Everyone loves to do different things when they fly away on their adventures. For those who love hiking, we have listed some of the best hiking routes in Nepal specifically. Nepal lies along the southern slopes of the Himalayan mountain ranges, so is gifted with superb hiking routes and scenery for those who dare to climb.
Why visit Nepal to hike?
Nepal’s superb geographical location has allowed for this location to be home to 8 of the ten tallest mountains in the world, meaning climbers are in for some breathtaking treats. With Everest, Annapurna and other Himalayan mountains located here, Nepal has become the hotspot for avid hikers and thrill-seekers.
Nepal’s best hiking routes do not only consist of jagged icy mountains but other journeys that require you to bring light clothing and swimwear as much as you would need your best winter jacket. Temperatures of Nepal’s hiking routes vary, with a lot of its most popular routes having temperatures rise above 40C (104F). So, depending on what sorts of hiking routes you’re into, Nepal is for you!
Top Hiking Routes 🥾
1. Mount Everest (Base Camp)
You would be a fool to visit Nepal as a hiker and avoid the infamous Mount Everest! Despite other mountain ranges being appealing to pick to climb, Everest is the world’s tallest mountain peak and can bag you some real bragging rights if you dare to tackle it. It is possible to climb to the top of Everest without oxygen, but it is highly inadvisable, however, the sheer challenge of summiting makes this one of the most popular hike routes in Nepal and the world. Therefore, hiking to Mt. Everest Base Camp is an alternative for hikers to ensure safety and that their boundaries are not compromised. The South Base camp takes approximately two weeks of hiking to get to and is so worth the journey! With phenomenal views of the surroundings of the world’s tallest mountain, you will definitely deserve a pat on the back after achieving this point!
2. The Annapurna Circuit
Next to trek is the Annapurna Circuit. Described as a trekking paradise, this route is packed with teahouses, Tibetan temples, subtropical lowlands and big, spiky mountain highs. It is one of the best-known routes in Nepal and is rated as one of the top ten globally. It is a multi-day hike which can take between 12-14 days meaning you will have to put aside quite a bit of time if you want to complete this properly! This hike exceeds over 400 metres in elevation but is a slower paced hike in comparison to Mt. Everest. The Annapurna Circuit is a long-distance trekking route that circles the Annapurna massif - the mountain range. As you wander along the paths of the circuit, majestic views of Annapurna mountains will surround you in addition to views of low-lying villages, subtropical forests and paddy fields. The trek typically starts in the sub-tropical municipality of Besisahar and finishes up in Pokhara. The Annapurna Circuit is almost always hiked anti-clockwise.
3. The Langtang Trek
Another favourite trek in Nepal is the Langtang Trek. Its blend of expansive views, fascinating Tamang culture and gentle pace are why hikers enjoy this route. The area of Langtang is renowned for its beautiful cedar forests and flowers and jaw-dropping views of soaring Himalayan peaks, including the mighty Shishapangma. It is a trek much shorter than those previously stated, taking around 6-9 days to complete but is much quieter and allows you to avoid the other locations' hustle and bustle, enabling you to fully immerse yourself into your walk the nature and your surroundings. The first few days of this route are spent climbing alongside the Langtang Khola river through a beautiful forest. Hikers then face a steep climb in which the river canyon widens up into a broad U-shaped glacially carved valley revelling the beautiful peak of Langtang Lirung.
4. Gokyo Ri
This is an alternative route to the Everest Base Camp trek, offering fabulous views of Everest, the Gokyo lakes and many other astonishing mountains in Nepal. The views of Gokyo Ri, its treks and also its lakes are the things which make this trekking camp unique. Emphasis on its lakes being the treasure of this trek. A series of emerald green lakes are located along the hike - True to their name; these lakes are an almost ethereal gorgeous shade of turquoise. This Gokyo Ri Trek and the Gokyo lakes are for those interested in walking in the region of Everest without thinking about reaching the base camp, Everest. Gokyo Ri Trek is located in Nepal, but the trek begins from Kathmandu.
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