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I clearly remember the day, thirty years ago, when walking down the street during my first visit to Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, I looked up at the clouds towering above the northern end of the city and it suddenly hit me that they weren’t clouds at all but were the snow-capped peaks of the mighty Himalaya.

A week later, and after three long days of walking, I stood within a giant amphitheatre of rock and ice, totally enveloped by those same mountains. It was a life changing experience.

But it wasn’t just the mountain vistas that made this such an inspiring moment. It had been the whole experience of trekking in Nepal: The sound of glacial river waters. The smell of juniper burning in Buddhist temples. The sight of mule caravans crossing a swaying suspension bridge. The colour of a thousand prayer flags and the joy of chatting to the people who call these mountains home.

Since this first trek I have returned to the Nepalese Himalaya many times and trekked hundreds of kilometres of rugged trails, crossed dozens of high passes linking one yak-filled valley with another and crunched my way to the base camps of some of the biggest mountains on the planet.

And each and every time the sense of wonder has been the same. As you now prepare to set out on your own epic Himalayan adventure, I hope that the experience will leave you as addicted to the Abode of the Gods as it has left me.

Ready to go? Read on for my expert guide to trekking in Nepal.

Stuart Butler

Get the digested read

Where to begin? When to go? How to plan? So many questions, so little time. That's why we've asked leading Nepal trekking expert Stuart Butler to answer your most frequently asked questions in this handy four-part email series.

Where to go trekking in Nepal

Our experts' top picks

Stuart Butler
By Stuart Butler

For the purpose of this guide I've split up Nepal into the following nine trekking regions. The mainstream trekking industry wants you to focus on the easy sellers like Everest (Khumbu) and Annapurna, but there's so much more to Nepal beyond the best-known places. Here's my summary of Nepal's main trekking areas:

The best treks in Nepal

Nepal's most popular – and some lesser known – treks

Stuart Butler
By Stuart Butler

After three decades of trekking in Nepal, if I had to pick a single 'best' trek it'd probably be the Mansalu Circuit – it's got everything that the more famous Everest and Annapurna regions have, plus a massive extra helping of authenticity and crowd-free routes. But there's plenty to choose from: the following would all make my list of best Nepal treks.

Annapurna Region

Annapurna Sanctuary trek

Stuart Butler
By Stuart Butler
  • Best trek for: Easy-going & comfortable trek
  • Difficulty: Easy-moderate
  • Trek duration: 10 days
  • Max. elevation: 4,130m
  • Accommodation: Comfortable trekking lodges
  • Start/end point: Naya Pul or Dhampus

Probably just beating Everest base camp for the title of most popular trek in Nepal, the Annapurna Sanctuary trek is a 10-day extravaganza of non-stop mountain vistas culminating in a great cirque of massive mountain peaks seven to eight kilometres high.

If you’re looking for a short, relatively easy and simple to organise trek that doesn’t venture too high (4,130m), and with unusually comfortable accommodation, then the Annapurna Sanctuary ticks all the boxes.

Khumbu (Everest) Region

Everest Basecamp trek

Stuart Butler
By Stuart Butler
  • Best trek for: Everest views, bragging rights
  • Difficulty: Moderate to hard
  • Trek duration: 12 days+
  • Max. elevation: 5,545m
  • Accommodation: Trekking lodges
  • Start / end point: Lukla

This is another of the most popular treks in Nepal, and for good reason. Over two weeks you will hike through green foothills, past Buddhist monasteries, through stone-walled, slate-roofed villages and right into the heart of the mountains to arrive among the moraines of Everest base camp.

Facilities on this trek are as good as anywhere in the Nepalese mountains. Most lodges have varied menus, heating, separate rooms, electricity, hot showers and even wi-fi. There are genuinely luxurious lodges available. On the flip side, you’ll never walk alone on this route. Tens of thousands of trekkers walk this trail each year and sometimes local culture can be overwhelmed by international trekking culture. If you value peace and quiet, avoid this trek.

Annapurna Region

Annapurna Circuit trek

Stuart Butler
By Stuart Butler
  • Best trek for: Legendary routes, unbeatable scenery
  • Difficulty: Moderate-hard
  • Trek duration: 12-18 days
  • Max. elevation: 5,416m
  • Accommodation: Trekking lodges
  • Start/end point: Besi Sahar or Bhulebule/Jomsom or Naya Pul

This, one of the world’s classic treks, takes you through virtually the whole range of Nepalese landscapes: From sub-tropical valleys where banana plants and gushing, murky jungle rivers are the defining features, through gorgeous woodlands, and across Alpine meadows and conifer forests, to the rock and ice wastes higher up.

Facilities along the Annapurna Circuit are excellent with comfortable trekking lodges and good, varied food. Many lodges have hot showers and wi-fi. It’s busy in high season and the demand for beds can exceed supply.

You can avoid the problem by joining an organised camping trip, and miss the crowds by overnighting at midway points between the major stops

Manaslu region

Manaslu Circuit trek

Stuart Butler
By Stuart Butler
  • Best trek for: Incredible scenery with fewer crowds
  • Difficulty: Difficult
  • Duration: 14-18 Days (It’s best to allow 18 days to enjoy the many side trips and to acclimatise properly)
  • Max. elevation: 5,160m
  • Accommodation: Trekking lodges
  • Start / end point: Arughat or Soti Khola/Dharapani or Besi Sahar

In my opinion, the Manaslu region competes with Annapurna and Everest for breathtaking scenery and epic hiking, but with a far more rustic feel – and much fewer crowds.

When the Manaslu Circuit opened to trekking tourism back in the early 1990s it was an almost immediate hit. The first trekkers returned with tales of stupendous mountain scenery, fascinating and varied village life and challenging walking. It soon gained a reputation as the new Annapurna Circuit — and as that walk was long considered the world’s best trek, it was a big claim indeed. This walk really does have it all. Over two weeks the scenery — and the people — gradually change. Hills turn to mountains, fields of wheat to pine forests, glaciers, and high mountain wastelands. You start among Hindus and later meet Tibetan Buddhists.

Easy Nepal treks for beginners

Stuart Butler
By Stuart Butler

With extreme altitude and constant ascents and descents, Nepal deserves its reputation for challenging treks. But they're not all endurance activities. Here are a handful of the easier treks in Nepal, ideally suited for beginners and younger or older trekkers.

Annapurna Region

Poon Hill trek

Stuart Butler
By Stuart Butler
  • Best trek for: Easy going, classic views
  • Difficulty: Easy-moderate
  • Trek duration: five to six days
  • Max. elevation: 3,210m
  • Accommodation: Trekking lodges
  • Start/end point: Naya Puk/Phedi

Mixing heart-stirring mountain views with enchanting villages and beautiful forests with a thousand blooming rhododendrons, this is a fabulous introduction to trekking in Nepal.

