Nepal Hiking & Trekking Tour Packages, Best Climbing Adventure Trips

Nepal Tour Overview

Nepal, the birthplace of Buddha and home to Mount Everest, the world’s tallest mountain, is a must-visit for mountain climbers and spiritual seekers. Nestled between India and China, this small landlocked country boasts a rich mix of Hindu, Buddhist, and Nepali traditions and stunning sceneries encompassing snow-capped mountains and lush landscapes. With access to eight of the 26,000-foot (8000 mt) peaks and hiking trails in the massive Himalayas, Nepal is a true trekker’s paradise. 

Nepal Visitor Insights

• Continent: Asia

• Time-Zone: NPT (Nepal Time ) UTC/GMT +5:45 hours 

• Language: English & Nepali

What currencies are accepted in Nepal?

Nepal’s official currency is the Nepalese Rupee (NPR). Credit and debit cards are accepted at hotels but not in rural areas. Ensure you have enough cash with you before starting your trek.

What Are the Top 10 Treks in Nepal?

• Everest Base Camp (EBC) 

Highest Elevation: 17,598 feet (5,364 mt) 

Days: 10-14

Grade: Difficult

Hiking to the base of Mount Everest, the world’s highest peak, is a bucket-list adventure that draws nearly 40,000 trekkers each year. The journey begins in Lukla through culturally rich Sherpa villages, ancient monasteries, and lush forests, offering stunning views of Everest, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam along the way. Known for cozy tea houses run by locals, the Everest Base Camp (EBC) trek is a true Nepal experience. This challenging trek reaches 17,598 feet (5,364 mt) and demands good physical fitness and high altitude trekking experience. Highlights include the panoramic view from Kala Patthar, the oldest Tengboche Monastery, and the massive Khumbu and Ngozumpa Glaciers—the largest in Nepal. You can also take a detour to visit the Gokyo Lakes. 

• Annapurna Base Camp (ABC)

Highest Elevation: 13,550 feet (4,130 mt) 

Days: 9

Grade: Moderate to Difficult

If you’re eager to get close to another eight-thousander mountain, the Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) Trek should be your next choice, taking you closer to Annapurna I at 26,550 feet (8,091 mt), the tenth highest and deadliest peak. ABC is renowned for its cozy lodges with breathtaking views of the Annapurna Glacier and Annapurna massif, including peaks like Annapurna I, III, and the iconic, fish-tailed Machapuchare. Starting in Pokhara, this trek with its diverse landscapes from lush rhododendron forests and terraced fields to scenic alpine meadows, offers an unforgettable hiking experience in the Annapurna Sanctuary.

• Annapurna Circuit Trek

Highest Elevation: 13,550 feet (4,130 mt) 

Days: 15-20 days

Grade: Moderate to Difficult

Another popular trek in the Annapurna region is the Annapurna Circuit, a route that encircles the Annapurna massif, reaching a high point at the Thorong La Pass at 17,769 feet (5,416 mt). Depending on your chosen trail, the hike spans around 100-145 miles (160-230 km) through two river valleys, subtropical lowlands, and a high-altitude Tibetan plateau. Most trekkers prefer hiking counterclockwise for a safer ascent. The route offers views of majestic peaks like Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhre, Manaslu, and Tilicho Peak. Starting from Besisahar, the trek is renowned for its cultural richness, with Tibetan-influenced villages, serene tea houses, and sacred temples. Tilicho Lake at 16,138 feet (4,919 mt) is another thrilling option to add to this Nepal hiking adventure.

• Manaslu Circuit Trek 

Highest Elevation: 16,752 feet (5,106 mt) 

Days: 13-15

Grade: Moderate to Difficult

The Manaslu Circuit Trek is a remote and off-beat hike that loops around Manaslu, the world’s eighth-highest peak at 26,781 feet (8,163 mt). Located in the Manaslu Conservation Area, the circuit trek passes through lush forests and alpine meadows with rare sightings of red pandas and snow leopards. A highlight is the Larkya La Pass at 16,752 feet (5,106 mt), one of the longest and most scenic passes in the Himalayas. Other spots to check out are the Manaslu Base Camp at 15,748 feet (4,800 mt) with views of 22,000-foot (7,000 mt) peaks, the tranquil Birendra Lake at 12,109 feet (3,691 mt), and the culturally rich Nubri and Tsum Valleys with unique Tibetan-influenced villages and monasteries.

• Gokyo Lakes Trek 

Highest Elevation: 17,990 feet (5,483 mt) 

Days: 12-14

Grade: Moderate to Difficult

The Gokyo Lakes Trek in Nepal’s Khumbu region is a stunning yet challenging journey to the world’s highest freshwater lake system at 15,419 feet (4,700 mt). The six crystal-clear Gokyo Lakes are the prime attraction that offers breathtaking views of iconic peaks like Everest, Cho Oyu, and Makalu along with the massive Ngozumpa Glacier, Nepal’s largest. The trek leads to landmarks like Namche Bazaar and Kala Patthar before reaching Gokyo Ri at 17,575 feet (5,357 mt). From this viewpoint, you’ll see panoramas of the Gokyo Lakes, Ngozumpa Glacier, and the towering Himalayan mountains.

