Need help?
+977-9701430407
+977-9701430407
Travel and Trekking in Nepal
An informational guide to trekking in Nepal, covering routes, regions, seasons, and trail conditions.
Nepal is a world-renowned trekking destination because its geography features the Himalayan mountain range, home to eight of the world’s highest peaks. Trekking in Nepal offers diverse landscapes, including alpine valleys, high mountain passes, glaciers, forests, and traditional villages.
Each trekking region in Nepal provides unique experiences. From the legendary Everest trails to the peaceful valleys of Annapurna and Langtang, every trek route offers adventure, culture, and mountain beauty. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced trekker, you will find a trail that matches your goals and fitness level.
Trekking trails in Nepal include marked trails and local teahouses, making long journeys more accessible for independent trekkers. The local mountain communities preserve centuries-old culture and traditions, adding cultural depth to every trek.
Through this guide, trekkers gain practical knowledge that covers permits, best seasons, difficulty levels, and preparation tips, allowing them to plan responsibly and trek with confidence.
Nepal offers diverse trekking regions, where each region provides distinct landscapes and cultural experiences. The Everest region features high-altitude trails and iconic mountain views, while the Annapurna region offers varied terrain and traditional villages.
For quieter routes, the Langtang and Mustang regions offer scenic forests and local Tamang culture, and the Mustang and Dolpo regions preserve ancient Tibetan heritage and desert landscapes.
The Everest Base Camp Trek leads to the base of Mount Everest (8,848.86m) through the Khumbu region. The journey starts with a short flight to Lukla, followed by trails that pass through Phakding, Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, Dingboche, Lobuche, and Gorakshep. The trek normally takes 12–14 days, including acclimatization days in Namche and Dingboche to reduce the risk of altitude sickness.
The two main required permits for the Everest Base Camp Trek are the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit and the Sagarmatha National Park Permit.
Accommodation is mostly in tea houses, and the best times to trek are spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) seasons when the weather is stable, and visibility is clear. The trek is graded strenuous in terms of difficulty level due to long walking days, cold temperatures, and thin air.
The Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) Trek is a diverse, scenic 7 to 12-day trek in Nepal that covers approximately 70 to 115 kilometers round-trip, depending on the route. The ABC trek leads you into the heart of the Annapurna massif, where trekkers can view mountain peaks like Annapurna I (8,091m), Machhapuchhre, Hiunchuli, and Annapurna South surrounding the base camp. The trek starts from Pokhara, with trail entry points such as Nayapul, Ghandruk, or Jhinu Danda.
The Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) is the only permit you need for the Annapurna Base Camp Trek.
Accommodation is in tea houses, and the best trekking seasons are spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November). The difficulty level for the trek is considered moderate, with steady ascents, stone staircases, and daily walking hours of 5–7 hours.
Famous for its diverse landscapes and cultural variation, the Annapurna Circuit Trek loops around the Annapurna massif, passing through the Marsyangdi Valley, the Kali Gandaki Gorge, and high Himalayan deserts near Manang and Mustang. The route takes you from subtropical forests to alpine terrain before crossing the high pass of Thorong La (5,416m), the major highlight of this trek.
The itinerary takes 12–16 days, with an essential acclimatization stop in Manang to reduce the risk of altitude sickness, before attempting Thorong La.
Trekkers need only one permit for the Annapurna Circuit Trek: Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP). The TIMS card is no longer needed as of 2026 to trek in the Annapurna Region.
Accommodation is in tea houses, and the best seasons are spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) when the high pass is most stable. The difficulty level of the trek is graded as very strenuous or challenging, mainly due to long walking days, steep ascents, variable weather, and the high elevation of Thorong La.
The Manaslu circuit trek is one of the most popular restricted treks in Nepal. The trek is home to Mount Manaslu (8,163m), the eighth-highest peak in the world. The trail follows the Budhi Gandaki River Valley, passing through remote villages like Soti Khola, Machha Khola, Jagat, Deng, Namrung, Lho, Samagaun, and Samdo before ascending toward the high pass of Larkya La (5,160m).
Most itineraries take 14–18 days, with an essential acclimatization day in Samagaun. The region’s remote terrain and high altitude make it important to watch for early signs of altitude sickness, especially before the ascent to Larkya La.
