Featured Adventure: Trekking
Trekking generally refers to elongated hiking trips that last for several days; it is an upgraded form of enjoying an outdoor adventure traveling on a long route taking the refreshing adventure to the next level. This adventurous sports activity usually takes place mostly on rugged landscapes alongside the majestic beauty of nature.
This sport has successfully managed to establish itself as an outdoor adventure sport across the world. The on-foot sports activity offers the exploration of the wilderness, thrilling landscapes and untainted beauty of Mother Nature. So, at least once you should set out to explore the majestic beauty of the universe and the secret it holds.
Trekking In Nepal
The amazing mountain ranges, naturally rich beauty and interesting terrains make Nepal an ideal destination for adventurous sports. The great number of hill ranges and naturally rich scenery will simply take your breath away; traveling through the remotes areas, enjoying the magnificent scenery as well as local culture, tradition and religion will definitely make your trek a wonderful experience.
Nepal opened for the first time to the outside world in 1949 which soon became a gold mine for the adventurous sports. The golden age for trekking also started the same year when a British adventurer, Bill Tilman successfully managed to get permission from then-the-king Mahendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev. He got permission to explore the Helambu, Kali Gandaki including the Everest region.
Soon after that, the dawn of a successful trekking industry in the country started initiated; Maurice Herzog in the years 1950 led a French expedition to the Annapurna circuit. However, the country registered its first trekking agency “Mountain Travel Trekking Agency” only in 1964, seeing the scope of tourism in the naturally gifted country, Colonel Jimmy Roberts, former Gurkha officer and military attaché at the British embassy in Kathmandu took the step to promote the business. He had spent a lot of time in Nepal traveling through the hills and mountains which gave him the idea of how this beautiful country would flourish if they could provide adventure sports activities for the sports enthusiasts.
Here we are going to discuss some of the major trekking destinations in the country. You can have your pick from these top attractions and decide which trekking trail will fill the ‘adventurous-stories’ of your life.
1. Annapurna Circuit Trekking
This trek is one of the star trekking locations in the country that offers mountain views local diverse lifestyle. Annapurna circuit is also one of the most traveled trekking routes in the country
Traveling through a variety of landscapes in the Annapurna region, high alpine jungles lush valleys, beautiful heavenly arrangements and through the world’s deepest Kali Gandaki gorge makes this trail one of the beloved adventure sports destinations in the country. This route is also quite famous for the Rupse waterfall and the natural hot spring “Tatopani” including the beautiful settlements in Magar and Gurung villages.
You will pass through the places rich with a religious and cultural value like Muktinath temple, Jomsom, Kagbeni and through the barren desert-like landscapes of Manang and Mustang reaching the maximum elevation up to 5416m at Thorong La Pass.
At the top, this trekking rewards you with the breathtaking views of mountain ranges like Mt. Annapurna, Macchapuchhre, Dhaulagiri, Langtang Himal, and Manaslu.
2. Everest Base Camp Trekking
Everest base camp trekking is one of the remarkable trekking destination the country boast. If you want to enjoy the close-up view of the tallest mountain in the world and rest on its lap wondering about the magic of the Himalayas, this trekking journey is perfect for you.
This trekking route is one of the best treks in Nepal that offers exclusive and grand experience for your adventurous heart. You can enjoy the wonder of this majestic mountain as well as the beautiful Sherpa village down below; their delightful culture and lifestyle.
The journey to the highest mountain in the world is certainly an apex-level of the adventurous expedition that cannot be easily outmatched. Similarly, the fun-thrill filled journey to the base of such a prestigious mountain isn’t any fewer feats. Starting from the Namche Bazar which is the gateway to Mount Everest, you will pass through the high passes, crushing river, and settlements rich in Sherpa culture and antique monasteries.
The trekking difficulty has been rated a medium level and the max elevation in this trekking route is Kala Patthar which is 5600m high from the sea level.
