Nepal Trekking Routes: Overview of Treks in Nepal by Region

Nepal is widely famous for its diverse landscapes it has to offer. There are short courses and long courses, easy treks and extremely difficult treks, famous courses and remote courses. There are treks for youthful trekkers and families, just as treks for veteran trekkers and experience seekers. 

These days, there are treks offering introspection, yoga and social visits to conventional Nepalese towns also.  Here we have classified different treks as per the regions in Nepal.

 

Trekking Routes in Nepal by Region

 

1. Dolpo Region 

Photo Credit: Flickr

 

The Dolpo region is another remote and staggeringly beautiful place in Nepal. Dolpo, also known as Hidden Valley, resides beyond the Himalayas. Dolpo conjures up visions of mysterious monasteries, snow leopards, and blue sheep. The region is famous for the isolated high Himalayan valleys across northern Nepal, which is home to one of the last remnants of traditional Tibetan culture.

 

A perfect blend of rustic villages, culture dating back to 1000 years, and impressive landscapes, Dolpo is a restricted area and invites only a few visitors. Still, it leaves a permanent impression on those people.

Most trekkers enter the Dolpo by means of Juphal and after that pursue different courses either in the Lower Dolpo area or further North and West in the Upper Dolpo or Mustang. 

 

Upper Dolpo trekking route passes gigantic mountain ranges - Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Kanjiroba. Upper Dolpo Trek serves some of the most impressive highlights of Dolpo like Phoksundo Lake, ancient monasteries such as Yangtze Gompa, Shey Gompa, etc. Toward the east are the Khyaklum and Dhaulagiri Himal which make a fringe with the Mustang and Annapurna locale separately and give Dolpo a feeling of disengagement from the remainder of Nepal.

 

Likewise, the Lower Dolpo Trek takes you on a trail meandering around the woods of pine, oak, and juniper which homes the endangered animals like the Himalayan musk deer, blue sheep and snow leopard and ancient villages like Dho Tarap, where people practice centuries-old traditions and customs.

 

2. Dhaulagiri Region 

 

The Dhaulagiri Region houses the seventh most astounding mountain on the planet, Mt. Dhaulagiri (8,137 meters), and is one of the more remote territories of Nepal. 

The area is perfect for experienced high altitude trekkers hoping to evade the regular groups in the Annapurna, Langtang and Khumbu districts. Treks in the district are just accessible in the Autumn months (October through December) as an overwhelming day off ice conditions in the winter and spring make the area cold. 

 

The most well-known climb in the district is the Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek (15-18 days). The trek isn't for the timid. It incorporates strenuous climbing at high elevations and the potential utilization of ropes on the moraines close to Dhaulagiri Base Camp. Navigating the dazzling French and Dhampus passes, the Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek is, as we would like to think, one of the best in Nepal! 

 

3. Annapurna Region 

Annapurna region falls under one of the most popular trekking regions in Nepal. Annapurna flaunts the 55-kilometer long mountain ranges, protected by the largest conservation area in the country- Annapurna conservation area (7,629km2). Thus, the region is also known as the Annapurna sanctuary region.

 

The region itself is very diverse with varying landscapes of lush green meadows, dense forests to close up views of Annapurna mastiffs. Passing through Gurung villages, this trail is less strenuous and comparatively shorter. Anyone physically fit irrespective of age can easily complete this trek in the Annapurna region.

 

Altitude is often less of a problem while in this region. Although the trail route elevates up to 4,130m, risks of altitude sickness are very low due to the length of the trek and adequate time for acclimatization. 

Below are some treks in the Annapurna region of Nepal:

Annapurna Circuit (as long as three weeks)

One of the extremely challenging treks on the planet, Annapurna circuit Trek pursues a counter-clockwise course, going through the Lamjung, Manang, Mustang, and Myagdi districts. Ideal for trekkers with loads of extra time on their hands. 

 

Annapurna Base Camp Trek (7-14 days) 

The Annapurna base camp trek is the complete blend of the relatively easy trail with beautiful landscapes leading to spectacular scenery. Within the few days of the trek, you will be able to view the marvellous range of Himalayan vista, including Annapurna III (7,555 m), Machhapuchhre (6,993 m),Gangapurna (7,454 m), Annapurna South (7,219 m), Singu Chuli (6,501 m), Annapurna I (8,091 m), Hiunchuli (6,441 m), Baraha Shikhar (7,647 m), Nilgiri South (6,839 m), Tukuche (6,920 m), Dhaulagiri (8,167 m), Manaslu (8,163 m) and other surrounding mountain peaks.

