Nepal, the land of Himalayas, is a paradise for hikers and adventure seekers of all sorts. With towering peaks, including the highest mountain in the world in Mount Everest, lush valleys, dense jungles, fast flowing rivers, and rich cultural heritage, its no surprise that Nepal is a favored destination for adventure enthusiasts. Nepal offers plenty of options not just for seasoned hikers but also beginners as well. In this blog, we will cover everything you need to know about trekking in Nepal for beginners including tips and essential information for your next adventure.
Why Nepal is Perfect for Beginner Trekkers?
Nepal is home of eight of the worlds ten highest peaks, including the famous Mount Everest and the famous Annapurna mountain, which essentially means there are no shortages of trekking trails to suit everyone’s need. With an altitude ranging from 60meters in the terai plains to 8848 meters in the Himalayas, Nepal has trails for every kind of trekker. Coupled that with rich culture, history and warm hospitality of the Nepalese people, makes Nepal a top travel destination. Here are a few key reasons why trekking in Nepal is a must:
- Stunning landscapes: From lush green forests, valleys, snow-capped mountains and charming villages, Nepal’s landscapes are truly on a kind.
- Easy to moderate trails: A plethora of short and manageable treks with well-marked routes.
- Teahouse trekking: Affordable accommodations and meals are available along the trail. It should cost you around 30-35 USD per day for your accommodation, breakfast with a hot beverage, lunch and dinner.
- Cultural Immersion: The mountain people are well known for their warm hospitality and ancient traditions making your experience a wonderful one.
- Variety of routes: From easy trails to challenging climbs, Nepal has something for everyone.
Best Beginner-Friendly Treks in Nepal
- Ghorepani poonhill trek
Duration: 4-5 days
Maximum elevation: 3,200 meters
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Highlights: Panoramic views of mountains ranges such as Dhaulagiri and Annapurna, rhododendron forests and traditional Gurung villages.
This is one of the most popular short treks in Nepal and an ideal one for beginners. The trails are well-developed and the lodges offer decent amenities and food options.
2. Langtang Valley Trek
Duration: 7-9 days
Maximum elevation: 3,900 meters
Difficulty: Moderate
Highlights: Langtang valley is a good alternative to the more-crowded regions of Annapurna and Everest. The trail offers incredible mountain views and a great cultural experience. Furthermore, the trek route lies in Langtang National Park adding up to the experience.
3. Gosaikunda Trek
Duration: 4-5 days
Maximum elevation: 4,380 meters
Difficulty: Moderate
Highlights: Like Langtang valley trek, Gosaikunda trek also lies in Langtang National Park. The major highlight of the trip is Gosaikunda lake at 4,380 meters, which is a religiously significant place for Hindu and Buddhists as well as a popular spot for trekkers from around the world.
4. Everest view trek
Duration: 7-9 days
Maximum elevation: 3,780 meters
Difficulty: Moderate
Highlights: The Everest view trek is a short beginner friendly trek compared to the more strenuous Everest Base Camp trek. This trek offers incredible views of Mount Everest, Ama Dablam and significant monasteries.
5. Mardi Himal Trek
Duration: 5-7 days
Maximum elevation: 4,200 meters
Difficulty: Moderate
Highlights: Mardi himal trek is a recently opened trail and has garnered popularity among domestic tourists as well as international. If you prefer an easy trek without hordes of tourists on the trail then Mardi Himal trek makes up a good option. The trek offers splendid views of Mount Machhapuchre and Annapurna range among others.
Essential Trekking Tips for Trekking in Nepal for Beginners
Start with an easy trek: Start off with a shorter and easier trek, preferably one with lower elevation than 4,000 meters. Choose a trek that matches your fitness level and experience.
Acclimatize properly: It is essential to acclimatize and taking it slow and ensure you are hydrated.
Pack your bag light: Carry your essentials such as trekking boots and warm clothes but try to make it light as much as possible.
Hire a guide or a porter: Having a guide can go a long in making your experience better. A porter can help you carry your luggage so that you can hike without hassle.
Respect local culture: Be mindful of local customs, dress modestly and greet the locals with the customary ‘Namaste’.
Check weather: Trekking conditions vary upon seasons, thus it is important to plan your trip accordingly. Trekking at the right season ensures great visibility and optimum trekking conditions.
Get your travel insurance: Ensure that you are insured and the policy covers the potential emergencies that can arise on the mountains.
Get the right permits for your trek in Nepal as there are different kinds of permits based on the destinations. You can click on https://ntb.gov.np/plan-your-trip/before-you-come/trekking-permit to find out more about trekking permits in Nepal.
Best time to trek in Nepal
Spring season (March to May): This window offers clear skies, blooming rhododendron forests and moderate temperatures. If you like trails with a bit of snow as well then this is the ideal time to trek in Nepal.
Autumn season (September to November): This season offers stable weather and great visitbility. Moreover, it is also the festive season in Nepal offering you a glimpse of the cultures and traditions of the Nepal people.
Avoid trekking in the monsoon season as the trails are slippery with low visibility. Added to that the possibility of landslides, it the time to avoid. The winter season also brings harsh windy weather with extreme cold and lots of snow, making the trails hard to navigate.
What to pack for a beginner trek in Nepal
Clothing: Carry fast dry base layers and top it off with warm fleece, down jacket, trekking pants, beanie and gloves.
Footwear: Sturdy worn in high ankle trekking boots with comfortable woolen socks.
Gear: Trekking poles, backpack, sleeping bag and headlamps. Crampons if you are about to trek in snow.
Essentials: Sunscreen, sunshades, toiletries, water purification tablet, sleeping bag and rain gear.
Documents: Passport, trekking permits and travel insurance.
Why choose Nepal for your first trekking adventure?
Here are some reasons Trekking in Nepal for beginners is a good prospect. As its always been said its more about the journey than the destination, and this proverb is more true in case of trekking in Nepal. The charming villages that lie en route, the lifestyle of the locals and views that would want to make to stop at every turn makes Nepal one of the best destinations for trekking. Whether you are planning for a short sunrise trek to Poonhill or if you are planning a more rugged and challenging trails of Manaslu Circuit, Nepal has something for everyone.
