One of the unique countries in the world, Nepal which has the name of the land of the Himalayas, provides the most beautiful trekkings of the world. Are you planning the next adventure as a trekking holiday in Nepal? Here is a small guide to its remarkable mountains and ways to trek for beginners.
Choosing the right trek when you are at the very beginning feels a bit too overwhelming. Fortunately, they are certainly not hard to come by, and can supply the right mix of challenge and comfort. Some famous and most recommended treks for beginners are listed below.
Manaslu Circuit Trek
If you want a peaceful and less crowed trail with stunning views, Manaslu Circuit Trek could be precisely what you want. Whilst not as troublesome as the Everest Base Camp trek, it is a little more arduous, provided you’re of reasonable fitness and feeling adventurous!
The trek takes you around Mount Manaslu (the world’s eighth highest mountain), all through quaint villages, ancient monasteries such as Pungyen Gompa and lush green forests. If you go higher, then you will be enclosed by snowy peaks, glaciers, and wild high altitude meadows.
With enough time to climb to altitude, even first timers can reach the highest point of the trek at Larkya La Pass at 5,160 meters above sea level.
The Manaslu Circuit usually takes 14 to 16 days and provides a much more peaceful, authentic trek in comparison to the busy Everest and Annapurna trails. If you want to taste real Himalayas without being lost in a sea of tourist, this is one of the excellent choices.
Everest Base Camp Trek
Everest Base Camp Trek is one dream Himalayan trek in your bucket list if you are dreaming for a real adventure. Honestly, this is one of the world’s most iconic treks and a fantastic place to start if you are a beginner to trekking, especially in Nepal. Along this trail, you get a little bit of everything, rich Sherpa culture, sheer mountain views and a slightly unbelievable feeling as you stand at the base of highest mountain on Earth.
Sure, it’s physically demanding. There is no doubt that your legs and lungs will work. It’s absolutely doable if you are relatively fit and ready for such a challenge. The trek usually begins in Lukla, a tiny mountain airport that is already an adventure. Then you will move through lively Sherpa villages, colorful monasteries and rhododendron forest that shine in the sunlight.
The further you get, the closer the mountains, Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse and Ama Dablam will take your breath away. Once you finally do stand at Everest Base Camp, 5,364 meters up surrounded by ice, and giants you will love the Himalayas.
If we walk about an average pace it takes most people 12 to 14 days (plus rest days) to do the whole trek. The trail is well trod and the teahouses along the way always offer a warm meal and a place to crash. It is honestly one of the harder things to beat for a first time trekker looking to do something big.
Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour
For those who feel a little too much for trekking for days, the Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour can be your best option. No, you won’t be hiking up the mountain, you won’t be exhausted, but you will have an unforgettable Everest view from up above..
If you wish to drink the beauty of Everest region without walking through dreadful trails you will love this tour. You’ll not only have the chance to see amazing aerial views of mount Everest, Lhotse and Nuptse, the mountains that you can only see sometimes when you trek for days.
The whole trip is about 3 to 4 hours and half of the way will make a quick stop at the viewpoint where you can take a little stretch and take some amazing pictures. A great way to take in the magic of Everest without a lot of physical output is what this is for someone who isn’t up to a big physical challenge and is experiencing Everest trekking for the first time.
Annapurna Base Camp Trek
If you’re looking for an alternative you can consider Annapurna Base Camp Trek, which can keep short, but stunning. This trek puts you in the middle of the Annapurna range with up close views of Annapurna I, Dhaulagiri, Machapuchare (Fishtail) and Hiunchuli.
The good thing is that it is generally around 7 to 10 days, which is just right if you aren’t too pressed for time but want to have this mountain experience. You will begin from a place called Nayapul and continue to trek through peaceful Gurung villages, forests brimming with life and a countless number of rice terraces carved out of the hills.
The scenery continually changes day after day and before you know it, you’re standing at Annapurna Base Camp at 4,130 meters and you have nothing but snowy peaks encompassing you in every direction. There is something else about it, the feeling of standing in a giant natural cathedral.
Also, the trek is not too hard. There is nothing bad to say about the trails, as the climbs are steady and beautiful with teahouses along the way. For those of you who are relatively fit and eager for the Himalayan magic without a lengthy commitment, come to Annapurna.
Langtang Valley Trek
The Langtang Valley Trek, however, is an absolute treasure, now if you want something even quieter and closer to Kathmandu. Designed for first timers seeking epic mountain views and cultural pardon trips without charging in the great heights of crazy high altitude.
Syabrubesi, however, is just a few hours’ drive from where the city ends. Trailing through thick forests of rhododendron, oak and pine, you will wander through the Tamang villages that feel amazingly uncomplicated.
When you attain the top of the valley, it opens wide up, and you get your own jaw dropping views of Langatang Lirung and the other snow-covered peaks around. You will reach Kyanjin Ri at 4,773 meters, which is the highest point you’ll get to, and trust me, the sunrise view from Kyanjin Ri is one you will never forget.
It takes usually 7 to 9 days. The Himalayas are moderate, not too easy, not too brutal, just right, if you like real Himalayan adventure but without the thrashing.
