Classification of Trekking Routes

Trekking routes mentioned in this brochure have been categorized into four groups according to altitude, duration and nature of trek. The classification is as follows –

A – Maximum altitude 3800 meters: Easy walking, good view to be seen in a short time, suitable for any age groups ,no altitude sickness, trek can be operated in big groups. The trek passes through a lot of villages and forests. The total duration for these treks would be 1 –14 days

Names of Treks Under Group A – Sailung, Kalinchok, KTM Valley, Helambu, Royal Trek, Siklis, Langtang Valley, Ghorepani Trek, Jomsom and P.K. Trek.

C – The maximum height 5470 meters. The trek passes through very remote areas. A trekker requires prior experience and technical knowledge for these areas. The trek passes through glaciers and ice falls. Ropes are not required for the trek. The duration of these treks is between 14 – 32 days.

Names of treks under group C – Everest Base Camp (Cholu Kala Pathar and Gokoy Lake) Kanchajanga, Makalu Base Camp, Upper Dolpa, Gyanjala pass round Dhaulagiri Base Camp, Kagmara pass and Larke pass (Manasulu)

D – These are purely Alpine treks. The treks are completely technical, full gears are required and prior experience is a must. Each trekker will require his own personal gear and ropes are also essential. The duration of these trek is between 22 – 45 days. Names of treks under group D – Tashi Lappcha, Amphu Lappcha, Mera Trek, West Col., Sherpani Col. and Tilicho pass.

Mustang

Pancha Pokhari 13 nights/14 days –
The trek originates from Chautara. Chautara can be reached overland from Kathmandu, from where the trek starts. Chautara is the district headquarter. The trek first passes through a village and then all the way it is forests. The forests mainly compromise of bamboo, pine and other evergreen forests. Along the trek panorama view point are visible. Views visible are Langtang, Dorje Lakpa, Jugal Himal, Chobbu Bambori, Gauri Shanker. The name Pancha Pokhari is deprived from a holy lake. Paanch Pokhari is a ridge ascending to the north where it reches Jugal Himal.

Kalinchowk – (7 Nights/8Days)

The trek starts overland from Kathmandu via Barabise to Kharidunga. Along the trek you will come across some villages mainly inhabited by Tamangs, Sherpas, and Brahmins. Along the trail also can be seen are a few monasteries and Temples. A good view of the Mountain and Sunkoshi River can also be had. After crossing Sherpa villages you come across a thick forest with lots Rhododendron trees. After that you reach Kalinchowk. From the highest altitude of Kalinchowk (3579meters) you could get a good view of Annapurna, Lamjung, Manaslu, Ganesh Himal, Shisha Panga (Tibet), Langtang, Dorjee Lakpa, Jugal Himal, Amabamori, Gauri Shanker, Melamchi and Namburi Himal. There is also a prominent temple of the Hindus called the Kali temple. Two natural springs originate from this area which are called Sundhara and Tama which are the main source of the very big two rivers the Sunkoshi and Tama Koshi rivers. From Kalinchowk one could get a good view of Kathmandu at night. The main flowers of Nepal Rhododendron (Laligurans) and the national bird Pheasant (Danfe) can also be seen in this area. While descending to Suspa you could get to see a very rare community in Nepal called "The Thami." The trek ends at Charikot which is also a district head quarters. If time permits Dolaka can also be visited. The best months for trek on this route are March, April, May to December.

Sailung, 6 nights / 7 days

Sailung can be reached by overland from Kathmandu via Mude, from where the trek starts. The name Sailung means one hundred hills in the local language Panoramic views can be seen along the trek, crossing through Newar and Tamang villages. Rhododendron forests can also be seen along the trek the panoramic views to be seen are Annapurna, Fishtail, Lamjung, Manaslu, Ganesh Himal, Langtang, Shishapunga, Dorjee Lakpa, Gauri Shanker, Melamche, Everest, Dudh Kunda, and Numbar Himal. On the trek prominent rocks can be seen which are of the shapes of Tigerstanding opposite of a cow of stone is called Bagdhunga. From this area the southern part of Nepal and the Terai region are visible. Sailung is the border of Ramechhap and Dolkha district. The maximum altitude on this trek is 3400 meters. The best season of the trek is September to May and January February, when it is snowing. The trek is considered to be quite easy.

Arun Valley - Makalu Base Camp 20 Nights/21 Days"
The trek starts from Kathmandu to Hile by overland. Arun valley is heavily populated with the Rais and Limbus. The trekker has a choice either to go up to Makalu Base Camp or only up to Arun river valley. The main source of Arun river comes from Tibet and, it finally merges into the river Ganges in India.