The highlight is Poon Hill itself, an hour’s walk above the village of Ghorepani. Watching the sunrise from here is an almost obligatory Nepalese experience. As the first beams of light shine across a panorama that includes Dhaulagiri I (8,167m), South Annapurna (8,091m) and Nilgri (6,940m), it rarely disappoints.

The trailheads are only about an hour’s drive out of Pokhara and there are excellent trekking lodges along the route plus some luxury hotels. The trek can be done clockwise or anti-clockwise and it makes a good add-on to the more challenging Annapurna Sanctuary trek. It’s also an ideal first time trek for families and those who don’t want to go too high. But do keep in mind that there’s a lot of steep up and down.


Langtang Valley

Langtang Valley trek

Stuart Butler
By Stuart Butler
  • Best trek for: Accessible trekking from Kathmandu
  • Difficulty: Moderate, the trail climbs quite rapidly so there is a risk of altitude sickness
  • Trek duration: Six days from Syabrubesi but allow another two to three days for side trips from Kanjin Gompa.
  • Max. elevation: 3,860m
  • Accommodation: Trekking lodges, camping required for any overnight trips beyond Kanjin Gompa
  • Start/end point: Syabrubesi

Before the earthquake, this was one of Nepal’s most popular trekking routes. The trails have been repaired or re-routed and trekking lodges reconstructed. And despite the obvious damage this is still one of the most delightful walks in Nepal. The basic trek takes eight days including travel time from Kathmandu, but add in another couple of days for side trips from Kanjin Gompa.

The standard route follows the Langtang river up a steep and narrow valley. On day two the trail passes over the rubble fields under which Langtang village is buried and on day three the valley opens out to arrive at Kanjin Gompa and big views of Langtang Lirung (7,246m), Langtang II (6,581m) and, perhaps the most distinctive mountain in the valley, the pyramid shaped Mt Gangchempo (6,387m). Kanjin Gompa can be a base for many different day and overnight side trips.

Most people go back the way they came but with more time it’s possible to link up with the Gosainkund and Helambu treks.

Langtang Valley

Helambu trek

Stuart Butler
By Stuart Butler
  • Best trek for: Easy-going, accessible trekking
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Trek duration: Seven days
  • Max. elevation: 3,640m
  • Accommodation: Trekking lodges
  • Start/end point: Kathmandu

The closest trek to Kathmandu — it starts from the northern outskirts of the city — takes you on a fairly gentle amble through terraced fields, wild forests, flower meadows and through lots of little villages with views of the mountains. The highest point reached on this trek is 3,640m, so it can be done as a mid-winter trek when higher routes might be snowed in.

You can make an enjoyable week-long circuit (a good option for those with little time and/or trekking experience), but most people choose to use Helambu either as a walk in or out route to Gosainkund and the Langtang Valley.

Langtang Valley

Tamang Heritage Trail

Stuart Butler
By Stuart Butler
  • Difficulty: Easy to moderate.
  • Trek Duration: 5 to 6 days.
  • Max. Elevation: 3,300m
  • Accommodation: Homestays
  • Start/End Point: Syabrubesi

This route aims to highlight the culture of the Tamang people as much as the mountain scenery. It’s a real community project with money generated from trekkers going into local development projects and trekkers being hosted at night by families in their village houses.

Dolpo region

Phoksundo Lake

Stuart Butler
By Stuart Butler
  • Difficulty: Easy-moderate
  • Trek duration: Three days to the lakes, five to six days return
  • Max. elevation: 3,730m
  • Accommodation: Camping, basic homestays
  • Start/end point: Dunai

This short and sweet trek follows the Suli Gaad river through pristine forest to the beautiful Phoksundo Lake. It is 4.8km long, 1.8km wide and, at over 600m deep, the deepest lake in Nepal.

Nepal's hardest and most challenging treks

Stuart Butler
By Stuart Butler

At some point trekking becomes mountaineering, requiring technical skills, equipment and experience. Here are a few routes that sit between the two. The following, some of Nepal's most challenging treks, require plenty of fitness, prior experience and a qualified guide.

Khumbu (Everest) Region

Island Peak trek

Stuart Butler
By Stuart Butler
  • Difficulty: Strenuous, mountaineering skills required
  • Trek duration: Six days
  • Max. elevation: 6,189m
  • Accommodation: Camping
  • Start/end point: Lukla

Not technically a trek but a mountain climbing expedition, Island Peak (6,189m; more accurately called Imja Tse) is one of Nepal’s official trekking peaks. It’s a relatively easy ascent compared to many other trekking peaks and its proximity to the main Everest trekking trails means it’s by far the most popular. This is no stroll in the park though. Ropes, crampons and ice-axes are all needed and there’s a short stretch that involves ice-climbing.

Upper Mustang

Teri La and Saribung La

Stuart Butler
By Stuart Butler
  • Difficulty: Strenuous
  • Trek duration: 18-22 days.
  • Max. elevation: Teri La 5,595m, Saribung La 5,600m
  • Accommodation: Homestays and camping
  • Start/end point: Kagbeni/Koto

This is only for the most adventurous and experienced hikers with full expedition support. The Teri La (5,595m) and Saribung La (5,600m) passes connect Upper Mustang with the valleys of Nar and Phu. Each trek is around three weeks long and requires several nights camping well above 4,000m. Ropes, crampons and ice-axes are likely to be needed.

Langtang region

Ganj La trek

Stuart Butler
By Stuart Butler
  • Difficulty: Very strenuous and dangerous. People have died attempting this crossing.
  • Trek duration: Four days from Kyanjin Gompa
  • Max. elevation: 5,106m
  • Accommodation: Camping
  • Start/end point: Kyanjin Gompa/Tarke Ghyang

The most challenging and dangerous trek in the Langtang region is the crossing of the high (5,106m) Ganj La pass, which links Kyanjin Gompa at the head of the Langtang Valley with Tarke Ghyang on the Helambu Circuit.

This should only be attempted by very experienced trekkers with a good support team. You will need camping equipment, a guide who knows the route well, ropes, ice-axes and crampons.

Khumbu (Everest) Region

Three Passes trek

Stuart Butler
By Stuart Butler
  • Best trek for: Most challenging trek in the Everest region
  • Difficulty: Challenging
  • Trek duration: 18-20 days
  • Max. elevation: 5,535m
  • Accommodation: Trekking lodges
  • Start/end point: Lukla

For those with stamina and time the formidable Three Passes trek is by far the most exciting, rewarding and challenging trek in the Khumbu region. In fact, for sheer mountain awe this is perhaps the single best trek in Nepal for independent trekkers reliant on lodges.

