Understanding Nepal's Trekking Scene
The trekking routes in the Himalayas of Nepal have a lot to offer even for beginner trekkers. You can see many trekking packages on itineraries, and each of them promises a lifetime experience, and that's true. Even in the pool of selected few trekking packages for beginner trekkers, you have to understand the topography to select the trek that best suits you.
Trekking regions in Nepal
The Himalayas in Nepal stretch from east to west. The area is divided into different regions. Every region is resided by different ethnic groups and boasts diverse landscapes and terrain. Some regions are protected under the restricted area law as they border Tibet and house exclusive flora and, fauna. Below, you will learn about different trekking regions in Nepal:
Everest region:
Home to the world's highest peak, Mount Everest, the Everest region (Khumbu region) draws hundreds of trekkers every year. The trekking routes have many tourist infrastructures. Sherpa villages, Sagarmatha National Park, high mountain passes, glaciers, moraines, suspension bridges, and ancient monasteries are some of the highlights.
Annapurna region:
Renowned for its diverse landscapes, the Annapurna region offers treks suitable for beginners to seasoned adventurers. The trail reveals lush forests, terraced fields, traditional villages, and panoramic mountain vistas.
Langtang Region:
Closer to Kathmandu, the Langtang region boasts trekking trails that lead through lush rhododendron forests, quaint villages, and up to the serene Langtang Valley and Gosaikunda Lake. The Langtang trek offers a blend of natural beauty, cultural encounters, and glaciers.
Manaslu Region:
For those seeking a more remote and less crowded experience, the Manaslu region presents a trek around the world's eighth-highest peak. This region offers a glimpse into Tibetan culture, stunning landscapes, and challenging terrains. Hidden Tsum Valley, Rupina La Pass, and Larkya La Pass are known among avid adventurers.
Mustang Region:
Nestled in the rain shadow of the Himalayas, the Upper Mustang provides an otherworldly desert-like landscape with ancient caves, monasteries, canyons, and a distinct Tibetan-Buddhist culture.
Kanchenjunga Region:
On the eastern border, the Kanchenjunga region offers treks through pristine forests, alpine meadows, and remote villages, allowing trekkers to experience the diverse cultures around the third-highest mountain in the world. A rarely visited trekking region.
Rara Lake Region:
In the far western part of Nepal, Rara Lake is a hidden gem. The trek to Rara Lake traverses through forests, valleys, and traditional villages, leading to the stunning turquoise lake surrounded by lush landscapes.
Dolpo Region:
Known for its raw and rugged landscapes, the Dolpo region provides treks that take you back in time. It is also the rain-shadow part of the Himalayas. The trekking route sees a handful of travelers each season, and camping is required.
Makalu Region:
Trekking in Makalu region means you will be traveling around the 5th highest mountain in the world. Offbeat terrain, isolated trails, unspoiled views, and welcoming natives make Makalu region attractive.
Trekking seasons in Nepal
Nepal has four seasons- spring (March to May), summer/monsoon (June to August), autumn (October to November), and winter (December to February). Mountains are cold throughout the year, however, the lower belt gets hot and humid. The trekking challenges in each season are different, and picking the right time to trek affects your overall experience.
Spring (March to May) and Autumn (October to November)
Spring and autumn is the best time to trek in Nepal, whether you are a beginner trekker or an experienced trekker. You can trek to any part of the Himalayas in these two seasons because the weather remains stable. With a clear sky, pleasant climate, excellent views, and seasonal flora and fauna, the trek becomes incredible.
Summer/monsoon (June to August) and Winter (December to February):
Summer/monsoon and winter seasons are considered off-season for trekking in Nepal. It means they are not a great time to trek, especially in the monsoon season. You can still do a handful of winter trekking as a beginner trekker. These two seasons see high precipitation and fluctuation in weather, which causes delays in flights and damages certain parts of the roads because of landslides.
Views are not clear all the time, and the climate is also not pleasant. On the contrary, the summer/monsoon season makes the lower parts of the trail abundant in vegetation. Whereas the winter landscape is heavenly.
Factors beginner trekkers should consider while trekking in Nepal
For beginner trekkers, booking a trek in Nepal requires careful consideration to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience. Below are the key factors to keep in mind before making your booking:
Fitness level:
Assess your current fitness level honestly. Choose a trek that matches your physical capabilities and endurance. Beginner-friendly treks with gradual ascents and manageable distances are ideal for those new to trekking.
Trek duration:
Consider how many days you're willing to commit to the trek. Some treks are short and can be completed in a week, while others may take two to three weeks.
Altitude acclimatization:
Higher altitudes can lead to altitude sickness. Look for treks that have a gradual ascent and include acclimatization days, allowing your body to acclimatize properly.
Season:
Choose a trek that corresponds to the season you plan to visit.
Difficulty level:
Different treks have varying levels of difficulty. Beginners should opt for treks with lower difficulty ratings, marked as "easy" or "moderate." Likewise, avoid treks with challenging terrain and high passes until you've gained more experience.
Budget:
Consider your budget for the entire trip, including international flights, travel insurance, tips, shopping, etc. Some treks may be more budget-friendly than others due to accessibility and infrastructure.
Guided vs. independent:
Decide whether you want to trek with a guided group or independently. A guided trek provides safety, guidance, and local insights.
Packing and gear:
Understand the gear and clothing required for the trek. Packing essentials such as proper footwear, layers of clothing, a good backpack, and other necessary items is crucial for a comfortable journey.
Top beginner treks in Nepal
*Note:
i) You can customize all trekking packages with us.
ii) At the moment, we are offering discounts on all our trekking packages.
