How to Choose Your Ultimate Trek in Nepal

Have you ever thought of witnessing the snow-capped peaks and peaceful trails? Trekking in Nepal is the best option for fulfilling one. Popular treks like Everest Base Camp and hidden gems like Manaslu Circuit Trek are all accessible in Nepal.

The Most Popular Trekking Routes in Nepal

While combining scenic natural beauty with cultural experiences, the trekking journey in Nepal for sure captivates you with its beauty. With so many options to trek to, we'll guide you on picking the ultimate trek in Nepal for you.

Everest Base Camp Trek

Everest Base Camp Trek is an adventurous journey taking you to the foot of the world’s highest mountain, Mt. Everest. Beginning with a scenic flight to Lukla, the trek follows the lovely trails through one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Sagarmatha National Park. As the trek goes on, you’ll come across diverse terrain, lush forests, monasteries, rivers, glaciers, charming Sherpa villages, and the majestic mountain giants. The discovery you make along the journey, whether it involves cultural encounters or stunning natural beauty, the Everest Base Camp Trek is worth the experience.

Noteworthy facts:

• Location: Everest Region (Khumbu Region);
• Trek duration: 12-14 days;
• Difficulty level: moderate;
• Altitude: 5,545 m (Kala Patthar);
• Accommodation: Teahouses and lodges;
• Best seasons: spring (Mar-May) and autumn (Sep-Nov);
• Permits required: Sagarmatha National Park Permit, Khumbu Rural Municipality Entry Permit;
  
• Highlights: views of Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, and Ama Dablam; Tengboche Monastery; Sherpa culture.

Annapurna Base Camp Short Trek

One of the best treks in the Annapurna region is the Annapurna Base Camp Short Trek. This trek lets you experience the beauty and culture of the region. Surrounded with the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri Massifs, the trek to the base camp is a great way to take a close look at the Gurung and Magar communities.  The Annapurna Base Camp Short Trek passes through the Annapurna Conservation Area and eventually leads to the Annapurna Base Camp at 4,310 meters. For those looking for a short trek taking just 7-10 days but at a high elevation, this trek is the perfect choice for you.

Noteworthy facts:

• Location: Annapurna region;
• Trek duration: 7-10 days;
• Difficulty level: moderate;
• Altitude: 4,130 m (Annapurna Base Camp);
• Accommodation: teahouses and lodges;
• Best seasons: spring (Mar-May) and autumn (Sep-Nov);
• Permits required: Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP), TIMS card;
• Highlights: views of Annapurna and Machapuchare, hot springs in Jhinu Danda, diverse flora and fauna.

Langtang Valley Trek

The Langtang Valley Trek takes you into Nepal's Langtang region, where you'll learn about the Tibetan-influenced Tamang culture and see gorgeous Himalayan beauty. The journey begins with a picturesque drive from Kathmandu, with the main trek beginning in Syabrubesi. As the journey progresses, you will come across traditional settlements, rhododendron forests, Buddhist cultural places, mountain routes, and much more. Kyanjin Gompa is the ultimate destination of the trek. The mountain panoramas of Langtang Lirung, Sisha Pangma, and the Ganesh Himal range from here are spectacular.

Noteworthy facts:

• Location: Langtang region;
• Trek Duration: 7-10 days;
• Difficulty Level: moderate;
• Altitude: 4,984 m (Tserko Ri);
• Accommodation: teahouses and lodges;
• Best Seasons: spring (Mar-May) and autumn (Sep-Nov);
  
• Permits Required: Langtang National Park Permit, TIMS card;
• Highlights: views of Langtang Lirung, Kyanjin Gompa monastery, Tamang culture, diverse wildlife.

Manaslu Circuit Trek

The Manaslu Circuit Trek is one of Nepal's top off-the-beaten trekking routes. This trek explores the Manaslu Conservation Area, combining stunning scenery and old culture. Furthermore, the walk takes you deep into the Himalayas, with spectacular views of the world's eighth highest mountain, Manaslu, at 8163 meters.  The journey is filled with adventure and excitement. The walk begins in the humid lowlands and continues through the massive gorges of the Budi Gandaki, providing a taste of Nepalese trekking.

Noteworthy facts:

• Location: Manaslu Region;
• Trek duration: 14-18 days;
  
• Difficulty level: moderate to strenuous;
  
• Altitude: 5,106 m (Larkya La Pass);
  
• Accommodation: teahouses and lodges;
  
• Best seasons: spring (Mar-May) and autumn (Sep-Nov);
  
• Permits required: Manaslu Restricted Area Permit, ACAP, MCAP;
  
• Highlights: views of Manaslu, crossing Larkya La Pass, diverse ethnic cultures, remote landscapes.