Having said that, the nature of this trek makes it highly advisable to take a guide and porter as well as crampons, ice-axes, ropes and camping equipment because of the very real possibility of getting stuck out for the night due to bad weather.

Upper Mustang

Upper Mustang loop

Stuart Butler
By Stuart Butler
  • Best trek for: More exciting version of the Upper Mustang 'standard' route
  • Difficulty: Moderate-difficult
  • Trek duration: 12 days
  • Max. elevation: 4,380mm
  • Accommodation: Homestays
  • Start/end point: Kagbeni/Kagbeni or Muktinath

More rewarding (but longer) than the standard Upper Mustang trek is the 12-day Upper Mustang loop. The first part of the trek to Lo Manthang follows the standard way up the western side of the Kali Gandaki. For the return though you follow a much wilder route down the eastern side of the Kali Gandaki. There’s much less development on this side of the river and no road construction. Villages tend to be more traditional and there are fewer trekkers. The scenery is also more impressive than the western route, but the walking is tougher, fresh water harder to find, and villages more spaced out with some long days of walking.

Vertigo sufferers should be aware that there are some terrifyingly steep and windy cliff faces to clamber up and down on this route. It’s worth building in an extra day to detour to the fabulous Luri Gompa, a hidden cave complex filled with Buddhist frescos and 14th century chortens (shrines). You can finish back in Kagbeni or in the major Hindu pilgrimage centre of Muktinath (on the Annapurna Circuit). Although there are comfy homestays in all villages along this route, there’s one night when you will need camping and cooking equipment: The night halt is in a yak pasture with no facilities.

Makalu

Makalu to Everest trek

Stuart Butler
By Stuart Butler
  • Difficulty: Very strenuous. Borderline mountaineering
  • Trek duration: Minimum 21 days
  • Max. elevation: 6,143m
  • Accommodation: Camping; very basic herders’ tea houses, trekking lodges
  • Start/end point: Num/Lukla

One of the most challenging treks in this book is the Makalu to Everest traverse via the very high passes of Sherpani (6,135m), West Col (6,143m), Baruntse Base Camp (5,700m) and Amphu Laptsa (5,850m) before descending into the Everest region at Pangboche. You should allow a minimum of three weeks for this trek and a lot more if you want to explore the Everest region in depth. You will need full expedition equipment, an experienced team, mountaineering experience and to be prepared for many nights’ camping above 4,500m.

Makalu

Makalu Basecamp trek

Stuart Butler
By Stuart Butler
  • Difficulty: Stenuous. Lots of steep up and down and the fast elevation gain means the risk of altitude sickness is high.
  • Trek Duration: 14 days
  • Max. Elevation: 4,870m
  • Accommodation: Camping; very basic herders’ tea houses.
  • Start/End Point: Num

There’s only one standard route to Makalu base camp and it’s a simple there and back along the same trail. But this is a real wilderness trek and there are only permanent villages for the first and last couple of days. Most of the time the only other people you’ll meet are herders with their yaks. One of the highlights of this trek is camping in gorgeous spring flower meadows well away from other people and waking to soaring mountain views.

Annapurna Region

Tilicho Lake trek

Stuart Butler
By Stuart Butler
  • Best trek for: Short but challenging route
  • Difficulty: Moderate to difficult
  • Trek duration: Four to five days
  • Max. elevation: 5,005m
  • Accommodation: Trekking lodges
  • Start/end point: Manang/Manang or Yak Kharka

The short, but challenging hike to Tilicho Lake, one of the highest large lakes in the world, is one of the most impressive walks in the Annapurna range.

It’s a four or five-day round trip detour off the main Annapurna Circuit trail starting from Manang and heading rapidly upwards, firstly through pine forest and then across scree slopes before a final climb to a pass (5,005m) overlooking the lake. Pushed right up against the great wall of the Annapurna range, and with glaciers crashing down into it, the lake is frozen over for months on end and can be a bleak and scary place.

Note that many maps and some trekking agencies talk about a route directly from Tilicho Lake to Jomsom via the Mesokanto pass. No matter what any map, sign or trekking agency tells you, this is not a route to be taken lightly. It involves ice-climbing down two huge, vertical glacier walls followed by a hair-raising and utterly exhausting climb up a loose scree slope which makes those you crossed on the way up to Tilicho seem like child’s play. Do not attempt this route without mountaineering experience, ropes, ice-axes and crampons as well as a guide who knows the route — very few do.

Nepal's best off-the-beaten path treks

Stuart Butler
By Stuart Butler

Nepal has nine major trekking regions and countless routes, and yet most people have only heard of Everest Base Camp and the main Annapurna routes. Here are a few Nepal treks you may not have heard of, but should definitely cons

Kanchenjunga

Kanchenjunga North

Stuart Butler
By Stuart Butler
  • Best trek for: Challenging & remote with spectacular views
  • Difficulty: Challenging
  • Trek duration: 18 days
  • Max. elevation: 5,140m
  • Accommodation: Camping or basic herders' lodges
  • Start/end point: Taplejung

Way out in the east of Nepal a wall of rock and ice rises up over eight and half kilometres into the sky. This is Kanchenjunga and at 8,586m it’s the third highest mountain on Earth. The hike to the base camp of this daunting peak is one of the most exciting treks in Nepal.

There are two main Kanchenjunga treks and the three-week trek to the Kanchenjunga North base camp is the longest, hardest and by far the most spectacular. The views are as good as you’ll get without venturing into the realms of mountaineering, but the risk of altitude sickness is high.


Annapurna Region

Nar-Phu trek

Stuart Butler
By Stuart Butler
  • Difficulty: Moderate-difficult
  • Trek duration: Seven to nine days
  • Max. elevation: 5,320m
  • Accommodation: Camping and basic trekking lodges
  • Start/end point: Koto/Ngawal

Most Annapurna Circuit trekkers heading through the village of Koto won’t know that a trail off to the east leads to a magical, hidden world. The Nar and Phu valleys were closed to tourism until 2002 and when they finally opened up the first trekkers discovered a landscape of narrow gorges, 7km high mountains, timeless stone villages festooned with prayer flags, and a distinct local culture based on yak herding and trade with neighbouring Tibet.

Still rarely trekked (a restricted area permit and camping gear is required), the route follows a dark, deep and shady gorge up to the medieval village of Phu, which consists of around 40 or 50 mud and stone houses and red painted monasteries huddled together on the top of a hill. Entry to the village is via a spectacular old gateway.

