6 Best Hikes in Nepal

By: Anja Mutic

Anja M. is a professional writer who loves to share stories about the world's best travel destinations.

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March 27, 2023 | Adventure Experts


The landlocked and largely mountainous Nepal holds some of the world’s most epic treks. Nepal’s Himalayas have many tall peaks, including 8 of the world’s highest. The Nepalese Himalaya are a dream destination for adventurers!

These beautiful mountains hold captivating cultural sites, lost kingdoms, fascinating gompa temples and Buddhist traditions, as well as kind and welcoming locals. This combination makes each visit here, whether adventurous or not, a trip of a lifetime. Here is our choice of the six best Nepal trekking tours.


Overview


  1. Everest Base Camp Trek
  2. Mystical Mustang Trek
  3. Ancient Passes Trek
  4. Everest Lodge-to-Lodge Trek
  5. Himalayan Passages Hike through Bhutan, Tibet and Nepal
  6. Langtang Trek

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1. Everest Base Camp Trek


The popular Everest base camp trek is a popular goal for adventurers, but it’s a tough challenge, not for the faint-hearted.

This 19-day trek in UNESCO-listed Sagarmatha National Park requires good fitness and trekking experience. It includes daily hikes of 7-9 hours at altitudes over 12,000′. The rewards are huge when you spend time surrounded by nature and mountains. Conquering the Khumbu Glacier and reaching the Everest Base Camp at 17,600 feet gives you a great sense of accomplishment!

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2. Mystical Mustang Trek


Behind the Himalayan peaks of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna lies the lost kingdom of Lo, now known as Mustang. Open to foreigners only for the last three decades, it remains a perfectly preserved enclave of true Tibetan Buddhist culture.

Trek from village to village on trails carved into sandstone cliffs, passing farmlands of barley and buckwheat, and tackle passes like the famous Chele La at 12,251′. Take in the scents of incense and the chanting of monks at gompas, such as the 8th-century Ghar Gompa, or Luri Gompa, one of the world’s last remaining cave monasteries. On this 14-day trip, discover a world that sits in the lap of the grandest peaks on the planet, untouched by modernity and authentic beyond belief.

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3. Ancient Passes Trek


A journey replete with vistas of the world’s most legendary snowcapped summits and colorful prayer flags dancing in the wind, this 15-day trek across scenic Himalayan paths features a unique discovery of the cultural and natural spectacle that is Nepal. Take on the majestic passes like Gokyo Ri (17,575′) and Renjo La (17,585′), and hike along an ancient salt trade route in the remote Thame Valley. Cross wobbly suspension bridges, ponder at mani boulders inscribed with mantras, and delve deeper into Sherpa culture in villages like the hidden Phortse.

Gape at the grandest of all peaks, Mount Everest, and learn about the legacy of Sir Edmund Hillary in the Hillary school, since 1961 the only high school in the Khumbu region. Staying in Nepalese inns and lodges along the way, experience warm local hospitality firsthand.

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4. Everest Lodge-to-Lodge Trek


Coupling remote mountain villages, ancient Buddhist monasteries and sky-high Himalayan peaks, this 14-day trek packs in the excitement of the classic Everest base camp trek with added comfort and convenience. Featuring accommodation at plush lodges and nourishing meals, this itinerary is well suited to first timers.

The grand experiences are still all here, from the scenic landing at the 1,729-foot-long, 65-foot-wide Lukla runway, to hiking amid imposing peaks of Kan Tega (22,254′), Thamserku (21,729′) and Tawoche (21,463′), topped with glimpses of the dazzling Everest. Along the way, take in the Sherpa culture, from colorful traditional attire to inspiring spirituality. Mountain Travel Sobek local friendships date back to 1969, which means you can count on unique insights on this tour.

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5. Himalayan Passages Hike through Bhutan, Tibet and Nepal


To fully experience Buddhist culture in all its Himalayan glory, venture beyond the borders of Nepal and add Tibet and Bhutan into the mix. This 15-day expedition takes you through three ancient kingdoms, offering a deep dive into the region’s sacred customs.

Experience Bhutan with its awe-inspiring stupas and gompas set against the stunning backdrop of the eastern Himalaya. You can visit the Temple of the Tree of Wisdom to learn about Buddhist history. Additionally, you can admire the famous Taktsang Monastery, which is also known as the Tiger’s Nest.

In Nepal, soak in the rich culture of Kathmandu and roam its temples and buzzy bazaars. Then, take a flight to the roof of the world, Tibet, to reflect on the origins of Tibetan civilization in Yarlung, visit Tibet’s first monastery of Samye, and spend three days in Lhasa, leisurely exploring the holy city.

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6. Langtang Trek


While you need to take a flight to reach the starting point for most of the ‘big peak’ treks, you can easily reach the Langtang Valley by car from Kathmandu. Going no higher than the modest 16,000’ (think the Himalayan scale), this trek is relatively short, taking between 8 and 11 days, and covers easy to moderate terrain.

Under the Langtang Himalayas, wander through forests of rhododendron and bamboo and past idyllic meadows where yaks graze, to discover highlights like the sunrise from Tserko Ri and the Langtang National Park, home to Himalayan pheasants, monkeys and the shy red panda. The 2015 earthquake left this area deeply wounded so venturing this way not only brings you to Nepal’s roads-less-travelled but is a meaningful act of supporting the local community as they rebuild their lives.

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Are you ready to explore challenging treks in the Everest region? Check out our Nepal itineraries here.



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Request your FREE 2024 Adventure Travel catalog from MT Sobek!