So you are planning to trek in Nepal but don’t know a thing about it? Here is a complete guide trekking in Nepal for beginners. Learn more about Nepal hikes for beginers or first-timers.
Pokhara View from World Peace Pagoda
Nepal is a paradise for trekking lovers and famous due to many reasons. First, Nepal is the home of eight highest mountains out of ten in the world including the world’s tallest mountain Mount Everest (8848m). Nepal offers many trekking opportunities from high altitude (up to 6000m) to lower altitude, from adventure trekking to slow and budget trekking. Moreover, Nepal is the perfect destination for any kind of adventure seekers from solo trekkers to group/family trekkers, and completely safe for trekking in any region in Nepal including Everest, Annapurna, Langtang, etc.
Spring is the ideal season for trekking in Nepal as this season offers moderate warm temperatures and blossoming flora. Early spring tends to be a little colder with pleasant temperatures at the low altitude (below 3000 meters), making the trekking in the reasons such as Ghorepani Poonhill Trek in Annapurnas enjoyable. The early spring is a snow melting season, if you trek up to 3000 meters, you get to see snow on the trail and the temperature is quite colder. After late March, elevations over 3000m have a moderate temperature, making the day sunny, clear, and warm trekking surroundings.
Trekking to Everest Base Camp During March
March, April, and May are considered some of the best seasons of the year for trekking in Nepal and it is highly recommended to trek in Nepal if you can visit during this time. Spring brings sunny days and warmer temperatures with blossoming rhododendrons and other wild flora in the trekking trails.
Summer brings monsoon in Nepal which typically starts from early June to mid-September. Trekking in Nepal during summer is usually not recommended. As soon as summer starts, you experience high temperatures, frequent rain, and muddy road. Mountains are usually covered by the clouds and the lower parts are largely muddy and see numbers of leaches.
View from Dhulikhel town – photo taken during monsoon with a rainbow view
However, if you are fond of green scenery, fresh air, and clear skies, the summer could be the best option. If you are trekking in high places such as Upper Mustang, Dolpo, Tibet, the summer offers ideal conditions, protecting from monsoon and opportunity to experience the highland culture and spectacular high Himalayan scenery.
The autumn season from September to November is the most ideal season for trekking in Nepal. This season offers excellent weather and appealing mountain views, the warm temperature during the day, and a little colder during nights, welcoming major festivals like Dashain and Tihar is being celebrated across the country, the autumn season makes of the best times for trekking in Nepal.
While spring and autumn are typically the best times to trek in Nepal, winter (December, January, and February) also offers excellent views of the mountains and clear skies. Although, it is not recommended to trek to the high elevation over 4000m as it is too cold especially for those who live the tropical areas and do not like cold weather. Also, the trekking trails can be blocked due to heavy snow in the high altitude trekking regions, although there are some recommended trekking trails that you can trek during the winter season. Nepal still offers some of the pleasing lower altitude trekking routes that can attract any trekkers who wanted to visit Nepal during the winter season.
Trekking in Nepal up to the elevation of 5500m above sea level requires average fitness but proper willingness. However, trek in the Himalayan regions needs substantial physical challenges, and the more fit you are the more you can enjoy the trek. There are a few points that you need to consider before you start the trek in Nepal.
There are many trekking destinations where you can trek without hiring a guide/porter but buying the required permits. If you are planning to trek on a low budget, you can plan without a guide. Trekking in Nepal without guide services costs you around US$ 30- US$ 40 per day for accommodation and meals. However, we strongly recommend you to hire a guide/porter through a reliable trekking company. If you book through the company, the costs would be around US$ 80 – US$ 90 per day including guides, porters, accommodation, meals, company service fees, etc. The cost may vary if you are trekking in remote areas and high in the mountains.
There are many lower altitudes trekking destinations in Nepal that can be suitable for family trekking from child to senior citizens. Nepal has several slow and easy multi-day hiking trails with alluring mountain views and enchanting local villages. A group of families can experience the local lifestyles and traditions of Nepalese communities hiking through the beautiful villages across the countries. There some ideal destinations that can be chosen for the family adventure group such as Balthali Village trekking, Kathmandu Valley Cultural trekking, Ghorepani poon hill trekking, Dhampus Trekking, etc.
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