Khumbu (Everest) Region

Gokyo Lakes trek

Stuart Butler
By Stuart Butler
  • Difficulty: Moderate to hard
  • Trek duration: 12-14 days
  • Max. elevation: 5,360m
  • Accommodation: Trekking lodges
  • Start/end point: Lukla

With scenery every bit as spectacular as that on the Everest base camp trek but with far fewer crowds, this trek, which leads to a series of high glacial blue lakes, is arguably one of the best in Nepal. Note that altitude problems can be an issue. Go slowly and allow as many extra rest days as you can.

The trek follows the Everest base camp trail for the first couple of days to Sanasa, a half day walk beyond Namche Bazaar. From here, while the masses plod towards Everest, Gokyo trekkers skip up the Dudh Kosi valley. Forested at lower levels, the valley becomes increasingly forbidding as it passes herders’ camps and yak pastures and enters a realm of moraine and ice circled by looming peaks.

Far West Nepal

Rara Lake trek

Stuart Butler
By Stuart Butler
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Trek duration: nine to 11 days
  • Max. elevation: 3,480m
  • Accommodation: Camping
  • Start/end point: Jumla

The focus on the trek to Rara Lake isn’t so much on the high mountains (though these are always the backdrop), but rather on unhurried village life and the variety of ethnic groups found along the way. The thick forests that surround the lake provide a home to musk deer, black bears and other wildlife. The area around the lake is a national park with few signs of human habitation and there are some delightful wild camping spots. This is a genuine wilderness trek.

Langtang region

Ganesh Himal trek

Stuart Butler
By Stuart Butler
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Trek duration: Two weeks
  • Max. elevation: 3,842m
  • Accommodation: Camping only
  • Start/end point: Syabrubesi/Tripura Sundari

Named after Ganesh, the elephant-headed Hindu god of fortune, Ganesh Himal lies directly between the Manaslu and Langtang ranges, and is one of the great unknowns of Nepalese trekking. With stunning mountain scenery, attractive and welcoming villages, hot springs, waterfalls and a genuine sense of being well off the beaten track, the Ganesh region really has a bit of everything — except crowds of other trekkers.

A handful of homestays and trekking lodges have started to open up, but for now the trails are still largely empty. Because formal accommodation is still so scarce, an organised camping trip is the best way to tackle this trek.

Manaslu region

Tsum Valley trek

Stuart Butler
By Stuart Butler
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Trek Duration: 7-17 Days
  • Max. Elevation: 3,709M for main trek; about 4,200M for side trips.
  • Accommodation: Homestays, Camping.
  • Start/End Point: Lokpa

Tucked up to the northeast off the main Manaslu Circuit, the Tsum Valley has only been open to trekkers for a decade. The views are wonderful but they are not the attraction here (although if you have camping gear then an overnight trip to the Ganesh base camp at about 4,000m rewards with a stunning view of mountains). Instead, this is all about venturing off the beaten path and discovering an older pace of life where the farming seasons and Tibetan Buddhism are all-important.

Far West Nepal

Saipal Base Camp trek

Stuart Butler
By Stuart Butler
  • Difficulty: Strenuous
  • Trek duration: 18 days
  • Max. elevation: 4,550m
  • Accommodation: Camping
  • Start/end point: Cahinpur

This very remote trek leads through pristine conifer forest to the base camp for Saipal (7,031m), western Nepal’s highest mountain. This is possibly the quietest trek listed in this book and any agency offering this will probably have their own variation of the walk.

Annapurna Region

Khopra Ridge trek

Stuart Butler
By Stuart Butler
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Trek duration: Five to six days
  • Max. elevation: 3,660m
  • Accommodation: Camping and limited trekking lodges
  • Start/end point: Ghorepani/Tadapani

Also known as the Khopra Danda trek, this is well off the standard Annapurna trekking routes and offers a low-key, peaceful trek to lofty viewpoints on the flanks of Annapurna South. There are a number of different route variations.

The trails pass through charming villages with simple private and community lodges and lots of pretty forests. Khopra Ridge itself is an impressive dome with an exposed trail running along it that feels much higher than it really is (especially when covered in snow). The views across to Dhaulagiri I (8,167m) are unforgettable. From the ridge it’s possible to make a very long and challenging 10-hour day trip to the high altitude Khayer Lake (4,600m). Given the 1,000-metre height gain in a day, plus the beauty of the lake, it’s much more advisable to go on an organised camping trek and sleep on the lake shore.

Dolpo region

Upper Dolpo trek

By HorizonGuides
  • Difficulty: Challenging
  • Duration: 25-30 days
  • Max. elevation: 5,150 m
  • Accommodation: Camping
  • Start and end point: Juphal

The Upper Dolpo Trek is a challenging route which takes about 25 to 30 days to complete, beginning and ending in Juphal, a small town in Nepal’s little-visited Dolpo region.

The route is considered demanding due to its long duration, high altitude, and demanding terrain. On the way you will cover steep ascents, descents, and cross high passes, requiring good physical fitness, acclimatisation and previous trekking experience.

Exploring the Dolpo region, you will visit the Shey Phoksundo National Park which features a turquoise lake, waterfall and ancient monastery perched on the hillside. You will also cross high mountain passes and visit remote villages, like Dho Tarap. The national park is also home to plenty of wildlife like blue sheep, musk deer, Himalayan Marmot and Himalayan Tahr.

Tharepati nepal

Tharepati on the Gosainkund trek in Nepal's Lantang region

Nepal trekking need to know

Everything you wish you'd known before you booked

Where to avoid the crowds

Most first time visitors flock to either Khumbu (Everest) or the Annapurna regions. If you’re looking for a quieter and more ‘authentic’ experience, I’d recommend without hesitation the Manaslu Circuit. Facilities are more basic than in Annapurna and Everest but otherwise this one really has it all: stupendous mountain scenery, fascinating and varied village life and challenging walking.

Don't skimp on the price

The Nepal trekking industry is plagued with an oversupply problem – there seem to be more trekking operators than actual trekkers, which puts immense downward pressure on prices. This might seem like a good thing for you, but when you see a 12 day EBC trek for $800 it means corners are being cut somewhere, usually in the pay and quality (and therefore safety and wellbeing) of ground staff. Personally I always recommend booking with a Nepal based and owned operator, but do plenty of homework first. Look for operators who’ve been established a long time, with plenty of coverage in guidebooks and plenty of genuine customer testimonials. If you're booking with an international operator, try to ask who is doing their ground operations and vet them accordingly. Nepal is definitely somewhere you want to be as much of a responsible traveller as possible.

