The Himalayan Kingdom · Est. 1964

Trekking in
Nepal

From ancient trade routes to the world's greatest adventure industry — the complete story of trekking agencies in the land of the Himalayas.

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Where the Trail Begins

Nepal is a country of superlatives. Home to eight of the world's fourteen peaks above 8,000 metres — including Everest, Kangchenjunga, Lhotse, and Makalu — it offers trekkers a landscape unlike anywhere else on Earth. Glaciers calve into turquoise lakes. Monasteries cling to cliff faces. Sherpa villages serve dal bhat by candlelight at 4,500 metres.

Today, hundreds of licensed trekking agencies operate out of Kathmandu, Pokhara, and regional hubs. But the industry traces its roots to a single bold idea in 1964, a retired British Army officer, and a handful of hired Sherpas.

Nepal Trekking At a Glance
8
8,000m+ Peaks
1964
First Trekking Agency
1,500+
Licensed Agencies
200k+
Trekkers per Year
3
Main Trek Regions
5,364m
EBC Altitude

History of Trekking
in Nepal

Nepal was closed to the outside world for nearly two centuries. When it finally opened its borders in 1949, the mountains — and the agencies that would guide explorers through them — were about to change the world of adventure travel forever.

Ancient — 1800s
Ancient Trade Routes
Long before the word "trekking" existed, the mountain trails of Nepal were highways for salt traders, Buddhist pilgrims, and Sherpa caravans moving goods between India and Tibet. These ancient pathways — the same ones trekkers walk today through Khumbu, Mustang, and the Annapurna highlands — were carved by centuries of human movement and survival.
1949
Nepal Opens Its Borders
After almost 200 years of isolation, Nepal opens its frontiers. British climber Bill Tilman becomes the first foreigner permitted to trek into the Himalayas, venturing into the Helambu and Everest regions with royal permission. Mountaineering expeditions from the UK, USA, and France quickly follow.
1950 – 1953
The Conquest of the Giants
Maurice Herzog's French team summits Annapurna (8,091m) in 1950 — the first 8,000m peak ever climbed. Three years later, on 29 May 1953, Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay Sherpa stand atop Everest (8,849m). The world takes notice. Nepal is suddenly on every adventurer's map, and the demand for guided expeditions begins to grow.
1955
Tourism Begins Officially
King Mahendra's coronation ushers in a new era. The first tourist visas are issued. Nepal's first hotels open. By 1962, some 6,179 tourists enter Nepal — modest numbers, but the seed of an industry is planted.
1964 — 1965
Colonel Jimmy Roberts & the First Agency
Colonel James Owen Merion Roberts — a decorated British Army officer, mountaineer, and military attaché at the British Embassy in Kathmandu — sees untapped potential in the mountains. In 1964 he founds Mountain Travel Nepal, the country's first registered trekking agency. His revolutionary idea: pair international clients with Sherpa guides, provide tented camping along remote trails, and offer a fully supported experience. His first clients trek to Everest in spring 1965. The commercial trekking era begins.
1964 – 1980s
The Boom Years
Mountain Travel inspires imitators. Through the late 1960s and 70s, more Nepali and foreign-owned agencies form, opening the Annapurna Circuit, Langtang Valley, and Everest Base Camp to organized trekking groups. The 1980s counterculture and the rise of adventure travel magazines accelerate growth. Teahouse lodges spring up along popular routes, transforming camping expeditions into more accessible experiences.
1990s – 2000s
Regulation, Conservation & Growth
Nepal's government establishes the Trekking Agencies' Association of Nepal (TAAN) and the Nepal Tourism Board. National parks and conservation areas — Sagarmatha, Langtang, Annapurna — are gazetted to protect the ecosystem and regulate tourism. Environmental concerns about waste, trail erosion, and deforestation lead to new rules: agencies must carry out their trash, porters must receive fair wages and equipment.
2015 – Present
Resilience & the Modern Industry
The 2015 earthquake devastated parts of the country and halted trekking for a season, but Nepal's industry rebuilt remarkably quickly. Today, over 1,500 licensed trekking agencies operate nationwide. New routes in the far east (Kanchenjunga) and far west (Rara, Saipal Himal) open to adventurers seeking alternatives to the crowded Everest corridor. Sustainable and community-based trekking is the new frontier.
"Nepal is the only country in the world which is, in my view, half-way between the world trekking oases — and besides it is indeed an awe-inspiring trekking country in the world."
— Sir Edmund Hillary, First Summiter of Everest

