Trekking in Nepal

The Everest Region

Mount Everest is the focus of all our treks in the Everest region, whether you choose the classic hike to Everest Base Camp, the challenging High Passes of Everest route, or one of the less demanding trips exploring the beautiful Sherpa villages and monasteries tucked into the foothills.

With views of several of the world’s highest mountains, including the iconic peak of Everest, this region is regarded by many as one of the most spectacular trekking destinations anywhere.

The Annapurnas

With several peaks over 7,000 metres and with the soaring silhouette of Annapurna I rising to 8,091 metres, the Annapurna massif is regarded as one of the most spectacular mountain regions of the world.

You can choose between relatively easy walks through the fertile foothills and more demanding, high altitude treks, such as the classic Annapurna Circuit and Annapurna Sanctuary routes.

Whether you’re trekking in Nepal for the first time or you’ve been before, the experience is always unique. To trek amongst the highest mountains on earth in the company of some of the warmest and friendliest people anywhere makes a walking holiday here quite unforgettable.

When to go?
The main trekking season is from the end of September to mid-April. From September to November you can expect crystal clear skies and comfortable walking temperatures. Between December and February the temperatures drop but trails are quieter and the mountain views are clear. In March and April the rhododendron forests burst into flower and temperatures are once again ideal for trekking. Between May and August the heat builds up and monsoon rains arrive, except to some northern regions such as Mustang, which lie beyond the rain shadow.

Where to stay?
Depending on the trek we either camp or stay in traditional teahouses (small, family-run mountain lodges offering meals and simple accommodation). On all tours we include all meals whilst you are trekking. Meals are prepared by your cook whilst camping or is provided by the host family in the teahouses.

Our Nepal tours include a good variety of traditional food, soups and vegetable dishes and even the odd high altitude apple pie. Please see our trip notes for further information.

A typical day on trek
We start early in the morning to catch the clearest weather and the best views and often cover most of the day’s trek before lunch. We then usually make a long and relaxed stop for lunch before continuing to our overnight accommodation. At all times you can walk at your own pace and take plenty of breaks along the way.

Where to go?
Most trekkers choose between Nepal’s two most popular regions: Annapurna in the west and the Everest (Khumbu) region in the east. Both are spectacular but in different ways: the Everest region is very high, rocky and home to the wonderfully hospitable Sherpa people; the Annapurna region is lower and the trekking routes are more varied, with terraced farmland, forests and pastures. You could also venture into less well-known regions, such as Manaslu, for a chance to witness mountain cultures still relatively untouched by tourism.

Why Choose Explore?

• Local knowledge: Over 30 years of experience in organising treks in Nepal and long established network of local partners throughout the country
• Our trek leaders in Nepal are consistently voted among the best Explore leaders anywhere in the world 
• Our trekking ascent rates are carefully planned to be safe and fall within Wilderness Medicine Society (WMS) guidelines
•  All our trek leaders are qualified in first aid and specially trained to recognise and deal with Altitude Sickness
• We carry a Portable Altitude Chamber (PAC) on treks above 3000 metres
  On treks into extremely remote areas we carry a satellite phone for emergency use
• We support our trek crew by following the guidelines of the International Porter Protection Group (www.ippg.net)
• All our trekking staff, from trek leaders to guides, porters and cooks, are Nepali – revenues from our treks benefit the local people
• All meals are included on camping and teahouse based treks
• Better than normal pre-trek and post-trek hotel accommodation in Kathmandu or Pokhara

FREE Explore kitbag

If you trek with us in Nepal you will receive a free Explore kitbag when you arrive in Kathmandu. Designed for the rugged mountain environment, the 80 litre capacity bag is large enough to carry all your gear and is preferred by our porters.