Kanchanjunga 24–30 days

The trek starts from Kathmandu to Basantapur by bus. After crossing the Milky Dande (Hill) the first view point for Kanchajunga can be reached. The area offers a lot of good scenery of the Kumbhakarna, Mahakalu Arun Valley and Tomhar valley. From Tamua Valley the trek descend to 600 meters and then follow by Tamua river, Sokathum and Ghunsa. From Ghunsa it is an uphill climb up to the North Base Camp, called Pang Pema which is an at altitude of 5500meters. From Pang Pema panoramic views of Kanchanjunga, K North, Nepal Peak. Twin Peaks and Pyramid Peak can be seen. After crossing Ghunsai there are two options for a trekker, either go through the low pass or the high pass. The high pass reaches up to an altitude of 5932 meters which is called Lapsang La. The low pass is called Mirgin La which is 4800 meters to the South Base Camp. After crossing the pass good views of Darjeeling and Sikkim can be had. The villages passed by the trek is inhabited by Tibetans, Sherpas, Rais, Limbus, Gurungs and Newars. All along the trek beautiful forests and rivers are encountered. The trek ends at Basantapur or Phidim.

Dolpa 17–35 days

The trek can either start from Beni or Juphal. From Kathmandu one can travel to Pokhara by flight or overland and from Pokhara to Beni by bus While trekking from Beni on the way there a lot of Magar villages. After crossing Dhorpatan there are plenty of forest and river valleys. The trek form Beni leads to Dunai and then Dotarap. There are plenty of ancient Buddhist monasteries on the way After crossing two passes called Namala and Bagala the trek reaches to Phuksundo lake. Phuksundo lake is the deepest lake in Nepal, with water falls coming down in several cascades. Mt. Kaniroba can also be seen. The trek after Dotarp is completely dry.

Dhulagiri Round, 20 days

The trek starts from Kathmandu to Pokhara overland or by flight and Pokhara to Beni by bus. The trek till Bagar passes through small villages then there are forests all the way through right up till Italian Base Camp (Forest Camp). From here the trek passes through glaciers and icefalls to Dhaulagiri Base Camp. From this point the trek leads to the French pass (5360meters) from where good views of Dhulagiri I (8167meters) Tukuche peak, Dhulagiri II, III, IV can be seen. Dhulagiri I is the highest mountain in western Nepal.

Mera Peak Trek (21 days – 30 days)

The trek starts from Kathmandu to Jiri by bus. At Jiri a very rare tribe called the Jirals inhabitats the area. The name Jiri is derived from this tribe Jirial. At first the trek crosses through many passes and then reaches Sherpas villages, passing through monasteries and Lamjura pass (3500 meters). The flora and fauna in this area are Rhododendron. Passing through several mountains the trek reaches Kharikhola and then Nau Lakhe, crossing the pass all way to Tassing Dingma and reaching Tanga. Tanga is a summer valley due to it extreme cold climate in winter. From Tanga views of Mera Peak and Kusumkanguru can be seen. This trek is one of the difficult treks in Nepal. The trek goes down to slopes, and also rises up. The possibility of snowfall is strong. For peak climbing Mera Peak is quite easy but to reach the high camp (Mera La) is quite difficult, because of snow. It is adviseable to bring one’s own gear.

Rolwaling Tashi Lapcha Pass (21-28days)

The trek starts from Dolkha, which can be reached from Kathmandu overland. Dolkha is mainly inhabited by the Newars, it is very old town. There is a famous temple called the Bhimsen temple. Although inhabited by the Newars the culture of Newars in Dolkha is quite different than that of the Newars of Kathmandu. The trek from Dolkha leads uphill along the riverside to Simigaon. The views from here are Amabamori, Gauri Shanker (Holy Mountain) and Melungse. While trekking from Simigaun to Bering a trekker would come across Rodhenrodon forests, pine trees and Christmas trees. Peak climbing can be done at Rolwaling Base Camp. From Tashi Lapcha Base Camp peaks that can be scaled are Parchomo, Tengi Tagi Tau, Piphe Ragochar. Chorolpa lake is at the foot of Melungtse peak Climbing after crossing Tashi Lapche a trekkers can reach Thame and Namche Bazaar for this the duration would be 21 – 28 days. From Namche Bazaar two options are left, either to trek to the Everest base camp or back to Lukla and then fly back to Kathmandu.

Ganesh Himal (14 days): Trek starts from Trisuli. Trisuli can be reached from Kathmandu overland. At Nuwakot the palace of late Prithvi Narayan Shah is situated, the first Shah king of the present ruling dynasty. Trisuli is a small town. The name Trisuli comes from the river Trisuli. Due to its fast flow Trisuli river is famous for rafting. Along the trail one can find different trees and green woods, passing through Tamang and Gurung villages. From Borang beautiful sights of Ganesh Himal can be seen.

Manaslu Larkey Pass (22days)

The trek originates at Gorkha. Gorkha can be reached from Kathmandu overland. Gorkha the fort of the Shah dynasty has been ruling Nepal over 200 years. Gorkha is the district headquarters of Gorkha district. Gorkha has a mixed culture of Buddhist and Hindus. The trek leads very near to the Tibetan border (Larkey Bazaar) from where a close view of Tibet can be had. May be due to its neighbor influence the culture here is very Similar to the Tibetans. The panoramic views to be had are of Manaslu are (which is very difficult to climb due to avalanche), Ganesh Himal, Buddha Himal, Himal Chuli, Rani peak, Ngudichuli and Annapurna range. All the way long the trek passes through village forests and passes.

