Mardi Himal Trek

Mardi Himal Trek (6–8 Days)

The Mardi Himal trek is a short and relatively easy adventure in the Annapurna region, often called a hidden gem. Known for its quiet trails, forest walks, and stunning panoramic views of Annapurna, Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), and Hiunchuli, this trek is perfect for those who want a less-crowded alternative to Poon Hill or Annapurna Base Camp. It usually takes 6–8 days and is best experienced in spring (Mar–May) or autumn (Sep–Dec).

Sample Itinerary (12–14 Days)

Day 1: Drive from Pokhara (820m) to Kande → Trek to Deurali (2,100m).

Day 2: Trek to Forest Camp (2,600m).

Day 3: Trek to Low Camp (3,050m).

Day 4: Trek to High Camp (3,580m).

Day 5: Hike to Mardi Himal Base Camp (4,500m) for sunrise views → Return to High Camp.

Day 6: Trek down to Siding Village (1,750m).

Day 7: Drive back to Pokhara.

Day 8: Buffer/rest day in Pokhara or Kathmandu.

(Can be completed in 6 days if you return directly from High Camp to Pokhara, or extended with side trips.)

Best Time to Go

  • Spring (Mar–May): Flowers in bloom, pleasant weather.
  • Autumn (Sep): Best visibility, crisp mountain air.
  • Winter (Dec): Peaceful trails, but snow in higher passes

Trekking Cost Estimates (in NPR)

  • Budget Trek (6–8 days): NPR 15,000–25,000 → Teahouse stay (basic), meals, permits, shared guide.
  • Mid-Range Trek (6–8 days): NPR 30,000–50,000 → Better lodges, guide + porter, full meals, transport.
  • Luxury Trek (6–8 days): NPR 60,000–120,000+ → Premium lodges (where available), private guide/porter, private transport, upgraded meals.

Key Cost Components

Permits:

  • Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP): NPR 3,000
  • TIMS Card: NPR 2,000–2,500

Guide & Porter:

  • Guide: NPR 3,000–4,000/day
  • Porter: NPR 2,500–3,500/day

Accommodation & Meals:

  • Teahouses: NPR 500–2,000/night
  • Meals: NPR 400–1,000/dish

Transport:

  • Pokhara → Kande (Jeep/Bus): NPR 500–2,000
  • Siding → Pokhara (Jeep/Bus): NPR 1,500–3,000

Upper Mustang Trek

Upper Mustang Trek (12–14 Days)

The Upper Mustang trek takes you into the ancient kingdom of Lo, often called the “Last Forbidden Kingdom.” Nestled beyond the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges, this trek is renowned for its Tibetan culture, desert-like landscapes, and centuries-old monasteries. The terrain is unique—arid cliffs, caves, and hidden valleys—very different from the lush greenery of most treks in Nepal. Classified as moderate, the trek requires a special permit and offers a rare glimpse into a preserved Himalayan culture. The best trekking season is May–October, when the region stays dry (unlike most of Nepal which faces monsoon).

Sample Itinerary (12–14 Days)

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400m), permits preparation, briefing.

Day 2: Drive or fly to Pokhara (820m).

Day 3: Fly to Jomsom (2,720m) → Trek to Kagbeni (2,810m) – entry point to Upper Mustang.

Day 4: Trek to Chele (3,050m).

Day 5: Trek to Syangboche (3,800m).

Day 6: Trek to Ghami (3,520m).

Day 7: Trek to Tsarang (3,560m).

Day 8: Trek to Lo-Manthang (3,840m) – the walled capital of Mustang.

Day 9: Exploration day in Lo-Manthang – visit monasteries, caves, Tibetan culture sites.

Day 10: Trek back to Ghami or Dhakmar.

Day 11: Trek to Syangboche.

Day 12: Trek to Chhusang.

Day 13: Trek to Jomsom.

Day 14: Fly back to Pokhara → Kathmandu.

Best Time to Go

  • Spring (May): Flowers in bloom, pleasant weather.
  • Autumn (Oct): Best visibility, crisp mountain air.

Trekking Cost Estimates (in NPR)

  • Budget Trek (12–14 days): NPR 35,000–55,000 → Includes teahouse stay (basic), 3 meals/day, permits, guide (shared).
  • Mid-Range Trek (12–14 days): NPR 60,000–120,000 → Includes better lodges, full meals, guide + porter, Lukla flights.
  • Luxury Trek (12–14 days): NPR 150,000–500,000+ → Includes luxury lodges, gourmet meals, private guide, porter, domestic flights, premium services.