• Langtang Trek

Highest Elevation: 12,500 feet (3,810 mt)  

Days: 7

Grade: Moderate 

The Langtang Valley Trek is a moderate and popular Nepal trekking option suitable for beginners with good fitness that accesses the massive Himalayas from a lower altitude. Starting from Syabrubesi village in Rasuwa district, this trek leads to Kyanjin Gompa at 12,570 feet (3,830 mt) and the lush Langtang Himal. Along the way, you’ll explore ancient monasteries and a traditional Yak Cheese Factory, and enjoy close views of Langtang Lirung, the highest peak in the Langtang region. The trek also features Kyanjin Ri, the highest viewpoint of this hike at 14,107 feet (4,300 mt). 

• Upper Mustang Trek

Highest Elevation: 13,188 feet (4020 mt) 

Days: 12-14

Grade: Moderate to Difficult

Upper Mustang is a hidden gem in Nepal, formerly known as the Kingdom of Lo. It was closed off until 1992 to preserve its unique culture and traditions. The trek through Upper Mustang leads you to Lo Manthang, the region's ancient capital, famous for its monasteries and rich Tibetan culture. Starting and ending at Kagbeni, the trek follows the Kali Gandaki River, through striking red canyons showcasing villages with houses on massive edges.

Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek

Highest Elevation: 17,585 feet (5,360 mt) 

Days: 15-17

Grade: Difficult

If you're seeking a challenging adventure that feels like an expedition, the Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek is perfect for you as it’s one of the toughest in Nepal encircling the world’s seventh-highest peak, Dhaulagiri. You’ll start your journey in Pokhara and explore Marpha, famous for its apples. The trek takes you to three major base camps—Dhaulagiri Base Camp, Glacier Camp, and Italian Base Camp as well as Himalayan passes like Dhampus Pass and French Pass.

• Mount Kailash and Mansarovar

Highest Elevation: 15,944 feet (4860 mt) 

Days: 10

Grade: Moderate

Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar are revered as sacred sites in Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism. The trek to the base of Mount Kailash offers a more spiritual journey through the high-altitude Tibetan Plateau from Kathmandu before entering China. You can complete the Parikrama (circumambulation) of Kailash and take a holy dip in Lake Mansarovar for a spiritual experience.

• Island Peak Trek

Highest Elevation: 20,305 feet (6,189 mt)

Days: 18-20

Grade: Moderate to Difficult

Island Peak is your chance to get an exhilarating high-altitude climbing experience at 20,305 feet (6,189 mt) on relatively accessible terrain. The trek is a mountaineering expedition that takes you to its summit offering panoramic views of Lhotse, Everest, and Ama Dablam. 

Things to Do in Nepal

In Nepal, you can enjoy a range of activities beyond hiking. In Kathmandu, visit the Pashupatinath Temple and Boudhanath Stupa to experience the country’s rich culture and go shopping in Namche Bazaar and Thamel. For adventure, try bungee jumping in Hemja, Pokhara, or go river rafting on the BhoteKoshi and Seti Rivers. You can also take a safari in Chitwan National Park to see wildlife or go boating on Phewa Tal Lake. Catch the colorful Tihar Festival celebrated across the country annually in October or November.

Best Time to Visit Nepal

For trekking in Nepal, spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) are the best seasons. In spring, the weather is mild and the landscapes are cheerful. Fall provides cooler temperatures and stunning mountain scenery, plus the chance to celebrate Dashain and Tihar festivals. Winter (December to February) is snowy and cold and the monsoon season (June to August) brings heavy rain, making it unsuitable for trekking.

Essential Advice and Tips for Nepal Tour

• Always hire a trekking guide to enhance your experience and ensure your safety.

• Use a universal adapter to charge your electronic devices.

• Be cautious of taxi fraud;  use registered and metered taxis.

• It’s illegal to take Nepalese currency outside of Nepal.

• Whether you’re trekking or not, purchase travel insurance to cover theft, loss, or injury.

• All foreign nationals, except for Indians, need a visa to enter Nepal.

• While you might not need a trekking permit, you’ll require a TIMS card and will need to pay national park entry fees for the Annapurna, Everest, and Langtang areas.

• Carry extra passport-size photos for documentation or permits.

How much does it cost for the Nepal Tour?

The cost of Nepal tour packages varies based on the number of people, duration, and locations included. At AdventureTripr, we offer affordable Nepal trekking tours to suit your budget and requirements.

Nepal Accommodation

Teahouses or guest houses are the typical accommodation options offered on Nepal trekking packages. These lodges have Wi-Fi and electricity (only at lower altitudes.) You can opt for luxury and budget hotels in Kathmandu and Pokhara. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Question 1: How to reach Nepal?

Answer 1: You can reach Nepal by flying into Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, connected to major cities in Asia. You can also travel by land from India through the popular border crossings from Sunauli-Bhairahawa (near Lumbini).

Question 1: How to travel within Nepal?

Answer 2: In Nepal, you can take domestic flights to places like Pokhara and Lukla. You can also take buses, tourist coaches, or rent cars, but be aware that the roads can be rough. 

Question 3: Is it necessary to hire a guide to hike in Nepal?

Answer 3: While it's not mandatory, hiring a guide is highly recommended, especially at higher altitudes where trails can be challenging. A guide can help navigate difficult terrains and assist with local communication.

Question 4: Is altitude sickness a concern in Nepal?

Answer 4: Yes, altitude sickness can be an issue, particularly for those not used to high altitudes. Proper acclimatization, including enough rest and hydration, is crucial. Opt for an experienced tour operator who can monitor you for altitude sickness symptoms and take immediate safety measures.

Question 5: What kind of food is available in Nepal?

Answer 5: Teahouses on the slopes offer local dishes like lentils and rice, as well as pasta, pancakes, and soups.