Upper Dolpa (25 - 30 days): The Trek originates at Juphal. Juphal can be reached from Kathmandu via Nepalgunj by air or overland. From Nepaljung to Juphal by air .The inhabits of Juphal are very similar to the Tibetans. Views to be had on the trek are Dolpa, Kangiroba and some Tibetan peaks.

Mustang (13-21 days) -
The route to be taken would be from Kathmandu to Pokhara by flight or overland. From Pokhara to Jomsom a trekker can either take a flight or trek for 6 to 7 days. Jomsom is the District headquarters of Mustang District. The altitude of Jomsom is 2700 meters. At Mustang there are many apple orchards and a distillery is also situated there.

Royal Trek – (3- 5 days)
The trek has been so named after it was first used by HRH Prince of Wales. The trek covers altitudes below 2,000 meters .Along the route the visible views are the Annapurna Range,
Lamjung Himal, Manaslu, Him Chuli and Himal Chuli. The best season to trek on this route would be from September till April when the rhododendron and orchid flowers could be seen along with different species of birds.

Everest Trek - ( 14 -21 days )

This trek leads to the world’s highest mountain Mt Everest. This trek is one of the most popular treks in the world. Throughout the trail a trekker can witness endless mountain panorama. The main habitat of the world famous mountaineers the Sherpas also happens to be in this area especially in this region. The scene of the mountains along the range is absolutely breath taking.

Everest Base Camp (14 Days)

The trail leads you to the world’s highest mountain. This is the busiest trail. The region also includes other high mountains such as Lhotse and Nuptse The trial can be quite strenuous but also very interesting and colorful passing through Sherpa villages. The sights on at reaching the Base Camp is simply breath-taking, such as views of Mt. Everest, Amadablam, Thamsherku and many lower mountains.

Everest Trek (21 days)
The trek leads to Khumbu, the most popular area of the Sherpas .The trek start from Jiri– enroute are Bhandar, Sete and the Lamjura pass (3550 meters). Throughout on the trail the trekkers come across subtropical forests. The villages by which the route passes are very picturesque.
The flora and fauna according to altitude also keeps changing. The trek becomes more intresting with the experience of different ethnic groups inhabiting around the area. Along the route the famous mountains that a trekker can witness are the Everest, Lhotse and Amadablam which is beyond a spectacle explaining for its beauty

Annapurna Trek ( 8-25 days )

This is the most popular and fascinating trek of Nepal. This region is mostly inhabited by the Gurung people of the central middle hills. The trek can be made for any certain duration according to convenience.

Apart from the Gurungs many other ethnic groups live around this area with variations in lifestyle, profession and agriculture. Also to be seen are different kinds of flora and fauna. Usually all treks start and end in or near Pokhara.

Jomsom Trek (7-10 days)
This trek follows the Kali Gandaki valley. It is the deepest valley in the world. In between the two sides of the valley lie Annapurna I and Annapurna II which are above 8,000 meters. Jomsom is famous for its apple orchards and a little below are orange gardens. Manang and Mustang are the two peaks which lies beyond the Annapurna mountain peaks.

Ghorepani Trek (7 days)

This area lies to the north of Pokhara. Close-up views of some of the highest and most beautiful mountains can be witnessed along the trek. The trek varies in altitudes resulting in many ups and downs, which itself makes it intresting. The main inhabitants of this area are the Gurungs and Magars. Some famous peaks that can be seen along the trek are Dhaulagiri, Tukuche Peak, Nilgiri, Annapurna front, Annapurna south Annapurna I, Himchuli, Annapurna II and Fishtail.

Annapurna Base Camp (10 - 14 days)

The possible route to reach Annapurna Base Camp would be from Suikhet to Dhampus (1580 meters) or from near Birethanti to Ghandruk (Ghandurung). Enroute are Ghorepani over Deurali pass and down hill the other side of Ghandruk, the second largest Gurung village in western Nepal.

Langtang Trek (10-14 days)

Langtang lies to the north of Kathmandu. The trek leads to a glacier at the foot of Langtang which is called Lirung, which is close to the peaks base camp. Along the trek one would discover different types of cultures many varieties of scenery and forests that are totally untouched. Langtang, one could say is an easy trek as the distance from Kathmandu is not much and one doesn’t have to climb very high altitudes.

Helambu Trek (7 days)

It is one of the easily accessible trekking routes, which starts from Sundarijal and then turns towards the Sherpa village. The maximum height on this route would be 3500 meters

Gosaikunda Pass – Langtang (14 days)

The Gosaikunda lake is one of the holiest lakes for the Hindus. Thousands of Hindu pilgrims pay homage here every year. The maximum height on this route would be 4610 meters. The route is connected from Kathmandu to Trisuli by road, from Trisuli to Dhunche again by road and from Dhunche the trekking starts for a total number of 14 days.The first destination would be Langtang and then Gosaikunda pass. If a trekker has prior experience in trekking and would like to try some climbing then a different route could be used. For this the route would start from Kyangching Gompa across the Ganjala to Tarkeghayang (Helambu).

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