Hiking in Nepal
Nepal
Teahouse treks you can book before you fly
Named treks run on a visitor system: guides, porters, and lodges a traveler can arrange. The path is the product, not insider GPS. Permits are normal and handled with the trek.
- Bookable guided treks
- Teahouse nights on the trail
- Permit via the operator
The vibe
Walking here means moving between terraced hillsides and towering limestone faces on paths worn deep by centuries of foot traffic. The autumn and spring months bring crisp skies and steady footing that draw walkers from across the globe. You share the stone steps with local farmers and porters, moving independently between tea houses without needing a tightly packed tour.
TIMS card and regional entry permits are checked at various trailheads.
Annapurna Circuit Trek
Gandaki Province
Sergey Ashmarin / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
One of the world's most legendary alpine treks, looping through diverse landscapes from subtropical river valleys up to the high-altitude Thorong La Pass at 5,416 meters. Hikers encounter dramatic gorges, terraced fields, and towering Himalayan peaks including Annapurna and Dhaulagiri. Teahouses along the route provide cozy lodging and hearty local food.
Access. Accessible via bus or private jeep from Pokhara to trailheads like Besisahar or Dharapani. Most independent hikers and guided groups arrange permits in Kathmandu or Pokhara.
Notes. Requires TIMS card and Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP). High altitude sickness is a serious hazard at Thorong La Pass; proper acclimatization is essential.
Everest Base Camp Trek
Koshi Province
Clinton Weaver · Pexels
An iconic Himalayan trek following in the footsteps of mountaineering legends to the foot of the world's highest peak. The trail winds through Sagarmatha National Park, crossing suspension bridges draped in prayer flags, passing through Sherpa villages like Namche Bazaar, and climbing up to Kala Patthar for panoramic views of Everest.
Access. Begins with a spectacular mountain flight from Kathmandu to Lukla airport, followed by a well-trodden foot trail upward through the Khumbu valley.
Notes. Requires Sagarmatha National Park entry permit and Khumbu Pasang Lhamu rural municipality permit. Acclimatization days in Namche Bazaar and Dingboche are vital to avoid altitude sickness.
Gosaikunda Lake Trek
Bagamati Province
MateoTimateo / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
A sacred alpine pilgrimage trail climbing steeply through dense alpine forests to a cluster of pristine glacial lakes set high in the Langtang National Park. Hindu pilgrims flock here in summer, while trekkers enjoy sweeping ridgeline views stretching across to the Annapurnas.
Access. Trailheads begin from Sundarijal near Kathmandu or from Dhunche, connecting into the Langtang trail network.
Notes. Involves steep ascents reaching over 4,300 meters at the lakes, meaning altitude sickness is a risk. Weather can change rapidly along the exposed ridgelines.
Poon Hill Sunrise Trek
Gandaki Province
Swinelin at English Wikipedia / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)
A classic, accessible short trek in the Annapurna foothills famous for panoramic sunrise views over the high Himalayas. The trail meanders through dense rhododendron forests, stone-paved staircases, and charming Gurung villages like Ghorepani and Tadapani.
Access. Typically starts with a drive from Pokhara to Nayapul or Hille, making it ideal for travelers with limited time who want a Himalayan trek experience.
Notes. Requires an Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and TIMS card. Spring brings magnificent blooming rhododendron flowers across the hillsides.
Upper Mustang Trek
Gandaki Province
Aworld2bb / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
A restricted high-altitude desert trek traversing a dramatic rain-shadow landscape of dramatic red cliffs, ancient cave dwellings, and whitewashed Tibetan-style villages. Trekkers explore the walled medieval capital of Lo Manthang, experiencing a preserved culture virtually untouched by modern mass tourism.
Access. Starts with a flight from Pokhara to Jomsom, followed by trekking northward into the restricted Mustang region, or via 4WD jeep tours along rugged mountain tracks.
Notes. Strictly requires a special restricted area permit, a licensed guide, and a minimum of two trekkers. High winds and arid desert conditions require specialized gear.