You need three permits for the trek: the Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (RAP), the Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP), and the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP).
Accommodation is in tea houses, though facilities are simpler compared to other popular trekking routes in Nepal. The best seasons for the trek are spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November).
The difficulty level of the trek is rated as very Strenuous or Challenging due to long walking days, high elevation, and limited infrastructure.
The Gokyo Lake Trek leads you into the upper Gokyo Valley of the Khumbu region, where a series of high-altitude lakes known collectively as the Gokyo Lakes sit beneath peaks like Cho Oyu (8,188m), Gyachung Kang, and Cholatse. The trek is usually 10–13 days long, with an acclimatization stop in Namche Bazaar. The highlight is the ascent of Gokyo Ri (5,357 m), a viewpoint famous for panoramic views of Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu.
Trekkers need the Sagarmatha National Park Permit and the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit as the two required permits for the Gokyo Lake Trek.
Accommodation is in tea houses, and the best trekking seasons are spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) when the lakes are vibrant, and the weather is stable. The trek is considered moderate to challenging in terms of difficulty level.
The Langtang Valley Trek takes place in the Langtang region, a Himalayan valley bordered by peaks like Langtang Lirung (7,227m), Dorje Lakpa, and Langshisha Ri. Most itineraries take 6–8 days, with Kyanjin Gompa serving as the main acclimatization and exploration point. Popular side trips in the trek include the climb to Kyanjin Ri (4,773m) or Tserko Ri (4,984m) for wide views of the Langtang range.
Trekkers need two permits for the Langtang Valley Trek: the Langtang National Park Permit and the TIMS Card.
Tea houses are available throughout the trek as accommodations. The best trekking seasons are spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) for stable weather and clear mountain views. The difficulty level of the trek is graded as moderate, with steady elevation gain and walking days of 5–7 hours.
The Mardi Himal Trek takes you to the Mardi Himal Base Camp at 4,500 meters, offering close-up views of Annapurna South, Machapuchare, and Hiunchuli in the Annapurna region. Most itineraries take 4–6 days, moving from Forest Camp to Low Camp, High Camp, and finally the Mardi Himal Viewpoint and Base Camp area.
You only need the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) for the Mardi Himal Trek.
Tea Houses are the Accommodation types throughout the trek. The best trekking seasons are spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) when the ridge views of Machhapuchhre and Annapurna are clear, and the weather is stable. The difficulty level of the trek is considered moderate, with steady climbs and daily walking of 5–7 hours.
The Gosaikunda Lake Trek takes you to the sacred alpine high-altitude lake at 4,380 meters in Langtang National Park, worshipped by Hindus and Buddhists. The journey starts with a drive from Kathmandu to Dhunche or Syabrubesi, followed by stops at Sing Gompa (Chandanbari) and Lauribina. The key highlight is reaching Gosaikunda, a cluster of glacial lakes considered sacred in Hindu mythology.
Langtang National Park Permit and the TIMS Card are the two required permits for the trek.
Accommodation is in tea houses throughout the villages of the Gosaikunda Lake Trek. The best seasons for the trek are spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) when the pass is more stable, and the lakes are clear. The difficulty level of the trek is considered as moderate to challenging, mainly due to steep ascents and the high elevation of the pass.
The Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek is one of the most popular short treks in Nepal that lies in the Annapurna region. The trek offers panoramic views of mountains like Dhaulagiri (8,167m), Annapurna South (7,219m), Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), and Hiunchuli. The trek usually takes 4–5 days, with the main highlight being the sunrise viewpoint at Poon Hill (3,210m). This spot provides a wide panorama of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges.
Trekkers only need the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) for the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek.
Accommodation is in tea houses, and the best trekking seasons for the trek are during spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November).
The trek is considered easy and is suitable for beginners, families, or kids, and those who want a short Himalayan experience.
There are 5 different types of permits for Trekking in Nepal. They are:
TIMS card is used to ensure the safety and security of trekkers. It helps local authorities track your location in case of emergencies or natural disasters.
A National Park Permit is used to enter specific National Park areas such as Sagarmatha National Park and Langtang National Park.
A Conservation Area Permit is Necessary for entering specific conservation areas like the Annapurna Conservation Area and the Manaslu Conservation Area.
