Trekking in Nepal: A Guide to the Greatest Trails, Seasons, Cultures & Experiences
Trekking in Nepal is one of the world’s great travel experiences. From the legendary trails beneath Mount Everest to the quiet beauty of the remote Himalayan valleys, this is a country that inspires every kind of traveller.
Although few places can compete with a record-breaking attraction like Mount Everest, you’ll find that there’s so much more to trekking here than taking on the world’s highest mountain.
At Mountain Kingdoms, we’ve spent decades exploring Nepal’s mountains, working closely with expert local guides and communities, and crafting trekking holidays that showcase both the grandeur of the landscape and the warmth of Nepalese culture.
Whether you’re preparing for your first Nepal trekking or walking holiday or returning to discover a new region, this guide brings together everything you need to know – from where to walk to when to go, how challenging the trails are, and what you’ll experience along the way, such as the wonderful hospitality of the Nepalese people.
Table of Contents
Why Go Trekking in Nepal?
What Are Nepal’s Best Trekking Regions Beyond Everest?
Annapurna Region – What Makes It Special?
Why trekkers love Annapurna
Wild Nepal - Mustang, Dolpo, Manaslu & Kangchenjunga
Mustang
Upper Dolpo
Manaslu
Kangchenjunga
What Is the Great Himalayan Trail?
Can You Cope With a Trekking Holiday in Nepal?
What level of fitness is required?
Is Nepal trekking only for seasoned adventurers?
When Is the Best Time to Trek in Nepal?
Spring (March–June)
Autumn (September–November)
Winter (December–February)
Monsoon (June–September)
What Is Accommodation Like on Nepal Trekking Holidays?
Tea Houses
Luxury Lodges
Camping in Wild Nepal
Kathmandu Hotels
Cultural Experiences Beyond the Landscape
People & Traditions
Kathmandu Valley
Local Guides
Responsible Trekking in Nepal
How you can help
Summary - Is Trekking in Nepal Right for You?
FAQs
How difficult is trekking in Nepal?
Do I need a guide?
What is the best time to trek?
What should I pack?
Is altitude sickness common?
Why go trekking in Nepal?
If you’re dreaming of a high-mountain adventure, few places compare to Nepal. The country is home to ten of the world’s highest peaks, including Everest, Kangchenjunga, Lhotse, Makalu, and Annapurna. But Nepal’s magic lies in more than its summits.
Trekking in Nepal is about slow, steady immersion – walking through tiny hillside villages, meeting yak herders on ancient trade routes, sharing tea with lodge owners, and watching dawn break over snowy ridgelines. Even the gentlest trails offer world-class scenery, from terraced farmland to rhododendron forests and vast glacial valleys.
This blend of landscape, culture and welcome is what makes Nepal trekking holidays so rewarding. Whether you choose a classic route like the Everest Base Camp trek or a quieter region such as Manaslu or Dolpo, you’ll find a deeply authentic experience rooted in community, tradition, and the rhythm of the mountains.
What Are Nepal’s Best Trekking Regions Beyond Everest?
Most people have heard of the Everest region, but Nepal offers far more than the famous base camp route. Some of the country’s most exceptional trekking lies elsewhere – in vast amphitheatres of stone and ice, high-desert landscapes, forested valleys, and ancient cultural enclaves.
Below, we explore the regions in Nepal that Mountain Kingdoms knows best, and a tiny proportion of the excellent trekking opportunities available.
Annapurna region - what makes it so special?
The Annapurna region, north of the lakeside city of Pokhara, is one of the world’s most celebrated trekking destinations. It combines Himalayan drama with accessible trails, spectacular views and rich cultural diversity.
Annapurna I, standing at 8,091m above sea level, is the world’s tenth-highest mountain, while the wider massif includes 13 peaks over 7,000m and 16 more over 6,000m. This density of giants creates a breathtaking natural arena for walkers.
One of the great strengths of Annapurna is its flexibility. You can embark on a multi-day trek beneath some of the world’s highest mountains or choose a slower, gentler walking holiday that still offers spectacular views.
On our gentle trekking holiday in the Annapurna foothills, you stay in luxury lodges rather than tea houses, which gives you the best of all worlds - wonderful views, easy-paced walks and home comforts every evening.
