Most treks in Nepal are teahouse treks: you walk 5–7 hours a day between villages and sleep in simple lodges with dal bhat on the menu. The Everest Base Camp trek takes 12–14 days from Kathmandu, climbs to Kala Patthar (5,644 m) and usually costs US$1,300–1,800 with Lukla flights. The Annapurna Base Camp trek takes 10–12 days, tops out at 4,130 m and costs about US$750–1,100. Shorter options include Ghorepani Poon Hill (3,210 m) in 4–5 days from Pokhara and the Langtang valley in 7–9 days, reached by road from Kathmandu.
Longer routes cross high passes. The Annapurna Circuit climbs over Thorong La (5,416 m) between Manang and Muktinath in 12–16 days. The Manaslu circuit crosses Larkya La at about 5,100 m and needs a restricted area permit, a minimum of two trekkers and a licensed guide. Since 2023 Nepal has required foreign trekkers on most national park and conservation area routes to walk with a licensed guide, and park entry permits are checked along the trail. Permit fees and guide rules change, so check current status before you travel.
Altitude is the main risk, not fitness. Above 3,000 m we plan to raise your sleeping height by no more than 300–500 m a day and add a rest day for every 1,000 m or so, such as two nights at Namche Bazaar (3,440 m) and another at Dingboche. Headache, nausea and poor sleep are early signs of acute mountain sickness; the cure is to stop climbing or descend. October and November give the clearest views, spring brings rhododendrons, and the June–September monsoon brings leeches, cloud and flight delays on most routes.
How to choose a trek
- Pick the length you can spare
Count the days you have, then subtract one buffer day for flights, especially to Lukla. With 5–6 days, Poon Hill or Mardi Himal fit; with 10–12, Annapurna Base Camp or Langtang; with 14 or more, Everest Base Camp, Gokyo or the Annapurna and Manaslu circuits.
- Match the grade to your fitness
Easy and moderate treks need no experience, just 4–6 hours a day of walking on uneven stone steps. Challenging routes add long days above 4,500 m and a high pass. Train for six to eight weeks with stairs, hill walks and a loaded day pack, and you will enjoy the trail far more.
- Decide on simple lodges or comfort
Standard teahouses have twin rooms, shared toilets and charging for a fee. On the Everest trail, Yeti Mountain Home lodges add attached bathrooms and better beds for a higher price. Annapurna lodges are simpler but closer together. Tell us your comfort level and we plan the overnight stops around it.
- Plan permits and insurance early
Restricted areas such as Manaslu, Upper Mustang and Tsum Valley need a special permit arranged through a registered agency with your passport details. Every trekker should carry insurance that covers helicopter evacuation up to at least 6,000 m. Indian nationals still need permits, though fees differ by nationality; check current status before you travel.
