Why is Nepal a mecca for Hiking and Trekking Enthusiasts?

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It would not be called a recently discovered fact that out of the fourteen tallest mountains of the world, Nepal has been home to the eight of them soaring within its province. 

The terrain of the Nepalese Himalayas offers stunning trekking routes, each with their exquisite features that even rating one particular route to be the best trek in Nepal would be rather unfair. The choice rather depends on factors like level of difficulty, budget, number of days, and the particular time of the year that you will be able to spend on the trek. To make this task easy for you, let’s take a look at the top 5 best treks in Nepal based on popularity, price, scenery, and culture.

1. Everest Base Camp Trek

The Everest Base Camp Trek is the ideal option for people who wants to savor the breathtaking close-up views of the World’s highest Mount Everest standing at a height of 8848 meters. The journey starts from and also ends at the Tenzing Hillary Airport, via Lukla and takes a roundabout of two and a half to three weeks to complete. Along with offering spectacular views of the World’s tallest mountain, this experience of trekking in Nepal also provides views of other incredible peaks such as the Kongdi RI Himal and Thamserku peak.

As you trek down the glorious path of the legendary mountaineers, you will pass through the roaring Dudhkoshi River, serene Imjatse valley, and also get a close view of the Sherpa’s lifestyles who are known for their incredible physical endurance and climbing skills. Also, you will feel blessed accompanied by the Buddhist prayer flags and the Buddhist 

monasteries spread throughout the trail.

Overview

Maximum Elevation: 5,600 m, Kala Patthar

Days: 17 to 19 days

Difficulty Level: Medium to High

Remoteness Level: Not that remote (Undertaken by the highest number of trekkers each year)

Ideal Season: October to November and March to May

2. Annapurna Circuit Trek

This is one of the most renowned treks in Nepal. The trail passes through a culturally rich and diverse terrain of the Annapurna region, offering mesmerizing views of Annapurna, Manaslu, Lantang Himal, Dhaulagiri, and Macchupucchre. 

The expedition starts from the Annapurna Sanctuary Gate. In comparison to the other trekking destinations in Nepal, the Annapurna Circuit Base Camp Trek is demanding as it requires a lot more physical endurance, for it is incredibly steep, offering very less flat topography to climb upon easily.

Despite Annapurna being crowned as the riskiest and difficult mountains to climb upon, it is still one of the best treks in Nepal, offering awe-inspiring natural beauty from jungle to lush valleys to high alpine and arid peaks. When you will reach your destination at ABC Camp and view the radiating peak of Annapurna illuminated by the bright sun rays, all of the tiresomeness and fatigue will make this experience a worthwhile one. 

Overview

Maximum Elevation: 5,416 m, Thorong La Pass

Days: 14 days

Difficulty Level: Moderate to Advanced

Remoteness Level: Not remote

Ideal Season: October to November and March to May

3. Manaslu Circuit Trek

The Manaslu Mountain Trek circles the Manaslu Mountain, the eighth highest peak in Nepal and is considered to be one of the most difficult but also one of the most worthwhile treks in Nepal. Located on the Nepal-Tibet border, the journey towards this peak offers amazing panoramas starting from the epic sceneries of the forests to the views of the clouds touching the rocky landscapes. Trailing down this trek, you will reach the highest elevation at the Larkya Pass accompanied by other challenging mountain passes. The trail is adorned by Tibetan-style villages and diverse cultures of age-old Buddhist monasteries and is secluded, remote with enriched topography. No wonder Manaslu Circuit Trek is considered among the best treks in Nepal.  

Restrictions:

This trekking journey demands to be accompanied by at least two trekkers, particularly by a Nepali porter or guide. Also, there are restricted areas that require permits to trek upon. 

Overview

Maximum Elevation: 5115m at Larkya Pass

Days: 15 days

Difficulty Level: Hard

Remoteness Level: Remote

Ideal Season: October to November and March to May

4. Lang Tang valley Trek

Langtang valley located in the North towards Tibet, should be the perfect destination for trek if you are short on time as the whole journey takes about just 10 days. The Langtang Valley Trek is known for its diverse culture and vegetation beginning from the wonderful forests to alpine pastures and yak fields surrounding a Buddhist monastery, Kyangjin Gompa. You will be rewarded with splendid, unobstructed views of Langtang Ri, the panoramic views of Annapurnas, and also Makalu once you accomplish the Tserko Peak at an elevation of 4,984 m.

5. Upper Mustang Trek

This trek demands around two weeks to complete. Mustang is known as Nepal’s concealed paradise, which is like hidden behind the Himalayan ranges situated below the Tibetan boundary. The trekking journey starts from Jomsom and enters into the treeless desert zone. While on the trek route, you will be offered with astonishing views of Annapurna, Nilgiri, Dhaulagiri, and the other Himalayas. Huge barley fields, small huts, and houses painted white, Buddhist prayer flags and old Gompas add to the beauty of the place. 

Conclusion

These treks have made the country a Mecca for hiking and trekking enthusiasts from around the globe. Being the popular trekking destinations that there is, it can be wondered without a doubt that some of these popular trails can become very crowded in the peak months with thousands of trekkers venturing into treks like the EBC trek, that gets overbooked within the course of just few short months in the autumn. If you are planning for a trekking expedition, then these are the top 5 treks in Nepal are the best options to choose from in this former Himalayan kingdom.