude natural ice lakes.
Tamang is the dominant cultural community in Langtang trekking region. The trekking is an opportunity to see the date to day life of the Tamang People highly influenced by Tibetan. Moreover, the Helambu region gives the perfect way to enjoy the traditions and cultures of Hyalmo (Sherpa) community. Most of the people engage in agriculture and animal husbandry along with few on tourism.
Altogether, we have combined Langtang valley, Gosaikunda, and Helambu three different trekking regions together. So that trekker can experience both the cultural and natural aspects of the Langtang and Helambu trekking region. Trekkers can choose either any of the three regions if they don’t have enough time to trek to all the regions. One of the best trekking itineraries according to trekkers in Langtang region.
06. Round Manaslu Trekking-17 days
Manaslu Round trekking is inspiring for many trekkers due to the amazing landscape, and culture of native people.A decade back Manaslu Trekking was not popular trekking in Nepal due to poor recognition. But, in recent years this trekking is attracting the trekkers of Annapurna Round trekking
The trekking trail follows ancient salt trading route alongside the Budhi Gandaki river in the tropical climatic zone. You can enjoy the subtropical evergreen-deciduous forest around Jagat and Deng. Pine, spruce, oak, and rhododendron forest are the main vegetation on upper and lower temperate region, especially around Gap, Namrung, and Lho. The trekking continues to the alpine habitat of Samagaon and Samdo and finally snowline once you are at Dharmashala and Larkey La pass(5106m). The alpine region mostly has open meadows with small juniper bushes while snowline is icy and rocky. The trekking route and landscape becomes more easy and friendly once you cross Larkey pass(5106m) and descend Bhimthang. Himalayan black bear, Musk deer, Himalayan Thar, Snow leopard and Blue sheep are some wild animals in Manaslu. In similar way Snowcock, Himalayan griffin, various Himalayan pheasants are some type of birds species.
Nubri and Tsum are the main ethnic groups in the upper region of Manaslu trekking. The Nubri community is highly influenced by Tibetan culture follows Buddhism and open to the outside world. Similarly, Tsum people still follow ancient tradition and culture and needs some study and exploration. Furthermore, a mixed community settles in great harmony in the lower trekking region mainly Brahmin, Chhetri, Gurung, Magar, and Ghale.
Furthermore, it is a popular tradition among trekkers to combine Manaslu Trekking with Tsum valley trekking. In addition, trekkers also enjoy combining this trekking with Annapurna Round or Upper Mustang Trekking depending on the number of days they have. Round Manaslu deserves the 6th spot in list of 10 best trekking itineraries in Nepal.
07. Everest Three passes Trekking-20 days
Everest Three Passes Trekking itinerary offers you a high grade of adventure in the Everest trekking region of Nepal. Everest Three Pass trekking receives its name after the three major passes of Everest region namely Renjo-La (5345m), Cho-La (5370m) and Kongma-La (5535m). This trekking is like Everest Round trekking that gives the opportunity to explore more than 75% of the Everest trekking region.
Most of the landscape is rocky and steep. The Forested temperate climatic zone appears as soon as you land at Lukla. The lower trekking region has the forest of birch, juniper, blue pines, bamboo, and rhododendron mainly around Namche and Tengboche. The subalpine climatic zone has small juniper bushes and open meadows, particularly around Thame, Lungden, Lobuche, and Dingboche. Meanwhile, Gorakshep, Kalapatthar, Gokyo, three passes, Basecamp,Chhukung are alpine and snowline region have only lichens and mosses. The animal species found around the region are musk deer, snow leopard, Himalayan black bear, red panda, and Himalayan Thar. Some famous bird species are Monal, blood pheasant, red-billed chough and yellow-billed chough.
Sherpa is the ethnic group around the Everest trekking region that follows Buddhism. They were previously nomadic then first settled around this region and gradually move towards the western region along with the salt trade route. The alpine and snowline region of trekking have few seasonal tea houses with no permanent settlement.
Altogether, in Everest Three passes trekking we have combined all trekking passes with Everest Base Camp and Gokyo. The Everest Three passes trekking itinerary provides the ultimate thrill in Everest trekking region without any doubt. Trekkers also can choose either of Everest base camp or Gokyo valley or any one of the three passes. Particularly, depending upon their choice, budget, adventure level and number of days they have. No wonder, it is one of the best trekking itineraries in Nepal according to trekkers.
08. Upper Mustang Trekking-18 days
Upper Mustang Trekking has been always a part of the mystery and fun for the visitors and trekkers. The place came in the light only after 1992 government allowed the foreigner to visit issuing the special permit. Popularly known as the hidden kingdom of Nepal, it was an independent kingdom from the 15th century until it was annexed by Nepal at the end of 18th century granting independent monarch to this state. Although monarchy ended in Nepal on 7th October 2008 and became the Republic of Nepal officially, but sill the resident of Lo-Manthang recognizes monarchy on this region.
