Best Places to Trek in Nepal

 April 10 2011 | Category : Adventure | | (1) Comment Tweet

Nepal. There just seems to be no words that seem to describe this beautiful heaven. And even when one tries to describe it, they just fall short of the right words to do so. With its scenic mountains and beautiful valley’s Nepal is every trekkers dream destination. If you have an insatiable desire and appetite when it comes to trekking then Nepal is the best place to whet that appetite. You will be spoilt for choice, but then, any choice you make will be best as Nepal’s peak will never disappoint you. The best time to visit Nepal’s peak will be October through to November or February to April as this time will provide you with the best of weather and scenery. And as mentioned earlier you will be lost about where to begin from. Following are some of the most favourite places among the trekkers.

Best Places to Trek in Nepal: Photo by Stephen A.Wolfe

Langtang Region

If you want to see yourself crossing five different vegetations in just one day of trekking then Langtang region is the place you have to visit. Lying directly north of Katmandu, the Langtang region is 4700mts of excellent scenic beauty. It provides excellent opportunity for you to witness Annapurna region which lies to the west, the Makalu region which lies to the east and the Himalayan range to the north. With Langtang region it’s not just the other peaks you get to see but also a lot of old Buddhist monasteries. Advantage of trek to this place is that, it is not very strenuous. You can start the trek from Dhunche or Syabrubensi which is about 7-8 hours drive from Katmandu. Langtang Lirung (7246 mts), Gang Chenpo (6388mts), Naya Kangri (5846 mts) and Dorje Lakpa (6966 mts) form the most popular mountain in this region. The most important areas in this region are Goshaikunda & Helambu. A combination of places will give you a minimum of one week to 15 days of trekking. The Langtang region was given the status of a National park in 1976 and now is the second largest park in Nepal. You will get a chance to see various species of flora and fauna unique to this place. Goshaikunda lies next to the Langtang Region and is famous as a Hindu Pilgrimage site where people throng the place especially during full moon night of august as the place is considered to have been created by Lord Shiva. This place is very popular especially among the Buddhist Tamangs. Helambu is about 75 kms from Katmandu and can be accessed through either the Goshaikunda or through the Ganja La pass. Exploring these three spots will make for more than a week’s trek and somehow even that time will seem as if it wasn’t enough. Such is the spectacle of this place.

Langtang Region: Photo by L’Abominable Homme de Rires

Langtang Region: Photo by Eran Sandler

Annapurna Region

To the west of Nepal lies the Annapurna Region which is another popular destination among the trekkers. The trek begins from Pokhara. The vast regions and various altitudes provided by Annapurna makes for a tailor made trek which can suit a particular individual’s needs. There are specifically five mountains on this range which are; Annapurna I (8091m), Annapurna II (7937m), Annapurna III (7555m), Annapurna IV (7525m), Annapurna South (7273m). As mentioned earlier the area allows for short to long treks.

Annapurna Region: Photo by Steve Hicks

Annapurna Region: Photo by Adarsh Thakuri

Some very popular track paths are as follows

Annapurna Circuit trek allows a trekker a complete and full evaluation of the grandeur that is the Annapurna range. You will get to see the villages and simplicity of life of the people living in these regions, meadows to the plateau which lies to the northern slopes of the Himalayas. With the circuit trek you will see various places such as Beshi Sahar, Bahun Danda, Tatopani which is a hot spring, Muktinath which is a pligrimage site, Manang, Kalindaki gorge, Dhaulagiri, Gorepani Poon hill which allows for a magnificent view of the Himalayas. This trek will take 20 to 25 days to cover. If it’s a long recovery from the concrete jungles you want then, this trek is the best place to recover yourself and be one with nature.

Annapurna Base Camp

Shorter when compared to the Annapurna circuit trek, it will take a trekker at least a minimum of 15 to 20 days to complete. The trek path starts from Pokhara and leads to Nayapul from where there is a trek path which will lead to Gorepani Poon hills. You will come across places like Tadapani and Deurali which leads to the Annapurna Base camp from where the path then crosses Chhomrong to Ghaundrung which leads back to Pokhara. With an altitude of 4130 mts Annapurna base camp is a sight to behold. You get to visit even the Annapurna sanctuary that is very famous among the trekkers here. If you are a little short on the days then Annapurna Base Camp will be the best bet.

