Himalayas – 7 classic trails in Nepal, from Everest Base Camp to Mardi Himal

HikingStore |24/10, 2026

Hikers on a rocky trail through a high Himalayan valley in Nepal

Nepal offers trails ranging from short mountain hikes to week-long treks at over 5,000 meters. For Nordic hikers, it is important to understand the differences when planning: the classic trails often go between teahouses instead of tent camps, and the altitude is the biggest risk – not just the distance or the climb.

The key difference compared to the Alps, Pyrenees and the Nordic countries are the rules: since April 1, 2023, Nepal requires foreign trekkers on most popular trails in protected areas to go with a government-licensed guide, booked through a registered trekking agency. The agency also arranges the TIMS card. Solo trekking without a guide is therefore not a practical option on the trails below. Failure to comply can result in fines. Rules may differ for, for example, expedition and restricted-area permits; always check the conditions with the agency and Nepal’s immigration authority before departure.

Hikers arrive at a simple teahouse in the Himalayas

Seven trails – from classic valleys to high passes

Distances and days are approximate hiking measurements. Roads, starting points, side trips and local trail changes make the layout vary. Also, allow for spare days for weather, illness or changing conditions.

1. Everest Base Camp – iconic but altitude sets the pace

The classic trek is from Lukla back to Lukla and is about 130 km round trip , usually 12–16 days . Best periods are March–May and September–November. Teahouses are located along the trail. The altitude requires that the days be planned conservatively: Namche Bazaar is an important hub for acclimatization, and rest days should be included in the plan, not considered optional.

The permits are Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit, NPR 3,000 , and Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Fee, NPR 3,000 . They are paid in Kathmandu, Lukla or Monjo as per current procedures. TIMS is also handled through registered agency; check current fee and issuance with it.

2. Annapurna Circuit – long trek, altered by roads

Expect approximately 160–230 km and 12–21 days , depending on start, finish and route chosen. Highest point is Thorong La, 5,416 metres . ACAP permit required. TIMS requirement and practicalities have varied in the Annapurna region; check with your registered agency for details on your route.

Road construction has altered parts of the trail, and many now choose selected sections. March–May and September–November are normally the best seasons. Plan especially carefully for the altitude around Manang and the pass crossing.

3. Annapurna Base Camp – more compact tour with lower highest point

This trail is approximately 70–115 km round trip and takes approximately 7–12 days . The highest point at base camp is 4,130 meters . ACAP and licensed guide required. Teahouses are located along the way.

Compared to the Annapurna Circuit, the trek is shorter and the maximum altitude lower, but it is still a high altitude trek. Give your body time to adjust and avoid squeezing in long days to save a night.

4. Manaslu Circuit – remote and demanding

The approximately 177 km round trip usually takes 11–18 days . The highest point is Larkya La, 5,106 meters . It is the most remote of the seven tours here and a distinctly demanding trek.

Manaslu is a restricted area. The trek requires a Manaslu Restricted Area Permit, Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP) and ACAP, arranged through a registered agency. You cannot hike the trail independently. Standard rules require a minimum of two hikers in addition to the guide, but group and permit requirements are subject to change. The agency or Department of Immigration should confirm current requirements before booking.

5. Langtang Valley – close to Kathmandu, but not low altitude

From Syabrubesi to Kyanjin Gompa and back, the trek is about 60–77 km and takes 7–12 days . Kyanjin Gompa is at 3,870 meters ; a side trek towards Tsergo Ri can reach around 5,000 meters . Langtang National Park Entry Permit, NPR 3,000 , and TIMS are required. Teahouses are available along the trail.

Langtang is the most easily accessible of Nepal's great valleys from Kathmandu and has recovered from the 2015 earthquake. The ease of access should not be confused with low risk: a summit trek from Kyanjin in particular requires good planning.

6. Everest Three Passes – high altitude and cumulative fatigue

Allow 18–21 days . The route crosses three passes over 5,300 meters: Kongma La ( 5,535 m ), Cho La ( 5,420 m ) and Renjo La ( 5,360 m ). It is often described as the most difficult standardized teahouse trek in the Everest region.