 

Like any other trip in the Annapurna region, ABC trek also begins from Pokhara. Furthermore, it passes through cascading waterfalls, beautiful villages, terraced farmlands, lush rhododendron forests, and amazing mountain vistas. Finally, reaching the base of the mighty Annapurna.

 

Jomsom Muktinath Trek (5-13 days) 

A moderate to simple trek in the Mustang district, north of the Annapurna Range. The trek incorporates striking views on Annapurna I and navigates the Kali Gandaki River – the world's most profound chasm. 

 

The Royal Trek (3-4 days) 

One of the shortest and most straightforward treks in Nepal, the Royal trek pursues a similar way taken by Prince Charles during the 1980s, and gets its name from this trip. Incredible for trekkers who have restricted time and are searching for a light and simple trekking background. 

 

Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek (3-5 days) 

A short, yet excellent trek that regularly begins at Nayapul which is one hour’s drive from Pokhara. A generally simple trek, with a greatest rise of 3,200 meters. 

 

Upper Mustang Trek (18-20 days) 

Normally the Upper Mustang Trek is a continuation of the Mustang Circuit toward the Northern people group of the Upper Mustang area. Perfect for those hoping to encounter the intriguing existences of antiquated Mustang people group.

 

4. Manaslu Region 

Arranged in the focal point of Nepal, the Manaslu Region includes both the Manaslu and Ganesh Himals. The last comprises of seven noteworthy pinnacles which structure a characteristic fringe with Tibet in the North. Further south-west is the huge summit of Manaslu (8,163 meters), the eighth-most elevated mountain on the planet. 

 

Aside from the striking normal magnificence of the locale, the region is additionally socially assorted offering trekkers rich knowledge into the different gatherings of Nepalese individuals that possess the slopes and valleys of the area. 

 

Various trek varieties and trails are accessible, yet the most prevalent is the Manaslu Circuit Trek, a 12-multi day climb that gives an amazing blend of mind-boggling landscape and social decent variety. Some consider the Manaslu Circuit the best trek in Nepal. Perfect for the moderate trekker or anybody with a decent level of wellness. 

 

5. Langtang Region

Gosaikunda Lake- Langtang Region

Langtang Valley Trek (7-12 days)

Langtang Valley is a narrow sandwich valley, north from Kathmandu. Also known as the valley of glaciers, it is one of the few glorious treks in Nepal. Langtang valley offers pine woodland, swift mountain streams, rugged rocks, and snow-capped pinnacles, and grassy meadows with daisies and wild animals. It offers great mountain scenery along the way with the beautiful forest of Rhododendron and bamboo, gorgeous waterfalls, and the colossal Langtang river.

 

A well-known trek through the Langtang National Park (the second biggest national park in Nepal). This trek commonly starts from Dunche and proceeds to the excellent elevated valley to Kyangjin before retracing the way back. Perfect for amateur or moderate trekkers. 

 

Gosainkunda Trek (10-14 days) 

Gosaikunda Trek is one of the famous treks in Nepal due to the proximity it shares with the capital city – Kathmandu and the astounding landscapes it offers.

 Gosaikunda is an alpine freshwater lake in Nepal's Langtang National Park, located at an altitude of 4,380 m (14,370 ft) in the Rasuwa District of Nepal. It is regarded as a popular trek that boasts impressive views of mountains and pristine lakes. 

This trek displays perfectly placed terraced slopes, the diversity in ethnic groups, splendid waterfalls flowing over massive boulders, rare wild animals and a wide range of flora and fauna.

The trail traverses through the thick forest of rhododendron, oak, bamboo and fascinating villages of Tamang and Sherpa people. This trek offers alluring views of Langtang range, Ganesh Himal, Dorje Lakap, Nayakanga, Langshisa, etc. 

 

Helambu Trek (7-10 days) 

About 80km far from Kathmandu, Helambu is a region of highland villages in Nepal. Because of its proximity to Kathmandu and exquisite beauty, it is quite popular among the trekkers traveling in short time. 

It is simple yet one of the finest trekking routes which introduce us to the Hyolmo culture of high mountain and transverse through the scenic trail full of green rhododendron and bamboo forests, cascading waterfalls, and outstanding Mountain views making it one of the most rewarding treks near Kathmandu. Along the way, you will enjoy the famous sweet apples of this region and Buddhist monasteries.