3. Mardi Himal Trekking
Mardi Himal route is one of the short and refreshing trekking routes that the country has to offer. The trekking trail leads to the surrounding of the Annapurna region with the opportunity to witness the beauty of the mountain ranges like Mardi Himal, Macchapuchre, Annapurna including Himalchuli peaks.
Located in Eastern Nepal and at the trekking’s maxed elevation of 4250meters, this expedition offers stunning hills, mountain landscapes and an overview of rich Gurung culture and tradition. Standard food and accommodation facility are available in this location if you want to explore the lifestyle and culture of the locales in the region. Furthermore, during the spring you can also get the chance to walk through the rhododendron blossom forest.
4. Dhaulagiri Circuit Trekking
The trekking exploring the 7th tallest mountain in the world which offers beautiful landscapes, high peak mountains, and a maximum elevation of 5360m at French Col, challenging and exciting terrains is assuredly one of the best trekking trails the country has to offer.
Dhaulagiri circuit is one of the best trekking routes and one of the most challenging treks the country has to offer. In general, it is recommended for only experienced trekkers as the trekkers have to spend 3 days in a row over snow and above the 5000m altitude. The trekking route also doesn’t have an easy route way down so it will be better if you sit it out if you don’t have any experience. However, for the courageous souls, the thrilling adventure at such a height will be an unforgettable memory that you will treasure forever in your life.
The astonishing mountain range, terraced farmland, amazing wilderness, and exploration of Kali Gandaki gorge which is the deepest gorge in the world will dazzle you their divine beauty.
5. Langtang Valley Trek
This Langtang valley trek is quite famous for its diverse vegetation, beautifully cultured villages. The Tibetian highland trekking route in the country which has been testing the spirit of the adventure sports enthusiast
The magnificent rural landscapes mixed with the beauty of the glaciers at quite a low altitude and rich Tamang culture village will certainly make this trip a lifelong memory. Also, the stony streams, boulder and astonishing view of sunrise view from the Tserko Ri(maximum elevation in this trek which is at an altitude of 4984m) will add further beauty in this adventurous trekking.
You can enjoy the paranormal views of the mountain ranges like Langtang, Annapurna, and Makalu in this trek. In addition to that, you will also be introduced to places with religious values like; Surya Kunda, Saraswati Kunda, Vairab Kunda, and Gosaikunda ---the frozen lake which is a religious place and at the altitude of 4380m. It is believed that the holy lake was created by Lord Shiva to cool his after swallowing poison according to a Hindu mythology.
6. Tilicho Lake Trekking
Tilicho trek has been a star attraction hike for the Annapurna Circuit trekkers. It is located in the Manang district of Nepal which is located 55km from the city of the lake Pokhara and at the altitude of 4919 meters. This lake is the highest lake of its size at such a breathtaking altitude around the world.
The trekking trail to the highest lake in the world is full of traditional villages, lush valleys and the view of Himalayas. You will pass through some of the famous spots of the Annapurna region savoring the incredible view of mountain ranges like Mt. Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Manaslu which are all at the elevation above 8000m.
7. Ghorepani Poonhill Trekking
Ghorepani trekking is one of the short and easy route trekking destinations for the adventurous souls who can’t manage the 10+ days trekking routes. However, it doesn’t mean that it is less fun from other long route treks.
This trek is also quite famous as a short expedition to explore the beauty of the Annapurna region. You will be trekking alongside the terraced farmlands, dense rhododendron forest, and beautiful Gurung village. The trekking in this region is quite famous for the spring season as the forest is covered with the hypnotic beauty of the country’s national flower rhododendron. The high mountain scenery and the spectacular view of the Annapurna range are the stars of the Ghorepani trek.
The highest elevation in this trek, Poonhill is at the altitude of 3210m which will give an inner view of the beautiful Tamang and Gurung villages.
8. Rara(The Queen of lakes) Trekking
Famous as the Queen of Lakes this place peace and tranquility this trekking leads you to the rural villages of the Jumla and Mugu districts in the country. One of the largest lakes in Nepal will provide your expedition into the untainted wilderness of the country, enjoying the views of Himalayan ranges, diverse villages rich with Magars, Gurung, and Tibetian culture.