On the point of booking with a Nepal based operator, one thing I strongly advise against is booking anything with any so-called guides you meet on the street or in a taxi.

What to expect on a Nepal trek

It remains to be seen how the new rules banning independent trekking will be enforced, but for the time being it appears that all treks outside of the Everest (Khumbu) region must be pre-organised and accompanied by a licensed guide, either in a group or a private tour.

Teahouse treks

Regardless if they’re independent or guided, treks to the more popular regions such as Everest, Annapurna and Langtang typically use teahouses (trekking lodges) for accommodation.

In Everest and Annapurna, teahouses can get surprisingly luxurious – some now boast hot showers, varied menus and even wifi. But the standard experience is fairly rustic, although warmer and more comfortable than tents! There may not be hot water, you’ll probably be sharing a room, partition walls are very thin and you will be woken around dawn by other trekkers preparing to head out early. With everyone trying to leave at around the same time, there will be a wait for breakfast and for the shared bathrooms and toilets. Most people are on their way by 8.30am and will walk until around noon.

Lunch is taken at another trekking lodge and again there can be quite a wait for food. Another couple of hours’ walk normally follows after lunch before arriving at your night stop. There’s often time to explore the village and the area before gathering round the heater in the dining room for dinner, swapping stories and sharing experiences. Most people head to their often draughty wooden rooms by 8 or 9pm.

Camping treks

Organised trekking tours, or treks to more remote regions, tend to be camping, or a mixture of camping and homestays and/or teahouses.

In my opinion, the biggest advantage of a guided camping trek is that it gets you away from the busy lodges and into huge swathes of upland Nepal that teahouse trekking simply cannot reach. You can explore for longer in the more remote and, dare I say it, more exciting areas of Nepal.

Life on a camping trek starts at first light with a reviving cup of tea brought to you in bed. Often, you’ll also be brought a bowl of hot water and a flannel to wash. Breakfast will be served half an hour or so later and while you tuck into steaming bowls of tsampa (delicious Tibetan porridge) the camp staff will pack away the tents and gear.

You’ll then walk until lunchtime. The kitchen staff and porters will normally have reached the lunch stop long before you. A hot drink will be waiting followed by a big lunch. After walking for another couple of hours you’ll normally arrive at the night stop by mid to late afternoon. Tents will have been erected and a cup of tea and biscuits or other snacks will be ready for your arrival. A big dinner will be served shortly after nightfall and then it’s an early night.

Depending on the size of your group and the level of luxury you opted for, it’s common to sleep in small two-man tents and to eat in a larger, communal dining tent. Normally there will be tables and chairs and sometimes a toilet tent as well. If you’ve tried to keep costs down you might not have these luxuries.

It’s not all camping though. Even on the more remote routes there is a growing number of wonderfully atmospheric homestays – Upper Mustang is especially good for this – and very basic trekking lodges aimed more at local herders. The Kanchenjunga trails are well endowed with these. It’s possible to tell your trekking company that you want to mix it up a bit with a combination of homestays, camping and basic trekking lodges. This gives you the best of all worlds.

Staying safe and healthy on a Nepal trek

Trekking in the mountains of Nepal generally presents few health problems bar those of altitude and weather. Food poisoning and other tummy troubles aren’t as big an issue as they are in Kathmandu, Pokhara and the Terai lowlands. Be careful what you eat in those areas before going on a trek. The last thing you want is to start walking with a dodgy stomach.

Malaria and dengue fever, both of which are present in the Terai lowlands, are non-existent in the mountains. However, it’s important to be aware of problems brought on by altitude, or from getting too cold or hot.

Fitness and preparation

Many people worry that they won’t be fit and strong enough to trek in the Himalaya. In reality only moderate fitness is required on most of the standard trails (especially those open to independent trekkers). However, for a first time trek, it's best not to take on anything too long, high, or remote.

The more pre-departure training you can do the better, but aim to be comfortable walking several hours a day. Those short of fitness should opt for shorter and easier treks, and start walking at first light in order to give the maximum amount of daylight to cover the day’s walk.

Remember to break in new boots at home before using them on any trek.

Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS)

By far the biggest threat in the higher (above about 3,000m) routes in Nepal is altitude sickness, or Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). This potentially fatal condition is caused by a combination of reduced oxygen and lower atmospheric pressure reacting with the body.

Almost everyone who treks above 3,000m will get very mild symptoms, such as light dizziness or headaches and difficulty sleeping. Normally it only lasts for a short time and is more a sign of your body adapting to the lower oxygen levels at altitude. Take it easy and drink lots of water or ginger tea, and it should pass.

If symptoms persist or get worse and a strong headache and vomiting start to occur, then it’s likely that moderate or severe altitude sickness is striking. The best thing to do is to descend to a lower elevation as fast as possible — even if it’s the middle of the night. A porter might have to be hired to help get the victim down the mountain fast. Ignoring AMS can quickly lead to severe problems and even death.

It’s not clear how or why AMS strikes. There have been cases of Sherpas who climbed Everest a number of times but got severe AMS at just 3,500m. And it doesn’t necessarily strike the old or unfit first. There is some evidence to suggest that young people get it more commonly than older people, although that might just be because younger people are more likely to be gung-ho about climbing higher and faster than recommended.

The golden rule with high mountain trekking is to go slowly and never ascend too high, too fast. Most experts agree that above 3,000m you shouldn’t ascend more than around 300-500 m in a day and that you should allow for frequent rest days above 3,500m (a rest day doesn’t actually mean having a rest. On these days it’s wise to hike to a higher altitude and then descend back down again to sleep). Following these simple rules will greatly reduce the chances of AMS.

Hypothermia

Hypothermia is not as common as you might expect on a Nepal trek but it’s certainly a risk for the under-dressed and unprepared. Symptoms are pretty similar to those of AMS with slurred speech, loss of concentration and fatigue all being key signs. Get the victim into a warm place, wrap them in sleeping bags and use your own body heat if necessary, and give them hot drinks and food.

Sunstroke and heat stroke

Sunstroke and heat stroke are both common, especially when walking all day in bright sunlight through the hotter, lower valleys and slopes. At such times try to rest in the shade, drink lots of water, eat something salty and wear a wide-brimmed hat.

Water and sanitation

The golden rule anywhere in Nepal is do NOT drink tap water without treating it first. The vast majority of trekkers carry packets of water purification tablets to treat their drinking water. In the Annapurna area many lodges have vats of pre-treated water and for a nominal fee you can fill up your own water bottles. Buying bottles of drinking water as you go is terrible for the environment at the best of times, but up in the Nepalese mountains with few recycling facilities it’s even worse.

