It is no surprise on the fact that the majority of visitors traveling to Nepal are for either mountaineering or trekking, and as it happens, it is also considered as the best place to be for adventurous souls and wanderers. As the home of Himalayas, Nepal awaits you with wonders of over 30 trekking routes and increasing, excluding the side trips leading you to the majestic mountains and alluring nature.

With so many routes and towering peaks, Nepal literally has everything to offer when it comes to trekking/mountaineering. You can choose whichever route you favor depending on its accessibility, difficulty, your time, and fitness level. Many tourists have repeatedly visited Nepal to embark in another journey taking a different route than the last. If you have already been to Nepal, then you are already quite familiar with the whole ambiance; and if trekking is what you expect this time, then, the list below will help you shed further light about trekking in Nepal.

Is Nepal best for trekking?

Nepal welcomes a large influx of trekkers from different parts of the world, who even repeat their visit to explore more of what they have started. The natural beauty, the aesthetic ambiance, the warm-hearted people, and their endearing hospitality answers the question of “Is Nepal best for trekking?”

Your visit for adventure to Nepal will lead to something more as it also presents you with a wide array of religious and cultural display. More to that, you will find destinations that fit every ages group; either a solo trek, a family trek or a group trek, the option is open to choose. Whichever the route you choose, the itinerary will be customized as per your need. However, for beginners, it is better to start with the short trek, while for experienced ones, there are routes where you can prove your worth.

Do you have to buy all the necessary equipment?

Trekking not only demands skills, but it also requires gears and equipment, and their price is quite high in the Nepali market. However, if you are going for an organized trek; then the agency will provide you with most of the equipment like tents and camping essentials. But, if the trek is independent, then you can rent them from shops in Thamel.

Along with the necessary equipment, you will need proper clothing as well. Take no chance when it comes to clothes as you will need as many warm clothes at higher altitude. Fleece jacket, sweaters, woolen trousers, gloves, socks, down jacket, wind, and waterproof jacket, tracksuit, hiking boots with ankle support, these are some of the proper clothing you need. You will eventually know the list of things you must carry once you start the whole trekking process, just don’t take the list causally and carry everything.

What about the altitude sickness?

Altitude sickness possesses a major threat while trekking in Nepal in the Himalayas. Trekkers usually experience altitude sickness once they reach around 3,000 meters altitude. As your body gets vulnerable to the newly found extreme environment, you must plan the trek properly; with no hurry. Taking altitude sickness lightly can cost you in a heavy way as many trekkers have made their way back from the middle of the trek due to altitude sickness.

The wise way complete the trek successfully is not to rush towards the destination and avoid ascending too fast towards the higher elevation. And, there is acclimatization, of course, that lets your body adapt in a new environment and prevent altitude sickness to some extent. So, you mustn’t make a hush while trekking in Nepal as it constraints the possibility of success of trek.

What should you know about Nepal?

You must know that Nepal is a traditional and a very conservative country where the rules are very different than yours; even holding hands, kissing in cheeks taken as offensive acts. From dress code to our cultural belief, they can put a shock on you, and you might find them to be medieval.

But don’t put your perspective too far about Nepal, just a smile whenever you approach someone can break some barriers between two cultures. Not to forget, our culture is not very liberal, open, and accepting one.

What about the communication reach?

While trekking in Nepal in the extreme zone, it is very important to make sure you have communication reach for safety reasons. There really is no alternative to a satellite phone and satellite phone rentals with prepaid minutes are now inexpensive, and it can be used to check the weather, inform someone about your location and call on a resue if an emergency occurs.

However, in the Everest region, the internet has found its way. Everest Link provides more than 200 Wi-Fi hotspots in more than 40 villages which connects 34,000 locals and more than 40,000 tourists each year.

What are the best destinations for trekking in Nepal?

Everest Base Camp

Now, when trekking in Nepal, how Everest Base Camp can miss? – It certainly can’t. Being the base camp of the world’s tallest mountain Everest (8,848 meters), the destination attracts a crowd of adventurers, who at least wants to scale the base of the mighty peak.

Located at the elevation of 5,364 meters, the journey towards the base camp is blissful, as much as adventurous. Of course, the rail of mountains will be on your side throughout the trek; Everest, Lhotse, Thamserku, Ama Dablam, Kangtega, Cho Oyu and Makalu amongst other, however, you will also witness the rich and unique culture of Sherpas, defined biodiversity in Sagarmatha National Park, and the fascinating trails against the stunning backdrop of nature.

Annapurna Circuit Trek

Annapurna region is the most popular region for trekking in Nepal and Annapurna Circuit much-coveted amongst them all. More to that Annapurna Circuit has often been voted as the best long trek. The trek takes you through some of the tallest mountains in the world, diverse climatic zones of tropical to the freezing alpine peaks while walking past the extreme mountain village and enjoying the heartwarming hospitality of Nepali people.

Annapurna Circuit trek crosses two different river valleys of Marshyangdi and Kali Gandaki and encircles the whole Annapurna Massif. The highest elevation reached during the trek is Thorong La pass at 5,416 meters, which touches the Tibetan plateau. The circuit trek is started anticlockwise, so the daily altitude gain is slower and crossing the pass is easier and safer.

The unobstructed view of mountains including Annapurna I-IV, Manaslu, Dhaulagiri, Gangapurna, Machhapuchhre, Pisang Peak, Tilicho Peak, Gangapurna, Paungda Danda and numerous others between 8,000-6,000 meters is one of the best parts of the trek.

Langtang Valley Trek

Langtang Valley was left in rubbles after the Earthquake 2015; however, the village has resurrected in 100 meters above the ruins of the old one. And talking about the teahouses and trails, they have been restored.

Langtang Valley trek is the closet to the Kathmandu, which is walked by fewer, and the earthquake of 2015 created even more drop. However, recently, trekkers have started to walk towards the valley.

The valley is blessed with the natural beauty, surrounded by the grandeur of mountains including Langtang Lirung, Yala Peak, Dorje Lakpa and Langtang Ri. Langtang Valley trek is also an ideal option for solo trekking, beginners and family trekking in Nepal.

Tsum Valley Trek

Tsum Valley is an exclusive settlement, probably one of the remotest in the world. It was only in 2008 when Tsum opens its gate to foreigners. Located in Manaslu region with an immediate background of Sringi Himal, Ganesh Himal and Boudha range draped in rich ancient art, culture, and religion.

Tsum Valley Trek is popularly walked as the side trek of Manaslu Circuit Trek, which is rich in Tibetan Buddhism. The trek typically starts and ends in Arughat and slowly ascends towards Budhi Gandaki Valley in the path through a mix of dense forest, terraced fields, and hilly settlement.

As distant is the Tsum valley, it is equally unexplored and unknown to many trekkers visiting Nepal. There are still many religious and archelogical relics that are still intact at manu places in Tsum. In this time as well, they practise polyandry system and follow unique culture, tradition and speak a dialect of their own. So walking towards Tsum valley is a rare privilage and a best destination for trekking in Nepal.