Why trekkers love Annapurna
- The Annapurna Sanctuary Trek is a fan favourite, leading into the heart of the great peaks of the Annapurna range
- Classic routes through Gurung and Magar villages, where warm hospitality defines the journey
Rhododendron forests that burst into colour each spring
A choice of trekking styles – from traditional tea house trails to luxury lodge-to-lodge journeys
Wild Nepal - Mustang, Dolpo, Manaslu and Kangchenjunga
Away from the well-trodden paths lie regions that feel almost untouched by time. At Mountain Kingdoms, we often refer to these areas as Wild Nepal – places where landscapes, cultures, and ways of life remain remarkably remote and traditional.
Mustang
Sheltered from monsoon rains by the Himalayan rain shadow, the ancient kingdom of Mustang is a high-desert area of sculpted cliffs, cave dwellings, monasteries and windswept plateaus. Its Tibetan-influenced culture is exceptionally preserved, and the trek to Lo Manthang remains one of Nepal’s most atmospheric journeys.
Upper Dolpo
Dolpo is one of the most remote inhabited regions in the Himalaya, accessible only by foot or charter flight. Expect turquoise lakes, deep canyons, yak caravans and ancient Bon monasteries. Dolpo is for experienced trekkers who want to immerse themselves in quiet wilderness.
Manaslu
The Manaslu Circuit offers everything trekkers love about Nepal – soaring peaks, suspension bridges, dense forests and high passes – but with fewer crowds than the Everest or Annapurna regions. The views of Manaslu, the world’s eighth-highest mountain, are unforgettable.
Kangchenjuna
The trails around Kangchenjunga lead to one of the most magnificent base camp regions in the Himalaya. Close to the border with India and Tibet, this is a wild, rugged landscape where few travellers venture.
What is the Great Himalayan Trail?
Stretching more than 1,700km across Nepal, the Great Himalayan Trail (GHT) links some of the country’s most remote and spectacular trekking regions. It is one of the longest and most demanding high-mountain routes on earth.
Only a handful of people attempt the full traverse, and it requires perfect seasonal timing – many of the high passes are blocked by snow for large parts of the year. But walking a section of the GHT is a remarkable way to experience Nepal’s diversity, from alpine meadows to high plateaus and deep river gorges.
Can you cope with a trekking holiday in Nepal?
The beauty of Nepal and one of its great strengths is its variety. There are walks suitable for almost everyone, from relaxed lodge-based holidays to challenging high-altitude journeys.
There are challenges to be experienced along the routes for those who choose to undertake them, but the unique aura and cultural extravaganza are enough to spur even the most weary traveller on.
What level of fitness is required?
Most treks require reasonable fitness rather than athletic ability. Daily walking times vary from 4–7 hours, with plenty of stops for rest, photographs, and conversation.
Altitude is often the biggest challenge. Our itineraries build in acclimatisation days, slow ascent profiles, and experienced guides who monitor your wellbeing carefully.
Is Nepal trekking only for seasoned adventurers?
Not anymore. While routes like the Three High Passes, Upper Dolpo or Kangchenjunga remain suitable for experienced trekkers, many people come to Nepal for their first multi-day trek.
If you’re more used to climbing hills than mountains, you’ll still find Nepal trekking holidays suitable for beginners, where gentle trails, comfortable lodges, and relaxed pacing make the journey enjoyable.
When is the best time to trek in Nepal?
The best time to trek in Nepal is during spring (March–June) and autumn (September–November). These months offer warm temperatures, clear mountain views, and generally stable weather. Although, as with everywhere else in the world, the weather patterns are less predictable than they used to be.
Spring (March-June)
Rhododendron forests in bloom
Warm days ideal for trekking
Clear but occasionally hazy long-distance views
Autumn (September-November)
Superb clarity after monsoon rains
Crisp, cool mornings and warm afternoons
Excellent conditions for high passes
Winter (December-February)
Winter trekking is possible on lower routes, but high passes often become inaccessible due to snow. Expect extremely cold temperatures and quiet trails.
Monsoon (June - September)
Most regions experience heavy rainfall and are not suitable for trekking at this time of the year. The exceptions are Mustang and Dolpo which lie in the Himalayan rain shadow and therefore remain excellent trekking destinations in the summer months.
What is accommodation like on Nepal trekking holidays?