Key Cost Components

  • Permits: TIMS (NPR 2,000–2,500), Sagarmatha National Park (NPR 3,000), Khumbu Rural Municipality (NPR 2,000).
  • Guide & Porter: Guide (NPR 3,000–4,500/day), Porter (NPR 2,500–3,500/day).
  • Accommodation & Meals: NPR 500–4,000/night; meals NPR 300–1,500 depending on altitude.
  • Transport: Kathmandu–Lukla flight (NPR 20,000–25,000 one-way); helicopter option available (NPR 150,000+).

     

Manaslu Circuit Trek

Manaslu Circuit Trek (14–16 Days)

The Manaslu Circuit trek is a challenging yet rewarding journey around Mount Manaslu (8,163m), the world’s eighth-highest peak. Known for its remote trails, diverse landscapes, and rich Tibetan-influenced culture, it offers an adventurous alternative to the Annapurna Circuit with fewer crowds. The highlight of the trek is crossing the dramatic Larkya La Pass (5,160m), one of Nepal’s most stunning high passes. Best seasons are spring (Mar–May) and autumn (Sep–Nov).

Sample Itinerary (14–16Days)

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400m), permits preparation, briefing.

Day 2: Drive to Soti Khola (710m).

Day 3: Trek to Machha Khola (900m).

Day 4: Trek to Jagat (1,410m) – checkpoint for restricted area.

Day 5: Trek to Deng (1,804m).

Day 6: Trek to Namrung (2,630m).

Day 7: Trek to Lho (3,180m) – stunning views of Manaslu.

Day 8: Trek to Samagaon (3,530m) – monastery & cultural exploration.

Day 9: Acclimatization day in Samagaon – side trip to Pungyen Gompa or Manaslu Base Camp.

Day 10: Trek to Samdo (3,860m).

Day 11: Trek to Dharamsala / Larkya Phedi (4,460m).

Day 12: Cross Larkya La Pass (5,160m) → descend to Bimthang (3,590m).

Day 13: Trek to Tilije (2,300m).

Day 14: Trek to Dharapani (1,860m) → connect with Annapurna Circuit.

Day 15: Drive to Besisahar → onward to Kathmandu.

Day 16: Buffer/rest day, departure.

Best Time to Go

  • Spring (Mar–May): Flowers in bloom, pleasant weather.
  • Autumn (Sep–Nov): Best visibility, crisp mountain air.

Trekking Cost Estimates (in NPR)

  • Budget Trek (12–14 days): NPR 35,000–55,000 → Includes teahouse stay (basic), 3 meals/day, permits, guide (shared).
  • Mid-Range Trek (12–14 days): NPR 60,000–120,000 → Includes better lodges, full meals, guide + porter, Lukla flights.
  • Luxury Trek (12–14 days): NPR 150,000–500,000+ → Includes luxury lodges, gourmet meals, private guide, porter, domestic flights, premium services.

Key Cost Components

  • Permits: TIMS (NPR 2,000–2,500), Sagarmatha National Park (NPR 3,000), Khumbu Rural Municipality (NPR 2,000).
  • Guide & Porter: Guide (NPR 3,000–4,500/day), Porter (NPR 2,500–3,500/day).
  • Accommodation & Meals: NPR 500–4,000/night; meals NPR 300–1,500 depending on altitude.
  • Transport: Kathmandu–Lukla flight (NPR 20,000–25,000 one-way); helicopter option available (NPR 150,000+).

     

Langtang Valley Trek

Langtang Valley Trek (7–10 Days)

The Langtang Valley trek is one of the best short treks in Nepal, located close to Kathmandu. Known as the “Valley of Glaciers”, it offers spectacular mountain views, lush forests, and an immersive experience of Tamang culture. This trek is easier compared to long Himalayan expeditions, making it suitable for beginners and families. The best seasons are spring (Mar–May) and autumn (Sep–Dec) when the skies are clear and the trails are at their best.

Sample Itinerary (7–10Days)

Day 1: Drive from Kathmandu (1,400m) to Syabrubesi (1,550m) – 6–7 hrs by jeep/bus.

Day 2: Trek from Syabrubesi to Lama Hotel (2,470m).

Day 3: Trek from Lama Hotel to Langtang Village (3,430m).

Day 4: Trek from Langtang Village to Kyanjin Gompa (3,870m).