Ghorepani Poon Hill trek
Ghorepani Poon Hill trail is in the Annapurna region. This trek is famous for its diversity in flora and fauna, welcoming locals, picturesque villages, and spectacular mountain views of Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Fishtail, Nilgiri, Dhaulagiri, Gangapurna, etc. Our Ghorepani Poon Hill trek is 10 days long. You can make the trek short as well.
The Ghorepani Poon Hill trek cost starts at USD 650 per person, but we are giving a festival discount at the moment that will allow you to join the trek at only USD 560. For more discounts, you can trek in a group of 8 plus trekkers.
Annapurna Base Camp trek
Annapurna Base Camp is one of the most famous treks in Nepal. This trek takes you to the base of the tenth-highest mountain and lets you spend the night at the base camp. The trekking route is adventurous but suitable for beginner trekkers to join. You will trek past lush rhododendron forests, waterfalls, and villages resided by several communities.
The mountain views are excellent on this trek. Our Annapurna Base Camp trek itinerary is 14 days long, however, you can customize the itinerary as per your requirements. The Annapurna Base Camp trek cost starts at USD 1,050 per head. For the festival discount, we have lowered the price to USD 950 per person.
Mardi Himal trek
The Mardi Himal trek is known for its offbeat terrain for new trekkers. The trekking route is a bit difficult as it mostly ascends through rugged forested paths. However, the tranquil environment and unique perspective of western Himalayan mountains like the Annapurna range, Dhaulagiri, Fishtail, Nilgiri, Gangapurna, etc., make Mardi Himal trekking a great alternative to ABC trek in the Annapurna region.
Our 12-day Mardi Himal trek costs USD 980 per person. For a festival discount, you can join this trek for USD 700 per person. Mardi Himal trek's wilderness and the serenity of the trail are two major attractions. You will come across many isolated sections while doing this trek, so trekking with a guide is crucial.
Everest Base Camp trek
The Everest base camp trek is the most famous trek in Nepal and well-suited for beginner trekkers. It is a trek of a lifetime to the lap of the highest mountain on Earth, Mount Everest. On this trek, you will trek inside the Sagarmatha National Park. The trail goes through beautiful Sherpa villages, lush rhododendron forests, and verdant valleys. You will come across old stupas, monasteries, and numerous suspension bridges along the way.
The Everest base camp trek offers breathtaking views of mountains like Everest, Lhotse, Kanchenjunga, Makalu, Cho Oyu, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, Thamserku, and many more. We have many kinds of Everest base camp trek packages. This is a 14-day package with ample rest days. The Everest base camp trek cost starts at USD 1,500. You can book the trek at USD 1,400 now.
Everest Base Camp trek with helicopter return
Our Everest base camp trek with helicopter return is only 10 days long. In this package, you will take a helicopter flight to Kathmandu after visiting Kala Patthar. This trek is perfect for beginner trekkers because it lets you escape the 3-4 days of trekking back to Lukla. And you also get to witness the spectacular aerial views of the Himalayas.
The Everest base camp trek with helicopter return starts at USD 2,500. The festival discount will let you do this adventurous trek for USD 1,990 per person. You can also upgrade the Everest base camp package to a luxury trek to enjoy the best luxury lodges stay, modern amenities, and a wide variety of food.
Everest Base Camp helicopter tour
The Everest base camp helicopter tour is the easiest and quickest way to explore the Khumbu region. It is a 4 hours helicopter tour that starts in Kathmandu and takes you to Everest base camp and Kala Patthar. Moreover, you will also get to land at Kala Patthar for 5-10 minutes and enjoy a delicious breakfast at Hotel Everest View before returning. During the flight, we will stop at Lukla twice to refuel the helicopter.
The Everest base camp helicopter tour with landing is perfect for all ages of travelers. If you cannot witness the beauty of the Everest region because of time limitations or health issues, this is the perfect package for you and your loved ones. Our Everest base camp helicopter tour cost starts at USD 1,400 per person. The festival discount will let you join this trip at USD 11,000 per person.
.jpg)
Additional treks for beginners
Apart from the above treks, we also have these packages that are ideal for beginner trekkers in Nepal.
Everest Panorama Trek
Langtang Valley Trek
Tamang Heritage Trek
Jomsom Muktinath Trek
Helambu Trek
Chisapani Nagarkot Trek
Khopra Trek
Nepal trekking tips for novices
- Before you set foot on the trail, do your research. Look out for trail conditions and facilities available along the way.
- Pack smartly and pack light. Include layers of clothing for varying weather conditions.
- Opt for a reputable and experienced trekking agency like Adventure White Mountain, with numerous years of expertise and extensive knowledge about the trekking routes.
- Take your time and allow your body to adjust as you ascend. Maintain your pace and take considerable short breaks while walking.
- Respect the local culture and customs. Learn a few basic Nepali phrases to communicate with locals.
- Trekking isn't a race. Take your time to soak in the breathtaking landscapes, interact with fellow trekkers, and share stories with your guide.
- Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated, especially at higher altitudes. Consume balanced meals with carbohydrates, proteins, and healthy fats to fuel your body for the trek. Snack frequently to maintain energy levels.
- Trekking can be physically demanding, especially for beginners. Don't push yourself too hard. Take breaks when needed, and don't hesitate to communicate any discomfort to your guide.
As you might have come to understand by now, there are many best treks in Nepal for beginners. Your preferences (budget, fitness, and desires) decide which trek will suit you the most. Whichever trek you choose to do in Nepal, one thing we assure is an incredible journey and jaw-dropping mountain panoramas.
Trekking with a local company like ours allows you to travel freely and safely. Our team will take care of your accommodation, meals, permits, transportation, guides, porters, etc. You do not have to worry about anything, as we will guide you in every step of the trek. Moreover, our affordable prices and transparent policy allow you to choose from a wide variety of top beginner treks in Nepal.
