Best Himalayan Treks
Best Himalayan Treks in the World
As we all know that Nepal is a Himalayan country. Here are 1310 mountains above 6000 meters above sea level. Also among the 14 mountains above 8000 meters all over the world, eight of them are in Nepal. It also includes the world’s highest peak Mount Everest (8848 m). Moreover, 8 out of world’s top 10 mountains are also in Nepal which makes it a dream destination for people around the world for mountain treks. There are 238 mountains over 6000m which are already open to climb. However here are the best Himalayan treks that you definitely want to trek:
Everest Base Camp Trekking:
A trek to the base camp of the world’s highest mountain is surely an adventure of a lifetime. An eleven day trek is for those who dream higher than the clouds and are ready for an adventure apart from their luxury life, jumping into the nature. The path begins in ancient Kathmandu, where you’ll acclimate and explore the city at your leisure while anticipating your ascent. Your trek to Everest Base Camp at 5,364m (over 3.5 miles!) to the base of the world’s tallest mountain will bring you over suspension bridges spanning chasms of thin air, through hidden Buddhist monasteries, and into the heart of the warm, rugged Sherpa culture. The trail ends at Everest Base Camp where you can look directly up the ice fall of the Khumbu Glacier towards the peak of Everest which is still an impressive 3500m above you. On the way you will see 3 of the world’s 10 tallest peaks which asides from Everest. Those include Cho Oyu (8201m/26,906ft) and Lhotse (8,516m/27,940ft).
Annapurna Base Camp Trek:
The Annapurna is a massif in the Himalayas in north-central Nepal that includes one peak over 8,000 metres, thirteen peaks over 7,000 metres, and sixteen more over 6,000 metres. The setting of Annapurna Base Camp at 4130 m is unique and incredibly spectacular, set in middle of the majestic peaks of Annapurna I (8091 m), Annapurna South (7219 m), Machapuchhre (6993 m) and Hiunchuli (6441 m). The Annapurna Base Camp Trek takes 7 to 12 days, depending on your itinerary and length of walking days. All routes coincide at Chomrong and follow the same path to the base camp. The trail can go straight to the Annapurna Base Camp or take a detour to Ghorepani Poon Hill or take a smaller detour to Ghandruk or both.
Manaslu Circuit Trek:
The Manaslu Trek is now a great tea-house trek. Some call it the best all-round trek in Nepal and it’s on the Great Himalaya Trail. It’s certainly a great alternative to the Annapurna Circuit. The circuit is a stunning trek with spectacular views of Mount Manaslu (8163 m) and the Ganesh Himal Range, among others. Along the trail you encounter an interesting mix of authentic Hindu and Tibetan-style Buddhist villages. The highest point in this trek is the ‘Larkya La Pass’ which is widely believed to be one of the most dramatic pass crossing the Himalayas. The crossing of the Larkya Pass (5125 m) can be tough when there is snow. However, the stunning landscape with the mighty Himalayas towering straight above you and the spectacular glaciers make it more than worth the effort. This is an 18 day trek and is the best remote trek of Nepal. This trek is more affordable, safe and secure in compare to the other mountain treks in Nepal.
Makalu Base Camp:
The Makalu Base Camp trek takes you to high-altitude terrains, snow-clad landscapes and ethnic Himalayan lifestyle. The fifth highest mountain in the world, Mount Makalu lies at the elevation of 8463m. It is situated in the Makalu Barun National Park, which covers an area of 2330 sq. km extending around the Solukhumbu and Sankhuwasabha districts of Nepal. Makalu base camp trek can be fairly challenging in some parts depending upon your level of physical fitness and is also a 19 days trek. Outstanding scenery of Makalu Base Camp Trek’s route significantly provides unique cultural heritage and incredible views of mountain peaks. Makalu Base Camp Trek starts with from Tumlingtar and heads up the Arun river valley to Sedua and Num, then crossing Shipton La Pass (4210 m) into the upper Barun river valley for a close look at Makalu and Chamlang Himal. This trek visits one of the most remote and unfrequented areas of Nepal. The Barun valley is a part of a huge international protected area under the agreement between the governments of Nepal and China, which comprises 2330 sq. km of National Park and 830 sq. km of the conservation area in Nepal alone.
Upper Mustang Trek:
The Upper Mustang trek brings you into the hidden world of the old Buddhist kingdom of Mustang, also called Lo. Lo used to be part of the Tibetan empire and is therefore closely tied to Tibet in culture, language and geography. The trek is at relatively high altitude (3,000m to 3,800m), which is somehow intensified by the dry air. While it is no problem for those born at this altitude to travel at speed, visitors will be more leisurely in their hike to avoid any altitude related problems. On average walking takes place from 5 to 7 hours a day for 14 days and some paths are particularly windy and dusty. But this trek into the restricted area of Upper Mustang, which in part follows the ancient salt route, is something that will remain in one’s memory forever.
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