Crave for the Mostly Revisited Treks of the World in Nepal

Nepal with its pride of glorious Himalayas garland international visitors to the depths of unimaginable imagination. Either it is the dream to be at the top of the world or to get victory over vastness of nature; Nepal offers intractable beauty of wonders of Himalayas. Nepal’s mostly revisited top ten trek destinations have proved to be awe- inspiring to the indomitable desire of human beings.

Nepal, the trekkers’ paradise, can only be explored thoroughly by means of trekking in its diverse landscape. The very organic rhythm of foot travel is a wonderful way to discover and experience unbeatable combination of natural beauty and culture making meaningful contact with this extraordinary country. Trekking in Nepal starting from the low landscape through the green hills, visitors can trek up to the foot of the great Himalayan ranges, such as Mt. Everest, Langtang, Kanchenjunga, Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, Makalu and Annapurna or make a circuit of the highest mountains which since time immemorial has lured man to pit their courage and ingenuity against its dangerous challenge.

Everest Base camp

Everest Base Camp Trek is the grandest walk in the land of the Himalayas. The Trek begins with exploring temples, shrines, bazaars and restaurants in the capital city of Kathmandu. The following day visitors take a flight to Hillary Airport at Lukla, which is itself a breathtaking experience as travelers get a bird’s-eye view of the entire Himalayan range. Nowhere in the world is it more spectacular than in the Everest region. It is where four of the world’s six tallest peaks Mount Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu rise above everything else, crowning the towering ridges that straddle the forbidding Himalayans. Trekking through the Everest region offers astounding mountain views, and opportunities to get a glimpse into the life of world famous climbers (the Sherpas). This trek further offers to go sightseeing around Sagarmatha National Park, a world heritage site that is home to a variety of Himalayan floras and faunas, to get a closer look at the highest Buddhist monasteries in the world and, of course, the most gratifying of them all is the trip to Everest Base Camp itself. Nothing beats the thrill and sense of accomplishment that grips visitors on seeing the power and grace of the mighty Everest up close.

Sunrise view

Annapurna Sunrise and Everest View Trek provides an opportunity to trek in the two of the most popular trekking regions in the world – the Annapurna and Everest. The Trek features a wide range of spectacular scenery combined with unique cultural encounters. From mesmerizing views from one of the most beautiful viewpoints on earth, the Poon Hill of Annapurna to one of the world’s highest monasteries in Tengboche of Everest region, the Trek combines a magnificent galore of both the natural and cultural panorama that Nepal offers. Moreover, the opportunity to capture the awesome beauty of Mt. Everest (8848m) and other eight thousanders would certainly make this trek a memorable experience of the lifetime. The trek combines the experience of nature, adventure, culture, and hospitality – the best that Nepal has to offer.

Annapurna Base Camp Trek

Annapurna Base Camp Trek, like others in the Annapurna region, takes off from the lake city of Pokhara. Make a rendezvous with one of globally popular treks – The Annapurna Base Camp Trek. Mt. Annapurna that rises 8091m is the 10th highest mountain in the world. The Annapurna region lies in the foothill of Mt. Annapurna in the North-central Nepal stretching along with Lamjung Himal from the Kali Gandaki in the west to the Marshyangdi in the east. The trek passes through waterfalls, villages, farmlands, rhododendron forests, and vistas invigorate visitors’ soul. Since the trek starts from a mere height of around 800 meters and gradually reach to the high of over 4, 000 meters. Also, the trek traverses through a diverse geographical and cultural variation with an amazing range of flora and fauna in between. Just imagine the company of highest mountains in the earth and the magnificence of the sunrise over the snow-capped Himalayas!

