Trekking Areas
Trekking Areas
Annapurna Region – By far the most popular region. Popular not just because of it’s beauty as all trekking areas around Nepal offer stunning, extraordinary views, but because of it’s location. Being in close proximity to Pokhara a beautiful lakeside town used as the starting point for many of Annapurna’s treks and also being just half a days drive from Chitwan National Park, make it an ideal trekking destination for tourists in a rush.
Being so popular, it is also the most “developed” offering ample tourist comforts and accomodations along the trekking routes. This area harbors some of the most varied populations and cultures offering a great overall “Nepal” experience for the first time visitor.
This famous trekking destination path is really a trade route between Pokhara, Jomsom, Upper Mustang and beyond. Following the Kali Gandaki river through the deepest gorge in the world it offers such attractions for the excited traveler as Poon Hill a famous sunrise vantage point for the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges and Muktinath an ancient pilgrimage site a days trek from Jomsom the administrative center of the Mustang district. Winding its way up through Thorung La pass the circuit eventually makes its way back to Pokhara.
Visit the Annanapurna Conservation Area specific page of our Nepal Attractions Encyclopedia for more detail on this destination.
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see the frequented trekking routes around the area for more ideas.
Despite opening to tourism in the 1950’s, many areas of Nepal are still considered “forbidden” although today all areas are accessible with the right permits. The region just north of Annapurna bordering Tibet known as Upper Mustang, is still considered a restricted area. Access is granted to those willing to pay the $700.00US minimum on top of the relatively inexpensive regular trekking permit. However a relatively little known fact is that access to part of the region can be reached through Kagbeni about an hours trek away in a town called Tiri. Technically, Tiri is in the restricted zone but the area has recently been annexed for regular permit holders.
Manasalu Area – Following the example of the ACAP project, this area is predominantly a trekking destination. Although commonly called the Manasalu Conservation Area, it is home to more than 7000 locals. The major ethnic group living in the villages, are the Gurungs. This area offers classic routes for travelers featuring mountain settlements and spectacular views.
Visit the Manasalu Conservation Area specific page of our Nepal Attractions Encyclopedia for more detail on travel to this destination.
Solu-Khumbu District – This area, also known as the Sagarmatha National Park, is located in the northeast of Nepal in the Mount Everest Region, is the second most popular trekking destination in Nepal. Though most treks start out in Jiri, many choose to cut out a week by flying to Lukla and trek to a Sherpa village known as Namche Bazaar. From there trek to the famous Mount Everest Basecamp. Standing here, you will be as close as the average person would want to get to the highest point in the world. Someone who travels here will see people from different ethnic groups from the Tamang, Jireo, and the Rai community.
For those who travel to Mount Everest basecamp, they will see some of the most breathtaking views, partially from its beauty and partially from its elevation, surely the destination for most Sagarmatha Region treks. Of course to those that dare, the trail does not end there for them it is just a resting place before attempting an ascent to the top.
For information for travel specific to Sagarmatha (Everest) National Park visit our Sagarmatha (Everest) description.
Langtang Region – Situated north of Kathmandu, it is the third most popular trekking destination. Langtang is a National Park, around which Helambu, a fairly standard hill near Kathmandu, is home to some Sherpa populations Tamang casts, and Hindu casts in the valley. Langtang is also home to the most popular Hindu pilgrimage site Gosaikunda Lake and features some of the most extreme topography in and around Nepal offering an interesting mix of climates and vegetation zones to its patrons.
Containing such a wide variety of habitats from subtropical to alpine, it is home to many species such as pheasants, and mammals such as the musk deer, Himalayan tahar, and the red panda. When trekking in the spring, it is also possible to see a plethora of flowers and Nepal’s many butterfly species. The trekking area is divided into three sub-divisions which are all connected by trails. For a travel group planning to visit this area, they should opt to stay for a minimum of a week in each division. Many choose to just see one or two, while others all three.
For more specific information on travel to the Langtang National Park visit our Langtang National Park description.
Kanchanjunga Region – Though this is a slightly harder destination to get to, this area offers some of the most pristine forests in Nepal. The Kanchanjunga area is more suitable for the physically fit and dedicated trekker. It provides less guest houses than some of the other routes, meaning you would have to camp out more of the time and pack your own food and gear (or hire a Sherpa to carry your food and gear). Being remote and not populated with many travel groups, it provides a more intimate experience with Nepal and it’s culture.
Some of the other sights to see are the vast amount of different mountain views. Kanchanjunga is also the third highest peak in the world. Treks are available to the north or the south basecamps of Kanchanjunga or even both.
For more specific information on travel to the Kanchanjunga Conservation Area, visit our Kanchanjunga Conservation Area description.
Western Nepal – This is the most remote area of Nepal and one where the population has the least contact with western travelers. If you seek the traditional mountain views this area is probably the least popular – but if you seek unmolested Nepali culture that has had the least amount of western influence, this is the area for you. Not recommended for the new trekker, as the area is remote, distances are vast, and food as you know it, will not available west of the Dhaulagiri range. Meaning you will have to bring with you any food you will need for your trek in and out. The ethnic groups that you could come in contact with are the Hindu castes, Bho Tiya, and Thakuri.
Although considered less biologically rich versus other parts of Nepal, this area remains largely unexplored by the scientific community. This gives new travel adventurers the chance to possibly discover something new. Among the animals that have been previously spotted are the snow leopard and numerous species of birds. In fact you might even see some migrating birds that stop for a rest in Rara Lake. If you are lucky, you may have an encounter with the fabled Himalayan blue sheep prized by trophy chasing hunters from around the world. (For more info about these “trophy” animals, visit our Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve page.)
The forests in these areas remain temperate and are dominated by conifers. The general consensus is that if this is your first time trekking in Nepal, it is best to choose one of the other more access-friendly areas such as the Annapurna or Everest regions.
Other Areas – Before there were roads, there were paths. These paths criss cross and span all of Nepal. To the experienced trekker having visited all or most of the above, new uncharted territory is still out there to be explored. Please contact us Avia Tours & Travel if you are one of those seeking such an adventure…
For more related article on Nepal Travel please visit the Nepal Travel Articles Section.
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