Don’t expect much opportunity to wash while trekking. Showers, when available, are often cold which ain’t a lot of fun in the snow at 4,000m. On more popular routes hot, solar heated showers are sometimes available, but most people just wait until they get back to Kathmandu.

Air quality

It's also worth knowing that the air pollution in Kathmandu can be so bad that you’re liable to get a chest infection if you spend more than a couple of days walking around the city, which isn't a nice start to a trek. Many locals and tourists wear face masks while walking Kathmandu streets in order to counter this pollution. Asthmatics should be especially cautious.

028 Nepal Langtang Valley

The Langtang Valley, just a stone's throw from the chaos of Kathmandu

Nepal trekking FAQs

Your questions, our expert answers

Question

I'm a solo mum with two 10 year old daughters who are keen hikers. Would Nepal be okay for us, and where would you recommend?

C
Asked by Claire
Answer

I have two children (now aged 13 and 10) and wouldn't hesitate to take two ten year old girls to Nepal trekking if they already have some walking experience.

If you and your children are used to hiking in mountain areas with decent height gains, they can hike in Nepal.

There's very little in the way of wilderness trekking on all the main trails as there are villages everywhere.

It would be a rare day that you'd have to gain more than about 500m in elevation gain and most days are around five hours walking (without stops).

The main difficulty lies in altitude and cold temperatures. With younger children I would be cautious about doing anything too high - say above 4,000m - just in case they don't think to tell you that they're feeling ill.

The cold is also a problem so take plenty of warm gear as lodges are unheated and at night it gets bitterly cold. In the day the temperature is normally pleasant or even warm.

As for particular treks with children then I would say the best are the Langtang Valley trek with a few days at Kanjin Gompa to explore the upper valley as this is a short trek, with beautiful scenery, decent enough lodges and only goes to 4,000m.

Annapurna Basecamp is another good - but longer - hike to a similar altitude and with better lodges. The Tamang Heritage Trail is also good as it doesn't go too high at all but there has been quite a lot of road construction there. The Rolwaling Valley is a newer, quieter trek that is a nice length and only goes to 4,000m. Lodges are still pretty basic.

And then there's Poon Hill but it doesn't really take you into the mountains and probably won't seem too exciting if you already have mountain experience.

Stuart Butler
Answered by Stuart Butler
Question

Can you recommend quieter alternatives to Everest or Annapurna?

Answer

Everest, Annapurna and to some extent Langtang are the favourites for first-timers. These three regions are convenient with easy access, plenty of lodges and good facilities. However, during the 'peak seasons' of mid-March to mid-May & October to November, these regions get very busy indeed.

My personal advice for someone looking for a quieter experience is to look at either the Manaslu or Kanchenjunga regions. The Manaslu Circuit trek has been hailed the "new Annapurna Circuit" and Kanchenjunga North offers some of the best views you'll get without straying into actual mountaineering. Until a decade ago trekking here used to be a full scale, high-cost camping expedition. These days there are some lodges on the routes but still far fewer trekkers, which makes them attractive if you're looking for true wilderness, unspoiled culture and quiet views.

Nothing takes away from the beauty of Everest or Annapurna, but for a different experience, Manaslu or Kanchenjunga get my vote.

Abhi Shrestha
Answered by Abhi Shrestha
Question

Is trekking in Nepal safe?

Answer

This is the most common question I get asked! By and large trekking in Nepal is a safe, well-regulated industry. Mishaps and even deaths do happen, typically in the single digits per year. But (reputable) operators employ top quality professionals and have thorough risk-management processes in place. Should something go wrong, evacuation is usually straightforward if expensive (insurance is always mandatory).

That said, you must be aware of the very real health risks, such as Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), sun/heatstroke, hypothermia, and general stomach issues.

The golden rule with high mountain trekking is to go slowly and never ascend too high, too fast. Most experts agree that above 3,000m you shouldn’t ascend more than around 300 to 500m in a day and that you should allow for frequent rest days above 3,500m.

There are also infrequent but frustrating reports of petty theft in the busier teahouses. Don’t trek with valuables and keep a keen eye on your possessions.

Stuart Butler
Answered by Stuart Butler
Question

Is Nepal safe for solo female travellers?

Answer

The country’s conservative but welcoming culture makes Nepal a generally safe country for solo female travellers. You’re unlikely to encounter the sort of harassment or unwelcome attention that can blight visits to, for example, neighbouring India. Honestly, you're more likely to receive unwelcome attention from other foreign trekkers than Nepalis.


Stuart Butler
Answered by Stuart Butler
Question

Can you trek without a guide in Nepal?

Answer

In April 2023 the Nepalese Tourist Board announced that guides would be mandatory for all trekkers hiking within a national park (which accounts for pretty much all the main trekking regions), except for people trekking in the Everest region. When it came down to it though the rule was not enforced due to local opposition. However, in June 2023 the tourist board again insisted on compulsory guides and increased fines for those not respecting the rules. It won’t be known how strictly the rule is enforced until the trekking season recommences after the monsoon in October 2023.

From my personal experience a guide is not only handy for route finding but serves the vital role of being a language and cultural translator and can open doors to experiences, sights and encounters that might otherwise pass you by. A good guide can also be very useful for showing interesting and little known side routes.


Stuart Butler
Answered by Stuart Butler
Question

Is there still an option for independent trekking in the Annapurna area or do you have to have a licensed guide?

M
Asked by Marcia
Answer

Aside from the Everest region then yes, officially, you do now need an officially recognised guide to hike inside any national park/protected area in Nepal. This would include most of the main Annapurna trails.

However, enforcement of the rule was spotty up to the end of the spring trekking season. An announcement by the government at the end of the last trekking season had said that it would be more strictly enforced from the autumn trekking season (from October 2023) so, the answer to your question is that until people head out on the trail again after the monsoon then it will be hard to know how strictly it will be enforced.

I would say though that a guide is just a good idea anyway because a good guide (and getting a good one is key) will enhance your trek by giving background information, offering up interesting side routes, translating when required, opening cultural doors and, of course, providing a bit more safety. Not to mention that it gives much needed jobs to local people and in the big picture it costs very little.

Stuart Butler
Answered by Stuart Butler
Question

How do I find a licensed Nepal trekking guide?

Answer

As of April 2023, all trekkers must be accompanied by a licensed guide arranged through a government-registered trekking agency. Look for the green TAAN (Trekking Agencies' Association of Nepal) logo on their website, and check their credentials on the official website.


Stuart Butler
Answered by Stuart Butler
Question

How do I choose a good Nepal trekking company?