Annapurna Circle Trek

Annapurna Circle Trek is one of the most popular classic treks in the world that takes hikers from 830m to 5,416m through the deep valleys and high mountains encircling the giant Annapurna Mountain. The trek further provides a chance to congregate with wide range of culturally rich ethnic groups and walk in a diverse terrain, from subtropical jungle to a high and dry landscape resembling the Tibetan plateau. It is a walk by the world’s deepest Kali Gandaki gorge, an exciting triumph over one of the world’s highest pass -Thorong La (5,416m/17,769ft), the Manang valley, the spiritual Muktinath, the most fantastic and famous view point-Poon Hill and an opportunity to interact with assorted ethnic groups. On the completion of this magical trek, travelers find they have gone through the entire Annapurna massif and reached the Zenith.

Annapurna Sanctuary Trek

Annapurna Sanctuary Trek is a spectacular journey on foot to the South Face of Annapurna I – a pleasant hike through the ethnically diversified villages and forests assorted by flora and fauna. Explore the way upstream along the Modi Khola into the Annapurna Sanctuary, a valley surrounded by towering Himalayan peaks including the breathtaking Fishtail Peak-Machhapuchhare (6,993m/22,943ft). Experience the opportunity of watching sunrise over the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna ranges from Poon Hill as the bequest of the trip.

Dhaulagiri Trek

Around Dhaulagiri Trek is a challenging trek around the Mt. Dhaulagiri (8,167m / 26,795 ft), the seventh highest Himalayan Peak lying north-west of Pokhara in the Western Nepal and south of the Tibet and Nepal border. The Dhaulagiri, along with the Annapurna, carves the world’s deepest gorge of Kaligandaki. The trek also crosses two high passes – the French pass (5,240m/17,192ft) and the Thapa pass (5,155m/16,913ft). Moreover, trekkers also experience snow and glacier walking, especially around Italian Base Camp and Dhaulagiri north base camp. Along the way, visitors enjoy spectacular views of Dhaulagiri, Thorong peak, Annapurna and Kali Gandaki River with the world deepest gorge. On the trail, visitor may also encounter semi-wild yak herds, mountain sheep in the remote valleys of this region. Besides the wild nature, the trekking routes enhance to enjoy the shops, teahouses, and lifestyle of Nepal’s ethnic people such as Gurung, Chhetri, and Magars.

Manaslu Trek

Around Manaslu Trek has been getting more popularity among trekkers nowadays as charm of Annapurna circuit trek route has been declining due to some parts of it being changed into motorable roads. Around Manaslu which has recently evolved itself as teahouse trek destination is best alternative for those looking for a diverse mountainous region with spectacular Himalayan views. The trek further helps to discover the secret Tibetan Buddhist land lying at the edge of one of the most secluded Himalayan valleys around the Manaslu. The trek also offers a variation of landscape like starting form lowland to touching almost to Tibet border. With the geographical variation, the ethnic composition of the people living in the area also varies.

Chulu West Peak

Chulu West Peak Climbing (6419m/21,055ft) makes trekkers’ dream of peak climbing in one of world’s most beautiful regions (the Annapurnas) come true. Standing at a height of 6419m, the Chulu West Peak offers itself as an interesting peak climbing opportunity for those looking for an adventure in the Annapurna Region. Some consider the Chulu West Peak to be one of the best peaks in the Annapurna region. While climbing the peak, hikers also are able to enjoy magnificent views of Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, Annapurna, among other Himalaya peaks.

Everest Base Camp Luxury Lodge Trek

Everest Base Camp Luxury Lodge Trek enhances to embark on a superb trek to the base camp of world’s highest Mt. Everest. The Trek, one of the grandest treks in the world, is an unparalleled opportunity to trek in the Himalayas where Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay set off on their epic journey in 1953. Another remarkable feature of the trip is the opportunity to stay at the finest local luxury lodges and experience the typical Himalayan lifestyle. The trek further helps to enjoy the magnificent scenery of the Himalayan range near the Khumbu region with four of the world’s six tallest peaks Mount Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu rising above everything else. Besides trekking, the trek also facilitates to take a glimpse into the life of world famous climbers, the Sherpas, to survey around a world heritage site of Sagarmatha National Park that hosts a variety of Himalayan floras and faunas, and to explore the highest Buddhist monasteries in the world.