You can also enjoy spectacular panoramic views of mountains including Ganesh Himal, Langtang Himal, waterfalls and snowcapped great Himalayans at the border of Tibet and monasteries alongside the distant views of peaks in the Everest region make the Helambu trek more interesting.

 

6. Khumbu/Everest Region 

Photo: Gateway to Mera Peak

 

The Everest district, or Khumbu, is situated in the Northeast of Nepal and is assigned a World Heritage Site. A large portion of the locale is based over 3,000 meters. 

The district is excellent on all scales. Home to four of the six most noteworthy mountains on the planet – Mount Everest, Mount Lhotse, Mount Makalu, and Cho Oyu – the region is simply the plethora of pristine mountains. 

 

Everest Base Camp Trek (14-16 days) 

A very famous trek for evident reasons, the Everest Base Camp Trek is a moderate to simple trek passing through the unbelievable Sherpa town of Namche Bazaar and Tengboche Monastery, the most noteworthy Buddhist focus in Khumbu. 

Everest base camp trek falls under one of the most popular treks in Nepal. Gateway to the highest mountain in the world, it is the most sought-after trekking destination in the world. The base camp flaunts a magnificent up-close view of Mount Everest. In addition, it also opens up to the splendid views of other peaks such as Mt.Lhotse, Choyu, Makalu and many more.

 

This 16-day trek starts from the classic starting point of every trek in the Everest region, Lukla. The trek itself is very diverse with varying landscapes of lush green meadows, dense forests to close up views of pristine mastiffs. Passing through Sherpa villages, the difficulty of the trek depends upon the number of days and the route.

 

Anyone physically fit can complete the trek to Everest base camp. Altitude is often the problem while on this trek. The trail route elevates up to 5,364m, risks of altitude sickness are very high in case the length of the trek is inadequate without ample time for acclimatization. People with respiratory problems must consult their doctor before heading out on this trek while others on the trek must remain adequately hydrated.

 

Makalu Barun Trek (18-22 days) 

A long and strenuous climb (particularly the subsequent half) takes trekkers through the Makalu-Barun National Park in the North-east of the Khumba locale, which houses the fifth most noteworthy mountain on the planet – Makalu (8,470 meters). 

 

Makalu-Barun Valley is the third largest National Park in Nepal spread over the area of over 1500 square kilometers which extends from low ranges at 500m to the high Nepal Himalayas at over 8000m. The National Park, virtually uninhabited 1500 km2 area of Eastern Nepal, is one of the rare and unexplored trekking areas in Nepal.

The Makalu Barun National Park, established in 1992, is located in the Barun Valley. This park spreads in two districts Solukhumbu and Sankhuwasabha. The Makalu region is also popular for the Mera Peak (6654m) one of the most famous trekking peaks in Nepal. Makalu Barun area is home to rhododendrons, orchids, Snow Leopard, Red Panda, Musk Deer, Wild Boar, Wild Yak, Himalayan Thar, and more than 420 varieties of bird species. 

 

The major highlight of this national park is the spiny babbler, a bird only found in Nepal. This trek also takes you close to the world’s fifth-highest mountain Makalu.

Anyone intending to head for this trek must be physically fit. For people with respiratory problems, it is advisable to consult a doctor before heading for this trek, as with the increase in altitude risk of altitude sickness also rises.

 

Mera Peak

Mera peak is the highest trekking peak in Nepal. Mera Peak standing tall at 6476m is one of the most sought-after beginners mountaineering peaks in Nepal.

After a quick flight from Kathmandu to Lukla, the Mera peak adventure gets underway. We ascend from Lukla over stunning hills and valleys to the chilly mountain range. Climbing Mera Peak, which is arduously located on the edge of the Khumbu area, is a fantastic way to experience trekking in Nepal's Himalayan region.

It comprises a culturally enlightening journey through hidden lovely villages and beautiful woods, which is followed by the ascent of the magnificent Mera peak. The climb of Mera occurs after a week of trekking; it is not necessarily physically demanding, but the altitude makes this a thrilling and tough journey.

One must be in good physical condition to do this excursion because the path varies in difficulty from moderate to challenging. The likelihood of getting altitude sickness rises as the height does as well. Before doing this walk, anyone with respiratory conditions should speak with their doctor. Altitude sickness will be less of an issue with enough time to acclimate and with good water.

