Popular Trekking Regions in Nepal

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Nepal; one of the most exotic destinations in the planet is home to eight of the 14 tallest peaks on the globe. It has the most attractive and vivacious culture and friendly environment which attracts chiliad of explorers each year and has become a touristic hub for travelers, adventure lovers, mountaineers, and trekkers for several years.

Trekkers get spectacular views of the giant massifs, transformed landscapes, and shrubbery, distinct and some of the distinct flora and fauna in either conservation area, restricted regions, or inside the National Park during the trek. Most of the trekking destination of Nepal are facilitated by well-marked trails via cultivated lands of rice, paddy, wheat, buckwheat, potatoes, and more, pasturelands for yaks, sheep, and other cattle, leading up to the higher trails where the pressure of oxygenated air is thinner and the landscapes look more magnificent.

Nepal, the land of the Himalayas offers a plethora of trekking destinations which are combined in dozens of trekking regions. From the Api and Saipal to the west, one can explore Kanchenjunga to the east completing the ‘Great Himalayan Trails’. Trekkers do not hesitate to rejoice a significant moment that comes along the excursion of an expedition in Nepal.

The land of temples, religious diversity, cultural uniqueness, different Mane walls, prayer wheels and flags, torrential rivers, icy lakes, dazzling waterfalls, hospitable and loyal people can be explored throughout the trek. The teahouses and lodges are constructed in every stop making the trekkers comfortable and luxurious which serve both lodging and eateries. In this article, I have explained the top trekking regions of Nepal.

1. Everest Region

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The most popular trekking destinations of eastern Nepal, the Everest/Khumbu region are combined with numerous trekking destinations offering a wide range of trekking experiences. The home of legendry Sherpas, the Khumbu region has some of the tallest peaks including Mt. Everest, the tallest peak in the world.

The journey to Khumbu commences from Lukla, a small township having a small airstrip and a plethora of teahouses entering the Sagarmatha National Park- the highest elevated national park in the world that altitudes from 2800m to 8848.86m above sea level. Densely forested lands, river valleys with the astonishing views of the Himalayan ranges all around.

The endangered populaces of wildlife such as red panda, snow leopard, black bear, and musk dear with sporadic species of over 118 species of birds can be found here. Blossoming of Rhododendron, juniper, birch, firs, etc. comes under the mesmerizing and rare species of fauna that you can observe in this section.

To the west of this section remains Makalu section, a well-preserved miniature of cultures along with uncommon way of the people around which is less explored destination could be one of the most rewarding destinations in the world. Amid these all, Mt. Everest and other 3 major peaks including Cho-Oyu, Makalu, and Lhotse above 8000 meters are centers of the attraction. The stark beauty in the form of glacial lakes, resplendent rhododendron forests, native flora and fauna, charming villages, and ancient Buddhist monasteries all add up to make this region an irresistible tourist destination. Here are popular trekking routes in Everest Region.

2. Annapurna Region

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Annapurna means Goddess of Abundance. This region locates in two zones - Gandaki and Dhaulagiri. The districts in the Annapurna region are Baglung, Kaski, Lamjung, Manang, Mustang, and Myagdi. This is the Annapurna range which tops out with the 8091m Annapurna I, which was the first of the mighty ‘8000ers’ to be climbed (by Frenchmen Maurice Herzog and Louis Lachenal in 1950) and other mighty peaks as Annapurna III 7,555 m Annapurna IV 7,525 m, Annapurna South 7,219 m, Gangapurna 7,455 m, Annapurna II 7,937 m, Nilgiri (7,061 m) and Machhapuchchhre (6,993 m). Just west of the Annapurnas, one can witness the Dhaulagiri massifs which are popular as white peaks as well.

Dhaulagiri I (8,167 m) is just to the west of the Annapurnas and is perhaps the best overall trekking region in Nepal. A plethora of trekking destinations are available in the Annapurna section of Nepal from day hikes to months-long round Annapurna circuit and base camp treks. Standing at the highest elevated lake- Tilicho, the widest pass of the planet-Thorong-La, explore the highest elevated sacred Hindu shrine- Muktinath temple along with visit a couple of base camps viz.  Machhapuchre Base Camp and Annapurna Base Camp, have picturesque views from the great vantage point- Poonhill is simply amazing.

Visiting a couple of apple orchids, walking via densely forested lands, ramble around the world’s deepest gorge- Kali Gandaki gorge, diving into the hot spring at Tatopani/Jinnu Danda makes the journey to this region unique. Similarly, the ethics of Gurungs, Thakali, Magars, Chettries, Brahmins, and religious people of Hindu, Buddhist, etc. are widely admired in the region. Tea houses and other accommodation places are easily accessible in the Annapurna region due to the involvement of a higher number of tourists in the area. Here is the list of popular trekking destinations of the Annapurna region of Nepal.

