Annapurna
The most varied region: rice terraces, rhododendron forest, the Annapurna Sanctuary and the high desert beyond Thorong La.
- Highest point
- 5,416 m
- Trek length
- 5–21 days
- Getting there
- Pokhara
Easy–challenging5 treks
Eight trekking regions
Trekking regions of Nepal: find the valley that fits you
From short walks near Kathmandu to remote circuits near the Tibet border. Compare altitude, length, access and the best months, then pick your region.
- 8 regions
- 12 treks
- From 3,165 m to 5,545 m
- All permits arranged
Where they are
Nepal's trekking regions on the map
Click a region on the map or in the list to see what it is like.
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All regions
Explore the 8 regions
Nar Phu
Medieval stone villages and Tibetan culture in a hidden valley north of Annapurna, over the Kang La.
- Highest point
- 5,320 m
- Trek length
- 10–14 days
- Getting there
- Drive
ChallengingTreks on requestManaslu
A wild circuit around the world's eighth-highest mountain, crossing the Larkya La, with far fewer trekkers.
- Highest point
- 5,106 m
- Trek length
- 14–18 days
- Getting there
- Drive
Challenging1 trekTamang Heritage Trail
Village homestays, hot springs and Tamang traditions near the Tibet border. Gentle and cultural.
- Highest point
- 3,165 m
- Trek length
- 6–8 days
- Getting there
- Drive
Easy1 trekLangtang
Glaciers, yak pastures and the monastery at Kyanjin Gompa, the closest big-mountain valley to Kathmandu.
- Highest point
- 4,984 m
- Trek length
- 7–12 days
- Getting there
- Drive
Moderate1 trekPikey Peak
A short trek in Sherpa country with one of the widest Himalayan panoramas, from Everest to Kanchenjunga.
- Highest point
- 4,065 m
- Trek length
- 5–8 days
- Getting there
- Drive
Easy–moderate1 trekEverest
Sherpa villages, monasteries and the classic walk to Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar.
- Highest point
- 5,545 m
- Trek length
- 12–16 days
- Getting there
- Fly to Lukla
Challenging2 treksKanchenjunga
A long expedition-style trek in the far east to the base camps of the world's third-highest mountain.
- Highest point
- 5,143 m
- Trek length
- 20–25 days
- Getting there
- Fly + drive
Strenuous1 trek
Quick picks
Which region suits you?
Only a week?
Short access from Kathmandu or Pokhara, no domestic flights.
The famous views
Everest Base Camp, Kala Patthar and the Annapurna Sanctuary.
Away from the crowds
Remote circuits and restricted areas with few trekkers.
Culture and villages
Homestays, monasteries and lower altitudes.
Side by side
Compare the regions
| Region | Max altitude | Trek length | Difficulty | Getting there | Permits | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annapurna | 5,416 m | 5–21 days | Easy–challenging | Drive or fly to Pokhara | ACAP + TIMS | Variety, First Himalayan trek, Teahouse comfort |
| Nar Phu | 5,320 m | 10–14 days | Challenging | Drive to Koto via Besisahar | Restricted area + ACAP | Hidden villages, Tibetan culture, Off the beaten path |
| Manaslu | 5,106 m | 14–18 days | Challenging | Drive to Soti Khola or Machha Khola | Restricted area + MCAP + ACAP | Remote circuit, Tibetan culture, Experienced trekkers |
| Tamang Heritage Trail | 3,165 m | 6–8 days | Easy | Drive to Syabrubesi | Langtang NP + TIMS | Culture, Homestays, Close to Kathmandu |
| Langtang | 4,984 m | 7–12 days | Moderate | Drive to Syabrubesi (7–8 hrs) | Langtang NP + TIMS | Close to Kathmandu, No flights, First Himalayan trek |
| Pikey Peak | 4,065 m | 5–8 days | Easy–moderate | Drive towards Dhap / Phaplu | No national park permit | Everest views, Short on time, Quiet trails |
| Everest | 5,545 m | 12–16 days | Challenging | Flight to Lukla | Sagarmatha NP + Khumbu local permit | Iconic peaks, Sherpa culture, Bucket-list trek |
| Kanchenjunga | 5,143 m | 20–25 days | Strenuous | Fly to Bhadrapur, drive to Taplejung | Restricted area + KCAP | True wilderness, Experienced trekkers, Off the beaten path |
Since 2023, foreign trekkers in Nepal's national parks and conservation areas must trek with a licensed guide. Restricted areas also need a special permit and at least two trekkers. We arrange all permits.
Seasons
Best months for each region
- Best
- Possible
- Not ideal
| Region | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annapurna | Possible | Possible | Best | Best | Best | Not ideal | Not ideal | Not ideal | Possible | Best | Best | Possible |
| Nar Phu | Not ideal | Not ideal | Possible | Best | Best | Possible | Possible | Possible | Best | Best | Best | Not ideal |
| Manaslu | Not ideal | Not ideal | Best | Best | Possible | Not ideal | Not ideal | Not ideal | Possible | Best | Best | Possible |
| Tamang Heritage Trail | Possible | Possible | Best | Best | Possible | Not ideal | Not ideal | Not ideal | Possible | Best | Best | Best |
| Langtang | Possible | Possible | Best | Best | Best | Not ideal | Not ideal | Not ideal | Possible | Best | Best | Possible |
| Pikey Peak | Possible | Possible | Best | Best | Best | Not ideal | Not ideal | Not ideal | Possible | Best | Best | Best |
| Everest | Possible | Possible | Best | Best | Best | Not ideal | Not ideal | Not ideal | Possible | Best | Best | Possible |
| Kanchenjunga | Not ideal | Not ideal | Possible | Best | Best | Not ideal | Not ideal | Not ideal | Possible | Best | Best | Not ideal |
Rain-shadow areas such as Nar Phu stay drier in the monsoon. Winter is clear but cold above 4,000 m.
Still deciding between regions?
Tell us your dates, fitness and what you want to see. A local expert suggests the right region and trek, free.