Is there anywhere in the world better for trekking than Nepal? This mountainous country, which straddles much of the majestic Himalayas is a paradise of lush green valleys, ancient hill top villages, remote temples, and epic vistas that will stay with you the rest of your life. And then, of course, there’s Everest, indisputably the most iconic mountain on Earth.
Terraced farming and the Himalayas in the distance (Photo: Breakfree Adventures Pvt. Ltd. Courtesy Viator )
Add to this that the Nepalese have been welcoming adventure travellers for generations. Indeed, the native Sherpas are the most famous mountain guides on the planet, as at home on high altitude crags as most of us are on city streets. Which is to say, for all of the tours listed below, you’ll be in the very safest of hands.
2 Nights 3 Days Chisapani Nagarkot Trek from Kathmandu
A relatively easy, though no less beautiful hike that starts relatively close to Kathmandu. Taking place at a comparatively low altitude, you’ll head through classic Himalayan scenery and spend the night in lodges and hotels, being catered for all the way with hearty hiking food. The highlight is Nagarkot, a famous mountain viewpoint with its vista that takes in the mighty sight of Mount Everest in the far off distance.
3-Day Ghandruk Loop Trek from Pokhara
The Annapurna Circuit Trek is justly one of the most famous routes in all the Himalayas, but it takes more than two weeks to complete and can get, accordingly, quite expensive. This shorter version takes in many of that loops best sights, delving through remote Gurung villages and offering some truly stunning glimpses of the iconic Himalayan mountain chain. Meals are included, and accommodation is in hotels and lodges along the way.
Everest Base Camp Trek
The big one. Well, short of scaling Everest itself. This twelve day hike to Everest base camp takes you through fir and pine forest, mountain villages, and up and down rocky trails. It ends, of course, in one of the world’s great start points: Everest Base Camp. Where mountaineers from all corners of the globe gather under Tibetan prayer flags and in the shadow of the great mountain to contemplate one of the greatest natural challenges on Earth. Accommodation is in guest houses en route, and all meals are provided for. Naturally, a decent level of physical fitness is required.
10 Day Everest Base Camp Trek with Chopper Return
Chopper ready to fly back from Everest (Photo: Courtesy Bookmundi)
Building on the above: what better end to a ten day hike to the base of Mount Everest than a helicopter ride back over the landscape you’ve just walked? As well as offering a whole new perspective and some stunning views of the mountain scenery, not to mention Everest itself, it lets you reflect on your achievement and the memories you have just made by glimpsing them all again from a birds-eye-view totality. And you’ll be back on city streets to celebrate before you know it!
Manaslu Circuit Trek
Views from the Manaslu Circuit (Photo: Outfitter Nepal Courtesy Viator)
A long trek, away from the crowds around the Kathmandu valley. A fantastic introduction to the real Nepal, this route takes you through some of the country’s most sacred sites, including Hindu temples and a hilltop Buddhist monastery. As well as being a physical challenge this route is enlivening for the mind, with expert guides on hand to fill you in on the complex and beguiling history of this fascinating nation.
Discover the Magnificent Langtang Valley Trek
The Langtang Valley (Photo: Vyas Treks and expeditions Pvt ltd Courtesy GetYourGuide)
A stunning introduction to the Himalayas, the Langtang Valley offers the third most popular long trekking route in all of Nepal. Less strenuous than its main competitors – the Everest and Annapurna routes – but still boasting stunning scenery and traces of Tibetan culture along its paths. This multi-day trek takes in much of what is so great about the region, including, obviously its awe-inspiring landscapes, but also its so-called tea-houses – mountain hotels which have been serving hikers for years.
Kathmandu: 10-Day Annapurna Base Camp Private Himalayas Trek
Mount Annapurna is the tenth tallest mountain in the world, and the trek to its base camp one of the most popular routes in Nepal thanks to its comparative ease, the breath-taking scenery that it encompasses, and the real sense of destination you get from heading to the foot of such an imposing edifice. This tour also includes three days of rest and relaxation, and sight-seeing in Pokhara, the beautiful lake-based city, which acts a gateway to the whole Annapurna region. At this price, too, it’s also a great bargain!
Annapurna circuit trek with Tilicho lake 17 Days
Crossing a high pass with help (Photo: Vyas Treks and expeditions Pvt ltd Courtesy GetYourGuide)
Now we’re getting serious. This mammoth trek takes in much of the famous Annapurna Circuit, crossing high mountain passes and dipping through beautiful valleys as you really wrap the Nepali landscape around you with more than two whole weeks on the trail. Highlights include a dip in natural hot springs, the beautiful Tilcho lake, and interaction with the diverse ethnic groups of the region. Accommodation is in local tea houses where hearty local food is served. Of course, a high level of fitness is needed to complete the trek.
Everest High Passes 20-Day Trek
Another choice for serious hikers. This trek takes in some of the high passes in the Everest region, taking you to high altitude monasteries, offering truly breath-taking views of the surrounding mountains, and all done in the safe hands of a hyper-experienced local guide. Given the difficulty of the trek there are Sherpas on hand to help with your luggage, and specialist equipment is provided should you not have your own.
Everest Yoga Trek
And if trekking to Everest Base Camp doesn’t feel like enough on its own, why not combine it with yoga? This specialist tour takes in all the beautiful sights on the trail to Everest, and includes time for long yoga sessions, guided by a qualified instructor every day of the route: perfect for getting out the aches and pains of the trail, and for connecting on a deeper level with the mountain scenery itself.