1. Manaslu Trek: A Hidden Gem in the Himalayas
2. An Adventure to the World's Third-Highest Mountain
3. A Journey Through Nepal's Diverse Landscapes
4. A Himalayan Paradise: A Tour to the Everest Region
5. Dolpa
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03.12. - 05.23.2019
The
Manaslu Circuit Trek
in Nepal is a challenging and rewarding multi-day journey that circumnavigates Mount Manaslu (8,163m), the world's eighth-highest mountain. Known for being less crowded than the Annapurna and Everest regions, it offers a remote, authentic Himalayan experience with rich cultural immersion in Tibetan-influenced villages.
Key Features and Highlights
Scenery: The trek traverses a wide range of ecosystems, from subtropical forests and terraced fields in the lower elevations to high-altitude alpine and arid landscapes near the Tibetan border. Trekkers are rewarded with breathtaking views of Manaslu, the Annapurna range, and the Ganesh Himal.
Culture: The trail passes through villages where the culture shifts from predominantly Hindu to distinct Tibetan Buddhist traditions, featuring ancient monasteries, mani walls, and prayer flags. The connected Tsum Valley, a sacred "beyul" (hidden valley), can be included as a side trek for deeper cultural insight.
Difficulty & Duration: The standard Manaslu Circuit trek typically takes 13 to 18 days and is considered hard or strenuous. The main challenge is crossing the high-altitude Larkya La Pass (5,160m).
Accommodation: The route primarily uses teahouses and guesthouses, eliminating the need for extensive camping gear.
Wildlife: The trek goes through the Manaslu Conservation Area, which is home to diverse wildlife, including the snow leopard, Himalayan Thar, and blue sheep.
Essential Requirements
The Manaslu region is a restricted area, so specific regulations must be followed:
Mandatory Guide: Trekkers are not allowed to trek solo and must be accompanied by a government-licensed Nepali guide.
Group Size: You must be in a group of at least two people.
Permits: Special permits are required, including:
Restricted Area Permit (RAP)
Manaslu Conservation Area Project (MCAP) Permit
Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) Permit (as the trek ends by joining the Annapurna Circuit trail).
Permits must be arranged through a registered trekking agency. More information on trekking permits is available via the Nepal Tourism Board or the Department of Immigration.
Best Time to Trek
The best seasons for the Manaslu trek are:
Spring: March to June
Autumn: September to November
These periods offer the most stable weather conditions and clear mountain views
Key Features |
|---|
All-Inclusive |
2h Ferry ride to destination |
12 days |
Snorkling kit inclusive |
Starting at $1,800.00 p.p |
12.21. - 02.01.2019
The Kanchenjunga trek is a challenging, remote, and highly rewarding high-altitude adventure in the far eastern region of Nepal, leading to the base camps of the world's third-highest mountain, Mt. Kanchenjunga (8,586m). It is ideal for experienced trekkers seeking solitude and pristine wilderness.
Key Features of the Kanchenjunga Trek
Difficulty: Rated as challenging or strenuous due to its remoteness, rugged terrain, high altitude, and long daily hiking hours (typically 6-7 hours). Prior trekking experience is recommended.
Duration: A full circuit trek typically ranges from 18 to 26 days, including travel to and from Kathmandu. Shorter itineraries focusing on only one base camp are also available.
Highest Point: The trek reaches a maximum elevation of around 5,140 to 5,143 meters at the North Base Camp (Pangpema).
Scenery & Culture: The trail traverses a diverse landscape, from lush subtropical jungles and rhododendron forests to alpine pastures and glaciated areas. Trekkers also gain insights into the unique cultures of local communities like the Limbus and Tibetan Buddhists.
Permits & Logistics: The area is protected within the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area, and special trekking permits are required. Trekkers cannot trek solo and must be part of an organized team.
Best Time to Go
The ideal seasons for the Kanchenjunga trek are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). During these times, the weather is more stable, trails are in good condition, and mountain views are clear.
Itinerary Overview
The trek generally starts after a flight from Kathmandu to Bhadrapur, followed by a drive to Taplejung/Suketar and then the trailhead at Sekathum or Ranipul. A full circuit typically visits both the North Base Camp (Pangpema) and the South Base Camp (Oktang/Ramche), involving a traverse across high passes like the Sele Le Pass.
Key Features |
|---|
All-Inclusive |
Departure at Cape Town |
14 day cruise |
2 day explorers camp |
Starting at $6,400.00 p.p. |
09.04. - 10.16.2019
The Annapurna region of Nepal offers several notable treks, each with its own character and level of difficulty. The most popular are the
, the
Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) Trek
, and the shorter
.
The
Annapurna Circuit
is a renowned multi-week journey that circles the entire Annapurna range.
Duration: Typically 12 to 21 days, depending on the itinerary and inclusion of side trips.
Difficulty: Strenuous, primarily due to the high altitude and crossing of the Thorong La Pass (5,416 m / 17,769 ft).
Scenery: Offers a wide variety of landscapes, from lush, subtropical forests at lower elevations to arid, desert-like terrain in the rain shadow of the mountains.