A Restricted Area Permit is a special permit that allows trekking in specific government-controlled and protected regions known as restricted areas, like Upper Mustang and Upper Dolpa.
A rural municipality trekking permit is a local permit issued by the local-level government of Nepal. Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality is the only rural municipality to implement the permit for trekking in the Everest region.
Trekking in Nepal varies widely in terms of difficulty, depending on altitude, terrain, trail conditions, weather, distance, duration, remoteness, and physical fitness. These factors determine the overall difficulty level while trekking in Nepal, which is categorized into easy, moderate, strenuous, and very strenuous/challenging treks.
The best seasons for trekking in Nepal are the autumn season, from September to November, and the spring season, from March to May, due to stable weather conditions, pleasant temperatures, and clear mountain views.
Autumn Season (September–November) – Peak Trekking Season
During the autumn season, the weather is stable and clear after the monsoon rains, providing excellent mountain views. Days are warm, nights are cool, and the weather stays stable across most trekking regions.
Spring Season (March–May) – Second Best Season
The spring season is famous for blooming rhododendron forests and vibrant landscapes. Trekkers enjoy moderate weather, longer daylight, and spectacular mountain views.
Monsoon Season (June–August)
The monsoon season brings frequent rain, cloudy skies, and humid conditions across most trekking regions in Nepal. Trails can get muddy and slippery, and leeches are common in forest areas.
Winter Season (December–February)
The winter season, from December to February, offers cold, dry weather, clear skies, and great mountain views. The winter season is considered good for lower altitude treks.
Temperatures can drop significantly, especially at higher altitudes, where nights may be very cold, sometimes falling below freezing.
If you’re new to planning a trek, learning the basics of how to prepare for trekking in Nepal will help you understand the physical, mental, and logistical requirements.
Begin training at least 2-3 months in advance with exercises such as walking, running, cycling, or swimming to improve your cardiovascular endurance. Strengthen leg muscles and core with exercises like lunges, squats, and planks.
Develop a positive mindset and realistic expectations to handle physical and environmental challenges. Familiarize yourself with local culture and basic Nepali phrases to improve your trekking experience.
Selecting the right trekking route is part of the trek preparation. Beginner trekkers are advised to start with shorter, moderate trails in the Annapurna or Langtang region. Understanding the terrain and elevation of your chosen region helps you prepare realistically.
The weather greatly influences the trekking experience in Nepal. Planning your trek according to the season helps you prepare for trail conditions, temperature changes, and visibility.
Altitude sickness is a common health issue for trekkers in Nepal. Acclimatization days, slow pacing, and proper hydration reduce the risk of altitude-related issues.
Good trek preparation includes carrying the right gear. It's essential to be well-prepared to ensure a safe and enjoyable journey. Before starting any trek, organize and test your gear, including backpacks, trekking poles, waterproof clothing, and headlamps.
Staying safe while trekking in Nepal means being prepared for the risk of altitude sickness, unpredictable weather, and the physical demands of Himalayan trails. With proper preparation and awareness, trekkers can prevent common risks and enjoy a smooth, comfortable journey.
Here are the key safety tips to follow while trekking in Nepal:
Carry a First Aid Kit: Always carry a first aid kit containing bandages, pain relief, blister treatment, and basic medications. It helps to treat minor injuries or illnesses, especially in remote areas where medical facilities are limited.
Weather Awareness: Monitor weather conditions regularly, as the climate in high-altitude areas can change rapidly. Being aware of storms, snowfall, or heavy rain reduces risks on steep or slippery trails.
Understand and Prevent Altitude Sickness: Know the symptoms of altitude sickness, including headache, nausea, and dizziness. Recognizing these early and knowing how to prevent altitude sickness while trekking in Nepal allows you to take action before your condition worsens at high elevations. Plan rest days and ascend gradually to help your body adjust to high altitudes.
Choose a Safe Accommodation: Select clean, well-maintained teahouses or lodges in safe locations. Reliable accommodation reduces health risks and provides security during your trek.
Get Travel Insurance: Ensure your insurance covers high-altitude trekking activities and emergency helicopter evacuation. This protects your health and finances in case of injuries, illness, or unforeseen conditions.