Answer

This is a good question as there are countless Nepal trekking companies and more seem to spring up every year. You might choose to book with an international travel agency or tour operator; booking with a company in your home country can offer added financial protection, at an extra cost. Note that most international operators will not be the ones actually running your trek on the ground so you're paying extra for a middle-man, which may still be a worthwhile investment if you like the extra reassurance.

If you go for a local operator, they must be registered with TAAN and they may also be registered with the Nepal Tourism Board and the Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA). Cross check reviews on their website against 3rd party review sites, and try to pay with a credit card for financial cover.


Stuart Butler
Answered by Stuart Butler
Question

What are the difficulty levels of Nepal trekking routes?

Answer

In our guide we classify Nepal treks on a spectrum between Easy – Moderate – Strenuous – Challenging. Anything above that enters technical mountaineering territory. The grading depends on factors such as the altitude, duration, total ascents/descents, quality of trails, and standard of accommodations.

There are a small handful of truly “easy” treks, such as the Poon Hill Trek, which don’t go beyond 4,000 metres in elevation. The Annapurna Sanctuary Trek (4,130m) is easy-moderate, Annapurna Circuit and EBC are moderate-hard.


Stuart Butler
Answered by Stuart Butler
Question

Can you recommend any easier or family-friendly Nepal treks?

Answer

By and large the altitude makes trekking in Nepal a relatively challenging activity. But there are a smattering of truly beginner-friendly trekking routes. Annapurna Sanctuary is easy-to-moderate, other easier routes include Jiri/Shivalaya to Lukla, Poon Hill, Langtang Valley trek, Helambu trek, Tamang Heritage Trail and Phoksundo Lake.


Stuart Butler
Answered by Stuart Butler
Question

How much does a Nepal trek cost?

Answer

A group trekking tour in Nepal with a reputable operator will typically cost between USD $800 and $2,000+ per person, depending on the trip duration, location, route and other variables.

Organised treks are generally priced on an all-inclusive basis: virtually everything from arrival to departure will be factored into the price. This should include the services of a qualified guide and support team (assistant guides, porters, cooks, etc), all accommodation (either teahouses or camping), TIMS card and any other necessary permits, three full meals per day, all ground transfers, any internal flights, and 24/7 backup support. Certain equipment, such as sleeping bags and trekking poles, may be hired at an additional cost. Insurance will not be included, but will be a mandatory requirement.

Stuart Butler
Answered by Stuart Butler
Question

What kind of accommodation can I expect while trekking in Nepal?

Answer

Commercial organised treks use a combination of camping and ‘teahouses’, or trekking lodges. Trekking lodges range from spartan to comfortable, and even luxurious. You can expect a simple but warm twin room, a shared bathroom, and a cheap but filling breakfast and evening meal. Trekking lodges are social places, with hikers gathering around the heater at night to swap stories.


Stuart Butler
Answered by Stuart Butler
Question

What kind of food should I expect on a Nepal trek?

Answer

On an organised group trek with a quality operator you’ll be very well fed indeed – your porters and support staff will work miracles to produce three hearty meals per day. Depending on the route and accommodation you might also eat a la carte in teahouses. Staples include dhal bhat (lentil curry and rice, Nepal’s national dish), momos (Nepalese dumplings) and thukpa (noodle soup). International dishes and beer are sometimes available at a higher price.


Stuart Butler
Answered by Stuart Butler
Question

What kind of medical facilities are available?

Answer

On an organised group trek, your trekking leader will be a qualified first-aider and the support staff will be carrying basic supplies for minor medical ailments. In a more serious situation, evacuation by helicopter is relatively common and trivial – provided you’ve got insurance.


Stuart Butler
Answered by Stuart Butler
Question

What permits are required to trek in Nepal?

Answer

All trekkers in Nepal must buy a TIMS (Trekkers Information Management System) card. The idea is that it allows the authorities to know where every foreign trekker is hiking and makes you easier to trace in an emergency. There are rumours that the cards will be done away with, but for now, they can be obtained quickly, cheaply and easily, in Kathmandu or Pokhara.

The most convenient place to buy the card is at the Nepal Tourism Board office in either Kathmandu or Pokhara. Bring a copy of your passport and two passport-sized photos and be prepared to disclose your trekking route, entry and exit points and emergency contact information.

At the time of writing, individual permits cost R 2,000 per trekking route per entry, while group trekkers pay R 1,000 per person. Check the latest prices on the official Nepal tourism board website.

For the main trekking areas (Everest, Annapurna and Langtang) you'll require the relevant national park permits, which can be obtained in an hour or so in Kathmandu or Pokhara. For other treks, additional permits might be needed including Restricted Area Permits. In some cases, these permits are fairly cheap and fast to obtain (the Kanchenjunga area being a case in point), but in other areas such as Upper Mustang and Inner Dolpo they are very expensive (US$ 500 per person for 10 days and a minimum of two trekkers are required to get them).

If you’re on an organised trek your trekking agency will deal with all the required paperwork while you go sightseeing in Kathmandu. Independent trekkers will have to face Nepalese bureaucracy alone but in most cases, it’s pretty painless. You will need copies of your passport and a spare passport photo.

Unfortunately, none of the permits can be obtained at home before leaving for Nepal so it’s unlikely that you will be able to get off the plane and straight on to a bus to the trailhead. Allow at least a day to get the papers in order after you arrive.


Stuart Butler
Answered by Stuart Butler
Question

Will I need to carry cash?

Answer

Always take more cash with you than you imagine you’ll need. There are very few ATMs on any of the trekking trails (Lukla and Namche Bazar in the Everest area have the only reliable bank machines) and it’s easy to underestimate how much you’ll spend.

Banks and ATMs accept foreign cards in all larger Nepalese towns and cities. Bigger banks will change cash (dollars and euros are best). Travellers’ cheques are rarely accepted now. The best way of accessing money is from an ATM. However, it’s wise to have some emergency cash with you in US dollars or euros.

Guides and porters will expect a tip (cash) at the end of a trek. A good rule of thumb is for each member of your group to pay the equivalent of one extra day's salary to each porter and the guide for each week you trek.

Stuart Butler
Answered by Stuart Butler
Question

How difficult is trekking in Nepal?

Answer

For the most part the actual hiking in Nepal is easier than in many other mountain areas. The trails often follow old trade routes that have been used for centuries and these routes generally take the easiest option.

It’s not the amount of time you spend walking each day – or the altitude gains and losses – that can make trekking in Nepal hard work, but the often bitter cold and the very high altitude conditions that make the going tough.

Stuart Butler
Answered by Stuart Butler
Question

Will I need travel insurance to trek in Nepal?