Everest High Pass Trek

Everest High Passes Trek, the world famous superb trekking provides the opportunity to visit the Everest base camp, Kalapatthar, Gokyo Valley and its tranquil Lakes, the best view point of Gokyo Ri and more especially introduces a route to the remote and untouched Nangpa La Valley, the Sherpa village of Marlung, the monastery village of Thame as well through other major remote villages and valleys. Beside these, the route is important to make complete high-level circuit via world famous demanding passes Kongma La (5,535/18,159 ft.), Cho La (5420m/17,782 ft) and Renjo La (5,340m/17,520 ft).

Everest Three Passes Trek

Everest Three Passes Trek focuses on adventure, fun, cultural exposure, and not the least, proper acclimatization. Everest Base camp, Gokyo Lakes, and the Three Passes are two most sought after destinations in the Everest region. The trekking route covers all these destinations. The trek is sure to be mesmerized by the turquoise waters of Gokyo lakes, glaciers suspended on the Himalayas. Other important destinations that the route traverses are the Renjo, Chola and Kongma La passes, the Everest Base Camp, the Kalapatthar – a vantage point to see Mt. Everest and leaves the unforgettable moments by witnessing an extraordinary natural and cultural landscapes.

Village on the Everest trek

Everest Trek with Monasteries and Sherpa Culture is for those adventurers who also wish to make a cultural journey into the Everest Region. Along with trekking in the region surrounded by Himalaya peaks, adventure lovers get to visit ancient monasteries and witness cultural life of the highland Sherpas. The trek further would be a great introductory to those wishing for cultural insights into the Sherpa version of Buddhism. The trek passes through the verdant alpine forest and wildlife, raging glacial rivers and waterfalls, stony trails, mountains, and Buddhist monasteries.

Gokyo Lake

Gokyo Lakes and Gokyo Ri Trek, with enticing side glens, with string of turquoise lakes, with Nepal’s biggest glacier and with arc of snow mountains, is the most attractive trekking trail in the Khumbu Region. The Trek is an alternative to classical treks in Khumbu that has been especially popular for travelers who are eager to experience the magnificence of the Everest range, while avoiding too much mental and physical stress. The view from Gokyo is exceptionally beautiful and offers more of the legendary mountains.

Farming in a village of Jiri

Jiri to Everest Base Camp Trek, an iconic mountain trail is one of the most popular trek routes in the world to leave an experience of a lifetime adventure travel hike in the company of inspiring and breathtaking Himalayan scenery. While on the trek, travelers also pass through the alpine forests, glacial rivers, and enjoy the warm hospitality of ethnic people. The views are gorgeous and walking in the Himalayas proves to be quite an intense experience.

Jomsom to Muktinath Trek

Jomsom Muktinath Trek in the Mustang region includes the world’s deepest gorge of the Kali Gandaki River, Jomsom Muktinath Trek. The trek reaching at the maximum altitude of 3800m (12,464 ft) can be completed by anybody with a moderate level of fitness. Continuing along the Kali Gandaki River Gorge, the trail marvels at the splendid peaks of Annapurna-I and Dhaulagiri. The trek explores the hundreds of years old monastery, caves, local tribes and scenic passing through an almost tree-less barren landscape, a steep rocky trail up and down hill and panoramic views of Nilgiri, Annapurna, Dhaulagiri and several other peaks.

Mt.Kanchenjunga

Kanchenjunga Circuit Trekking is getting popular these days among nature enthusiasts as it is a long adventure to the most remote and beautiful area of Himalayas in Nepal’s eastern regions. The name Kanchenjunga means five treasures of the great snow which is in reference to the five summits that make up Kanchenjunga. The trek rewards a unique insight into Nepali rural lifestyle and its rich culture and the enthralling views of Mt. Kanchenjunga.

Langtang Valley Trek

Langtang Valley Trek passes through one of the most popular trekking regions for those wishing a short trek from Kathmandu into the Himalayas influenced by Tibetan lifestyle. Despite being very close to Kathmandu, the Langtang Region is as wild as any Tibetan highlands with idyllic rural landscape. Moreover, accompanying with the varieties of rhododendron, bamboo forests, majestic waterfalls and snow-capped Himalayas make the trek one of the most diverse treks nearby Kathmandu.

