Trekking in the Himalayas

The Himalayas have long been a place of reference and inspiration for lovers of wild places. From glaciers to jungle, from snow-capped passes to valleys surrounded by massive walls, from remote plateaus to busy base camps.

While some seek to reach their highest mountains, many more take to trails in remote, winding valleys to walk through the heart of the mountains and live, if only for a few weeks, the life of an adventurer.

The 2,400 km of the Himalayan mountain range integrates the most spectacular treks in the world. From Pakistan to northern India, Nepal, Tibet and Bhutan. It includes classics such as treks to Everest and K2 base camps and the Annapurna Circuit. Also epic glacier trekking, ultra long expedition trekking and sacred treks. The Himalayas offer an unparalleled wealth of scenery and trekking opportunities.

You may be interested in: How to prepare for trekking at high altitude >>>>.

Practical guide

When to go?

Trekking in the Himalayas is monsoon-driven.

Most treks can be done in spring or autumn, while the northern Himalayan routes can be done during the summer.

Cities & Services

The treks described are in Nepal, Tibet, Bhutan, Pakistan and India (Ladakh, Zanskar, Garwhal, West Bengal and Sikkim), and each has a city as its centre of operations. These cities and towns are indicated.

Difficulty, some tips

Most of the trekkigs described above require a high level of fitness and require experience and appropriate equipment.

Not to be missed

Trekking to or around many of the world's highest mountains: Mount Everest, K2, Kangchenjunga, Makalu, AnnapurnaDhaulagiri, Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, Nanga Parbat, Nanda Devi, Gangkar Punsum, Mount Kailash and trips to remote places such as Zanskar, Biafo and Hispar glaciers and Dolpo.

Bhutan "

Routes in the Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan, including the Jhomolhari, Druk Path and Dagala routes. Most of the routes are in western and central Bhutan, and range from easy to strenuous, depending on length, altitude and difficulty.

• Lunana Snowman Trek
• Gangkar Punsum Base Camp

Nepal

Get to the heart of the Himalayas in Nepal. Tour Kathmandu's hidden courtyards and temples, reach the base of the world's highest mountains and explore the world's most spectacular trails. Kathmandu, Everest region, Annapurna region, Langtang, Helambu, Eastern Nepal, Western Nepal and more.

• Inner Dolpo: Shey Gompa and the Crystal Mountain
• Lower Dolpo: Juphal to Jumla
• Dhaulagiri Circuit
• Annapurna Circuit
• Annapurna Sanctuary
• Manaslu Circuit
• Langtang and Helambu
• Everest Base Camp
• Makalu Base Camp
• Kangchenjunga: North and South Base Camps

Kathmandu

• How to get there and out
• Getting around

Everest Region

Everest has an everlasting appeal for mountain lovers and the classic Everest Base Camp trekking is high on the trekkers' list. The most popular route follows the Khumbu Valley from Lukla, through Namche Bazaar and Gorakshep, to Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar, Everest's best viewpoint. Not to be forgotten is the classic route from Jiri to Lukla, taken by Tenzing Norgay and Sir Edmund Hillary, as well as a trek to the north of Gokyo with its spectacular lakes and the summit of Gokyo Ri. Finally, the Three Passes Trek, which also starts in Namche, links the main passes and valleys of the region.

Everest Base Camp Trek". 

More treks in the Everest region:

• Gokyo Trek".
• Three Passes Trek (Dingboche to Namche via Kongma La, Cho La, Renje La)
• Shivalaya to Lukla
• Numbur Cheese Circuit
• Dudh Kunda-Pikey Cultural Trail

Cities & Services

• Lukla
• Shivalaya
• Namche Bazaar

Annapurna Region " 

Nepal's captivating Annapurna region, among the foothills of the mighty Himalayas, is the most popular trekking area in Nepal. The classic Annapurna Circuit and Annapurna Sanctuary, as well as treks in the lesser known Machhapuchhre area, the foothills of the Lamjung Himal and restricted areas - Mustang, Damodar and Nar-Phu.

Areas to explore include Machhapuchhre, Pokhara and Lamjung Himal. The varied treks showcase this inspiring landscape, offering breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks and green valleys. From the classic Annapurna Circuit and the Annapurna Sanctuary to lesser-known routes, this is the ultimate guide to exploring Nepal's most popular trekking region.

Autumn (October-November-December) is the best season for clear views of the mountains and dry weather. In Spring (March-April-May) you will find a flowery landscape. Summer monsoon (June-July-August) OK for Mustang in the rain shadow of the Himalayas. Winter (January-February) cold but often clear, perhaps snowing.

Annapurna Himal Classic Circuit (Annapurna Himal)

More treks in the Annapurna region:

• Annapurna Panorama Trek / Poon Hill Trek (Annapurna Himal)
• Khopra Ridge Trek (Annapurna Himal)
• Annapurna Himal Sanctuary Trekking (Annapurna Himal)
• Nar-Phu Trek (Nar-Phu)
• Mustang Trek (Mustang)

Cities & Services

• Pokhara
• Naya Pul & Birethanti
• Besi Sahar
• Jomsom

Langtang, Helambu & Manaslu

Langtang Valley Trek " (Langtang Valley)

More trekking in the valleys of Langtang, Helambu & Manaslu :

• Ganja La Trek (Langtang Valley)
• Gosainkung Trek (Langtang Valley)
• Helambu Circuit Trek (Helambu)
• Manaslu Trek (Manaslu Himal) (Manaslu Himal)

Cities & Services

• Dhunche
• Syabrubesi
• Thulo Bharkhu
• Sundarijal
• Thimbu
• Arughat
• Gorkha

Eastern Nepal

Kanchenjunga trekking

More trekking in the Eastern Nepal :

• Lukla to Tumlingtar Trek (Arun & Makalu Valleys)
• Makalu Base Camp Trek (Arun & Makalu Valleys)
• Pathibhara & Limbu
• Cultural Trail

Cities & Services

• Tumlingtar
• Khandbari
• Biratnagar
• Dharan
• Hile
• Taplejung
• Basantpur

Western Nepal

Rara Lake Trek (Rara National Park)

More trekking in the Eastern Nepal :

• Jumla to Dunai Trek (Dolpo)
• Kagmara La Trek (Dolpo)
• Phoksumdo Lake Trek (Dolpo)
• Phoksumdo Lake Trek via Do Tarap (Dolpo)
• Beni a Dolpo Trek (Dolpo)
• Phoksumdo Lake to Shey Gompa Trek (Inner Dolpo)
• Limi Valley Trek (Humla)
• Shey Gompa to Jomsom
• Tour of Dhaulagiri
• Gerrilla Trek
• Saipal base camp trekking

Cities & Services

• Nepalganj
• Jumla
• Dunai
• Beni
• Simikot

Tibet

• Mount Kailash Kora " // 4-5 day trek around sacred Mount Kailash in western Tibet, following the pilgrim route. Although short, this high-altitude route should not be undertaken lightly: getting there is an odyssey in itself, Mount Kailash remains isolated and remote.
• Everest from Tibet // Trekkings approaching Everest from Tibet: Tingri to Everest Base Camp in Rongbuk and from Kharta to the face of Kangshung.

India

• Zanskar Dream Trek (Ladakh)
• Nanda Devi (Garhwal and Kumaon)
• Kanchenjunga: Singalila Ridge and Goecha La (West Bengal and Sikkim)

Pakistan

• K2 and Concordia
• Snow Lake
• Nanga Parbat