3. Langtang Region

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One of the nearest destinations from the capital city-Kathmandu, Langtang lies just north of Kathmandu. Several trekking destinations are available in this region which combines with the Helambu section as well. Spectacular mountain ranges from Ganesh Himal to Langtang can be witnessed throughout the journey. Most of the trekking trails pass via Langtang National Park- the first Himalayan national park of Nepal established in 1971 and trekking packages are available from 7 days to 25 days.

People from different ethnic groups as Tamang, Magars, and Sherpa with distinct religious practices are found in Lantang. Although this region was hit hard by a massive earthquake in 2015, most of the constructions are already stood up by the rigorous effort of the government and locals. Uncommon culture and traditions are preserved well by the inhabitants of there around.

As trek traverse via either national parks or conservation areas, one can witness temperate and sub-alpine vegetation and some of the rare wildlife. Numerous birds of different classes, musk deer, monkeys, Himalayan Thar, pika, wild dog, wild boar, serow are found widely. The teahouses in this region are full in operation almost all year round. Both accommodation and eateries services are available in the same teahouses. In the evening, they burn a fire in the common fireplace making the surrounding warm in the icy atmosphere. Some of the popular trekking destinations of the Langtang Region are listed here.

4. Mustang Region

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A hidden gem of the Mustang is a distinct world with unique, dry, and high elevated landscapes which is quite similar to Tibetan. A restricted region of Nepal- Mustang needs a special permit to enter. As this region sits in the rain-shadow area of the Himalayas, trekking is possible throughout there except the mid-winter (which may be freezing cold). Most of the trekkers prefer to trek in spring, autumn, and even the monsoon months. Along with both camping and teahouse trek, Mustang can be explored via overland tour as well.

The last forbidden Himalayan Kingdom of Nepal- Upper Mustang is widely popular as a mysterious valley made up of semi-arid land. Known as a desert of Nepal, it witnesses very little rainfall making it very dry and parched, quite similar to the Tibetan plateau.

Known as a district beyond the Himalayas, Mustang situates is hidden behind the majestic Himalayan ranges which are filled with numerous trekking destinations. One can explore unique cultures, traditional performances, and the way of living which are different than the rest of the world. Visiting the capital of Upper Mustang- Lo Mantang, apple orchids of Marpha, Muktinath, centuries antique caves, and monuments is incredibly satisfying for those who are eager to experience the uncommon hospitality and warmth of the inhabitants living uniquely than the rest world. The people are living far behind the post-modern world and civilization. Here is the list of popular trips to the Mustang region.

5. Manaslu Region

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Manaslu is the 8 tallest peak in the world and trekking its foothills is to experience than that of trekking in the Everest and the Annapurna regions of Nepal. Trekking in the Manaslu region comprises sub-tropical Himalayan foothills to arid Trans-Himalayan high pastures bordering Tibet which are yet to see modernization and development. Trek along the less traveled trails through rural Nepal with epic views that have to be seen in all their glory.

The Manaslu Conservation Area declared as such in December 1998 under the National Parks and Wild Life Conservation Act, subsumes Manaslu within it. This area lies in the Gorkha district- one of the nearest districts from Kathmandu and is about 64 km (40 mi) east of Annapurna. Trekking around Manaslu Region has to gain one of the most popular trekking regions in Nepal. With a maximum height of 5,160 meters at Larkya La Pass, trek to the Manaslu region offers a grandiose experience throughout your life.

Isolated from innovation and commercialization, the local people’s lifestyle has changed little over the centuries, thus retaining their purity. Trekkers mostly choose to trek around mighty Manaslu (8156m) and some prefer to trek further remote parts of Tsum Valley which exhales to explore true Tibetan-styled cultures and the way of living. 

The journey to the Manaslu section commences from low land around 800m above sea level. This continues to Larkey La, the highest point of the journey- 5160m. The journey transverse via cultivated lands of rice, wheat, corn, millet and gradually climb up through forests, meadows, and, finally, through a daunting landscape of rock and ice. Despite the accolades, the trials here remain fairly quiet (though the number of trekkers is fast increasing) and you have to be prepared for fairly basic trekking lodges and food menus. Popular trekking destinations in the Manaslu Region are listed below.

Final Say

Holy Mountain Treks is here to grant the sectional trekking destinations of Nepal. The aforementioned destinations are the most popular trekking destinations located in different parts of Nepal. All of them have some similarities but numerous differences too.

Most of the trekking destinations require trekking permits to enter. Our team is dedicated to arranging everything you need here in Nepal. Therefore, feel free to take guidance from the Holy Mountain Treks to pick any of the trekking destinations from the above section.

Krishna Sapkota

Krishna is a content writer and tour guide of Holy Mountain Treks. As a guide and a writer, he has paid a visit to almost all the touristic destinations in Nepal. He has also been to major Trekking termini in Nepal. By means of his personal knowledge and experiences, he responds all your interrogations, creates blogs, articles and develops itineraries for your trips.

Krishna has been working in tourism sector since 2017, as he was running his Masters' degree. Afterward the accomplishment of his graduation, he is fully keen in this industry.

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