Lower Dolpa Region

Lower Dolpo Trek is meant for real adventurers wishing for an off-the-beaten-path experience. This remote region in western Nepal was opened for the foreigners only in 1990. The trek passes through Shey-Phoksundo National Park with spectacular mountain scenery, Buddhist monasteries and yak caravans. The trek takes travelers through a wooded area, then load through rugged canyons in the barren plateau near the border with Tibet. Make a rendezvous with the remote Himalaya mountains of Dolpo, the land of the Oscar nominated Caravan fame, Thinley, a culture nearby Tibet that has survived its originality for centuries. The reportage of National Geographic Fame Eric Valli, the Dolpo region of Nepal has been shown in all its integrity and full mystical experience. Along with one of the deepest Himalayan Lakes, the Phokhsundo with beautiful turquoise blue water, watch the yak caravans that maintain the traditional salt trade with Tibet. The region lies further north from the Dhaulagiri Range in the rain shadow of the Himalayas – reflected in the colorful barren slopes of the mountains where the play of light and shadow is a perpetual fascinating spectacle.

Langtang range

Langtang, Gosainkunda and Helambu Trek amazing adventure combines the diversity of spectacular views of the Himalayas with a vast number of exciting ethnic encounters. The highlights of Langtang Circuit trek are numerous. The main areas of interest are the rhododendron and bamboo forests with an abundance of wildlife, majestic waterfalls, soothing hot springs, magnificent views of the snow covered white giant Langtang Lirung (7,200m/23,622ft), and the holy Gosainkund Lake.

Makalu range

Makalu Base Camp Trek treks to the base camp of world’s fifth highest mountain Makalu. Makalu is a close neighbor of Mt Everest, lying in the northeast region of Nepal. The Makalu Barun National Park, established in 1992, covers the Barun Valley which is part of a huge international protected area under an agreement between Nepal and China. One of the most popular trekking peaks of Nepal, the Mera Peak (6654m), also lies in the Makalu Barun region. A large variety of common as well as endangered flora and fauna are protected in the region including rhododendrons, orchids, Snow Leopard, Red Panda, Musk Deer, Wild Boar, Wild Yak, Himalayan Thar, and more than 420 varieties of bird species. Some believe the area also to be home to the elusive Himalayan giant, the Yeti.

Mt. Manaslu

Manaslu to Tillicho Trek provides the unique trek around Manaslu with a traverse into the northern Annapurna range to Jomsom. The trek ascends to the foot of the North Face of Manaslu and crosses two remote passes; the Larkya pass (5,135m/16,847ft), is one of Nepal’s best-kept secrets and the Tilicho Lake and Meso Kanto La pass (5,300m/17,388ft). The journey rewards stunning panorama and finest aspects of spectacular massifs.

Give a chance to your craving to hike beyond all surmise.

Nepal on high: Himalayas trekking tips

Magnificent snow-peaked summits and quaint thousand-year-old villages provide the backdrop for an unforgettable adventure in Nepal. Exploring the dramatic landscape on foot is nothing short of extraordinary, trekkers say.

“[One night] the back doors were open towards the view of Mount Everest and the other peaks of the Himalayas. It was so beautiful with snow-capped mountains and the sky was full of stars. I think that was one of the most magical moments I’ve ever had,” says iReporter Kuna Rajandran, who trekked to Everest base camp in April.

Planning a Nepal expedition may seem daunting at first — and you will be challenged — but in the end, it’s worth it. You will come away with some of the greatest memories of your life, from savoring locally cooked meals at teahouses to soaking in breathtaking views of the high Himalayas, according to adventurers who’ve made the trip.

There are endless options when it comes to planning a trek in Nepal. One of the most popular routes is the Annapurna Circuit, which loops around the base of the Annapurna range. And, of course, the more difficult Everest base camp trek is a magnet for many visitors.