Upper Mustang Trek

The Upper Mustang Trek is a less travelled route that is largely undiscovered in contrast to Nepal's more well-known treks. Situated in the Annapurna mountain range's rain shadow, the Upper Mustang region is near Nepal's northern border.  You can visit and explore the Upper Mustang during the monsoon season because it receives very little annual rainfall due to its location in the rain shadow. Being one of Nepal's most remarkable and unusual travel locations leads you to Lo-Manthang village, the forbidden kingdom in the Himalayas.

Noteworthy facts:

• Location: Mustang Region;
• Trek duration: 10-14 days;
• Difficulty level: moderate;
  
• Altitude: 3,840 m (Lo Manthang);
• Accommodation: teahouses and lodges;
  
• Best seasons: all year round;
  
• Permits required: Upper Mustang Restricted Area Permit, ACAP;
  
• Highlights: ancient Tibetan culture, Lo Manthang, monasteries, unique arid landscapes.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Trek

Here are some of the most important factors you should consider when picking a trek for yourself and your team:

Trek Difficulty

Trekking places a time limit on the journey's completion and a difficulty grade on it. It considers altitude and potentially hazardous trail sections in addition to offering a variety of treks with varying lengths and degrees of difficulty. Select a trek that is suitable for your current level of fitness, and get ready for the trek in advance. Every region has five varying degrees of difficulty during the entire journey. These grades are listed as follows:

• Easy trekking (Grade One);
• Moderate trekking (Grade Two);
  
• Moderate to strenuous trekking (Grade Three);
• Strenuous trekking (Grade Four);
• Very strenuous trekking (Grade Five).

Trekking Season and Weather Conditions

Autumn (Sep-Nov) and spring (Mar-May) are the two 'peak seasons' that are most popular for trekking adventures in Nepal. In general, you can go trekking in Nepal throughout the year. There aren't any limitations. Nonetheless, the scenery, atmosphere, and experiences in Nepal vary with the seasons. Moreover, the month or season you choose to go trekking will affect the preparations you need to make.

Permits and Regulations

It is vital to understand the required permits and costs for the selected trekking path when engaging in trekking in Nepal.  Most of the time, all trekkers in Nepal must have a TIMS card, also known as the Trekking Information Management System. The cost of entering a national park or conservation area is another expense you must pay. You can obtain these ahead of time, depending on where the journey is taking you.

There are many restricted areas in Nepal, including Upper Mustang, Manaslu, Tsum Valley, Nar Phu Valley and others, which require specific trekking permits. If you plan on visiting one of these locations, you will need to obtain authorization through a reputable trekking company and travel with a guide.

Nepal Trekking Packing List

The following is a proper packing list essential for trekking in Nepal:

Clothing:

• Moisture-wicking base layers;
• Insulating mid layers; 
  
• Waterproof jacket and pants;
  
• Hiking pants/shorts;
  
• Warm hat and sun hat;
  
• Gloves;
  
• Hiking socks;
  
• Underwear;
  
• Hiking boots;
  
• Camp shoes.

Gear:

• Backpack (50-70L);
• Sleeping bag (rated for low temperatures);
  
• Sleeping pad;
  
• Trekking poles;
  
• Headlamp with extra batteries;
  
• Water bottles/hydration system;
  
• Water purification method.

Accessories:

• Sunglasses;
• Sunscreen;
  
• Lip balm;
  
• Insect repellent;
  
• Quick-dry towel;
  
• Toiletries; 
  
• First aid kit;
  
• Blister treatment.

Miscellaneous:

• Camera;
• Power bank;
  
• Snacks;
  
• Ziploc bags;
  
• Notebook and pen.

Wrap Up: How to Choose a Trek in Nepal

In the end, whatever trek you choose, the journey through Nepal's diverse landscape is sure to fulfil your desire and adventure. The experience you get from the warm local smiles, mountain giants, pristine trails, and more is worth the effort.

So, when you plan on choosing the ultimate trek in Nepal, make sure to be prepared with the right training and gear. As you hit the trails, be ready to challenge and inspire yourself!

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ABOUTME

We overland. We eat plants and fungi. We live outside as much as possible. We are all connected. A female travel blogger overlanding and writing about ecotourism, ethical and sustainable travel, socially conscious travel and housesitting. An online travel magazine since 2015.