Annapurna Base Camp: Photo by Barry Rogge

Annapurna Base Camp: Photo by Jeff

Gorepani Poon Hill Trek

With the highest point begin 3200mts Ghorepani Poon Hill trek will be the shortest ever trip at the Annapurna Region. It requires a minimum of just 9 to 10 days to complete. It gives a sneak peek to all that the Annapurna region has to offer. The vantage point is the witnessing of the sunrise over the Himalayas and of course add to that the sights and a sound of Annapurna Himal and the Dhaulagiri Himal and this trek though short is surely a winner especially if you don’t have days to spare.

Gorepani Poon Hill Trek: Photo by k Tom Booth

Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek: Photo by Jerry Tok

Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek: Photo by Jerry Tok

Mt. Everest Circuit

Every trekkers dream destination is Mt Everest. There is no need for explanation as to why! From time immemorial there have been numerous people who have wanted to conquer this peak and quite a few have managed so successfully. Even if you can’t manage the peak the Everest Base camp circuit should give a sense of similar elevation as that of Mt Everest itself. A typical trip around this circuit will require a minimum of 17 to 25 days. You can reach this base camp from Katmandu to Lulka from where the trek begins. The path follows the route through the Khumbu regions to Sherpa village of Namche Bazaar. With a glimpse into the Sherpa and the Tibetian Buddhist Cultures as background Namche Bazzar leads the trekker to Gorek Shep where you can witness Mt Everest in all its glory. Following the Mt Everest circuit will allow a trekker to enjoy the following mountains as well Amadablam 6856 mts, Lhotse 8516 mts, Nuptse 7879, Pumori 7145 mts, Cho Oyu 8153mts, Makalu 8475 mts. From Gorek Shep after Kala Pattar will lead back to Namche Bazaar. Though the high altitude might make a few sick the trip is worth all that, after all, you get a chance to be a part of the legacy called Mount Everest.

Mt. Everest: Photo by Huw Thomas

Mt.Everest: Photo by Steve Hicks

Kanchenjunga Trek

Standing at 8,586mts the Kanchenjunga is the third highest peak. It is at the eastern border of Nepal. It is a road less traveled due to certain restrictions that are prevailing in this region. Katmandu becomes the base for the start of the trip. From Katmandu, Suketar will be the best place to reach and start the trek from. The trek will take about 25 days to complete. You get to witness the beautiful pastures as well as the glaciers that exist here. You will be surrounded by the beauty of the Kambachen Jannu and Yalungkang peaks. Also you will get an insight on the lives of the locals residing here. If a crowd is what you want to avoid then this peak is the best to visit.

Kanchenjunga Trek: Photo by Arthur Pazo

Mustang Trek

Everyone loves a bit of mystery and that is just what the Mustang trek will provide. Relatively untouched, this region lies on the western part of Nepal and is the only place still ruled by a king. To get here you have to reach Pokhara via Katmandu. With a minimum of 10 to 15 days, this trek will provide an insight on the lives of people of this region who call themselves the Lobas. They have beautiful monasteries in this region. Most of the buildings are built using the sun baked bricks. The different mountain views that are visible in this region are that of Daulagiri, Fishtail, Manasalu, Annapurna range etc. A trek to this place requires a special permit. Exploration, adventure and spellbinding beauty of mountains is what on cards if you are visiting the mustang region.

Mustang Trek: Photo by Andrew Castellano

Mustang Trek: Photo by Bob Witlox

Rara Lake Trek

At a height of 2980mts the Rara Lake is considered as epitome of scenic beauty. It is home to several species of animals and variety of flora which is evident as it is now a national park, converted into one in the year 1976 so as to protect the wilderness. At a distance of about 370 kms from North West of Katmandu this lake is five kms long and two kms wide and is the largest lake in Nepal covering about 106 Sq. kms. To reach Rara Lake you can start from Katmandu and reach Jumla through Nepalgunj. A minimum of 15 days is required to explore the park and the surroundings of the Rara Lake. The Chuchemara Danda is the best point from where; one can behold the beauty of the lake. It’s at a height of 4,087metres and surrounds the lake with thick and lush vegetation. The other peaks that can be explored are Ruma Kand at a height of 3731mts and Malika Kand at a height of 3444 mts. Wilderness at its best, Rara Lake is every adventurer’s dream come true.