Day 5: Acclimatization & exploration day – hike to Kyanjin Ri (4,773m) or Tserko Ri (4,984m) for panoramic mountain views.

Day 6: Trek back to Lama Hotel.

Day 7: Trek to Syabrubesi.

Day 8: Drive back to Kathmandu.
(Can be extended to 9–10 days with side trips or shortened if needed.)

Best Time to Go

  • Spring (Mar–May): Flowers in bloom, pleasant weather.
  • Autumn (Sep–Dec): Best visibility, crisp mountain air.

Trekking Cost Estimates (in NPR)

  • Budget Trek (7–10 days): NPR 15,000–25,000 → Basic teahouse stay, meals, permits, guide (shared).
  • Mid-Range Trek (7–10 days): NPR 30,000–60,000 → Better lodges, full meals, guide + porter, private jeep transport.
  • Luxury Trek (7–10 days): NPR 70,000–150,000+ → High-end lodges (where available), private guide & porter, upgraded meals, private transport.

Key Cost Components

  • Permits: TIMS Card: NPR 2,000–2,500,  Langtang National Park Entry: NPR 3,000
  • Guide & Porter:  Guide: NPR 3,000–4,000/day, Porter: NPR 2,500–3,500/day
  • Accommodation & Meals: Teahouse stay: NPR 500–2,000/night , Meals: NPR 400–1,000 per dish
  • Transport:  Local bus Kathmandu → Syabrubesi: NPR 800–1,500 , Private jeep: NPR 12,000–18,000 (one way, shared among group)

Annapurna Circuit Trek

Annapurna Circuit Trek (15–18 Days)

The Annapurna Circuit trek is one of Nepal’s most rewarding and diverse trekking routes, famous for crossing the Thorong La Pass (5,416m), one of the world’s highest trekking passes. This moderate trek takes you through lush valleys, traditional Gurung and Thakali villages, dramatic gorges, and into the arid landscapes of Manang and Mustang. With rich cultural encounters and stunning Himalayan panoramas, it remains a top choice for trekkers. The best seasons are spring (Mar–May) and autumn (Oct–Nov).

Sample Itinerary (15–18 Days)

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400m), permits preparation, briefing.

Day 2: Drive to Besisahar (820m) – starting point of trek.

Day 3: Trek to Bahundanda (1,310m).

Day 4: Trek to Chamje (1,430m).

Day 5: Trek to Dharapani (1,920m).

Day 6: Trek to Chame (2,670m) – district headquarters of Manang.

Day 7: Trek to Pisang (3,200m).

Day 8: Trek to Manang (3,540m) – explore monasteries and local culture.

Day 9: Acclimatization day in Manang (side hikes to Gangapurna Lake or Ice Lake).

Day 10: Trek to Yak Kharka (4,110m).

Day 11: Trek to Thorong Phedi (4,450m).

Day 12: Cross Thorong La Pass (5,416m) → Trek down to Muktinath (3,760m).

Day 13: Trek to Marpha (2,670m) via Kagbeni (gateway to Upper Mustang).

Day 14: Trek to Ghasa (2,010m).

Day 15: Trek to Tatopani (1,200m) – enjoy natural hot springs.

Day 16: Trek to Ghorepani (2,850m).

Day 17: Early hike to Poon Hill (3,210m) for sunrise view → Trek to Tikhedhunga.

Day 18: Trek to Nayapul → Drive to Pokhara.

Best Time to Go

  • Spring (Mar–May): Flowers in bloom, pleasant weather.
  • Autumn (Oct–Nov): Best visibility, crisp mountain air.

Trekking Cost Estimates (in NPR)

  • Budget Trek (12–14 days): NPR 35,000–55,000 → Includes teahouse stay (basic), 3 meals/day, permits, guide (shared).
  • Mid-Range Trek (12–14 days): NPR 60,000–120,000 → Includes better lodges, full meals, guide + porter, Lukla flights.
  • Luxury Trek (15–18 days): NPR 120,000–300,000+ → High-end lodges, private guide/porter, premium meals, private transport.