 

Island Peak 

Island Peak is an exhilarating experience in the Himalayas of Nepal, designed for energetic and physically fit trekkers with little or no experience in mountain expedition.

Island Peak (6,189m/20,305ft) also known as Imja Tse is one of the main climbing peaks in the Everest Region of Nepal with an impressive West Face rising from the Lhotse Glacier. Being one of the 'trekking peaks' with very little technical aspects, Island Peak is not a difficult undertaking for a beginner climber wishing to enter the incredible world of mountain climbing.

 

The trek to Island peak starts from Lukla, which is also known as the gateway to the Everest region. 

 

This Expedition goes through some of the nearby passes, such as Renjo La Pass (5,338m), Chola Pass (5,420m), and Kala Pattar (5,545m); which is surely going to be the highlight of this trek. This climb to Island peak is full of excitement, thrill, adventure and memories that last forever.

 

7. Kanchenjunga Region 

Home to immense rhododendron timberlands and the third most astounding mountain on the planet, Mt. Kanchenjunga (8,586 meters), this far eastern locale of Nepal is remote, tough and delightful. 

 

Kanchenjunga region is often known by the breathtaking mountains and valleys divided into two sections. The southwest face and edges, around Yalung, and the north face where the Kanchenjunga Base Camp is arranged. 

 

Treks change in the district; however, most trekkers enter through Taplejung. The most well-known trek in the district is the Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek.

 

Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek

The Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek is one of the remotest treks in Nepal, it is considered an ideal trekking route in eastern Nepal. Kanchenjunga is the world’s third-highest peak with an altitude of 8400m which was opened for trekkers in 1998. This trek is rather long and requires an abundance of time and a sense of adventure. Kanchenjunga trek is a natural haven for those who seek diversity in flora and fauna besides the flabbergasting sceneries of the mountain.

This is the longest trek in Nepal that provides the opportunity to view cardamom farming in the lowest altitude to a panoramic view of the mountain view of the mountains and Yalung glacier at the higher altitude. Besides the Terrific Kanchenjunga; Mt. Kumbakarna, Mt. Kiratchuli, Mt. Nepal Peak, Pathibhara Himal, and Chang Himal, will accompany during the trek. This trek in the Kanchenjunga region of Nepal provides the opportunity to view cardamom farming in the lowest altitude to a panoramic view of the mountains with Yalung glacier at its higher altitude.

 

8. Far West Region 

Probably less heard of due to its fairly remote geography and poor infrastructures, the far west region is one of the most exemplary and off the beaten trekking route in Nepal. 

The Far West Region of Nepal is regularly ignored because of its fairly remote geographic area and poor framework. Notwithstanding, this is quickly changing because of an enormous venture and advancement exertion that started in 2008. 

 

The area offers credible trekking knowledge that is difficult to coordinate in any of the different locales. Covering simply over 25% of the Great Himalayan Range (on the off chance that you incorporate Rara National Park), the district is the biggest in Nepal. 

The area is home to the second biggest locale in Nepal, Humla, in the North and Darchula, Bajura and Bajhang in the South. 

 

Trekking courses are as yet undeveloped and rural in the area, with little in the method for built-up convenience and accessibility of staples. Be that as it may, these attributes give the area an appeal and miracle reminiscent of what mid-1950s wayfarers more likely than not experienced when Nepal initially opened up to outsiders. 

In the event that you are hoping to get away from the groups and experience an immaculate situation, at that point the Far West district is for you. The Limi Valley Trek is the most well-known in the area. 

 

The Far West Region of Nepal is often overlooked due to its rather remote geographic location and poor infrastructure. However, this is fast changing due to a large investment and promotion effort that begun in 2008.

 

Rara National Park

Rara National Park, established in 1976, is an area of incredible natural beauty. It lies in the North-west of the country in a remote area called Karnali and houses Rara Lake – Nepal’s largest lake.

Alike to the treks in the Far Western Region, there are a number of trek variations, but the most popular is the Rara Lake trek;a 10-14-day hike that provides an ‘off-the-beaten’ track experience characterized by pristine natural beauty, snow-capped Himalaya peaks.

 

The route is very close to the untrodden and explores a widely different culture and scenery from the rest of Nepal. The park also provides the best opportunity to view wildlife like musk deer, thar, Himalayan black bear, leopards, ghoral and, if you are lucky, the red panda.

 

Willing to take one of these treks? Remember Swotah Travel for your trek partner.