Rara Lake Trek: Photo by deep sharma

Rara Lake: Photo by Sangharsha

Manaslu Trek

The Manasalu region, with an altitude of 5213 meters will challenge any trekker as the journey is considered very strenuous. The journey may involve anywhere between 15 to 25 days of trekking. The trek will begin with Arughat, a small village in Gorka District via Katmandu, ending with a circuit around the Mt. Manaslu through the Budi Gandaki valley. Along the way we get several beautiful Buddhist villages like the Samagaon, Sirdibas and the Samdo and then pass the Larkya pass which is considered very friendly though dramatic due to the stunning view of the valley. Considered as the 8th highest peak in the world and home of two national parks i.e Manaslu conservation area and Annapurna Conservation area, the Manaslu trek is too good to pass for any experienced trekker.

Manaslu Trek: Photo by Unai Elorza Angulo

Manasalu Trek: Photo by Jan Zalud

Dolpo Trek

With an altitude of 5490mts the Dolpo region is another popular track to trek among the trekkers. The entire region lies in the west of Nepal with Tibet as its border. The entire range is divided into the upper Dolpo and lower Dolpo region. Each division is very extensive and so can be treated as a trek in it self. The best way to reach the Dolpo region is to reach Juphal airstrip via Nepalgunj through Katmandu. The main attractions in this place are the mountain lake called the Phoksundo and the Shey Monastery which was built around the 11th century. If exploring just the upper region of Dolpo it will require a minimum of 20 to 25 days of trekking. The lower Dolpo region requires 15 to 20 days to explore. The Dolpo region is famous because of its pristine beauty and the fact that it still is very untouched. The people still practise and follow the religion which is pre-buddist called Bon Po. The rarest of animals are found in this place which includes the blue sheep and the snow leopard. Another reason for its popularity is that movie “Caravan” which was nominated for the Oscars was shot in the Dolpo region. The fact that it is surrounded by the Dhaulagiri massif is a testament that the place has on offer several picturesque elements which is sure to make the trekker want to come back for more.

Dolpo Trek: Photo by Jeanie Barnett

Dolpo Trek: Photo by Jeanie Barnett

Dhaulagiri Trek

To the west of the Annapurna and Kalingandaki valley lies the Dhaulagiri valley which is set an altitude of 4750mts. It may require anywhere between 20 to 25 days to trek the entire place. With passes like the French pass and Thapa pass which is 5360mts and 5200mts respectively, it is considered one among the difficult paths to trek. The start begins at Katmandu, and the first destination is Beni which may be reached through a bus. The Dhaulagiri valley is stunning and the view it allows is also very beautiful. The Dhaulagiri trek allows for at least a dozen or more of peaks at varying altitudes. This path however is recommended to people who have had previous trekking experience as it can get to be too very strenuous for a first timer.

Dhaulagiri Trek: Photo by Rens Pothuizen

Dhaulagiri Trek: Photo by Hans Selde

Arun Valley Trek

Though a trip to this valley maybe considerably short the Arun Valley Trek is anything but disappointing. With a maximum altitude of 3349mts the trek is less strenuous. The reason this place attracts the trekkers is the spectacular view of the Mt Everest and the Makalu valley’s from here. The trek begins from Lukla which is at the gate of Khumbu and passes through places like Puiyan which is at an altitude of 2730mts crossing through to places like Sanam (2850mts), Bung (1900mts), Dhubidanda (760mts), Mangmaya khola (200 mts) ending at Hile from where you can reach back to Katmandu or from Bung you can adopt another route via Namche Bazaar reaching Katmandu. You get a spectacular view of the lifestyle and culture of the Rai and the Shepra people who reside there. The trek can last anywhere between 12 to 15 days. Though, relatively less strenuous, previous experience in trekking would be very welcome as some places can be a little more stressful than the others.

Arun River Valley Trek: Photo by Jamie McGuinness – Project Himalaya

Arun River Valley Trek: Photo by Jamie McGuinness – Project Himalaya

Nepal is a vast place covering an extensive area. The above mentioned are the top trekking places usually frequented by trekkers however there are several other tracks too such as Ganesh Himal falling between Katmandu and Pokhara, closer to the Annapurna region, Mayam Danda Trek etc. Nepal seems to have an unending supply of places to trek and no matter how much one explores this place there always seems to be some remaining. Trekker’s haven, adventure seekers paradise. Nepal.