Nepal has no shortage of adventures. There are countless trails in the himal (mountains) or pahad (hills), some suited to hikers, trekkers and expeditioners while others are accessible to curious wanderers, offering a charming blend of natural beauty and cultural immersion.

Words & Photos Ridhi Agrawal

 

Nepal’s teahouse-style trekking experience is a travel highlight. Trekkers make pit stops at teahouses – as the accommodation for trekkers is known – run by locals who provide basic amenities such as a bed, meals, hot water and washrooms. Trekkers typically spend a night or two in the teahouses and move on to the next stop. Having been lucky enough to experience a number of the different trails on offer, I have handpicked three tempting options to inspire your next adventure in the Himalayan country.

The spring season for trekking runs from March until the end of May, and the autumn season from September until late November.

For a rhododendron odyssey
Mardi Himal Trek, Kaski District

Grade: Easy-Medium

Distance: Approx. 40 km two ways

Duration: 5–6 days

Located inside Annapurna Conservation Area (the largest conservation area of Nepal), the Mardi Himal Trek is an alternative to the Annapurna Base Camp Trek, the latter receiving a high tourist footfall. The trek begins at Dhampus – an hour’s drive from Pokhara city (approximately 200 km from Kathmandu).

The trails offer a distinct natural experience, showcasing hills carpeted in red, pink and white rhododendrons – Nepal’s national flower. Trekkers can immerse themselves in the hospitality of the Gurungs – an ethnic group – who run teahouses on this trail, with some offering menus that boast farm-to-table local delights.

On the final ascent of the trek, to the View Point (4,200 m), trekkers begin as early as 3 am, to catch the sun’s golden glow on the Annapurna and Mardi Himal Mountain range. Those looking for an additional kick from there can proceed further towards the Mardi Himal Base Camp (4,500 m), which demands caution as you teeter along narrow edges and ankle-deep snow.

The crown jewel of this destination is a natural hot water spring near Jhinu Danda on the banks of Modi Khola, where trekkers can relax, rejuvenate and unwind amidst lush greenery after the strenuous trek. Trekkers can expect to cross suspension bridges and see locals tending to their small farmlands.

Tip: While descending, take the trails to Landruk village. The next day, head to the natural hot water spring at Jhinu Danda to end your trek with some splash and play.

 

 

For a cheese retreat
Langtang Valley Trek, Rasuwa District

Grade: Easy-Medium

Distance: 35 km one way

Duration: 7–8 days

The Langtang National Park, in north central Nepal, was established in 1976 to protect the flora and fauna of the region. The gateway to the park is a small town, Syafrubesi (115 km from Nepal’s capital city, Kathmandu), located on the banks of Bhote Koshi River. Forked trails in the park lead to Langtang Valley or Gosaikunda Lake Trail, both of which have seen increasing popularity. Langtang Valley trek is a good start to get familiarised with Nepal’s landscapes.

The Langtang Valley trails are suitable for beginners, and alternate between bamboo covers and oaks, birches, silver firs, rhododendrons and junipers, leading trekkers into rolling meadows. The round trip can take 6–8 days to complete, depending on fitness and time. While ascending, trekkers can choose their pit stops at teahouses in Syafrubesi (1,420 m), Bamboo (1,975 m), Rimiche (2,495 m), Lama Hotel (2,840 m), Riverside (2,769 m), Ghoda Tabela (3,000 m) and Langtang
(3,420 m). Typically, they spend up to two nights at Kyanjin Gompa (3,900 m) – the last stop on the trails before descending.

The path leading to Langtang calls for care, as one teeters along loose stones underfoot, a solemn reminder of the 2015 Nepal earthquake. The highlight of the Langtang Valley Trek is the yak cheese factory at the trail’s final ascent – Kyanjin Gompa. For an additional adrenalin rush, hike up the tracks that lead to Kyanjin Ri (4,773 m), a hilltop with a bird’s eye view of Kyanjin Gompa below.

Tip: Visit the yak cheese factory at Kyanjin Gompa, and purchase yak cheese as a souvenir.

 

 

For a glimpse of the highest peak in the world
Everest Base Camp, Solukhumbu District

Grade: Medium-Difficult

Distance: 65 km one way

Duration: 12 days

Everest region, a travel gem in Nepal’s Solukhumbu District, never disappoints. Since 1953, when Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay reached the summit of Mount Everest, the region gained an interest amongst adventurers, becoming a tramper’s classic.

The trek begins from Lukla (2,860 m), and is easily accessible via a flight from Kathmandu. Lukla to Everest Base Camp and back to Lukla takes 11–12 days on foot. Every step takes trekkers closer to the rich tapestry of Sherpa culture and hospitality, and views of snow-capped peaks of the Central Himalayas – Ama Dablam
(6,812 m), Lhotse (8,516 m), Mount Everest (8,849 m) and more.

The first pit stop for the night from Lukla is at Phakding (2,610 m)
or Monjo (2,835 m). Beyond Monjo, the trails wind through sparse forests of pines and rhododendrons inside the Sagarmatha National Park and Buffer Zone, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The path steepens for a push to Namche Bazaar (3,440 m), passing through the Edmund Hillary suspension bridge over the Dudh Koshi River. Trekkers spend up to two nights at Namche Bazaar for acclimatisation before proceeding onwards to the base camp.

Local culinary delights like su chiya (Tibetan tea) and hot garlic soup keep the body warm, and flavourful steamed momos (dumplings) and Thakalis (a meal of rice, lentils, greens and local sauces) satiate taste buds. Expect coffee shops, expresso machines and bakeries, offering Wi-Fi on these trails.

The trek is suitable for those with no time constraints, who love extreme challenges – think below-zero temperatures and snowfall if you are lucky, as well as strong winds.

Tip: Lodges en route have hourly costs for charging electronic devices – mobile phones, power banks, batteries, so make sure you have backup to stave off high costs. Even though the Everest region is well connected to Wi-Fi, you can alternatively purchase the Everest Link Prepaid Wi-Fi Card, available in Kathmandu, and stay connected on the move.