Hire a Licensed Guide or Porter: A certified guide or porter provides local knowledge and safety throughout the trail. Their expertise enhances both safety and the overall trekking experience.
Maintain Personal Hygiene: Hand sanitization, eating safe food, and proper sanitation reduce the risk of illness during long treks. Hygiene is essential for staying healthy on remote trails.
Respect Local Culture: Follow local customs, traditional dress, and follow the rules of temples or monasteries in the trekking trail. Locals are sensitive to their culture and traditions. Cultural awareness fosters positive interactions with communities and ensures safer experiences.
Maintaining Hydration: Maintaining hydration while trekking in Nepal supports acclimatization, prevents fatigue, and minimizes the risk of altitude-related illness.
Accommodation and food options while trekking in Nepal vary by trekking region, altitude, route popularity, and trekking style. From basic teahouses in high mountain villages to luxury lodges on popular trails, trekkers can choose accommodation that matches their comfort level and budget. Food availability also shifts with altitude, accessibility, and local supply conditions.
Most popular routes, including Everest Base Camp, Annapurna Circuit, and Langtang Valley, operate on a teahouse system, offering simple rooms, shared facilities, and warm communal dining areas. Remote and less-traveled routes rely on camping accommodation, which requires guides, porters, and full logistical support. Select trekking routes in the Everest and Annapurna regions also feature luxury lodges with heated rooms and private bathrooms. Homestay accommodation is common on lower-altitude and cultural trails, allowing trekkers to stay with local families and experience village life directly.
Food served along trekking routes prioritizes energy efficiency, nutrition, and practicality. Dal bhat, made of rice, lentil soup, and seasonal vegetables, is the most reliable and widely available meal. It provides sustained carbohydrates and protein, supports long walking days, and often includes free refills at teahouses.
Other traditional foods such as Tibetan bread, momo (dumplings), Sherpa stew, and tsampa are available across many trekking regions. On popular trails, international and fusion meals like pasta, fried rice, pizza, pancakes, and omelets add variety, though they are generally less nutrient-dense and become more expensive with altitude due to supply constraints.
Snacks such as energy bars, biscuits, chocolate, and instant noodles are available along most trekking routes, with prices increasing at higher elevations. Beverages such as tea, coffee, ginger lemon, and garlic soup are widely available at teahouses and lodges along most trekking routes. These drinks help maintain hydration, provide warmth in cold conditions, and support recovery at higher altitudes.
Responsible trekking in Nepal is a mindful approach that minimizes a trekker’s negative impact on the environment and culture while maximizing the positive contributions to local communities and ensuring the safety and well-being of both trekkers and the places they visit. It involves following trail rules, minimizing waste, avoiding harm to wildlife, staying in eco-friendly accommodations, hiring local guides and porters, and respecting local culture and traditions.
Responsible trekking is important in Nepal because the country’s trails pass through fragile ecosystems, remote villages, and culturally rich communities that are highly sensitive to human impact. It helps to protect the natural environment by minimizing waste, using eco-friendly products, and protecting wildlife habitats. It also supports local communities by hiring local guides and porters and staying in local teahouses. It also helps preserve local culture and traditions by ensuring trekkers respect temples, monasteries, and local customs, fostering positive, meaningful interactions with local communities.
Responsible trekking in Nepal ensures that the country’s landscapes, biodiversity, and cultural traditions are maintained for future generations, while providing trekkers a meaningful, ethical, and rewarding adventure.
Carry out your waste: Take back all non-biodegradable waste, including plastic bottles, wrappers, and batteries. Use refillable water bottles and purification methods instead of single-use plastics.
Stay on marked trails: Walk only on designated trekking routes to prevent soil erosion and protect fragile alpine vegetation.
Respect local culture: Dress modestly in villages and religious sites, ask before taking photos, and follow local customs in Buddhist and Hindu communities.
Support local communities: Stay in locally owned teahouses, eat local food, and hire licensed Nepali guides and porters who follow fair labor practices.
Use resources responsibly: Limit hot showers, conserve electricity, and avoid unnecessary fuel consumption in remote areas.
Protect wildlife and nature: Do not disturb animals, avoid feeding wildlife, and respect protected areas and conservation rules.
