Mountains are the means, the man is the end. The goal is not to reach the top of the mountains, but to improve the man. – Walter Bonatti.
The journey is part of the destination – nowhere is this truer than in Nepal. It is not only that 8 of the 14 highest peaks in the world are here – not everyone climbs Everest (or can) but the beauty and the majesty that it commands can be felt at varied levels and even without making it 
to the destinations. Nepal is amazing because of more than just mountains – within an area so small Nepal encompasses incredible geoclimatic variations and biodiversity. With destinations such as the Everest and Annapurna Base camp voted amongst the best treks in the world, trekking in Nepal is as rewarding and beautiful as it gets.
The possibilities and variations of treks in Nepal are astounding. With views of mountains from almost every trek that run along the upper spine of Nepal, absolute destinations mean little. All that’s needed is the will to head out and no trek will end in disappointment.
Following is the list of trekking sites in Nepal with a simplified guide to difficulty level and days required to complete the trek.
With the exception of treks into very remote areas, treks in Nepal can be teahouse treks where food and accommodation are available throughout the journey in lodges or the more expensive camping treks where all equipment including tents and food are carried. While teahouse treks are easier and cheaper, camping treks provide the real experience and thrill of being in the mountains.
There is something for everyone in Nepal when it comes to trekking – whether you’re on a budget or mind the budget at all. Meals can cost you as little as $5-$10 and guides and porters can be hired for as little as $30 and $15 a day. It is however worth spending a bit more and hiring from a good company.
Rooms too can cost as little as $3-$5. For those on a budget, sharing rooms and generally sharing holidays is a great way of saving money. Trekking in Nepal consists of some very precarious sites and 2 is the minimum recommended number for travel.
Most conservation areas and national parks will require an entrance fee when trekking in Nepal. In addition, travellers need to obtain a TIMS card (Trekkers’ Management Information System).
Trekking in Nepal will involve walking across varied terrain on a daily basis. The following are recommended for a safer trek.
1. Footwear
2. Walking boots with suitable ankle support that have been worn-in prior to the trek, and which are waterproof
3. Trainer or casual shoes, for trekking and/or for travelling
4. Warm socks and thermal underwear for colder areas
5. Gaiters, in case of rain or snow
6. Windproof, waterproof outer shell garment for higher altitudes (Goretex)
7. Wool or fleece hat, or balaclava
8. Hat or cap for sun protection while trekking
9. Sunglasses or goggles
10. Sunscreen lotion (50+)and lip balm
11. Warm gloves
12. Personal first aid kit to include essential items
13. Sleeping bag, 4 season
Sherpa Gears Imports, Sherpa, Tashi Sherpa, 4443665, Near Jay Nepal
Sherpa Adventure Outlet, The North Face, Sabina, 4445101, Thamel
Himalayan Techno Gears Trading, Vaude, Prajwol, 9841 388345/ 4445447 - Lazimpat
Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal
www.taan.org.np
www.visitnepal.com (information on parks, fees etc)
Nepal Mountaineering Association
www.nepalmountaineering.org
The Last Frontiers Trekking
www.lastfrontierstrekking.com
Himalayan Holidays
www.himalayanholidays.biz
Nepal Tourism Boardhttp://www.tourism.gov.np
LIST OF TREKKING SITES
| Annapurna Circuit Trekking | Medium-Hard | 22 Days |
| Annapurna Panorama Trekking | Easy | 10 Days |
| Dhaulagiri Circuit Trekking | Hard | 21 Days |
| Ghalegaun Trekking | Easy | 9 Days |
| Ghorepani Poonhill Trekking | Easy | 7 Days |
| Jomsom Muktinath Trekking | Medium-Hard | 12 Days |
| Mardi Himal Trekking | Medium-Hard | 12 Days |
| Panchase Trekking | Easy | 6 Days |
| The Royal Trek | Easy | 6 Days |
| Sikles Trekking | Easy | 7 Days |
TREKKING IN EVEREST REGION
| Arun Valley Trekking (Salpa Pass) | Medium-Hard | 13 Days |
| Bhairav Kunda Trekking | Easy-Moderate | 10 Days |
| Dhud Kunda Trekking | Easy-Moderate | 10Days |
| Everest Panorama Trekking | Medium-Hard | 9 Days |
| Gokyo Valley Chola Pass Trekking | Medium-Hard | 20 Days |
| Jiri -EBC Everest classic Trekking | Medium-Hard | 21 Days |
| Lukla to Everest Base Camp Trekking | Medium-Hard | 14 Days |
| Rolwaling Valley Trekking | Medium-Hard | 22 Days |
TREKKING IN LANGTANG REGION
| Across Ganja-la Pass Trekking | Hard | 14 Days |
| Dhading Ganga Jamuna Phulkharka Trekking | Easy | 10 Days |
| Ganesh Himal Trek | Medium-Hard | 19Days |
| Gosainkunda (Frozen Lake) Trekking | Medium-Hard | 7 Days |
| Helembu Classic Trekking | Medium-Hard | 7 Days |
| Langtang Classic Trekking | Medium-Hard | 14 Days |
| Langtang Valley Trekking | Medium-Hard | 9Days |
| Panch Pokhari (Five Lakes) Trekking | Medium-Hard | 13 Days |
| Tamang Heritage Trekking | Medium-Hard | 13 Days |
TREKKING IN THE RESTRICTED AREA
| Humla - Mount Kailash - Manasarovar Trekking | Hard | 27 Days |
| Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trekking | Hard | 24 Days |
| Lower Dolpo Trekking | Hard | 20Days |
| Manaslu Circuit Trekking | Hard | 19 Days |
| Narphu (Nar-Phu) Valley Trekking | Medium-Hard | 21 Days |
| Upper Dolpo Trekking | Hard | 22 Days |
| Upper Mustang Trekking | Medium-Hard | 15 Days |
| Humla and Limi Valley Trek | Medium-Hard | 17Days |
TREKKING IN EASTERN REGION
| Makalu Base Camp Trekking | Medium-Hard | 20 Days |
TREKKING IN WESTERN REGION
| Chepang Hill Trekking | Easy | 4 Days |
| Rara Lake Trekking | Medium-Hard | 13 Days |
HOME STAY
| Tsum Valley Trekking | Medium-Hard | 21 Days |
| Ghalegaun Trek | Medium-Hard | 9 Days |
| Indigenous People Trail | Medium-Hard | 8 Days |
| Gangajamuna Ganesh Parbat Trek | Medium-Hard | 10 Days |
| Tamang Heritage Trek | Medium-Hard | 13 Days |
| Chepang Hill Trek | Medium-Hard | 4 Days |