Upper Mustang has Trans Himalayan climate with minimal or no rain due to the ranges of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain. The interesting climatic zone starts as soon as you land at the Jomsom. The natural wind erosion makes the landscape more hostile, rocky, windy and barren. Trekking to upper Mustang is a great alternative opportunity to explore the landscape that is similar to Tibet.
Due to isolation from the outside world, most of the people practice Tibetan language and culture. The culture and traditions of people provide an alternate way to experience Tibet. Most of the people practice Buddhism. Moreover, in 2007 a shepherd discovered 55 cave painting explaining the life of Buddha. This explains that Mustang is rich in ancient monasteries and stupa which needs more recovery and restoration. Tourism has been one of the good sources of income for the people beside negligible crop and animal farming.
These days the Upper Mustang trekking is much easier and flexible due to the road access all along the trekking route. Some people visit Mustang & Lomanthang (capital of Mustang) in Tiji Festival which generally falls in the month of May. The unique landscape, culture, history is main reason to list Upper Mustang in the list of 10 best trekking itineraries in Nepal.
09. Ghorepani Ghandruk Circuit Trekking-12 days
Ghorepani Ghandruk Circuit trekking is one of the most popular lower trekking region of Nepal for both amateur and experienced trekkers. The trekking can be ideal choice for experienced trekkers as well who have limited time and budget for trekking in Nepal. It is one of the busiest lower region trekking routes. Especially it is the first choice of beginners who want to see a fraction of diversified Nepali culture and landscape. Ghorepani and Ghandruk are two famous countryside villages of Nepal dominated by the Gurung community.
Mount Annapurna & Mount Dhaulagiri, both of them above 8000m are the highlights of this trekking with numerous snow-capped peaks. The trekking starts in the tropical region with the terraced farming land at Birethanti. However, most of the trekking day ends in between lower temperate and upper temperate climatic region. Mostly, we trek in damp and dense forest of rhododendron, juniper, maple, and bamboo. Natural waterfalls and numerous streams in the trekking path makes the trekking fun. Poon hill at Ghorepani is the best spot to see Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, and Fishtail ranges. In addition to that, trekking around villages like Tadapani, Chhomrong, Ghandruk is the best possible way to see Gurung cultures and traditions.
After all, we designed this particular itinerary covering the most of the countryside landscape around lower trekking region of Annapurna. Ghorepani Ghandruk circuit trekking itinerary is highly flexible and has a lot of itineraries options. The itinerary is great example that Nepal has numerous trekking options beside well known deep Himalaya ranges. Being, short, easy, and cheap, it holds one 9th spot while compiling the list of 10 best trekking itineraries in Nepal. Especially, for amateurs.
10. Langtang Tamanag Heritage with Langtang valley Trekking-17 days
Langtang Tamang Heritage trekking with Langtang valley trekking is the nearest trekking region from Kathmandu. Furthermore, easy transportation access and favorable landscape have made this trekking easy compare to Everest and Annapurna. The Langtang trekking region has no popular high mountain ranges but it is equally versatile and adorable like other trekking regions. Trekking offers a lot to enjoy from the different landscapes, vegetation, wildlife, along with the cultures of the Tamang people.
Although the lower trekking region has a uniform landscape and the dense vegetation, the upper region remains cold icy and isolated. Tatopani, Thuman, Khanjim, Lama Hotel has the forest of rhododendron, pine, oak, bamboo, and juniper that provides shelter to numerous wildlife. Himalayan Black bear, red pandas, and musk deer are some wild animals found in these regions. The subalpine and alpine settlements like Nagthali, Langtang village, Kyanjing has open meadows for unrestricted views of mountains and peaks.
Tamang is the dominant cultural community in this trekking region. Langtang Tamanag Heritage trekking is an opportunity to see the date to day life of the Tamang People. Indigenous Tamang People follow Tibetan culture and traditions. Most of the people engage in agriculture and animal husbandry along with few on tourism.
Altogether, Langtang Tamang Heritage trekking is mixture of Tamang Heritage and Langtang valley trekking. Two different trekking. Trekkers can experience both the cultural and natural aspects of the Langtang valley trekking region in single itinerary. Trekkers can choose either only Tamang Heritage or only Langtang valley trekking if they don’t have enough time to trek both regions. Cultural and natural richness is the reason, at the bottom of 10 best trekking itineraries in Nepal.
Again, it is compiled from the valuable experience of trekkers after completion of these trekking. As well, the list is not an ultimate milestone for the best trekking itineraries in Nepal.