Worlds away in Kathmandu

Experts urge travelers to be wary of individual porters and guides who approach you on the streets of Kathmandu. They are most likely uninsured, cautions Mohan Lamsal, general secretary of Trekking Agencies’ Association of Nepal (TAAN). Have a detailed discussion with your chosen trekking company to assess their professionalism, Lamsal advises.

While booking in advance is a sure thing, some adventurous iReporters say making arrangements in Kathmandu is a convenient way to cut out the middleman.

-source:CNN.com

Be careful not to overestimate your abilities. Even if you feel completely comfortable with the people and the landscape and think you can make the trek on your own — don’t. Trekking with at least one companion is a must, especially if you’re a beginner, experienced trekkers say.

Since both the Annapurna base camp and Everest Base camp treks are located in conservation areas, you will need permits, said iReporter Barry Wenlock, a Kathmandu resident and an experienced Himalayan trekker who has been leading tours since 1995. You can get permits before you begin or upon entry into the parks. Additionally, every trekker needs a Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) pass. You or your trip organizer can get this card, which is part of a database that stores visitor information for safety reasons.

When deciding on when to make your trek, there is generally one rule of thumb: Avoid the monsoon season (June through August). The most popular times to trek are late spring (March and April) and early to mid-fall (October and November), but keep in mind that is also when the trekking routes are busiest. To beat the rush, try going a week or two earlier or later, suggests Wenlock.

“There are such beautiful forests [at the foothills of the Annapurna], and it’s Nepal’s primary rhododendron forest, so if you visit there in the last week of March, first week of April, the rhododendrons are full and it’s an absolutely staggeringly beautiful place. And the pink and red rhododendrons all up the hillside, a few magnolias mixed in, some jasmine,” Wenlock says.

Before heading to Nepal, it’s important not only to prepare your itinerary, but also your body. Even the mild or “Nepali Flat” parts of the “easier” Annapurna trek have their fair share of steep inclines.

“Walking around the golf course isn’t enough — you really need to do uphill walking. You can do that for a few weeks before you come, that will make it much easier,” Wenlock says.

It’s cold in Nepal — really cold. Weather-appropriate supplies are a must for any trekker, novice or expert. Remember to pack your warmest down jacket and broken-in hiking boots as well as sun and eye protection.

Based on his experience trekking the Annapurna Circuit in 2009, iReporter Dean Gakos, an avid hiker, recommends watching out for knock-off gear, like fake North Face jackets, which he saw in Kathmandu. You don’t want to climb up into the mountains only to realize your jacket contains synthetic down.

If you’re planning on trekking up to higher altitudes, be cautious of altitude sickness. Warning signs include vomiting and weakness of the body, says Rajandran.

iReporter Udayan Mishra, a Kathmandu resident who has been on several expeditions in Nepal, suggests taking the trek gradually to acclimatize yourself — overexertion in the beginning may lead to problems later on.

Make sure you have enough Nepalese currency before you get on the path. Gakos recalls that there was “one ATM on the whole trek.” And even if there is an ATM, there’s no guarantee that it has been recently stocked with money.

There are two typical types of treks: the more popular teahouse trekking and a fully organized camping trip. A teahouse trek gives you the comfort of knowing that lodging and food will be provided. You can carry additional supplies — clothing, snacks, sleeping bag — on your own or hire a porter to carry it for you.

Once you finish walking, five to six hours on average per day, you settle down in a village. If you don’t have a guide to recommend a teahouse, talk to other travelers and consult guidebooks for suggestions. In teahouses that provide lodging and food, guests are expected to eat at least two meals: dinner at night and breakfast the next morning, Gakos says.

Don’t expect a hotel experience — expect better. Nepali locals are known for being extremely kind and hospitable. Wenlock says you’ll be treated like family during your stay. Gakos was looking for that kind of personal exchange.

‘”That’s why] we picked Annapurna, it was the perfect balance of wilderness and viewing the high Himalayas while also getting the Nepali culture,” Gakos says.