Tea houses
On the more popular trekking routes in the Annapurnas and the Everest region, small tea houses are the traditional form of accommodation. Built by villagers to give refuge and comfort to trekkers, they have lots of character and serve hearty, nourishing food. They will give you close contact with the Nepalese people and an insight into their way of life and cultural traditions. They are also an important way of helping to support and sustain these communities financially.
Luxury lodges
Higher-end lodges now operate on several major trails, enabling more comfortable lodge-to-lodge trekking. You can now trek to Everest Base Camp, Ama Dablam and Annapurna Base Camp in relative style. Expect en-suite rooms, excellent hospitality and delicious food – all at altitude.
Camping in Wild Nepal
In remote regions like Dolpo, camping is still the only option. Our Mountain Kingdoms camping teams include skilled cooks, porters and guides who create welcoming, well-equipped camps where you can unwind after a day on the trail.
Kathmandu hotels
Every Mountain Kingdoms trekking holiday begins and ends in Kathmandu, where we use high-quality hotels that offer comfort, great food and a peaceful place to rest after your adventure.
Cultural experiences beyond the landscape
Nepal’s landscapes may draw travellers in, but its culture keeps them coming back. Trekking will always be a mainstay of tourism in Nepal, but today it does not just mean making it to the top of the highest mountain you can. Cultural experiences are now the focus of many trips.
People and traditions
From Buddhist monasteries adorned with prayer flags to Hindu temples, smoky with incense, Nepal’s spiritual traditions are woven into daily life. On the trails, you’ll pass through villages where people still farm terraced hillsides and share stories over cups of sweet tea.
Kathmandu Valley
Many travellers explore Kathmandu’s ancient sites before or after their trek – Durbar Square, Swayambhunath, Boudhanath and Pashupatinath. The city’s bazaars, shrines and alleyways offer endless interest.
Local guides
Our local guides are not only experts in route finding and altitude care; they’re storytellers, hosts and cultural ambassadors. They bring each journey to life with their knowledge of wildlife, history and the hidden details of daily Himalayan life.
Responsible trekking in Nepal
Responsible tourism is at the heart of Mountain Kingdoms’ ethos. Nepal’s landscapes are fragile, and preserving them is essential.
How can you help?
Do not leave any rubbish behind, including bottles and cans
Nepal is already struggling with its waste management, so avoid single-use plastics wherever possible
Carry a refillable water bottle and use purification methods
Once you have finished your trek, donate unwanted clothing at the KEEP porters’ clothes bank in Thamel
Support locally-run lodges, restaurants and craft shops
Choose low-volume, low-impact trekking holidays - responsible trekking ensures these extraordinary landscapes remain unspoilt for future generations
We take great pride in the initiatives and organisations in Nepal we support as part of our commitment to responsible and sustainable tourism in the countries we visit. Visit our Responsible Tourism pages to find out more.
Summary - Is trekking in Nepal right for you?
A trekking holiday in Nepal is ideal if you want:
Sweeping Himalayan panoramas
Trails suitable for both novice and experienced trekkers
Immersion in village life, spiritual traditions and mountain culture
Expert local guides and carefully crafted itineraries
A profound sense of connection with the landscape and people
From the classic Everest Base Camp trek to the quiet valleys of Manaslu, the desert landscapes of Mustang, and the timeless beauty of Dolpo, Nepal offers journeys that stay with you long after you return home.
Please call or contact us to request a brochure or to talk to one of our travel experts about taking a holiday in Nepal. You can also talk to us about arranging a Tailor Made holiday just for you and your friends or family.
FAQs
How difficult is trekking in Nepal?
It depends on the region. Many treks suit beginners with reasonable fitness, while remote or high-altitude routes are better for experienced walkers.
Do I need a guide?
Guides are invaluable for safety, navigation, managing the trek logistics and cultural insight. All our Nepal treks are led by experienced and qualified guides. You may even find you have an Everest summiteer leading your group.
What is the best time to trek?
Spring and autumn offer the clearest views and most stable weather, though Mustang and Dolpo are excellent in summer.
What should I pack?
Layers, warm clothing, sturdy boots, un protection and a reusable water bottle are essential. Mountain Kingdoms provide free hire of a down jacket and sleeping bag with liner, for the duration of your trek. We also include a free kit bag to use for your trek and to keep when you return home.
Is altitude sickness common?
It can occur on higher routes and most people will experience a few minor symptoms such as headaches and breathlessness. Our itineraries are carefully designed to include acclimatisation days and gradual ascent profiles to minimise risk.