Nepal's Greatest Trekking Routes

From the iconic Everest Base Camp trail to barely-visited corridors in the far west, Nepal's trekking network spans thousands of kilometres of maintained trails.

5,364m · Khumbu Region
Everest Base Camp Trek
The world's most iconic high-altitude trek. Fly to Lukla, ascend through Namche Bazaar, Tengboche Monastery, and Gorak Shep to reach the foot of the world's highest mountain. Staggering views of Everest, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam throughout.
14–18 Days Challenging Teahouse
4,130m · Annapurna Region
Annapurna Circuit
A complete circumnavigation of the Annapurna massif, crossing the Thorong La Pass (5,416m). Diverse terrain from subtropical lowlands to alpine desert. The trek that put Nepal on the world's adventure map in the 1970s.
15–20 Days Moderate–Hard Teahouse
4,984m · Annapurna Region
Annapurna Base Camp
The shorter, steeper alternative to the Circuit. Walk through rhododendron forests and Gurung villages to the Annapurna Sanctuary — a natural amphitheatre ringed by towering peaks including Annapurna I (8,091m).
10–14 Days Moderate Teahouse
3,870m · Langtang Region
Langtang Valley Trek
Just two days north of Kathmandu but feeling a world away. A profoundly cultural trek through Tamang villages with views of Langtang Lirung (7,227m). This region was at the epicenter of the 2015 earthquake and has been beautifully rebuilt.
7–10 Days Moderate Teahouse
4,190m · Manaslu Region
Manaslu Circuit
The alternative to the Annapurna Circuit for trekkers seeking fewer crowds. Circumnavigates Manaslu (8,163m), the 8th highest peak, through ancient Tibetan Buddhist villages. Requires a restricted area permit.
14–18 Days Challenging Teahouse
3,700m · Mustang Region
Upper Mustang Trek
A high-altitude desert landscape that resembles Tibet more than Nepal. The ancient walled city of Lo Manthang, cave monasteries, and wind-carved canyons. One of Nepal's most restricted and otherworldly destinations.
12–16 Days Moderate Restricted Permit
5,143m · Far East Nepal
Kanchenjunga Base Camp
A remote double-base-camp trek in Nepal's least-visited corner. Trekkers reach both the north and south base camps of the world's third-highest mountain (8,586m) through virgin wilderness and ancient Rai and Limbu villages.
20–24 Days Strenuous Camping
4,600m · Far West Nepal
Saipal Himal Base Camp
Nepal's ultimate remote expedition. A 20-day fully-supported camping trek into the untouched wilderness of far-western Nepal. True solitude. Few outsiders have ever visited this sacred landscape near Yalbang Monastery.
20 Days Expert Only Full Camping

How to Choose a Trekking Agency

With 1,500+ licensed agencies in Nepal, choosing the right one is critical to your safety and experience. Here is what matters most.

