Nepal offers some of the best trekking to be found anywhere in the world. It is home to eight of the 14 highest mountains in the world, including Mount Everest (8,848m) - the world’s highest mountain.
There are 3 main regions that the majority of trekkers choose to visit, Annapurna Region, Langtang Region and Everest Region and each has a uniquely different feel to it.
Everest Region
Most trekking in the Everest region starts with a flight into Lukla airport, which in itself can be a real adventure as it’s one of the most challenging airports and also quite a hair-raising experience. Once in Lukla most trekkers head out towards Everest Base Camp, which can be done in a little under 2 weeks. The trails are fairly straightforward and generally speaking the trekking is not too challenging, however the altitude can be. With the majority of this trek being over 4,000m, altitude sickness can become a real issue. However is you take your time and acclimatise properly by taking a few rest days on route you should be able to dramatically reduce the risk of suffering form AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness). There are a number of excellent side treks available if you have more time, including visiting the wonderful Gokyo Lakes region.
Annapurna Region
Situated to the west of Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, this mountainous region is one of the most popular in Nepal. The starting point for most treks into this region is the picturesque lakeside town of Pokhara. The most popular treks in the Annapurna’s are the full Annapurna Circuit, which takes around two weeks to complete; the Annapurna Sanctuary trek, which take you up to the Annapurna Base Camp at 4,130m; and the Jomsom Trek, which finished in the holy shrine of Muktinath (3,710m) before flying back down to Pokhara.
Langtang Region
Langtang region offers the closest quality trekking to Kathmandu and can be reach in half a day by bus. There are a number of routes available up into the Langtang Valley and also the neighbouring valleys including the Gosainkund Lakes area. Although the peaks are not a big as in the other two regions, the closeness of the mountains makes this region no less impressive and should you want a high altitude challenge, there is always the Ganja La pass trek, which at 5,130m will test even the toughest of trekkers.