Key Cost Components

Permits:

  • TIMS Card: NPR 2,000–2,500
  • Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP): NPR 3,000

Guide & Porter:

  • Guide: NPR 3,000–4,500/day
  • Porter: NPR 2,500–3,500/day

Accommodation & Meals:

  • NPR 500–2,500/night depending on altitude and comfort level
  • Meals NPR 400–1,200 per dish

Transport:

  • Bus/Jeep Kathmandu → Besisahar: NPR 1,500–3,000
  • Local jeep for deeper access (to Chame/Manang): NPR 3,000–6,000
  • Flight (optional Jomsom → Pokhara): NPR 8,000–12,000 one-way

Everest Base Camp

Everest Base Camp Trek (12–14 Days)

The Everest Base Camp trek is one of the most iconic journeys in the Himalayas, offering breathtaking views of Mount Everest, rich Sherpa culture, and unforgettable highlights like Kala Patthar, Namche Bazaar, and Tengboche Monastery. This moderate trek usually takes 12–14 days and is best experienced in spring (Mar–May) or autumn (Oct–Nov).

Sample Itinerary (12–14 Days)

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400m), trip briefing, permits preparation.

Day 2: Fly to Lukla (2,860m) → Trek to Phakding (2,610m).

Day 3: Trek to Namche Bazaar (3,440m).

Day 4: Acclimatization in Namche (Everest View Hotel hike).

Day 5: Trek to Tengboche (3,870m).

Day 6: Trek to Dingboche (4,410m).

Day 7: Acclimatization hike (Nangkartshang peak).

Day 8: Trek to Lobuche (4,910m).

Day 9: Trek to Gorakshep (5,164m) → Hike to Everest Base Camp (5,364m).

Day 10: Sunrise hike to Kala Patthar (5,545m) → Trek down to Pheriche.

Day 11: Trek to Namche Bazaar.

Day 12: Trek to Lukla.

Day 13: Fly back to Kathmandu.

Day 14: Buffer/rest day, departure.

Best Time to Go

  • Spring (Mar–May): Flowers in bloom, pleasant weather.
  • Autumn (Oct–Nov): Best visibility, crisp mountain air.

Trekking Cost Estimates (in NPR)

  • Budget Trek (12–14 days): NPR 35,000–55,000 → Includes teahouse stay (basic), 3 meals/day, permits, guide (shared).
  • Mid-Range Trek (12–14 days): NPR 60,000–120,000 → Includes better lodges, full meals, guide + porter, Lukla flights.
  • Luxury Trek (12–14 days): NPR 150,000–500,000+ → Includes luxury lodges, gourmet meals, private guide, porter, domestic flights, premium services.

Key Cost Components

  • Permits: TIMS (NPR 2,000–2,500), Sagarmatha National Park (NPR 3,000), Khumbu Rural Municipality (NPR 2,000).
  • Guide & Porter: Guide (NPR 3,000–4,500/day), Porter (NPR 2,500–3,500/day).
  • Accommodation & Meals: NPR 500–4,000/night; meals NPR 300–1,500 depending on altitude.
  • Transport: Kathmandu–Lukla flight (NPR 20,000–25,000 one-way); helicopter option available (NPR 150,000+).

     

Trekking

Why Trekking?

Nepal is a trekker’s paradise—whether you’re walking under the shadow of Everest or exploring quiet valleys with prayer flags and yak caravans. Every trail offers its own mix of landscapes, culture, and challenge.

Top Trekking Routes in Nepal

  • Everest Base Camp (12–14 days, Moderate)
    Highlights: Kala Patthar, Namche Bazaar, Tengboche
    Best Season: Mar–May, Oct–Nov
  • Annapurna Circuit (15–18 days, Moderate)
    Highlights: Thorong La Pass, cultural villages
    Best Season: Mar–May, Oct–Nov
  • Langtang Valley (7–10 days, Easy)
    Highlights: Close to Kathmandu, Tamang culture
    Best Season: Mar–May, Sep–Dec
  • Manaslu Circuit (14–16 days, Challenging)
    Highlights: Remote trails, Larkya La Pass
    Best Season: Mar–May, Sep–Nov
  • Upper Mustang (12–14 days, Moderate)
    Highlights: Tibetan culture, desert landscapes
    Best Season: May–Oct
  • Mardi Himal (6–8 days, Easy)
    Highlights: Hidden gem, panoramic views
    Best Season: Mar–May, Sep–Dec

Best Time to Go

  • Spring (Mar–May): Flowers in bloom, pleasant weather.
  • Autumn (Oct–Nov): Best visibility, crisp mountain air.
  • Summer (Jun–Aug): Green landscapes but wet and slippery.
  • Winter (Dec–Feb): Peaceful trails, but snow in higher passes.