01
Government Registration
Verify your agency is registered with the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) and holds a valid TAAN (Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal) membership. Ask for their registration number.
02
Licensed Guides
Every guide should hold a valid trekking guide licence issued by the NTB. Senior guides should have Wilderness First Aid (WFA) certification for high-altitude routes above 4,000m.
03
Porter Welfare
Ask how porters are insured, what their load limits are, and whether they receive proper clothing at altitude. Ethical agencies follow the International Porter Protection Group (IPPG) guidelines.
04
Emergency Protocols
Your agency should have a clear altitude sickness and emergency evacuation plan, access to HIMS (Himalayan Rescue Association) resources, and helicopter evacuation insurance arrangements.
05
Transparent Pricing
A detailed written itinerary and cost breakdown — including permits, accommodation, meals, guide fees, and porter wages — should be provided before you pay. Be wary of unusually cheap packages.
06
Verified Reviews
Check TripAdvisor, Google, and agency-specific review sites. Look for recent reviews (within 12 months) that mention guide quality, emergency handling, and honest communication — not just scenery.
Permit Requirements (2025–2026)

Most trekking routes in Nepal require a combination of the following permits. Your agency handles all of these on your behalf — ensure they are included in your package cost.

TIMS Card (Trekking Information Management System) Sagarmatha National Park Permit Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) Manaslu Restricted Area Permit Upper Mustang Permit (USD 500/10 days) Kanchenjunga Restricted Area Permit

Trek Packages via
MountEverestGo.com

Mount Everest Go offers curated trek packages — from the classic Everest Base Camp to off-the-grid expeditions in Nepal's far corners. Each trip is fully supported with licensed guides, all permits, and transparent pricing. Click any card to view the full itinerary and book directly.

Everest Region · Khumbu
Everest Base Camp Trek

The world's most iconic high-altitude trek. Fly to Lukla, ascend through Namche Bazaar, Tengboche Monastery, and Gorak Shep to stand at the foot of the world's highest peak (8,849m). Sunrise from Kala Patthar (5,545m) is unforgettable.

14 Days 5,364m Max Challenging Teahouse
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Everest Region · Gokyo Valley
Gokyo, Cho La Pass & EBC Trek

The ultimate Everest circuit. Hike through the turquoise Gokyo Lakes, summit Gokyo Ri for a panoramic view of Everest, Cho Oyu, Lhotse and Makalu, then cross the glaciated Cho La Pass (5,330m) to reach Everest Base Camp.

16 Days 5,545m Max Strenuous Teahouse
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Manaslu Region · Hidden Valley
Serang Gompa Trek: Manaslu's Hidden Spiritual Valley

A profound 19-day journey into the "Hidden Valley of Kyimolung" — one of the sacred Beyuls prophesied by Guru Rinpoche. Crosses Larkya La Pass (5,106m). Monastery stays included. A rare blend of high-altitude trekking and deep Tibetan Buddhist spirituality.

19 Days 5,106m Max Challenging Teahouse + Monastery
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Annapurna Region · Sanctuary
Annapurna Base Camp Trek

Walk into the Annapurna Sanctuary — a natural amphitheatre ringed by 7,000m+ peaks — through rhododendron forests and Gurung villages. One of Nepal's most beloved treks, accessible to fit first-timers and experienced trekkers alike.

10–14 Days 4,130m Max Moderate Teahouse
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Annapurna Region · Circuit
Annapurna Circuit Trek

The legendary circumnavigation of the Annapurna massif — crossing Thorong La Pass (5,416m) through subtropical lowlands, alpine meadows, and Tibetan-influenced desert. One of the world's great long-distance treks.

15–20 Days 5,416m Max Moderate–Hard Teahouse
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Langtang Region · Tamang Heritage
Langtang Valley Trek

Just two days north of Kathmandu, Langtang Valley offers towering views of Langtang Lirung (7,227m) and a deep immersion into Tamang Buddhist culture. The perfect introduction to Nepal's high Himalayas — with stunning scenery and few crowds.

7–10 Days 3,870m Max Moderate Teahouse
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Manaslu Region · Restricted Area
Manaslu Circuit Trek

Nepal's premier alternative to the Annapurna Circuit — fewer trekkers, more authentic villages. Circles the 8th-highest peak Manaslu (8,163m), crossing Larke Pass (5,106m) through remote Tibetan Buddhist communities.

