Major Trekking Routes
Nepal is the world's premier trekking destination - home to 8 of the planet's 14 eight-thousanders and over 200 km of maintained high-altitude trails threading through ancient cultures, UNESCO-listed national parks, and some of Earth's most dramatic mountain scenery. From the Everest heartland to the remote Bön monasteries of Dolpo, these 10 routes cover every major trekking region.
Featured Routes
10 Routes
from moderate to very strenuous
Highest viewpoint
5,545 m
Kala Patthar - Everest Base Camp
Highest pass
5,416 m
Thorong La - Annapurna Circuit
Duration range
7–24 days
typical trek duration
Click any route on the map to see its waypoints and key elevations. Colour indicates difficulty: green = Moderate, amber = Moderate-Strenuous, red = Strenuous / Very Strenuous. Note - most Nepal trekking areas require a licensed guide and TIMS card. Restricted area permits (Upper Mustang, Manaslu, Kanchenjunga, Lower Dolpo) must be arranged in Kathmandu before departure.
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Every major trekking route in Nepal - graded, mapped, and permit-checked. Each card links to a full route guide with day-by-day waypoints, flora, fauna, and source-cited details.
What you need before you trek
TIMS Card
The Trekkers' Information Management System (TIMS) card is required for all trekkers on all routes. Issued by TAAN or NTB offices in Kathmandu or Pokhara. Cost: NPR 2,000 for individual trekkers, NPR 1,000 for group trekkers.
Restricted Area Permits
- Manaslu CircuitUSD 100/week
- Upper MustangUSD 500/10 days
- KanchenjungaNPR 2,000/week
- Lower DolpoUSD 10/week
All restricted area treks require a minimum of 2 trekkers and a licensed guide.
Licensed Guides
Nepal Tourism Board requires licensed guides (TAAN-registered) for all restricted area treks. For standard routes such as EBC and Annapurna, guides are strongly recommended for safety and local knowledge. Porters are hired separately and regulated by TAAN.
Altitude Sickness
Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) can affect trekkers above 2,500 m. The golden rule is “climb high, sleep low” - gain no more than 500 m of sleeping altitude per night above 3,000 m. Acclimatisation rest days are built into standard itineraries at Namche (3,440 m) and Manang (3,519 m). Descend immediately if symptoms worsen.
Best Trekking Seasons
The two optimal windows are March–May (spring - rhododendron bloom, clear skies before monsoon) and October–November (autumn - clearest skies and stable weather after monsoon). Rain-shadow treks (Upper Mustang, Lower Dolpo) are also open during the June–September monsoon.
National Park Entry Permits
Most routes pass through protected areas: Sagarmatha NP (EBC, Gokyo), Annapurna Conservation Area (Annapurna Circuit, ABC), Langtang NP, Manaslu Conservation Area, Shey Phoksundo NP (Dolpo), Kanchenjunga Conservation Area, and Rara NP. Permits cost NPR 3,000 for foreigners (NPR 1,000–1,500 for SAARC nationals).
Nepal trekking: frequently asked questions
Do I need a guide to trek in Nepal?+
Yes for restricted-area treks (Manaslu, Upper Mustang, Kanchenjunga, Lower Dolpo), where the Nepal Tourism Board requires a licensed TAAN-registered guide and a minimum of two trekkers. On standard routes such as Everest Base Camp and Annapurna, guides are not legally mandatory but are strongly recommended for safety and local knowledge.
When is the best season to trek in Nepal?+
The two best windows are March to May (spring, with rhododendron bloom and clear pre-monsoon skies) and October to November (autumn, with the clearest skies and most stable weather after the monsoon). Rain-shadow treks such as Upper Mustang and Lower Dolpo also stay open during the June to September monsoon.
How much do Nepal trekking permits cost?+
The TIMS card costs NPR 2,000 for individual trekkers and NPR 1,000 for group trekkers. National park and conservation area entry permits cost NPR 3,000 for foreigners and NPR 1,000–1,500 for SAARC nationals. Restricted-area permits are extra, for example USD 500 for 10 days in Upper Mustang and USD 100 per week in the Manaslu region.
Which trek is best for beginners in Nepal?+
Beginners are best suited to the routes graded Moderate, such as the Langtang Valley trek — the shortest at around 7–10 days and 68 km, with a max elevation of 4,773 m. Annapurna Base Camp (7–12 days) and the Annapurna Circuit are also Moderate-grade options for first-time trekkers.
How do I avoid altitude sickness on a Nepal trek?+
Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) can affect trekkers above 2,500 m. The golden rule is to climb high and sleep low, gaining no more than 500 m of sleeping altitude per night above 3,000 m. Standard itineraries build in acclimatisation rest days at Namche (3,440 m) and Manang (3,519 m); descend immediately if symptoms worsen.
Sources & data note
Route distances, elevations, permit costs and difficulty ratings are drawn from Nepal Tourism Board publications, TAAN, DNPWC national park offices, and Nepal Immigration Department. Permit fees are subject to change - always verify with the issuing authority before departure.