Answer

Yes. You’d be utterly insane to go trekking in the Himalayas without a decent travel insurance policy. Make sure it covers trekking above a certain altitude and helicopter rescue.


Stuart Butler
Answered by Stuart Butler
Question

When is the best time to go?

Answer

October to April is the dry season and, overall, this is the best time to trek in most of Nepal. But within that, the ideal trekking time is really from October to early November when the skies are crystal clear and the visibility excellent. It’s warm in the valleys and cool to cold up high. However, this is also the busiest time on the main trails, and villages can be overwhelmed with trekkers.

In general avoid the monsoon season from May to September, when many trekking routes close and paths become dangerous. However, for some regions, such as Upper Mustang and Dolpo, this is actually a good time to trek.

Stuart Butler
Answered by Stuart Butler
Question

What should I pack for a Nepal trek?

Answer

My most important advice is – keep things light and minimal. When you’re slogging your way up to a mountain pass you will regret every extra kilo you’re carrying. The following is a list of recommended items, some of which are more essential than others.

Hiking boots

You’ll need boots. Not shoes or trail running shoes. Make sure they’re waterproof, very sturdy and above all, comfortable. Don’t buy a cheap pair. Make sure you break them in before leaving for Nepal. Whatever you do, don’t hire boots in Nepal as they probably won’t be up to scratch and will give you blisters. Nothing will ruin your trek more than blisters.

Winter jacket

A thick, warm, waterproof and breathable but lightweight jacket is another must. It needs to keep you warm as toast in sub-zero temperatures. These can be rented in Nepal but most are inferior knock-offs of respected brands. They’re okay for a one-off trip but if you’re likely to go mountain trekking again, it’s worth buying your own jacket.

Sleeping bag

It gets bitterly cold at night, even at comparatively low altitudes in winter, and the thin, gap-riddled walls of trekking lodge bedrooms provide little protection. Get the warmest yet lightest one you can afford. When a manufacturer says a sleeping bag can be used down to minus-10 degrees the reality is you won’t be comfortable in it below about plus-five. Aim for one that says it will keep you warm down to minus-20 or lower. A really good sleeping bag is expensive. Bags can be rented in Nepal but as with jackets, they’re very rarely of good quality.

Trekking Poles

If you’ve never trekked before then you might consider trekking poles as something that just old people use. Well trust us, if you don’t use them after a few days clambering up and down steep Himalayan slopes you’ll forever walk like an old person… Poles help save energy going up and take the strain off your legs on the way down. They also stop you falling and twisting ankles as much.

Water bottle

Take two of at least a litre each and refill whenever possible. Don’t rely on bottled mineral water. It’s often not available and it’s environmentally unfriendly, particularly up in the mountains where there’s little chance of recycling.

Water purification pills

Get enough to treat at least three litres of water a day. On more popular trekking routes some lodges provide pre-treated water but don’t rely on this always being available.

Thermals

Two or three thermal tops of different thickness and even a pair of thermal under-trousers are worth their weight in gold.

Fleeces

Two fleeces, one thin and one thick, are vital.

Walking trousers

Don’t try to skip around the Annapurna Circuit in a pair of jeans (yes, we’ve seen people try. And fail). Get some comfortable walking trousers. Two pairs should be sufficient for the longest treks.

T-shirts/shirts

Many people recommend specialist quick-dry shirts designed for trekking. However, we’ve used a combination of these and normal shirts and T-shirts and never noticed much difference. Don’t over pack. You probably won’t change your shirt more than once in a two-week trek!

Socks

Specialist hiking socks are supposed to reduce blisters and are worth buying. However, changing your socks frequently seems to reduce blisters as much as any clever equipment. Take at least three pairs for a two-week trek. Also pack a thick, warm pair of ski socks to keep warm when you arrive at camp.

Sandals

Most people appreciate being able to remove their boots at the end of the day and don some sandals (with or without thick ski socks, depending on how cold it is).

Hats

A sun hat is vital for hotter, lower elevations, and a winter hat or balaclava for up high.

Gloves

Take a thick warm pair of skiing gloves and a thin, cotton pair of under gloves. You won’t be able to use your camera or eat properly with thick gloves but you can with the thin ones, and they’ll keep your hands warm for a few minutes.

Sun glasses

An essential bit of kit at all elevations. The sun reflecting off the snow can quickly frazzle your eyes.

Suncream and sunblock

Slap on lots of sun cream no matter what the weather or elevation. Use total sunblock on lips, nose and ears.

Wash kit

Keep this minimal as you won’t get much chance to wash. A small lightweight travel towel isn’t a bad idea.

Torch

A head torch is a must.

Books

The evenings can be long. Bring a good book, not a tablet or Kindle as power sources can be erratic and batteries drain very fast at altitude. Don’t forget a guidebook. We recommend the Rough Guide to Nepal, which covers the country and gives details of the main treks. For specific trekking information try Lonely Planet’s Trekking in the Nepal Himalaya.

Camera

Even non-photographers will want photos of this stunning scenery.

Spare batteries

Bring spare torch, camera and phone batteries. Below a certain temperature and above a certain altitude (which vary from product to product), batteries drain very fast or don’t work at all. Above about 3,000m put the batteries in your sleeping bag at night to keep them warm and reduce drainage.

Snacks

A few biscuits and chocolate bars might give you the energy boost you need to get over that pass.

Backpack

To carry all this you’ll need a decent, comfortable trekking backpack. Don’t consider any other kind of bag. If you’re using a porter you’ll need a small backpack for your day gear and you’ll have to provide a bag for the porter to carry - a holdall is best.

Travel Insurance

You’d be utterly insane to go trekking in the Himalayas without a decent travel insurance policy. Make sure it covers trekking above a certain altitude and helicopter rescue.

Leave the gadgets at home

Don’t bother taking computers, tablets, etc. They get easily broken on the trail and the batteries probably won’t work at altitude. More importantly, most people don’t want to see fellow trekkers glued to their tablets in a lodge at night.

Stuart Butler
Answered by Stuart Butler

In this guide

Everything you need to plan your Nepal trek

About the authors

Trekking in Nepal

Stuart Butler

Stuart is the author of Lonely Planet’s Trekking in Nepal, the Rough Guide to Nepal, the Tibet chapter of the Rough Guide to China and the Bradt guide to Kashmir & Ladakh. He also writes widely about East Africa and conservation issues.

Trekking in Nepal

Abhi Shrestha

Abhi is the operations manager at Snow Cat Travel, one of Nepal's most highly regarded trekking specialists. With 25 years' experience organising treks to Nepal, they're recognised by Lonely Planet, Rough Guides and multiple other publications as one of the best trekking operators in Nepal.

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