14–18 Days 5,106m Max Challenging Restricted Permit
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Far East Nepal · Taplejung
Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek

A remote double-base-camp expedition circling the world's 3rd-highest peak (8,586m). Through pristine wilderness, ancient Rai and Limbu villages, and alpine meadows. One of Nepal's most rewarding off-the-beaten-track adventures.

20–24 Days 5,143m Max Strenuous Camping
Inquire at MountEverestGo →
Far West Nepal · Restricted
Saipal Himal Base Camp Trek

Nepal's most remote adventure. 20 days of total wilderness in the far west — visiting the sacred Yalbang Monastery and landscapes barely any outsider has seen. Full camping. Expert trekkers only. MountEverestGo specialises in this extraordinary route.

20 Days 4,600m Max Expert Only Full Camping
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MountEverestGo specialises in custom, private, and remote treks across Nepal. Get in touch directly for a tailored itinerary.

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Real Guides.
Honest Stories.

Mount Everest Go is a Kathmandu-based trekking and climbing company specialising in rural treks far from the tourist crowds — from the Himalayas of the Far East to the remote Far West. Their blog is one of the most candid and practical trekking resources written by people who live and work in the mountains.

Travel Guide · Gear
Buying Trekking Gear in Kathmandu: The "North Face" Scam No One Talks About
What really happens inside Thamel's gear shops, when counterfeit means quality, and how to buy smart in Kathmandu before your trek.
Read on MountEverestGo.com →
Travel Guide · Women Trekkers
Periods and Safety: A Woman's Practical Guide to Trekking in Nepal
The honest, unglamorous logistics that most trekking blogs skip: managing menstruation, privacy, and safety on remote Himalayan trails.
Read on MountEverestGo.com →
Story · Everest
Reverse Culture Shock After Nepal Trekking: Why Going Home Feels Harder Than the Trek
Every season the same kind of person arrives in Nepal — overworked, overscheduled. Two weeks of walking changes something. Going home is the hard part.
Read on MountEverestGo.com →
Remote Trekking · Far West
A Short Guide to Nepal's Best Remote Trek: Saipal Himal Base Camp
20 days of total solitude in far-western Nepal. The Saipal Himal Trek visits sacred Yalbang Monastery and landscapes few outsiders have ever seen.
Read on MountEverestGo.com →
Travel Guide · Altitude
Diamox vs. Garlic Soup: The Altitude Sickness Truth
You're fit. Your boots are packed. But at 4,500 metres the air is thin and the wind is cutting through your layers. What actually works for AMS?
Read on MountEverestGo.com →
Travel Guide · Culture
Tipping in Nepal: The 15% Rule That Is Making Locals Hate Tourists
You've finished your trek. You're back in Pokhara, showered, settled. What do you tip your guide? The answer is more complicated than you think.
Read on MountEverestGo.com →
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Best Time to Trek

Nepal has two primary trekking seasons, determined by the monsoon cycle. Choosing the right window dramatically affects trail conditions, visibility, and lodge availability.

October — November
Autumn (Peak Season)
The gold standard for trekking in Nepal. Post-monsoon skies are crystal clear, trails are well-maintained, and rhododendrons give way to golden forests. Busy on popular routes — book lodges and flights in advance. Temperature: cool to cold at altitude.
March — May
Spring (Shoulder Peak)
Rhododendron forests explode in pink and red below 3,500m. Slightly warmer and hazier than autumn, but brilliant for the Annapurna and lower Everest regions. The primary climbing season for high peaks — helicopters on standby at Everest.
December — February
Winter (Off-Season)
Cold and quiet. High passes may be closed, but lower trails (Annapurna foothills, Pikey Peak, Ghorepani) are walkable and nearly empty. Exceptional mountain views on clear days. Discounted agency rates and zero crowds.
June — September
Monsoon
Heavy rainfall makes most trails slippery and leechy. However, the rain-shadow regions — Upper Mustang, Manaslu North, Dolpo — are completely dry and open. Ideal for the adventurous trekker who wants to avoid the crowds entirely.