Past visitors consistently praise trekking in Nepal as one of the best experiences of their lives. CNN iReporter Ruth Stewart, who trekked to the Everest Base Camp in winter 2010, says Nepal was the most beautiful part of the world she’s ever been to.

Take advantage of the majestic mountains and the pristine landscape. Unlike many other mountain ranges, the Himalayan area in Nepal is practically untouched.

“There’s no rubbish, there’s no gondolas going up to the highest view, there’s no cars, there’s no traffic — it’s just complete serenity and it’s just the most incredible experience,” Stewart said.

Trekking in Nepal on top ten list of Lonely Planet´s Top 10 countries 2010

‘Trekking in Nepal is one of those
travel benchmarks, like seeing the Taj Mahal,
or diving the Great Barrier Reef…’

Click here to download an Lonely Planet Article by Joe Bindloss

Annapurna Sanctuary Trek with Trekking Guide Bimal

I would like to thank Himalayan Glacier, our trekking guide Bimal, and yourself for organizing an outstanding trip that was seamless in every way, from the airport to kathmandu to the mountains and everywhere in-between, and always being their for me. Your planning and attention to detail was truly outstanding. I was very impressed.

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Making my dream trip to Everest Base Camp a reality

Namaste! Greetings to anyone who is considering a trip to Nepal,

I have just returned from trekking to Everest Base Camp with Himalayan Glacier Trekking Ltd. HGT is a friendly, well organized locally owned company. The trekking trip to Everest Base Camp was something that I have dreamed about for many years. I can say that the trip was everything I had dreamed about and so much MORE! Read more

the majestic Himalayan Mountains

Since I came back from my first trek in Nepal in April, I have been really busy. Indeed, the hustle and bustle of the life here is a stark contrast with the tranquility I experienced in the mountains. It makes me even more nostalgic about the trek I had with Thakur Penday as our guide. Probably like many people who have not been to Nepal, I was looking forward to basking myself in the beauty of the majestic Himalayan mountains. No doubt, I saw the majestic Himalayan Mountains but what left me with deep impressions are the people I met. From the point we reached the airport, we felt the warmth of Nepali hospitality. We were treated more like friends rather than just mere visitors. As friends, we had the priviledge to hear from Thakur, his views of the political situation and we saw his passion for his country and his hope for the future. During the trek while we saw many porters carrying loads many times their own weight, I also saw the resilience of the people which is like the Himalayan Mountains that stood firm and sturdy in whatever weather conditions. On our day of departure, Naba came down to fetch us to the airport, even though he did not have much sleep as he was trying to help his friend the night before. I saw in him the dedication to his work as well as his kindness to his friend. Through all these that I saw, I couldn’t help pray, “God, this is a wonderful country with wonderful people. May God bring to this country capable leaders who love the people and who will bring the country to the heights of the Himalayan mountains.” God bless Nepal! Diana Fan Singapore

Our trek was wonderful experience

“If you are thinking of trekking in Nepal, think no further, contact Naba at Himalayan Glacier Trekking, a very professional company that will attend to all your needs and ensure your trekking experience is one of your most memorable memories. Thank you Naba for your attention in Kathmandu , thank you Chief Sherpa Hom Nath, your Sherpa guides Viras, Nirkumar & Madab and the porters who supported our trek.” Brian & Kevin Flanagan, Cape Town South Africa, April 2008

“Himalayan Glacier Trekking Company certainly live up to their brand…spirit of Himalayan…a professional company through and through, from the first minute we made contact to our final minute before we boarded our plane back to Cape Town South Africa, they never let up. Every detail, both in Kathmandu attended to by Naba and his fellow office colleagues and then by our Chief Sherpa Hom Nath and his assistant sherpa’s and porters whilst on trek to Base Camp Everest and Kala Pattar. It was not surprising our group achieved a 100% success rate to Base Camp. Thank you Himalayan Glacier Trekking.” Brian & Kevin Flanagan, Cape Town South Africa, April 2008 Naba I trust our comments properly reflect our experience we enjoyed under your management. Many thanks Brian Flanagan Cape Town, South Africa