Accommodation: Trekkers stay in local "teahouses," family-run lodges that provide basic food and lodging in villages along the trail.
Permits: Requires both a TIMS (Trekkers Information Management System) card and an ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Permit).
Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) Trek
The
leads you deep into the heart of the Annapurna Sanctuary, a natural amphitheater of towering peaks.
Duration: Generally shorter than the Circuit, taking about 7 to 12 days.
Difficulty: Considered hard due to the long, steep ascents and high altitude, but it is less challenging than the
.
Scenery: The route passes through dense rhododendron forests and the steep-sided Modi Khola gorge before arriving at the base camp with its impressive mountain views.
Accommodation: Trekkers stay in teahouses along the trail.
Permits: Also requires both a TIMS card and an ACAP.
This is a shorter, moderate trek ideal for those with less time or experience.
Duration: Can be completed in as little as 3–5 days.
Difficulty: Moderate, with steep climbs to reach the viewpoint. Many more trails without tourist.
Highlight: The main attraction is the panoramic sunrise view over the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges from the Poon Hill viewpoint.
Scenery: Features thick rhododendron forests that bloom beautifully in the spring.
When to visit
The best times to do an Annapurna trek are during the spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) seasons. During these months, the weather is typically clear, and temperatures are moderate, offering the best mountain views.
Accommodations and food
Most Annapurna treks utilize a teahouse-based system.
Accommodation: Trekkers stay in simple, family-run lodges, which provide twin-sharing rooms with basic bedding. You will not need to camp unless you choose to.
Food: Common meals include a typical Nepali dish of "dal bhat" (rice and lentils), as well as a range of other options like momos (dumplings) and thukpa (noodle soup).
Key Features |
|---|
All-Inclusive |
18 day hotel hopping tour |
5 different four star hotels |
Comfortable shuttle service |
Starting at $3,400.00 p.p |
The
Everest region
, also known as the Khumbu region, is a renowned area in northeastern Nepal that is home to Mount Everest, the world's highest peak. It is a world-class destination for trekking, mountaineering, and cultural immersion into the life of the indigenous Sherpa people.
Key Features
Geography and Location: The region is part of the Solukhumbu District and encompasses the Sagarmatha National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The landscape is dramatic, featuring rugged valleys, glaciers, high mountain passes, and dense alpine forests of pine, hemlock, and rhododendron.
Mountains: Besides Mount Everest (8,848.86 m or 29,032 ft), the region boasts several other world-class peaks, including Lhotse, Cho Oyu, Makalu, Nuptse, and the striking Ama Dablam.
Culture: The Khumbu is the traditional homeland of the Sherpa people, celebrated for their mountaineering skills and warm hospitality. The region is deeply Buddhist, with numerous monasteries, prayer flags, chortens (stupas), and mani walls dotting the trails. The Tengboche Monastery is a major spiritual center.
Wildlife: Sagarmatha National Park provides sanctuary to rare and endangered species, such as the snow leopard, red panda, musk deer, and Himalayan tahr.
Popular Activities
The Everest region offers a variety of experiences, from short hikes to challenging expeditions:
Everest Base Camp (EBC) Trek: The most popular trek in the region, leading to the base of Mount Everest at an elevation of approximately 5,364 m (17,598 ft).
Kala Patthar Hike: A popular viewpoint (5,643 m or 18,514 ft) near Gorak Shep that offers some of the best panoramic views of Everest, especially at sunrise or sunset.
Gokyo Lakes Trek: A scenic alternative or addition to the EBC trek, visiting stunning high-altitude turquoise lakes and offering views from Gokyo Ri.
Everest Three Passes Trek: A strenuous circuit trek for experienced adventurers, crossing the high-altitude passes of Renjo La, Cho La, and Kongma La.
Peak Climbing: The region has numerous "trekking peaks" suitable for novice mountaineers, such as Island Peak, Lobuche Peak, and Mera Peak.
Travel Details
Getting There: Most journeys begin with a flight from Kathmandu to the small airstrip in Lukla, followed by a multi-day trek to Namche Bazaar (the Sherpa capital and main market town). The classic, longer approach via Jiri is also an option, following the route taken by Tenzing Norgay and Edmund Hillary.
Best Time to Visit: The prime trekking seasons are pre-monsoon (March to May) and post-monsoon (late September to November), when the weather is generally clear and temperatures are ideal for high-altitude trekking.
Accommodation: Teahouses and lodges are readily available along the main trekking routes, providing meals and lodging.
For detailed information on permits and regulations, consult the official Nepal Tourism Board website
The
region of
offers a remote, challenging, and culturally rich trekking experience in the rain shadow of the Himalayas. This is a restricted trekking area, and most itineraries require a camping setup. Treks are generally categorized into Lower Dolpo and Upper Dolpo, with the latter being more demanding.
Lower Dolpo trek
The
is a moderate-to-challenging adventure suitable for experienced trekkers who are comfortable with sustained physical exertion.
Highlights
Duration and distance: Typically takes 15–18 days to complete, covering about 195 km.
