How To Choose The Best Trek For Me?

To choose the best trekking route in Nepal depends on several factors, including your physical fitness level, time available, budget, interests, and personal preferences.

Here are some steps that can help you choose the right trekking route:

Determine the time you have: The duration of your trek can significantly impact your choice of trekking routes. If you have a limited time frame, you will want to consider shorter treks such as The Annapurna Sunrise Trek or The Mardi Himal Trek. If you have more time, you can consider longer treks such as The Dhaulagiri Base Camp Trek or The Tsum Valley Trek.

Consider your fitness level to choose the best trek suits you: Different treks in Nepal have varying levels of difficulty, so it’s essential to assess your fitness level realistically. If you’re a beginner or maybe less fit than you used to be, you may want to start with an easy trek like the Glimpse of Everest Trek, or if you’re an experienced trekker or a more active/fitter person then you may want to challenge yourself with a more demanding trek such as the Manaslu Circuit Trek or the Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek.

Note: A less fit person CAN attempt a more challenging route if their time allows it, Youin Travel can customise any trek to accommodate people of ALL fitness levels ensuring they complete each trek, whether that’s assisting with horseback or motorbike, our professional guides will get you back to camp.

Choose a region is very important for the question how: Nepal has many trekking regions, each with its unique landscape and culture and influenced by neighbouring Countries like Tibet for example. Some of the popular trekking regions include the Everest region, Annapurna region, Langtang region, and Upper Mustang region. Consider researching to check which region would interest you the most based on factors other than the trekking route.

Seek advice: Speak with a reputable trekking company, guide, or fellow trekkers in some Facebook groups/forums etc to get advice on the best routes based on your preferences and interests. They can help you choose the most suitable trekking route based on their experience, while also taking into account your budget, time, and fitness level.

Check the weather: Like all countries, weather conditions in Nepal can vary significantly depending on the season. The best time to trek in Nepal is during the spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) seasons when the weather is stable and clear. However, if you are planning to trek during the monsoon season between June and August, you should consider routes that are less prone to landslides and flooding.

Consider permits and fees: Many (if not all) trekking routes in Nepal require permits, and some are more expensive than others. Before choosing a trek, research the permit requirements and costs to ensure that you have the necessary permits and budget. All permits and fees are included in Youin Travel’s pricing.

Note: Since 1st April 2023 it is illegal to trek solo in Nepal without a guide.

Overall, choosing the best trekking route in Nepal requires careful planning, research, and consideration based on several factors. By following these steps you can find the perfect trekking route that matches your interests, fitness level, and budget.

Now, let’s compare some of the most popular trekking destinations in Nepal, including the Everest region, Annapurna region, Langtang region and the Upper Mustang region.

Trekking in the Everest region is considered to be the most challenging due to the high altitude and steep inclines. The Annapurna Circuit Trek can also be challenging due to the crossing of the Thorong La Pass while trekking in the Langtang and Upper Mustang regions is considered to be of moderate difficulty and provides an off-the-beaten-path trekking experience with a distinct difference of culture and language.

The difficulty level ultimately depends on the trekking route and the individual’s fitness level, experience, and ability to acclimatise to high altitudes.

Everest Region

The Everest region is home to some of the world’s highest mountains, including Mount Everest. The trek to Mount Everest Base Camp is the most popular and fairly challenging trek which offers stunning views of the Himalayas, including Mt Everest, Lhotse and Nuptse. The region is also home to the Sherpa people, who have a unique culture and tradition. The trek to Everest Base Camp typically takes around 12-14 days.

Trekking in the Everest region is considered to be challenging, primarily due to the high altitude and steep inclines. The trek to Everest Base Camp involves long days of walking, with steep uphill climbs and high altitude, which can cause altitude sickness in some people if not monitored or if prescription medication is not taken, please discuss with your GP before embarking on any activity that involves high altitude. Trekking in the Everest region requires a somewhat good level of fitness, although previous experience with high-altitude trekking is not required, many Everest Base Camp trekkers are first-timers.

Annapurna Region

The Annapurna region is known for its diverse landscapes, including lush forests, rice paddies, and high-altitude deserts. The Annapurna Circuit Trek is a classic trek that takes you through a variety of landscapes and offers breathtaking views of the Annapurna massif. The trek also includes hot springs and a crossing of the Thorong La Pass, which is one of the highest mountain passes in the world at 5,416m / 17,769ft. The trek typically takes around 18-21 days or just 15 days when flights are utilised.

However, there are easier treks in the Annapurna region, such as the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek, which is suitable for absolute beginners and families.

Langtang Region

The Langtang region is located north of Kathmandu and is known for its beautiful landscapes and authentic culture. The Langtang Valley Trek takes you through picturesque villages and dense forests and offers stunning views of the Langtang range. The trek typically takes around 14 days.

Trekking in the Langtang region is considered to be moderate, with relatively less steep climbs than in the Everest or Annapurna regions. However, the trek can still be physically demanding, and altitude sickness can still be a concern.

Upper Mustang Region

The Upper Mustang region is located in the remote area of Nepal, and the trek to this region is an off-the-beaten-path experience that offers a unique cultural experience. The trek takes you through the ancient walled city of Lo Manthang, which is home to the Mustangi people who have a distinct culture and language. The trek typically takes around 12-15 days.

Trekking in the Upper Mustang region is considered to be moderate, with relatively fewer steep inclines and lower altitudes than the Everest or Annapurna regions. However, the trek can still be physically demanding due to the long days of walking and the remote nature of the region.

Written and Shared by Youin Travel Team