The passages may involve glacial terrain, snow and ice. Fatigue builds up over several days and there are few easy ways to shorten the trek once you are on the trail. Good fitness and previous experience at altitude are highly recommended. Conditions are the same as for Everest Base Camp.

7. Mardi Himal – shorter Annapurna alternative

Mardi Himal is about 40–45 km and takes 4–7 days . The highest point at Base Camp is about 4,500 meters . ACAP and guide are required. Teahouses are available at Forest Camp, Low Camp and High Camp – not at Base Camp .

The hike is of medium difficulty, but steep stone steps and an exposed ridge make it not an easy walk. It is suitable for those looking for a shorter Annapurna nature walk with fewer hikers, but the altitude still requires careful acclimatization.

Altitude sickness and acclimatization: more important than daily distance

A useful rule of thumb is to hike high, sleep low . Above 3,000 meters of sleeping altitude, the increase should normally be limited to around 300–500 meters per day . Include rest days and don't compress an itinerary at the expense of acclimatization.

Early symptoms may include headache, nausea, and unusual fatigue. In that case, stay at the same altitude; do not continue upward if symptoms persist. If they worsen, descend immediately. Confusion, unsteady gait, or shortness of breath at rest may indicate life-threatening altitude sickness. AMS, HACE, and HAPE can be life-threatening, and in severe or worsening symptoms, descent is the only safe treatment. Diamox (acetazolamide) can be used preventively if prescribed by a doctor, but it is never a substitute for acclimatization.

Season, accommodation and water

March–May and September–November are usually the best periods. Winter, December–February, can bring snow and closed passes. The monsoon, June–August, brings rain, clouds, slippery trails and an increased risk of landslides.

Teahouses offer basic standard and often shared bedrooms. Blankets are provided, but not always enough. Bring a sleeping bag or at least a liner for hygienic reasons, and choose a sleeping bag that can handle cold, unheated rooms at 4,000 meters and above. Buy purified water or purify it yourself; avoid single-use plastic bottles whenever possible.

Equipment: prioritize warmth, sleep, and safe steps

Tents are not normally needed on teahouse trails. However, a sleeping bag with the right comfort temperature is crucial. A quilt or liner can serve as a lighter complement, but don't underestimate the cold. Our guide to down in sleeping bags explains, among other things, why fill weight and temperature rating matter.

Pack a warm down jacket, rain cover, grippy shoes, hiking poles, sun protection, headlamp, water purification, map and offline maps. Bring sleeping pads if you want extra insulation or a backup solution. Diamox only belongs in the pack if your doctor has recommended it. See HikingStore's range of sleeping bags , sleeping pads , backpacks and tents , as well as our mountain hiking packing list as a starting point - adjust the contents for cold, altitude and teahouse accommodation.

Practically organized hiking equipment at a teahouse in the Himalayas Trekking poles ready for a rocky path in the Himalayas

Insurance and rescue: plan before leaving Kathmandu

The insurance must specifically cover hiking to the highest elevation of the trip and helicopter evacuation. Also, check that the insurance company has a 24/7 assistance partner who can approve flights. Helicopter evacuations are for medical emergencies, require coordination and approval, and may be delayed by weather or other conditions. Carry your insurance certificate with you, along with emergency numbers and your agency details. Cellular coverage is limited at high altitudes and rescues can take time.

Nepal Tourist Police can be reached at 1144 ; the police emergency number is 100. We have not been able to verify 112 as a general Nepali emergency number in the official sources, so rely on published local contact details and follow the guide or agency's instructions.

Sources and further reading

Always check fees, route status and regulations before departure. NPR amounts and permit procedures are subject to change.

The Himalayas kick off the Asia part of the World's Hiking Trails series. The next article moves on to New Zealand , where the trails offer a different combination of weather, terrain and accommodation.