Key attractions: Includes the magnificent Shey Phoksundo Lake and the opportunity to witness ancient Bon-Buddhist practices in local monasteries.
Difficulty: Involves high-altitude passes and rugged landscapes.
Accommodation: A combination of teahouses, homestays, and camping.
Permits needed: Lower Dolpo Restricted Area Entry Permit and Shey-Phoksundo National Park entrance permit.
The
is considered more strenuous and requires significant trekking experience due to its long duration and high altitude.
Highlights
Duration and distance: Ranges from 22–30 days, depending on the route. It covers steep ascents, descents, and high passes.
Key attractions: Features the deep turquoise waters of Shey Phoksundo Lake, the ancient Shey Gompa monastery, and the unique Tibetan-influenced culture of the region.
High passes: The route crosses several high-altitude passes, including Kang La (5,380m) and Chharka La (5,015m).
Accommodation: Primarily camping.
Permits needed: A costly restricted area permit is required, along with a Shey-Phoksundo National Park permit.
Best time to trek
April to June (Spring): Stable weather, clear skies, and rhododendrons in bloom. Snow can be problematic on high passes in early spring, especially for the
.
September to November (Autumn): Crisp air, excellent visibility, and clear skies, providing the best views.
Monsoon (June to August): Dolpa is in a rain shadow area, so it receives significantly less rainfall than other parts of Nepal. Trekking is possible, but trail conditions may be more challenging.
Planning your Dolpa trek
Permits: As a restricted area, permits are required and can only be arranged through a registered trekking agency.
Getting there: The journey typically involves flying from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj, then to Juphal, the starting point for treks in the region.
Consider a guide: Given the remoteness and challenging nature of the terrain, trekking with a licensed guide is compulsory for safety and orientation.
Several tour operators specialize in Dolpa treks, including
Nepal Trek Adventure and Expedition
,
, and
, which offer different package options and itineraries.
The
is a unique adventure through a remote, high-altitude desert region of Nepal, known as the "Last Forbidden Kingdom". The trek offers stunning arid landscapes and a deep immersion into untouched Tibetan Buddhist culture, with its ancient monasteries, sky caves, and the walled city of Lo Manthang.
Key Facts
Difficulty: Moderate, suitable for anyone with a basic fitness level.
Duration: Typically 12 to 17 days, but can be customized.
Max Altitude: Around 3,850m in Lo Manthang, with passes up to 4,200m+.
Best Season: March to November, notably good during the monsoon (June-August) due to being in a rain shadow area.
Permits: Requires a special Restricted Area Permit (RAP) and an Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP).
Guide: A licensed guide is mandatory; solo trekking is not allowed.
Highlights
Lo Manthang: Explore the ancient, 6-meter-high walled capital, with its royal palace and centuries-old monasteries like Jampa Lhakhang and Thubchen Gompa.
Ancient Caves: Visit the mysterious sky caves at Chhoser, a network of cliff dwellings once used for meditation and burials.
Ghar Gompa: Discover the 8th-century Lo Gekar Monastery, one of the oldest in the Himalayas, reportedly built by Guru Rinpoche.
Unique Landscapes: Trek through dramatic, semi-arid desert terrain, deep canyons, and multi-colored rock formations, offering views of peaks like Annapurna and Dhaulagiri.
Tibetan Culture: Experience a vibrant, well-preserved Tibetan-influenced way of life, with chortens, prayer flags, and traditional villages like Kagbeni, Tsarang, and Dhakmar.
Festivals: Time your trek with the colorful, three-day Tiji Festival (usually in May) in Lo Manthang for a deep cultural immersion.
Typical Itinerary (14-16 Days)
Most treks begin in Kathmandu, involve a drive or flight to Pokhara, a flight to Jomsom (the trailhead), and then trekking north to Lo Manthang.
Days 1-3: Arrival in Kathmandu, preparation, and travel to Jomsom via Pokhara.
Days 4-7: Trekking from Kagbeni to villages like Chele, Syangboche, and Tsarang, gradually ascending through the restricted area.
Days 8-9: Arrival in and exploration of the walled city of Lo Manthang, visiting monasteries and nearby caves.
Days 10-12: Return journey via alternative eastern routes through Dhakmar, Ghiling, and Chhusang to avoid the main road.
Days 13-14: Trek to Jomsom and fly back to Pokhara, then drive to Kathmandu for departure.
Planning and Preparation
Booking: All logistics, including permits and guides, must be arranged through a registered Nepalese trekking agency.
Accommodation: Teahouses and lodges are available along the route, offering basic to moderate comfort.
Fitness: A moderate level of physical fitness is recommended, with regular cardiovascular exercise prior to the trek to aid acclimatization.
Packing: Essential gear includes layered warm clothing, waterproof/windproof outer shells, sturdy boots, sun protection, and a power bank due to unreliable electricity at higher altitudes.
Safety: The primary safety considerations are altitude sickness prevention (proper acclimatization and hydration) and being prepared for strong afternoon winds and dust. Ensure comprehensive travel insurance that covers emergency helicopter evacuation
Lazimpat 02, Kathmandu, Nepal
