Hiking & Trekking in Nepal: The Himalaya
Nepal is the trekking capital of the world. The Himalaya hold eight of the fourteen 8,000 m peaks on earth, and a network of teahouse trails makes multi-week high-altitude trekking logistically simple — you sleep in village lodges and eat hot meals every night, carrying only a daypack.
The two classic trekking regions are the Khumbu (Everest region) in the east and the Annapurna region in the centre. Both are accessible, well-developed, and offer routes from a week to three weeks for fit trekkers.
The defining challenge in Nepal is altitude. Trails climb above 5,000 m, and disciplined acclimatisation is non-negotiable. This guide covers the flagship routes, permits, seasons and altitude safety.
Everest Base Camp Trek
The Everest Base Camp Trek (~130 km, 12–14 days) flies into Lukla (2,860 m) and follows the Dudh Koshi valley through Sherpa villages to Base Camp (5,364 m) and the Kala Patthar viewpoint (5,545 m). It is the most famous trekking route in the world.
Acclimatisation days at Namche Bazaar (3,440 m) and Dingboche (4,410 m) are essential. The route is a teahouse trek — lodges throughout, no camping required.
Permits: Sagarmatha National Park entry + Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality permit. A TIMS card is no longer required for the Khumbu since the local municipality took over registration.
Annapurna Circuit
The Annapurna Circuit (~160–230 km depending on the start point and road use, 15–20 days) crosses from the subtropical Marsyangdi valley, over the Thorong La pass (5,416 m), and down into the arid Kali Gandaki — the world's deepest valley. It is the most diverse single trek in Nepal, climatically and culturally.
Road construction has shortened the classic circuit; most trekkers now start at Besisahar or Chame and exit at Jomsom or Ghorepani. The Thorong La crossing requires an acclimatisation day at Manang (3,540 m) and should only be attempted in stable weather.
Permits: Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) + TIMS card. Both are obtained in Kathmandu or Pokhara.
Trekking Seasons
Autumn (October–November): the classic trekking season. Clear skies, stable weather, mountain views at their best, and the busiest trails of the year.
Spring (March–May): the second high season. Rhododendrons bloom at lower elevations, temperatures warm, and the Everest climbing expeditions arrive at Base Camp. Some haze builds later in spring.
Winter (December–February): cold and snow close high passes (Thorong La, routes above 4,500 m), but lower treks like Ghorepani Poon Hill are excellent and quiet. Monsoon (June–September) brings rain, leeches and obscured views to most regions; the rain-shadow areas of Upper Mustang and Dolpo are the monsoon exceptions.
Altitude Safety
Above 3,000 m, altitude sickness (AMS) is a real risk. The golden rule is to climb no more than 300–500 m of sleeping altitude per day and to take a scheduled acclimatisation day every ~1,000 m gained.
Recognise AMS symptoms: headache, nausea, loss of appetite, insomnia. Descend immediately if symptoms worsen or if HACE (confusion, ataxia) or HAPE (breathlessness at rest) signs appear. Descent is the only definitive cure.
Travel insurance covering helicopter evacuation above 5,000 m is essential for Everest and Annapurna treks. Verify the altitude limit on your policy before you travel.
Frequently asked questions
- Do I need a guide to trek in Nepal? Since 2023 Nepal has required trekkers in the main national parks to be accompanied by a licensed guide or porter-guide, or to trek via a registered agency. Independent solo trekking without a TIMS/guide arrangement is no longer permitted in the main regions. Check the current Nepal Tourism Board rules before booking.
- How high is Everest Base Camp? Everest Base Camp sits at 5,364 m. The Kala Patthar viewpoint above it reaches 5,545 m and offers the best close-up view of the Everest summit.
- What is the best time to trek in Nepal? October–November (autumn) for the clearest views and most stable weather, and March–May (spring) for warming temperatures and rhododendron bloom. Both are high seasons.
- How long is the Annapurna Circuit? The classic circuit is ~160–230 km over 15–20 days, depending on where road transport is used. The high point is the Thorong La pass at 5,416 m.
- Do I need travel insurance for Nepal trekking? Yes — insurance covering helicopter evacuation and medical treatment above 5,000 m is essential for Everest and Annapurna treks. Confirm the altitude limit in writing before you travel.
- What is altitude sickness and how do I avoid it? Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) occurs above ~3,000 m when you ascend faster than your body can adapt. Prevent it by ascending no more than 300–500 m of sleeping altitude per day, taking acclimatisation rest days, staying hydrated, and descending immediately if symptoms worsen.
- Can I compare Nepal trekking with Morocco trekking? Nepal offers the world's highest trekking (above 5,000 m) over multi-week teahouse routes; Morocco's Atlas Mountains offer a shorter, lower-commitment high-altitude experience — Mount Toubkal (4,167 m) is summited in 2–3 days from Marrakech. Morocco is an excellent first high-altitude trek before attempting Nepal. See our Mount Toubkal treks.
Mount Toubkal Treks — A 2–3 day first high-altitude trek that prepares you for the Himalaya.