You will also travel through the Mincha village which is famous for the Buddhist religion and has tons of Buddhist stupas. Moreover, witnessing the beauty of Rara National Park which is known as a protective shelter for Himalayan Ghoral, leopard, Himalayan black bear, and musk deer. The national park is home to the 1074 flora species, 51 mammals and 214 diverse birdlife.
9. Mustang Trekking
Located at the Nepal-Tibet border, this region also reflects the beautiful Tibetan culture as well as similarly styled settlements. This region wasn’t open for trekking until 1992; its isolation has helped it preserve the centuries-old culture and religious structure. The 16th-century Buddhist monasteries and caves that are hidden within the high Himalayas are the major attraction of this trekking expedition.
The semi-arid desert of the Himalayan range engraved in the Tibetian culture makes this one of the hidden treasures for trekking enthusiasts. The highest point of this trek Dhakmar is at an altitude of 3810m from where you can savor the beauty of Niligiri, Dhaulagiri, and Annapurna including other Himalayan ranges.
Traveling across the salt caravan route, prayer flags, gompas and oldest monasteries in the word and white painted houses glorify this region’s beauty.
10. Manaslu Circuit Trek
The Manaslu circuit trek goes around the Mt. Manasalu which has been dubbed as the eighth tallest mountain in the world. The remote route, amazing topography, diverse village lifestyle mixed with Hindu and Tibetian culture will make this journey remarkable.
Further, the mesmerizing beauty of the Nepal-Tibet border, diverse-secluded topography, and beauty of Tsum Valley and MU gompa will add excitement to your adventurous journey. You will pass through several challenging mountains pass and reach the maximum elevation in this trek, Larkya Pass which is at the altitude of 5115m; getting lost and finding yourself in the celestial beauty of the Himalayan region.
11. Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trekking
The expedition on the world’s third-highest mountain and the country’s second-highest mountain range doesn’t fail to impress the sports enthusiast. The full-on exploration of east Nepal and the mesmerizing high mountain settlements is one of the best trekking routes in the country. Passing through the flourishing rhododendron and breathtaking scenery you will reach the highest point in this trekking expedition, Lapsang Pass which is at an altitude of 5160m.
The unrivaled beauty of the country at Sikkim and Tibet’s border, prosperous local culture added with the magic of the Himalayas will make your trip worth it. This region is also home to some of Asia’s exotic wildlife like blue sheep, black bears, goral, snow-leopard, serow, and musk deer including several others. So, you might get a chance to glance at these exotic wildlife creatures on your way to the greatest expedition of your life.
12. Annapurna Base Camp Trekking
Traveling through the beautiful hills and concluding the trip at the base of glorious mountain Annapurna will be a satisfying adventurous trip. The highest point in this trek is Annapurna base camp itself which is at the altitude of 4320m. The glorifying presence of the 10th highest mountain in the world and embracing the lap of this holy mountain is bound to give you an accomplished sensation.
You will pass through the beautifully diverse village, mesmerizing scenery, hospitable village, and scenic valleys; getting rewarded with the divine beauty of getting so close to the mountain which is above 8000m height will simply leave you speechless.
13. Makalu Base Camp Trekking
This trekking route leads to the foothill of the fifth highest mountain in the world Mt Makalu which is at the height of 8481m. This adventure-filled thrilling journey takes you through the remote topography, terraced farming, rhododendron forest, and simply breathtaking sceneries making this trekking route an amazing destination to enjoy the trekking in full throttle.
The maximum elevation at this location is at Shersong ridge which is at the altitude of 5250m. As this route is pretty remote, the trekking destination is at its glorifying natural state; this route also features Makalu Barun National Park along the way which is famous for conserving the Red Pandas. Besides that, the settlements of Rai culture people at the lower terrain and Sherpas at the high ground makes this region quite beautifully diverse.